Beach Wedding: Ideas and Tips
Wedding by the sea: original ideas and tips for a perfect wedding! We met Francesca Pittau of Once Upon a Time Wedding to get ideas, suggestions, advice.
D) Hi Francesca, is a beach wedding how we imagine it?
R) Personally, I think a beach wedding isn't for every couple. Usually, with a few specific questions, carefully asked of the couple, I can determine if this type of event can truly fulfill their dreams.
It may seem trivial, but it often happens that newlyweds, swept away by emotion and romance, overlook some crucial aspects. The wind blowing on our beloved coasts could ruin the bride's coveted hairstyle; shoes are not permitted on the beach, so you walk directly on the sand; or, in case of bad weather, you'll have to opt for Plan B, which may not always live up to the beach dream.
It's always better to clarify these aspects before starting rather than ruin the most beautiful day of my couple.
So a seaside wedding can be the dream we all imagine: a beautiful, deserted stretch of white sand, a fabulous, crystal-clear sea framed by an elegant gazebo, and, the icing on the cake, a beautiful, warm-toned sunset.
D) It seems like a rather complex organization
R) Planning and staging a beach wedding is very different from doing so in the comfort of a venue, perhaps even air-conditioned. There are so many variables that must be taken into account. Some are manageable and under our sole responsibility, others less so. The weather, above all.
The punctual organization and meticulous planning of the event certainly help to manage the expectations of the spouses well and to give them a fairytale moment immersed in nature.
D) And in case of rain?
R) In this case, the only lifeline is the dreaded but crucial PLAN B. I'm personally banking on this aspect because it can make the difference between a successful event and a total fiasco! And, importantly, it allows me to sleep soundly the nights before the event.
D) Tell us in detail how you organize yourself
R) When I plan a beach wedding, the starting point is always a site inspection. This allows me to evaluate several factors, including the distance the bride and groom and guests will have to travel to reach the wedding venue, parking availability (it's often necessary to arrange a transfer so everyone arrives at the same time!), the site's orientation to the wind, and, last but not least, the cleanliness of the beach.
It's the details that make the difference and the cleanliness of the beach is truly a very important detail.
To make the walk across the sand easier, it is advisable to provide a rigid walkway that allows the bride and the entrance procession to walk elegantly without sinking.
Beach slippers are also always welcome and useful for guests to wear in the shoe rack, which is set up with some comfortable seating. I personally love placing them inside pretty wedding-themed bags!
Another much-loved accessory among guests is the fan! It's always a staple at my weddings! They come in many different types and colors; the important thing is that it's personalized and in keeping with the theme of the entire event. It'll be essential for providing guests with some relief from the heat.
D) Speaking of heat, how do you manage to organize yourself when temperatures are very high?
R) When the heat takes over, it will inevitably slow down your work compared to the usual timeline. Personally, I always plan a few hours ahead of schedule: this way, I can catch my breath and get ahead with the work, but above all, I avoid the hottest hours of the day!
Flowers suffer most when exposed to the elements and heat. Therefore, it's important to arrange a delivery time that allows you to keep them out of the freezer as little as possible.
D) Do you have any final advice?
R) My advice for this type of event is to rely on truly skilled professionals. There are many critical issues, and only a well-prepared and organized wedding planner can make your day truly magical.
Thank you so much, Francesca, for your valuable contribution… “beach newlyweds” have so many ideas and suggestions, now you can get started!
