Should I wear a veil to my beach wedding?

If you are lucky enough to be planning your wedding and have dreamed about this day for months (or years!), then you probably already know the answer. Some brides have always imagined wearing a veil and having a beach wedding certainly shouldn’t get in your way. We’ve got some super ‘looks’ to share with you from our Suncoast Weddings albums as well as some ideas to inspire.

If you’re worried about a breeze on the beach, remember that you can buy small weights to keep the veil under control. To be honest, some of our most beautiful bridal portraits are when a breeze does catch the veil – the look is romantic and ethereal.

 

Cathedral length veils

These tend to bring the most drama and the ultimate ‘bridal moment’. Here are some portraits with long veils. Ironically, the length of the veil actually makes them less likely to blow up or misbehave in a slight breeze. To get movement into a portrait, you may need a willing helper to lift the veil then duck quickly out of the shot.

 

 

Echo the veil in the train

This look gives the illusion of a long veil although in fact the veil is mid length and the train of the dress appears to follow the veil’s lines.

Short Veils

Sharp, modern and sassy, these veils give the bridal look without any worries about a breeze. As an added bonus, they can be easily paired with accessories to enhance the look.

THAT photo op!

Yes – there are some brides who cannot imagine their wedding album without the classic shot of the kiss beneath the veil. Here are some of our favorites.

Showing off the veil

It’s also a great portrait shot when the bride revels in the one day she will wear a veil – maybe that is the ultimate charm of the veil …. this is the only occasion it will ever be worn.

What are the alternatives to a veil?

There are certainly options if you opt not to wear a veil. Here are some of our favorites.

Jeweled Clips

Starfish as hair accessories

Peacock Feathers

Flowers

Jeweled Headbands

When it comes to your wedding day, there are no rules, just follow your heart and the day will be perfect. If you’re ready to start planning, call us at Suncoast Weddings today 727-443-0039

10 Florida Beach Wedding DIY Projects

If you’re feeling crafty or just want to take care of some of the details before the big day, we’ve some great ideas for DIY projects which will give you a head start on your beach wedding. It’s a great way to

• save money
• reduce stress before your wedding or vow renewal
• have fun and get family or friends involved

1. Make your own bouquet

Fresh Flowers are not your only option and when you’re saying your vows on the beach, there is plenty of inspiration from the ocean. For the bride, the ultimate bouquet and for the Maid/Matron of Honor and Bridesmaids, you can craft similar versions but each with their own flair and personality. Seashells, starfish, sea urchins, sand dollars and pearls bring not only a stylish and unique twist to your bouquet, you’ll have a keepsake afterwards, long after fresh flowers have gone.

Here is some inspiration for seashell themed bouquets

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If the ocean doesn’t inspire you, then we’ve also seen truly spectacular bouquets made from brooches and jeweled pins. These glimmer in the sunshine and you can incorporate family pieces which make the connection to your bouquet even more personal.

2. Don’t forget the guys – make your own boutonniere

Tick another one of those boxes not to worry about on the wedding day by making the boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen. Be as quirky and fashion forward as he will dare because it’s the little details which all add up to a magical experience and fantastic portraits afterwards to enjoy forever. We’ve been lucky enough to have super stylish Suncoast Weddings grooms, here are some of our favorite looks.

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3. Make your favors

It’s easy to shop for favors and buy guests a generic gift. Why not plan ahead and make unique favors which will be a perfect symbol to remember your wedding and say ‘thank you’ to friends and family who have gathered to join you as you celebrate your love. We love the sentiment of inviting your loved ones to a beach ceremony and giving them a momento to remember the day forever. This couple engraved favors with their names and the date of the wedding and then filled them with sand from the beach and some small shells. You could easily buy the shells, but equally if you have willing helpers who want to scout out the best seashells, it’s a great way to get children involved in helping. The local beaches are full of beautiful and colorful seashells.

4. The Ring Box

It’s a big part of the ceremony and especially if young hands are carrying in the rings, a personalized ring box makes the moment extra special. We were inspired by this box which was etched with the date of the ceremony. A reminder of the big day, you could replace the twine or ribbon in the box afterwards to keep forever when those rings don’t need their box anymore!

