You’re big day is approaching on Clearwater Beach. And you’ve got the wedding planning ideas rolling like the waves! But before you end up drowning in the ocean of wedding planning, be sure to avoid these common mistakes. It’s easy to get caught up in your dream of getting married on the Gulf beach in the sun and white sand, but we have some professional advice to make your day a complete success.
Wedding Planning Mistakes To Avoid
1. Poor Budgeting
From underestimating to overspending, don’t fall into the dreaded wedding money pit. Before you really get into any planning, know your budget. What’s your top dollar and what does your wedding week look like? If it is a destination wedding in Clearwater Beach, then you here are some budget items to consider:
Type “A” brides listen especially closely: there is such a thing as over-planning. Trying to plan out every minute is going to drive you to the “crazy bride ward.” That’s why choosing one of our Clearwater beach wedding packages really makes sense. Let Florida Beach Weddings do all the wedding planning for you so you have more time to focus on fun things. Things like which beachfront restaurant in Clearwater you’ll hit up after your Gulf beach wedding. Or what color is perfect for your bridesmaids’ dresses? And over-planning beach weddings only leads to our next mistake…
3. Stressing Out
There is certainly a healthy level of anxiety that comes with committing yourself to another human for the rest of your life. But cold feet and a stone cold stressed out bride are two different wedding animals: avoid falling into either category. At the end of the day, you’ll want to look back with fond memories of planning and your actual wedding ceremony. With over a decade in the beach wedding planning business, all inclusive weddings are the way to go. It helps you trust that you will have a beautiful wedding ceremony. Trust that you won’t be stuck with hidden fees with our up front affordable beach wedding package options.
4. Social Media
Yes, we said it. And since there’s no elephants roaming the beach, let’s address the blue whale in the room. Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram. It’s okay to get inspired but it’s not ok to get obsessed. Whether it’s the perfect wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, make up tutorial, hair D.I.Y., wedding photo pose, or beach wedding dream experience (you know the kind with magical sunset rays, the perfect amount of sea breeze, high heels in the sand), keep it in check. So get your beach wedding ideas, be inspired, but keep reality in check and focus on enjoying your day more than absolute perfection. Remember you will be having a wedding ceremony experience that many brides desire: outside on beautiful Clearwater Beach!
5. The D.I.Y. Wedding
Although it seems like a good idea, there can be some trouble with D.I.Y. weddings. But the bottom line is the budget, time planning, and details involved in planning and executing your own wedding is often misunderstood until you’re too far into the process. So why not let our all inclusive wedding packages in Clearwater Florida come to the rescue! Or if it’s just the two of you, steer clear of any stress with our Clearwater elopement packages where even wedding photography is included. Our complete beach wedding company gives you a stress free beach wedding experience and keep your budget. A win-win!
Well we’ve covered the Top 5 Beach Wedding Planning Mistakes, now for the #1 thing you SHOULD have on your Clearwater beach wedding planning list: contact Florida Beach Weddings!
We live in a culture full of D.I.Y. projects: YouTube tutorials, Pinterest boards, bloggers and design TV show hosts are pushing the “let me show you how to do it yourself” movement. Maybe that worked for that coffee table, paint project, car engine restoration (or maybe not). But we’re here to recommend that you don’t DIY for your wedding. Why? Stress is the biggest factor and we all know that a bride already has plenty of that. Therefore, here are three reasons why its good to leave the beach wedding planning to the pros (ahem- that’s us) and save the D.I.Y. for painting the bathroom at home.
Budget
One of the top reasons couples are attracted to the do-it-yourself wedding is to save money. And it seems like a great idea, but a la cart wedding items can add up fast. Most of the items you’re planning to use for your wedding may never be used again. With Florida Beach Weddings packages you can save money right from the start. Forget the stress of trying to do it all yourself…wouldn’t you rather just show up at the beach and have everything ready for you? Our affordable beach wedding packages are all-inclusive so you know exactly what you’ll be getting AND spending on your wedding. No surprises, no hidden fees, and it’s completely planned out beginning to end online with your beach wedding ideas. We even help with your Florida marriage license. Vow renewals, elopements, or larger Florida destination wedding. What could be easier?
