Outdoor Weddings Guide » Beach

Unique Escort Card Displays

Victoria Sinclair — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:12:14 +0000

To all of my creative brides-to-be, I have some creative outdoor wedding goodness that will be sure to make your day. That’s right! I am talking about creative outdoor escort cards! Here are a few ways you can make your outdoor unique with an amazing escort card display.
Iron Gate Escort Card Display!

: Courtesy of http://cardgirldiy.com

To make your escort card display extra special all you need is clothes pins and an old iron gate. If you are looking for a rustic chic look this is the perfect look for you! Absolutely perfect for a vintage outdoor ceremony!

Pin The Escort Card To The Tree!

Having your escorts cards pinned to a tree trunk is definitely a creative way to seat your guest. This escort card display would be perfect for a garden wedding. Making use of your natural surroundings could also save you some extra bucks.

Use Shutters!

Many people may read this and assume that I have gone outdoor wedding crazy. But I haven’t! If you happen to go to an old junk yard or notice someone getting rid of their old shutters, scoop one up and use it for your outdoor ceremony. Depending on what shape it’s in, you could paint it decorate it how you like. Once you finally have it decorated to your liking you can just lay it against a tree. Viola! You have a wonderful escort card display!

Top 3 Disasters That Could Wreck Your Beach Wedding— And How To AVOID Them!

Victoria Sinclair — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:59:50 +0000

When dreaming about your picture-perfect beach wedding what do you think about? Soft, sugary sand, a sweet golden sunset, a slight summer breeze — How about sweat trickling down your back, storms looming up above, or strangers on the sideline wearing Speedos!?

Here are the top three disasters that could wreck your beach wedding and tips for avoiding them:

1. Weather

Make sure you have a backup plan for the possibility of RAIN on your special day! When considering your beach location, see about nearby pavilions or indoor facilities that you could easily transfer your ceremony to as a last-minute option.

◊ TIP: If you are having your reception indoors, consider the option of moving tables and chairs around to have your ceremony at that location in the case of rain.

If you are planning to have your beach wedding during a month with historically heavy rainfall, you may consider renting a tent for your outdoor ceremony. You can check the average temperatures and rainfall in US cities here.

You can probably count on WINDY conditions for your beach wedding! You should consider this when choosing the style of your wedding dress and the fabric– You may want to avoid light fabrics like chiffons.

◊ TIP: Tell your hairstylist that you are having a beach wedding so he/she knows to use plenty of hairspray. Men should consider using pomade or other styling gel products.

2. Unwanted Guests

As you prepare to walk down the sandy aisle you want to be sure you look up to see the faces of your family, friends and loved ones– NOT the unsightly view of strange beach-goers in Speedos and bikinis as they stop to embrace the beautiful moment along with you and all of your guests!

◊ Consider having your ceremony during a less-popular time of day for those happy-go-lucky beach goers.
-OR-
◊ Choose an isolated location to avoid any UN-wanted guests!

Make sure your wanted guests are comfortable during your beach wedding ceremony! If the weather is HOT, provide your guests with ice-cold bottles of water before they are seated.

◊ TIP: Print your wedding program on a fan– which would also make a great keepsake for your guests!

3. Permits

If you choose to have your wedding on a private beach, you probably have to go through a local wedding planning company– They will include a beach wedding permit in your wedding package.

If you are planning your wedding on your own and plan to use a public beach, be sure to find out if a beach wedding permit is needed. If the beach is state owned you will probably need a permit, but sometimes written permission may be enough. Contact the local city government or city parks department to find out what is required.

◊ TIP: Research rules and regulations concerning candle or torch lighting and trash removal too!

What Not To Wear To An Outdoor Wedding

Alyssa Morgan — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:12:24 +0000

Sometimes the excitement of receiving a wedding invitation can quickly fade when you are perplexed about what to wear. Trying not to be overly dressed or too casual, the hunt for just the right outfit begins. But when you realize that it will be an outdoor wedding, many other factors must be considered—not just what goes well with those pumps! Here are some tips on how to handle the dress-code dilemma.

The Nuptial No-Nos

Avoid short, flowing skirts and dresses that can easily blow upwards and wear something long (such as a pencil skirt) and tailored instead. Windy beach weddings are notorious for untimely exposures.
Nix the high-heeled shoes that will sink into sand, mud or grass. Flats or stacked heels will be easier to maneuver on nature’s carpet.
If the wedding will take place at midday when the sun is at its peak, refrain from wearing dark suits and jackets that will attract and absorb heat. Lighter-weight clothing is a much cooler option. A jacket that can be easily removed will come in handy if the celebration lasts into the evening or the day turns warmer or cooler than expected.
Don’t wear hosiery, heavy makeup or chunky jewelry in hot, humid climates or you’ll melt.

Attire That Says “I Do”

A dressy linen pantsuit would be nice and cool for an outdoor wedding. Pair it with a chic, floral-print top, and your ready for a garden wedding, or with sassy flats for the beach.
Keep your summery yet sophisticated look by wearing sleeveless dresses, strappy sandals and glowing skin.
Just as important as WHAT to wear is HOW to wear your hair. Keep hairdos under control in hot weather with upswept styles that will remain neatly in place, no matter what Mother Nature dishes out.
For outdoor weddings, don’t forget the accessories. No, I’m not talking about jewelry and purses but umbrellas, sunglasses, makeup blotting papers (or powder) and an extra pair of flat shoes just in case.

Extra Tip: For destination weddings, selecting a knit dress that resists wrinkles will keep you looking your best when you arrive or after unpacking.

The World’s Largest Underwater Ceremony

Victoria Sinclair — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:18:27 +0000

Getting married underwater is one of the most creative ways to tie the knot! In one of my earlier post, it was named one of the most adventurous ways to celebrate your nuptials. I found this write up about an incredible underwater wedding ceremony in Thailand. The town of Trang, Thailand, holds its annual humongous underwater wedding ceremony. Going into its 13th year, the underwater wedding takes place on February 13th-14th. In 2000, the Guinness Book of Record was declared the largest underwater wedding event in the world, that’s according to Trang’s Tourism Coordination Center.

Can you imagine being all dolled up in your wedding dress and taking a plunge for love? Some may say it’s a romantic gesture, while others may say that is absolutely ludicrous! I personally, think it is daring, fun and if both parties are okay with it—then hey, go for it! But I would suggest, don’t spend a fortunate on your wedding dress, just to dive underwater to swap your vows.

Despite the some critics, people come out in droves to celebrate romance and enjoy the unique festivities. Along with the underwater ceremonies, the people of Trang put together a lavish parade, along with tons of Thai dishes and have a large wedding party for the Valentine’s Day Weekend. I am sure that it would be just a sight to see, so if you ever in Trang, Thailand for a Valentine’s Day vacation check out one of the most largest underwater wedding ceremonies in the world! I am sure it will be a treat!

5 Reasons You Should Have A Yacht Wedding

Victoria Sinclair — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:13:53 +0000

There are so many beautiful outdoor venues a future bride could choose from to celebrate her special day. The locations can range from gardens, mountains and resorts. However, you don’t hear about many brides getting married on a yacht. Celebrating your marriage on a yacht could be luxurious, fun and adventurous. Nevertheless there are a couple of downsides to getting married on a yacht. If you choose to swap your vows on a smaller yacht, you will have to decrease your guest list and only have a few friends and family on board. If you decide to have the boat in motion while the ceremony is taking place, you must be mindful of those who may get motion sickness. Despite the downsides, here are five reasons why you should embark on a romantic voyage!

1. Yacht companies often provide a wedding coordinator with special wedding packages to help you with the wedding and reception details. This gives you a chance to sit back, relax or at least try to and enjoy the planning stages!

2. Next, imagine your photos, they will be amazing! The ocean as the backdrop and depending on what time of day you get married—the sun setting in the background, would add a magnificent touch!

3. Your wedding party and guest will enjoy the memory of your wedding for a lifetime. It would be a mini excursion, a great way to keep your guest captivated after the wedding ceremony.

4. Many yacht companies also provide catering and you can also choose to have cocktail hour prior to the reception dinner. This would depend on what time you have your wedding ceremony.

5. If bad weather threatens to crash your wedding, you can always go inside the yacht and continue with the ceremony and festivities. You can’t let a little bad weather spoil your day!

If you are looking for a wedding that goes light on the planning and you love to sail the seas–a yacht wedding would absolutely be perfect for you!

Underwater Scuba Diving Wedding Ceremony

Katie Washington — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:29:14 +0000

Talk about an extreme wedding! This couple tied the knot under the sea at Sangiang Island, Anyer, Banten, Indonesia. The ceremony was even complete with underwater decor.

Making Your Nautical Wedding Theme Come To Life

Victoria Sinclair — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:13:57 +0000

If you love taking romantic walks on the beach, letting the wind blow against your hair or playing in the sand—the Nautical wedding theme is for you! You could get married on a yacht, private sailboat, dock or even in front of lighthouse! Just make sure you choose the appropriate venue that fits you and your grooms personality. This will allow your guests to get a different feel for how adventurous you are as a couple.

Picking that special nautical gown can be tricky. Make sure you pick something simple and sleek. You could pick a simple white or ivory low back dress that fits you perfectly goes well with the romantic nautical theme. Also, make sure your jewelry is simple—you could wear some nice pearls, perfect for the nautical splendor theme. Your groom could get away with wearing a blue or black tux. And if your future hubby is in the navy, he would look stunning in his navy uniform!

When planning a nautical theme wedding, you definitely want to make sure you spruce things up with some awesome decorations. You can incorporate seashells, white or tan linens, fishbowls with live fish or even a treasure chest. These decorations will make it romantic but fun! When choosing your music for your wedding, think beach-side or romantic ocean view! Having a live harp player would give it that extra special touch or you could save some cash and have recorded harp music playing instead.

Don’t forget about your invitations! Try sending out invitations with a nautical design or have your invites designed as a boat ticket for your “special” trip!! This will truly catch your wedding guests off guard but make your wedding ceremony an unforgettable memory!

27 Dresses – Outdoor Wedding Movie

Katie Washington — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:18:03 +0000

Need some visual outdoor wedding ideas? 27 Dresses is the story of Jane, who has been a bridesmaid 27 times, but can’t seem to find love for herself. 27 Dresses offers laughs, but more importantly for you, some visual ideas for your wedding day.

27 Dresses stars Katherine Heigl and James Marsden, is rated PG-13 and has a runtime of 111 minutes.