5. Make your centerpieces for the reception

Plan ahead and whether your reception is on the shore or indoors, make the centerpieces ahead of time and then box them up ready for the party. It’s one of the great budgeting tips to use any fresh flowers from the ceremony again at the reception but that does take time and organizing, it’s certainly not going to be high on the list of priorities for the bride and groom to be doing. If you aren’t using fresh flowers, be creative and make a talking point of your unique centerpieces. If you’re traveling in for a destination wedding and don’t want to be packing bulky items like this, talk to us at Suncoast Weddings, we’re happy to work with you on all the details for your reception and can provide centerpieces as an add on to your package.

6. The style statement that steals the show

If you’re the type of person who wants to surprise your other half and all the guests, think out of the box to wear something nobody has seen before, something that mirrors your sense of style and will be perfect for either the ceremony or the reception. A picture is worth a thousand words, here’s an example of wedding day style that takes a day from great to spectacular.

7. Seating Plan

Sure, a document typed up and pinned to the door can hold a seating plan and get your guests to the right seat but prep ahead and you can make the necessary logistics into a stylish element at your reception. Personalizing such a routine detail shows your guests how much care you’ve put into their experience and shows that no detail is too small. It’s a great way to incorporate your theme in another way and bring a pop of color and texture. You can do this ahead of time and let the worries pass you by..

8. Make your own beach wedding signs

This is a hugely popular trend for beach weddings. Signs can be static at the start of the aisle or can be carried by members of your party. They add a bit of fun to the day but also look great as props when it’s time to take pictures. Here are some of our favorites.

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We also have boards and signs which can be rented for your Suncoast wedding as part of your package. Here are some of the most popular ones.

9. Make a Wedding Wishes Tree

This stands at your reception along with small pieces of paper and twine or ribbon. Guests are invited to write a wish for the happy couple and tie then onto the branches. It’s a focal point which builds and ‘blooms’ throughout the evening as more people add their wishes. Be unique and get crafty!

10. Make your cake topper

The cake may be delicious, but everyone’s eyes are drawn to the topper. Make it yours! Make it personal and make it bring a smile 🙂

Most of the time is taken planning what you need. If you want an ocean inspired topper but are flying in from nowhere near the sea, plan what you want and then hit the seashell shops when you arrive. If you know what you plan to do, the actual time needed will not be significant and it’s a project you can do a few days before the wedding when you are relaxed and enjoying sunny Florida

 

We hope we’ve given you some ideas to personalize your big day. When you’re ready to start planning, we’re here with plenty more ideas and inspiration. Give us a call at Suncoast Weddings and we’ll start the countdown together!  727-443-0039

We still do …vow renewals

When your job is planning weddings, it can be hard to think of a more emotional, sentimental, meaningful, ‘won’t forget this in a lifetime’ day – then a vow renewal blows us away. You’ve committed once and because of everything that has happened or despite everything that has happened, it just feels right. It is a celebration with no strings attached, a celebration of a love which has already thrived and survived.

When is the best time? There are no rules, every year or every ten years… it’s totally your commemoration and a chance to dress up (or not), invite family and friends to share (or not) and dance the night away as if it were your first dance. We love vow renewals – they lift spirits and celebrate the partnerships that mean the most.

Reasons to renew your vows (you don’t need a reason but maybe these ring a bell):

• You did what was expected the first time around and now you can choose for yourself
• You have family (kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews) who you want to be involved
• You want a different setting, a different mood to say “I Do” again
• You want to declare your love … simple as that!
• You’ve beaten the odds and it’s worth a party
• Your priorities have changed and you still want to share your life with your soulmate
• It’s a fantastic and joyful way to unite your family
• You want to surprise your other half by making the ultimate romantic gesture
• You want to celebrate this moment in time with a reaffirmation and make memories from now
• there are just some things that should be said for all to hear – a declaration of love is surely the most endearing of all
• you want to wear your wedding dress again or have an excuse to buy a new dress to stun in ….
• you know it will make your other half feel like the center of your universe

There doesn’t have to be a particular day, it doesn’t have to be your anniversary – switch things up and make it a birthday of your child or the day your team won the championship – you’re making a new day to celebrate (not instead of your anniversary, as well as your anniversary!)

 

It’s also the perfect time to write your own vows. The nerves are gone, the funny stories abound – embrace them and celebrate your love. If you’re looking for a vow renewal with sand between your toes and a relaxed atmosphere, welcome to Suncoast Weddings, let us make your vow renewal unique and tailored to you two.

Personalize your day – we love this sign charting Adam & Stef’s journey celebrating their 10th anniversary with a vow renewal …

and making the most of the surf!

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Ready to start planning? We are! Let’s celebrate a love that endures with a vow renewal on the Florida shores!

Tel: 727-443-0039

Website: www.suncoastweddings.com

Email: inquiries@suncoastweddings.com

Inspiration for your beach wedding color scheme

We’re lucky enough to see lots of color schemes and to be honest, we’ve never seen one that we didn’t like. That’s because it’s a highly personal choice and the beach is somewhat of a blank canvas (albeit a beautiful one!) for you to make your own for a short time. We do have some ideas to help you decide what will be best for you and we have many galleries on our website to show previous Suncoast Weddings in all their colorful glory.

Sometimes the obvious choice is the best

Pretty in pink

If you love a particular color, if it fills your wardrobe, is painted on your walls, decorates your plates and makes you feel ‘home’, then as long as your soulmate feels the same way, why not go for it. It could be hot pink or cool blue, pale cream or vibrant orange, if it makes you happy you should incorporate it into your ceremony and then the choice involves whether it becomes the star of the show or an accent.

Bold orange and fuchsia chiffon

There are two people saying “I Do”

If you each love a different color we can weave both colors into your day. They don’t have to be paired by artists or on a color wheel, they will work for you because they are significant to you or just because they make you happy. If you want to see the colors together beforehand, come into our office and we’ll show you the ‘look’.

Color families

Royal blue and turquoise

If you love all shades of purple or blue, we have families of colors which can be alternated or layered. The look is softened slightly when you take dark shades and intermingle them with lighter hues which are similar but distinctly different. This also gives more flexibility with bridesmaids’ dresses and choices for guests to coordinate. Think emerald, sage and apple – purple, lilac and lavender – buttercup, lemon and gold.

Subtle shades of purple and lavender

Birthstones

Did you know the birthstone for May is the emerald and for July it’s the ruby? Each month has a birthstone and you could feature this in the décor as well as a statement piece of jewelry.

 Seasons

When you think of the season you are going to marry, are there particular flowers or seasonal foliage you want to incorporate? If your wedding is more than one year away, be sure to go to a florist around the time you are going to want your flowers to see what inspires you. An added bonus will be that seasonally grown flowers are not only more abundant and easier to supply, they will be priced reasonably. If you let the bouquets and flowers inspire you, we’ve seen pastel trends for the spring and more vibrant colors for the summer. We’ve had a Halloween wedding with carved pumpkins which fitted the fall perfectly.

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Venue

Let the setting inspire you. If you chose a beach wedding because you love the muted tones of the sands, maybe burlap is perfect for you. If you fell in love with the azure blue and emerald greens of the ocean, enhance that color scheme to magnify the natural beauty around you.

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Inspiration

Look to magazines and our galleries to look at options and see what appeals. We have theme ideas on our website Here and many other images around the site on the locations pages, packages pages …

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Heritage

If you’re from Ireland, maybe the Emerald Isle will inspire, maybe lavender colors for the heather from Scotland. If you’re on a destination wedding, you can bring a piece of your heritage to the shore to celebrate.

 

Imagine afterwards when you are framing your portraits and flipping back through your photo album, what kind of backdrop do you want to see? Something timeless and elegant or fun and edgy? Whatever you choose, we’re here to help you with the planning and if you change your mind as the day approaches, we’ll work with you to tailor the day to fit your vision.  The color scheme can affect the mood of the day and be calming or uplifting. Don’t forget the men – a tie, waistcoat, a colorful boutonniere, the groom can have fun with the colors too.

Let’s get planning!

Tel: 727-443-0039

Website: www.suncoastweddings.com

Email: inquiries@suncoastweddings.com

 

10 Ways to highlight the beach at your wedding

Beach Weddings are our passion. If you’re like us then you want to enjoy every second on the shore and we have some great tips to maximize the fun and amp up the beach atmosphere. A little planning up front saves a lot of stress down the line, allowing you to savor each precious moment.

1. Go Barefoot

Feel the sand between your toes and ditch the heels. You’ll feel more relaxed and so will your guests. For stylish brides, check out foot jewelry to bring extra glamour. Think ahead with this as the decision could impact the length of your wedding dress.

  

2.  Have a starfish lined aisle

Brown sugar starfish or white starfish make stylish aisle markers and add drama to your ceremony. Choose one color or alternate.

As a variation on the theme you could also consider alternating with conch shells, especially if your color theme has shades of blush as the inside of the shell will fit in perfectly.

 

3. Beach bouquet inspiration

The sky is the limit, think of seashells, pearls, starfish, jewels. Flowers can still be a traditional base or you can totally reinvent the bouquet and create something unique. If you craft your own bouquet from shells, starfish or sand dollars you also have a wonderful keepsake to remind you of the day.

Scallop shells add drama

 

4. Pictures in the surf

You’re at the beach and the waves are calling. You can cool down and have some fun to get some great candid portraits or choose the backdrop for romantic shots. Memorable and exhilarating, you’ll forever be reminded of your beach ceremony.

 

5. Wipe the sand from your toes

Beach wedding signs are hugely popular. Quirky and personal, make the most of the beach theme by inviting your guests to wipe the sand from their toes – keep the mood relaxed by displaying it with some paintbrushes.

 

6. Groom Beach Style

It’s not just the brides who can shine in the style department, take inspiration for a boutonniere with a difference. Shells, starfish, alone or combined with flowers. Echo the details in the bridal bouquet with a miniaturized version for the groom and groomsmen. When it comes to beach wedding etiquette, you choose your dress code. Grooms may be formal in a tuxedo or casual in a Hawaiian shirt. Let your guests know in advance so that they know what to wear for the occasion and also your wedding coordinator so that the minister or officiant are prepared.

 

7. Beach Ring Bearers

Shells and starfish make for a stylish entrance when the ring bearer walks down the aisle. Remember to tie a ribbon around the rings just in case as dropping a ring in the sand on the beach leads to a difficult search. The ribbon can enhance your color scheme and will give a little extra confidence to your ring bearer, especially if they are young and a bit nervous for their starring role.

 

8. Beach makeover your reception

Take the elements of the shore and weave them through your reception. Ideas include piping on the cake, starfish toppers or shell decorations.

Carry the theme through to beach themed centerpieces which highlight your favorite beach themes.

9. Ring Shots with imagination

Classic ring shots show them stacked in front of a bouquet or on a pillow. Bring some beach inspiration with a handful of sand or use the arms of a starfish to showcase the symbols of the day.

One of the most creative ways to showcase the rings on the shore is to make handprints and then place the rings in the sand in those prints as if they were wearing the rings. It makes for a surprising album shot.

10. Sunset Magic

On the west coast of Florida we’re lucky to enjoy spectacular sunsets. If you want the sunset to give you one of nature’s best backdrops, look to plan for a service about an hour before the scheduled sunset so that you can enjoy your ceremony and have time to relax and take some group portraits before the photographer focuses on romantic shots with the happy couple and the setting sun in the background. The light is sublime, the mood is intense and you’ll get magical portraits.

Sometimes moody skies make for even more spectacular shots as the sun sets.

 

Beach weddings and vow renewals offer the opportunity to think outside the traditional box. Look for a beach wedding specialist who knows how to adapt to changing weather, respects the beach (take only photos, leave only footprints) and has suggestions to make your day stress free and fun. Think about taking beach toys to keep youngsters engaged while the photos are being taken or give them a disposable camera to take their own snapshots. When your potential gatecrashers are pelicans and dolphins, make sure to enjoy the beach and make the most of your tropical paradise.

Wedding Day Emergency Kit

Whether you’re the bride, the Maid of Honor or a bridesmaid, if you’ve never thought about putting together a little emergency kit for the big day, read on! The cost will be minimal and if it turns out not to be needed – great … at least you’ll know you’re covered. If it is needed then it’s likely to be a game changer. With so many unknowns and with emotions running high, it’s worth planning ahead and covering your bases. You can buy kits ready made or have fun and make them yourself (giving the perfect opportunity to personalize the kit to you)

Essentials

Thinking of the heat:

• Bottled water
• Sunscreen (even on a cloudy day that Florida sunshine can still pack a punch)
• Aloe if you’ve already had too much sunshine
• An umbrella or parasol to create shade if you need a break
• A fan to cool down quickly (or a mister for children who don’t need to worry about mascara running!)

Electronic Devices

Rule #1 with electronic devices – don’t rely on them! That means:

• keep chargers handy
• if you have your vows on your phone or tablet, have a backup copy on paper
• Keep a list of critical telephone numbers on hand (like your wedding coordinator!) – you can always borrow a phone but can’t retrieve the number from a phone that is missing or flat

Health Wise

• Painkillers
• Allergy medicine if you need it
• Antacids
• Band-aids
• Tissues and towlettes to freshen up, clean up
• Something sweet to snack on like trail mix, dried fruit
• Chapstick
• Spare contact lenses
• Hand sanitizer – especially if you are following your ceremony with a reception on the beach
• Whatever helps you calm down – essential oils, music to listen to while you wait

Picture Perfect

• Dental Floss
• Safety pins just in case (a miniature sewing kit will probably hold these and will also have the needles, thread, buttons, scissors and spare pins for attaching boutinnieres)
• Bobby pins in case there is more of a breeze than you expected
• If your dress is white – white chalk will cover any marks so the pictures are flawless
• Stain Remover pen
• Q-tips
• Manicure kit – nail file and / or nail polish (the nail polish will also stop a snag in stockings), tweezers -have a splinter free zone!
• Lint roller
• Straws so you can drink without needing to touch up your lipstick
• Lip gloss
• A small mirror
• Earring back backups
• Hairbrush / hairspray (especially if you are removing the veil and want to change your style slightly)

Just nice to have

• Breath mints / chewing gum – whatever you prefer to not only freshen breath, but relax
• Super glue or duct tape – both of which have been known to save the day
• Cash

 

At the end of the day

 

Rest assured that in the grand scheme of things, saying “I Do” to the love of your life will be enough, but as any good scout knows – “Be Prepared” – a little thought up front could truly make a molehill out of a mountain and you’re covered.

For a day free of stress where you can enjoy every second, call Suncoast Weddings to start planning your big day – for your wedding or your vow renewal we’ve got the experience to smooth the waters and deliver an impeccable ceremony tailored to you – because of all the days that matter in life, this will be one to remember!

Tel: 727-443-0039

Website: www.suncoastweddings.com

Email: inquiries@suncoastweddings.com

 

 

 

Beach Weddings on a budget

Found your soulmate? Check

Ready to take the plunge? Yep

Ready to plan a day to remember? Absolutely

Unlimited budget? Er … no, nowhere near!

When couples come to us for their wedding or vow renewal we want to make all their dreams come true. Let’s face it, budget is a consideration for everyone and perhaps the biggest budget friendly decision you’ve made is to skip tradition and choose to celebrate your love on the beach. Compared to other venues, you’re already off to a great start. The most lavish and extravagant beach wedding has the potential to be significantly cheaper than the average wedding in the US (depending on the source, an average wedding in the US is running somewhere above the $30,000 plus mark … ouch!)

Don’t panic. In this blog we’ll give you ideas and share our experience in what works and how you can have the day you want without breaking the bank. The key is in being realistic and planning ahead.

Planning

Shop the clearance aisle and snip those coupons if you are looking for any kids of DIY element – bouquets, boutonnieres, reception centerpieces. Think ahead and ask friends for their ‘40% off an item’ too. Build your supplies over time at the best price.

There are many kits for building your own ‘Save The Date’ announcements and they needn’t be mailed, social media or email work too … just make it fun!

Instead of wedding gifts, you could ask for financial support with a wedding fund.

Be very clear up front about the parts of the holiday and ceremony you will be paying for, and those your guests will find for themselves.

There may be room rate discounts available for Suncoast Weddings parties – ask us if you are interested.

 

The Wedding

Beach permits – if you’re worrying about the permit costs, put your mind at ease – they typically run about $25-$30 and will be clearly itemized on your Suncoast Weddings proposal. It varies between locations and we’re happy to advise and help you with them.

Look to see if a package fits your needs – typically these are priced to entice and cost significantly less than the sum of their parts. If a package fits your vision, it will probably be your best option cost wise.

Choose dresses for the bridesmaids that could also be worn to a party. No matter who pays for the dress, it will be an investment for the future.

Timing

The time of the year – ironically winter can be the busiest season in Florida with the ‘snowbirds’ spending the coldest months away from their snowy homes – so although it may be a quieter time for wedding ceremonies, beach homes and booking a restaurant can be more of a challenge. Avoid last minute bookings (and unexpected surprises) by planning ahead and checking seasonal pricing.

A morning wedding can be followed economically by a celebratory brunch and this can be just as much fun but give you more options on a budget. Plus you get the rest of the day to party and those bright blue skies as a backdrop!

If you have the option of a mid-week wedding this can make a big difference in not only the price of a reception venue, but the chances it will be available. