So many wonderful things go into planning a beach wedding. But sometimes brides easily lose sight of the forest for the trees (or the beach for the sand) when it comes to wedding planning. At the end of the wedding day, the bride and groom (or same sex couple) will be joined as husband and wife. Therefore, it should be a day filled with joy and celebration, not stress! Here are some tips to avoid having any beach wedding regrets and five ways to avoid common mistakes.
Daytona Beach Wedding bride and groom
Stress
“I was worried for nothing,” “In hind sight, that was no big deal,” and “I was too stressed to enjoy my wedding day.” DO NOT let those thoughts be yours. Do not lose site of the goal here. Your wedding day should be centered around your marriage. Florida Beach Weddings company will take care of everything to ensure your wedding site is nothing but the best! We set-up and break down/remove all your wedding ceremony decorations (like the Coral Distinctive Design wedding package below) and file your Florida marriage license with the government for you. Any bride/groom should mentally prepare for a hiccup or two. Whether it’s a wardrobe malfunction, drizzly weather, or late wedding guest, keep your eyes on the prize- your soon to be spouse! We will ensure your ceremony location is ready to rock and roll, whether you are having a small beach wedding, micro-wedding or larger wedding. Your main priorities are: your marriage license and the presence of the bride and groom. Everything else is secondary as far as your concerns go. With this mindset, you can look back on your wedding day with no regrets!
Coral Distinctive Design Package on Daytona Beach
Time Management
Be on time. That’s the best wedding time management advice. So calculate how long any hair/make up/nail appointments will take and plan your wedding day accordingly. Use your phone/Google Maps to determine drive times ahead of time, not 10 minutes before walking out the door. We recommend our wedding couples arrive to their destination wedding city a day or two ahead of the ceremony and explore your chosen beachfront site. Allow some wiggle room for traffic, make up fixes, large bridal parties, etc. You can’t be responsible for your guests and bridal party arriving on time, but it is YOUR responsibility to communicate with them timelines and expectations. Be clear about meeting places and allow for extra time for off beach parking/walking. Your Beach Wedding Specialist will help you with all of this, including providing a detailed agenda for your special day.
Budget
Wise choices and an affordable destination wedding. That’s the name of the budget game. KNOW YOUR BUDGET before ANY planning begins. You are much more likely to make wise choices and appropriate compromises when you have a clear, established budget. And from there, our Beach Wedding Packages Page is a great place to start. We pride ourselves on our affordable prices and one stop shopping experience. So what you see is what you get when you choose your wedding package decor. Prioritize your “must haves” and “can do withouts” and stick to it. Check out other ways to save money on your beach wedding with adding our professional photography or a first dance to your ceremony. Our Beach Wedding Specialists can help you make the right decisions that won’t break the bank: they can recommend affordable amenities on both the Gulf beach side of Florida and the Atlantic coast.
Professional Photographer
Forever in Love Photos professional wedding photography is now part of the Florida Beach Weddings team! So you can rest assured that your beach wedding day will have the highest quality, most memorable photos possible. We often have to deal with the bright lighting on the beach: the sun, the glare, the sparkling water and most importantly, the sunsets. Not an easy task when you only have a few precious moments to get a shot. We also know how to deal with the sea breeze blowing around your wedding dress and hair, or if there is precipitation coming and the light is low. It really is to your benefit to use the services of a professional beach wedding photographer, and it costs less than you think. Just ensure to book the photographer with your wedding package so that you don’t miss out!
Bride before wedding in Siesta Key Beach
Hair/Dress
Don’t regret choosing your beach wedding attire without considering a few basic tips. Dress appropriate for the hot, Florida weather and keep in mind the sand, wind, and sun! Our Beach Wedding Specialist will not schedule your wedding at the hottest time of day, however some things to keep in mind:
Dress– Depending on the season, you may have more or less options here. It’s safe to say if you are booking a beach wedding between the months of May-September your most practical advice is to keep it cool. Don’t choose thick fabrics or a three piece suit for the groom. You will be sweating and you will not be happy if you don’t follow that advice. We have a few other helpful posts on beach groom style and beach wedding dresses.
Accessories/Shoes– Less is more so consider a barefoot wedding. Bare feet or open sandals are a great idea for brides. Going barefoot or simple flip flops are ideal for grooms. Nobody wants to miss out on the “toes in the sand” experience! Jewelry is pretty flexible and can be worn according to your personal style (read more here). Veils can be tricky due to the sea breeze, however a good beach photographer can help you manage it for wonderful photos. Even a slight breeze can have your veil wrapped around and tangled…not very romantic! By the way, sunglasses are not wedding accessories (although your guests will definitely need them). Ensure all cell phones are turned off.
St. Augustine Beach wedding couple kisses after tying the knot
We hope these tips will help you feel cool, comfortable and calm for your Florida destination wedding. So if you’re ready for a stress and regret free beach ceremony, click HERE!
It is possible to have a Dream Beach Wedding and many of them occur on specific beaches along the Gulf Coast. Each beach is as unique as our wedded couples. And we want you to feel the same way about your beach wedding location as you do your future spouse, IN LOVE! So let’s talk Lido Beach Weddings. Lido Key Beach is located in Sarasota, home of white sandy beaches and calm, relaxing water known as the “Emerald Coast”. Review after review, Trip Advisor travelers boast about Lido Key Beach’s cleanliness, safety, friendly locals, and gorgeous beach. The gulf sea water is warmer than Destin beach since it is much further south, which makes it a popular destination during the winter when it is frequented by “snowbirds” from the north. So if you’re dreaming of a relaxed, laid back, picturesque scene for your wedding day, a Lido Beach wedding is calling your name!
Sunsets
There is nothing more beautiful than a Gulf beach sunset for your wedding pictures. Lido Key beach is the perfect venue if this is your heart’s desire. Our photographers are trained in sunset and natural lighting techniques to ensure your memories are captured with vows and views.
Places to Stay
Gulf Beach Motel Resort – This resort, the first hotel built on Lido Beach, has all the charm and history of a small gulf coast beach town! Units are rented out individually so you can find the specific rental to fit your needs. And the condo is located on the beach, with easy beach access and breathtaking views.
Coquina on the Beach -Beachfront, poolside, tiki huts, cabanas, the beach life. What this hotel lacks in flashy, modern it makes up for in local charm and R&R. Affordable, quaint, relaxing. If you saved money having a cheap Florida beach wedding with our company, this lovely and well-kept property is a great choice.
Lido Beach Resort– Not exactly on the “budget-friendly” list, but if you’re going all out, this resort will have you feeling like a royal beach resident. Lido Beach Grill, Sunday Brunch, Poolside Tiki bar, this beach has everything you need to keep the drinks and bellies full. Relaxation to the max.
Beach Wedding Packages
Are you having a small wedding in Florida? Whether you’re looking to have a beach elopement, very small beach wedding, larger wedding event, or anything in between, our company has an affordable Florida beach wedding package for you. Learn more about Lido Beach and surrounding gulf coast area beach packages below:
Beach Elopement Packages
Just the two of you or up to six guests can enjoy the stress free beach wedding atmosphere with an elopement. Check out our beach wedding elopements options. These are great for vow renewals too.
Beach Wedding Packages
If you’re looking for a larger than six guest list, check out these beach wedding package options for Lido Beach Weddings. And remember, these Distinctive Design beach wedding packages are all-inclusive. Oh and did we mention the affordability? Yeah, that’s covered too!
Coral Distinctive Siesta Key
Things to do
Well, we’ve got accommodations and the wedding day covered, but what about the rest of the time? Let’s look at pre-wedding, post wedding dinner, and built-in destination honeymoon.
Lido Beach Restaurant– This spot tops the charts when it comes to delicious, fresh food and awesome service, and easy on the wallet. And if you love a lobster roll, step aside New England, Lido Beach Restaurant is giving you a run for your money. Quality food, relaxed atmosphere.
Stand Up Paddleboard – Up for a little outdoor adventure? Why not explore the Lido Beach area by paddle board? Lido Key Stand Up Paddleboard Rental offers class for beginners and includes all the equipment you’ll need for a fun trip!
St. Armand’s Circle – Ok shoppers, get ready, St. Armand’s is ready for you! Stroll the historic streets, grab a bite to eat, and shop the many local boutiques. St. Armand’s has the relaxed beach feel and over 130 merchants.
You’re probably wishing someone invented a method of tele-porting right now! ;) Well, we can’t get you here that fast, but you cancontact us today to start planning your Lido Beach Wedding!
If you’ve decided to have a destination wedding ceremony in Florida, you are definitely on the right track to saving thousands. Whether it’s simple and elegant or bold and luxurious, your style does not have to affect your wedding budget. And you certainly should not be going into debt over your marriage ceremony. However, there are many choices when it comes to selecting a beach wedding provider, so let’s take a look at the easiest, most affordable and most beautiful way to build your dream beach wedding…without leaving the comfort of your home. This means getting the wedding of your dreams without sacrificing style or cutting corners. It also means selecting a Florida Beach Wedding company that you can trust: who will show up, set up exactly what you have built online, and deliver your ceremony the way you want on your special day!
Before we get into the nuts and bolts of planning an affordable destination beach wedding, let’s make sure you’ve done your pre-planning homework. KNOW YOUR BUDGET. Don’t shop around and then build your budget.. backwards. Get at least a ballpark figure of what you’re working with and go from there. Our Florida Beach Weddings packages average about $2500 at the top end and include just about everything you need to tie the knot. Any add-ons, such as extra wedding photography, are very reasonable. If your budget is less than $1000, we have a package for you too! Once you have the magic number, it’s time to select your wedding provider. Here are a few tips:
Find A Location
What is most important to you about your destination wedding ceremony? What details have you been dreaming of as you look through Pinterest and at The Knot? Do you want a beautiful sunset in the background, or sand dunes and white capped waves. Pink sand or white sand? Maybe some incredible rocks by the sea for your photographs. It’s your choice! However, every beach venue offers something different so when you are looking keep that in mind. Our Beach Wedding Specialists can help you decide on the best location for your needs: we know all about crowds, permits, best time of day to get married, sunset times, and more because we have been doing this since 2007.
When planning your affordable destination beach wedding, one of the big ticket items can be getting there. Siesta Key Beach is conveniently located under 2 hours from Orlando International Airport, and the east coast beaches such as Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach are even closer. Flying into Jacksonville will get you close to St. Augustine Beach. So that really provides a lot of flexibility when it comes to airlines and accessibility. Sanford International Airport is also a short trip to the beach and offers discount airlines which helps your budget. Driving may be a more affordable choice so if that’s the case, calculate your approximate gas cost. Don’t forget to consider your affordable destination beach wedding as your honeymoon too. It’s like a BOGO deal for weddings!
Check Online Reviews
This is a crucial part of your research into any destination wedding company. You are likely planning your wedding from another state, therefore it is crucial the wedding planner is reputable, experienced and shows up! Not only that, but you want to know the decorations you choose online when building your dream wedding are EXACTLY what you get when you arrive on the beachfront. Check Google Reviews, Facebook and any other relevant wedding planner websites such as Wedding Wire: they Couple’s Choice Awards. There are also memberships in National Gay Wedding Association and other affiliations. These reviews are closely monitored for their veracity. You can also see if the beach wedding company has responded to the reviews which is another sign or a caring, committed and responsible beach wedding provider.
Talk to a Real Person
As you continue to plan your special day, you will undoubtedly have questions. There are many details to handle at once and with a complete beach wedding package you don’t have to worry about much. However, you may have questions about number of chairs, the ceremony details, and vendors in your selected city for flowers, hair and a reception, if desired. Talking directly to a wedding planner will put your cares to rest. Don’t just hit send and pay for a package that isn’t exactly what you want. Florida Beach Weddings staff can help you make some of those important choices, so don’t hesitate to call us with your questions.
Now Build Your Dream Wedding Online
Be aware that some wedding planners offer “build your own package online”, but the cost can be higher than a complete beach wedding package. We know you want control over your big day and that’s why we are all about customization. Since every couple is different, you get to choose the all inclusive package that has the elements and colors you want, without the confusion of a million details. Why click around for hours only to change your selections over and over again…and pay more money. We want your planning experience to be as simple and memorable as possible, and our Beach Wedding Specialists are available to answer all your questions so we get it right!
All beach wedding packages include e-mail and phone planning consultation, beach package set up and breakdown of ceremony decor, officiant, vows, unity sand ceremony, and legal filing of your marriage license. This means you just pretty much show up the day of your wedding and we take of everything! You can also add an hour of our photography time which includes many poses, if it not already included in the package. Our photographers will take you and your bridal party members photos when you all walk down the aisle. They are trained in beachfront weddings. They know when the ring ceremony takes place, when your first kiss is coming, and other moments special to you and your spouse, including family photos after the ceremony. Now your affordable destination beach wedding just became stress free as well as affordable!
Mention Daytona Beach and folks think of NASCAR or Bike Week, however Daytona Beach has much more to offer. Many people have not discovered the true beauty of the Daytona Beach area with its individual beaches scattered like gems along the Atlantic coast. At Florida Beach Weddings company, we have found the ideal locations for Daytona Beach weddings and reception venues. If you are looking for a more traditional reception, our hotel suggestions will be able to provide you with ballrooms and dining rooms where you can have a catered meal, a DJ, wedding cake, and enjoy all the traditions of a wedding reception like you would at home. The hotel options below, along with many others in Daytona Beach, will allow you to have your beach wedding with us at the SAME location as your reception, and often for a fraction of the price you would pay to have your ceremony at the hotel (and with more decor too!)
Daytona Beach Shores
With beautiful white sand beaches sprinkled with pink, and the white cap waves of the Atlantic Ocean, Daytona Beach Shores is an ideal choice for the beach lover. The beach is wide giving lots of room for your beach wedding setup with the beautiful decor options you choose. Just a short drive from Orlando and St. Augustine, you will also have endless entertainment options surrounding you. And Daytona Beach Shores weddings are the most affordable. If you stay for your honeymoon, and why wouldn’t you, you can surf, jump the waves, or just take it easy on the beach. There is usually a robust sea breeze so plan your wedding hair and dress accordingly. Find out more about a wedding in Daytona Beach Shores.
Ponce Inlet Beach
Rolling dunes, raw nature and magical walkways. Ponce Inlet Beach weddings are a destination bride’s dream. Complete with soft white sand, beautiful dunes and amazing views of the Ponce Inlet lighthouse. You will get to make your unforgettable grand entrance on one of the beautiful wooden walkways as your partner catches a glance of you from the dunes. The perfect first look moment for unforgettable photos. Trail your feet in the crystal clear water as you have your first kiss together. Ponce Inlet Beach Weddings are great for smaller wedding parties as you do not have a large parking lot for your guests. Any of our beach wedding packages look great in Ponce Inlet. Find out more about a beach wedding in Ponce Inlet.
New Smyrna Beach Weddings
New Smyrna Beach, Florida is a small city just outside of Daytona Beach with endless entertainment and dining options. New Smyrna Beach wedding couples will enjoy beautiful dunes on a 17 mile stretch of white sand beach, the blue Atlantic ocean with white wave caps, and a vibrant, eclectic vibe. New Smyrna Beach hosts many wine walks, craft beer walks, art walks and other local events. We recommend checking their event calendar before your wedding and try to plan an outing with your bridal party or guests. Flagler Avenue is a popular hit among guests visiting New Smyrna Beach. With unique boutiques, restaurants and events for the day time and a lively party atmosphere at night, it has something for every one of your wedding guests. Find out ore about weddings in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Ormond Beach Weddings
With a wedding on Ormond Beach, you will have the beautiful Atlantic Ocean waves and soft sand of this north Florida beach, as well as access to some great hotels, condos, and beach front parks. Continuing north, there is the small township of Ormond-by-the-Sea: a quaint beachfront town with homes and condos along the ocean. Tom Renick Park is a small oceanfront park that we have used for several of our Ormond Beach wedding ceremonies. Their pavilion can be reserved for a very small beach wedding reception for up to 12 people. If you like NASCAR, enjoy this birthplace of car racing and the many restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues it has to offer. Learn more about Ormond Beach Weddings.
Wilbur By The Sea
Aaaaah the Gulf coast is not the only place in Florida where the sand is white and heavenly and the surf emerald green! Just a quick drive from the Daytona Beach Shores area, you have a wide variety of choices for hotel accommodations, restaurants and more, all while taking advantage of a less crowded beach loved by surfers and sun seekers. Just a short walk from the beach is the Wilbur by the Sea Boathouse, a great little reception venue with lots of free parking! Wilbur by the Sea is one of our best affordable and delightful Florida beaches. Find out more about Wilbur by the Sea.
Start Planning Now…it’s easy!
All of our beach wedding packages include the ceremony officiant from our beach wedding company. For all of our Florida weddings, a Florida marriage license is required. If you are out of town residents, we make sure you have the information to obtain your Florida Marriage license by mail. We can also host your vow renewal ceremony. If required, we will obtain the beach wedding permit for you, and just add the cost to your chosen package. Our all-inclusive wedding packages are beautiful, affordable, and stress-free when you choose us to perform your Florida destination beach wedding ceremony, especially in the Daytona Beach area. Take a look at some hotel wedding options below.
The Shores Resort and Spa
One of our favorite locations for hotel weddings in Daytona Beach. The Shores Resort and Spa will give you the option to have a truly one-stop option to have your reception right at the hotel, after your beachfront wedding ceremony. The Shores Resort and Spa has many choices for your reception based on your wedding party size and budget. It is one of the most upscale hotels in Daytona Beach, all while being family friendly. It offers fire pits for smores, an entertaining pool deck, a restaurant inside, beautiful rooms and more. Don’t forget the spa for the girls to have a relaxing spa day, as well as a place for the bride and bridal party to get their hair and makeup done; it couldn’t be a better choice for your beach wedding in Daytona.
Best Western Auki Tiki Inn
Best Western Auki Tiki Inn provides a hot breakfast, cocktail hour, free wifi and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. According to booking.com the Best Western Auki Tiki inn is rated the best value in Daytona Beach. We love the idea of taking advantage of the cocktail hour with your guests to enjoy a nice evening at no additional cost to you! Your guests will appreciate the extra time with you as you take a break from your wedding day craziness, relax and enjoy the good company. The Best Western Auki Tiki Inn also allows you to have your reception at the hotel, making it easy and convenient for you to complete your perfect Daytona Beach wedding day.
St. Augustine Florida Beach Weddings couple walking on sand
The perfect romantic location to host your wedding
Hundreds of couples are choosing St. Augustine, the Nation’s Oldest City, for their big day! Our staff rates this as a “best place to get married in Florida” and popular beach locations include Anastasia State Park and Vilano Beach.
Florida Beach Weddings couple at Vilano Beach by the rocks
Bustling cobble stone roads with the occasional horse drawn carriage and Spanish Colonial inspired architecture, St. Augustine boasts plenty of old world charm. The streets tell a story from a time long ago. Large victorian homes, rustic doorways, overgrown arches of ivy and greenery; it is hard not to feel like you took a step back in time. The historical charm of this city is one of the many reasons couples are choosing St. Augustine for their destination wedding.
Another appealing feature of this unique city is that just a short scenic drive over the bridge is the beautiful sandy beach! Rest and relaxation comes with the sounds of the crashing waves and the warmth of the bright sun! St. Augustine Beaches definitely offer more than just beautiful ocean and sand: it is a great place to surf, paddle board, climb a light house, or just enjoy good food.
Indoors, outdoors, or maybe even both, St. Augustine offers many unique wedding venues. From historical buildings, exquisite gardens, and beautiful beaches there are a variety of locations to help every bride set the scene for the most important day of her life. However for vows and views, nothing beats a wedding on the beach!
Florida Beach Weddings in St. Augustine at oceanfront hotel
Besides the variety of wedding and reception venues, St. Augustine is a great location for wedding guests. It is conveniently located within driving distance to Jacksonville, Daytona, and Orlando airports. It offers a variety of locations for guests to stay whether they prefer to be beachfront or stay right in the heart of historical down town. There are many hotels, as well as charming bed and breakfasts that are located walking distance to many attractions.
Weddings guests have plenty of activities to choose from while visiting, like touring museums, riding trolleys, or just enjoying a casual stroll on the bay front. St. Augustine also offers many unique, trendy restaurants for any “foodie”. There are many bars and restaurants with outdoor seating and live music for guests to enjoy the beautiful warm weather.