Customization
Like every bride, you don’t want a cookie cutter wedding…you want to use your own wedding ideas. And a D.I.Y. wedding could allow for you to put your personal touch into your ceremony. However, choosing a wedding package doesn’t mean you can’t do any customization. Our Destiny package has over 20 different color choices for the bamboo wedding arch, many choices for your topper decorations, plus a variety of aisle-way choices such as shepherd’s hooks, tiki torches and lanterns. There are some things that are much harder such as location choices: having a Clearwater Beach wedding? Have you investigated the sunset time, beach permit regulations, or parking issues? What begins as an exciting adventure can quickly turn into a nightmare of hours on hold waiting for answers. Our Florida Beach Weddings company has put in the time, experience, and will do all the work for you. As Florida wedding planners, we’ve been doing it for over 13 years and know how to get these issued taken care of quickly. So you can still add your personality and your colors in our all-inclusive package with a lot less stress.
Convenience
While D.I.Y. weddings seem like they save money and allow you to be creative, they are way more involved than what first meets the eye. Even small beach wedding packages are easier than doing it yourself! Florida destination weddings are all about you fully enjoying your special day. That includes the beach wedding planning before AND the day of. Our all-inclusive packages really do include everything you need for your wedding day. Wedding officiant who also coordinates your ceremony, vows, consultations by phone and e-mail pre-wedding, unity sand ceremony, legal filing of your Florida Marriage License; all this is included with even our most basic package. You can also add our professional photography. So you have time to enjoy your destination wedding, spend more time on shopping for the perfect beach wedding dress, local entertainment, and truly enjoy your entire experience. From a Daytona Beach wedding to St. Pete Beach weddings, our beach wedding company does it all so you can relax!
If you are ready to save money, personalize your wedding day, enjoy your wedding day celebration then CLICK HERE to start planning your beach wedding today with our Florida wedding planners.
When planning a destination beach wedding this question always arises; what to do about a reception? Here are some of our reception ideas for your Sarasota Beach Wedding:
Small Weddings of 30 or less guests:
With smaller weddings the easiest, and most cost-effective way to have a celebration after your beach wedding ceremony is to take your guests to dinner. Choose a restaurant that either has a small private dining room to rent, or where they take reservations and can accommodate your guest count. You can even make arrangements to have your cake delivered to this venue. After your first dance on the beach you can have a complete, small wedding reception at a fraction of the cost of a reception at home. Check out Turtles on Little Sarasota,Cafe Gabbiano’s and the Daquiri Deck in Siesta Key Village. The Columbia House, and Tommy Bahama Restaurant in Lido Beach come highly recommended. Sharkey’s in Venice and there are several more throughout the Sarasota, Florida area that may be suitable for your beach wedding reception.
Larger weddings with 30 – 100 guests:
There are several venues that can offer you a great reception for an economical price after your Sarasota Beach Wedding.
Siesta Key: Although this is one of the best beaches in Florida, there are no Gulf beachfront hotels or restaurants directly on the Gulf in Siesta Key that offer a reception venue. However, the Boatyard Bar and Grill is a great option (see photo below courtesy of Wedding Wire) — you can have your own reception area on the bay front. The Devyn is on the mainland but is a full service reception venue. Mattison 41 also provides reception accommodations.
What about a beach wedding reception outdoors? We do not recommend an outdoor beach wedding reception for several reasons.
First, most Gulf beach areas do not allow it or the rules are so limiting that it makes it more work for the couples (and more stress). During Turtle Season (May – October) there are many more rules about lighting, hours, on the beach after dark, etc.
Your guests definitely will enjoy your Gulf beach wedding, but the comfort of an indoor/outdoor covered area will be inviting and refreshing after you have completed your beach wedding ceremony.
If the weather has been a bit uncooperative but we have been able to use the beach for your wedding, you do not want to leave any part of your wedding day to the mercy of outdoor elements (especially if a rain event is approaching). In the case of inclement beach weather you may only have a small window of opportunity to complete your Sarasota Beach wedding, so why not head to your indoor reception area to have a great wedding reception celebration without the weather worries!
Older family members usually prefer an indoor/ or semi-indoor reception. It is great to be dressed up and enjoying the sandy beach for a ceremony, but to spend several hours outdoor on the sand is a different story (or the heat).
Something not usually thought about, but would be greatly appreciated is indoor plumbing!
There are so many options for a reception for your Sarasota Beach Wedding, you can surely find the one that works for you. Once you choose your beach wedding package and book your wedding date with us we can provide more local vendors depending on your specific needs. And, contact us with any questions you may have about your Sarasota Beach Wedding!
Congratulations on your engagement!! So, once the “engagement honeymoon” is over, it’s time for wedding planning to get real! Destination and ordinary in-town weddings follow many of the same milestones. However, don’t overlook these seemingly minor differences. Check out this 12 month destination wedding timeline to keep your destination beach wedding smooth sailing!
Tropical Geometric Arch Wedding Package on Siesta Key Beach, FL
Destination Wedding Timeline:
12 or more months before:
Plan your budget. Major things to consider for destination weddings:
Flight/Gas for travel – air travel or car trips
Ask yourself: Where is the best honeymoon destination for us? The same place as your wedding or will you travel somewhere else? In Florida, the answer is easy: stay and enjoy the beaches whether it is just the two of you or guests, Florida is a great vacation spot for families!
Time of year to have your wedding: thinking of getting married in summer in Florida? Check out some temperature charts on our pages here: Clearwater , Daytona Beach, Destin Beach and St. Augustine
Guest list– plan your guest list and notify guests ASAP with a “save the date”. Give friends and family ample time to save and plan for your amazing wedding adventure! Check out The Knot’s free “Guest List Tool” to stay organized and save money. Start your own free wedding website to help you stay organized.
Ask the bridal party to be a part of your wedding. Bridesmaids get ready!
Beach bride and bridesmaids at Destin Wedding in Florida
8-11 months before:
Dress time- Shop for and order your wedding gown for a white sand wedding. Tips here!
Hotel booking- If you have a large group, inquire about a group discount/blocking rooms.
Book flight/Car rental- Encourage your bridal party to make arrangements as well.
Book wedding- With FloridaBeach Weddings company, this makes long distance planning a sea breeze. We provide everything you need for your elegant beach wedding so you don’t have to lift a finger on your special day. One. Stop. Shop. Save time and money by avoiding multiple vendors, fees, complications, etc. Check out these complete package options.
Plan post-wedding ceremony plans. Dinner? Happy hour? Full wedding reception? Night on the town?
Choose colors– Deciding this early will guide you with ceremony decor choices, bridesmaid dresses, favors, etc. Furthermore, it’s fun!
Save-the-Date Cards– Order and mail.
Create a registry– Happy Shopping!
Couple kisses after Miami Beach wedding ceremony on white sand
6-8 months before:
Bridesmaids dresses/Groom attire– Choose and order according to your elegant beach wedding package colors.
Research activities- What will you and your guests be doing during the “down time” before and after your wedding day?
Groom and beach wedding party at Ponce Inlet , Daytona Beach, FL
Wedding rings– Shop, buy, size, and keep them in an unforgettably safe place.
Confirm travel plans/required documents if necessary.
****Florida Marriage License****– Your wedding dream is unofficial without one of these. More information here.
2-4 months before:
Plan itinerary for length of destination stay. While you can be flexible, it’s still a good idea to have a plan. Consider a timetable for both leisure activities before and after wedding day, as well as day-of wedding schedule (hair, travel time, etc.). Florida Beach Weddings provides you with a detailed timeline of your wedding day for less stress!
Schedule hair/make up appointments as needed. Be sure to be very clear with time management and remember to prepare for a beach-friendly hairstyle.
Welcome! If you have guests traveling, a Welcome Bag is always a thoughtful way to share the wedding love! Order items/prepare bags.
Sharing an intimate moment after one of our Daytona Beach Weddings in Florida
1 month:
Write vows. Florida Beach Weddings provides ceremony vow options, but you may add your own personal vows if desired for a perfect wedding day.
Finalize plans. Look for emails from Florida Beach Weddings with detailed destination wedding timeline. Communicate with your guests and wedding party directions/timelines as needed. So this is the time to answer any last minute questions between planner, bridal party, and guests. Designate a “guest” helper for the ceremony (so it doesn’t have to be you).
Final fitting- Any alterations/changes should be wrapped up. Purchase/bring a steamer or make plans for professional steaming through a local laundromat upon arriving your destination wedding location. In addition, consider bridesmaids dresses as well.
Clearwater Beach wedding family
Week of: Confirmation is the name of the game!
Confirm any appointments– hair, make up, mani/pedi, wedding dress steaming.
Groom/groomsmen- Confirm attire/pick up arrangements.
If you’ve hired “Florida Beach Weddings,” the only thing you really need to do is show up. Go to any appointments and show up to your favorite part of your wedding day: the beach ceremony site! Most of all, don’t forget to bring the rings and marriage license! Happy Wedding Day! Still have questions about a destination beach wedding? Check out our FAQ page!
Bride and groom celebrate kiss after one of our Florida weddings in St. Augustine
The Verdict is In! Natural and Floral Distinctive Designs are Staff Favorites
Getting married on the beach in Florida is a dream for many couples but there is often the perception that beach wedding decor is cheap. As you can see from the stunning photos below, our complete beach wedding package decor is beautiful, elegant, and on-trend for 2020. Owner and President, Pamela Fuit and her staff of wedding specialists work tirelessly to bring our wedding couples’ dreams to life on the beach locations we serve across Florida. Our Distinctive Design packages are a cut above the rest and therefore our staff favorites. With more elaborate draping, larger floral arrangements and custom canopies, the final effect is breathtaking for beachfront wedding photography. Distinctive Designs bring all your best destination beach wedding ideas to life!
The Floral Distinctive design has a very upscale feeling with its neutral palette. It offers a natural bamboo canopy with your choice of ivory or white draped material that often floats in the breeze while you say your vows. A large asymmetrical floral and greenery canopy topper is the perfect altar. The matching greenery aisle-way naturally placed in the sand with floral accents at the beginning of the walkway will guide your first steps toward your beloved. Up to 32 deluxe white resin chairs with the option to add colored spandex chair bands completes this wedding design. This truly feels like an island beach wedding. A large decorated “chalkboard” sign announcing the newly married couple is included, along with a chilled water station for your guests. These complete wedding packages include a sand ceremony, music and you can add our professional photography time for a low fee ($325).
Floral Distinctive Design Beach Wedding Package
The Natural Distinctive Design is stunning in its simplicity. This will make your Florida beach wedding site the envy of everyone. None of your guests will think you chose a cheap Florida beach wedding package even though these ceremony packages, at the top end, average $2,500. Intimate, elegant, and complete with everything you need you can’t go wrong with this beach wedding package. It offers a large, dark stained, four post bamboo canopy with your choice of white or ivory material draped elegantly, flowing down to the sand. Dark bamboo pole aisle-way with white or ivory flowing material and matching flowers in the poles. The natural branch canopy topper with natural flower accents completes this beachy look. Up to 32 deluxe white resin chairs with the option to add colored spandex chair bands included. This is Karen’s favorite! As above, this all inclusive beach wedding package includes a sand ceremony, music and you can add our professional photography time for an affordable fee ($325).
Natural Distinctive Design Beach Wedding Package
The Anchors Away Distinctive Design is included just because it is so stunning! It has everything you need for a beachfront wedding in Florida that will turn heads. It is spectacular against the white sand, especially on a Gulf beach. It includes all the upgrades you expect when choosing a Florida Beach Wedding package. Find out more about this design here.
Anchors Away Beach Wedding Design
Imagine walking down an aisle of white sand to say “I Do” under our stunning Rustic Geometric Arch. This decorative member of the Rustic Romance Collection (new for 2020) looks amazing on the beach and stands out with its pure simplicity. Our staff just couldn’t leave it out of their favorites. The modern geometric arbor is unique and our wedding couples can’t get enough of it! Any color accents can be used to highlight your theme, in fact it also comes in a white Tropical theme. Our wedding package designers leave no stone unturned when bringing couples the most up to date features. This Florida wedding design can be used as a beach wedding or vow renewal. Contact our beach wedding planners in Florida today to reserve your date!
Rustic Geometric Arch
Now that our beach wedding staff has named their favorite designs, it’s time for you to find yours. Don’t forget to find the right beach location to set the tone of your Florida wedding ceremony. Each beach is different on the east coast or west coast of Florida. We look forward to hearing from you to reserve your 2020 wedding date!
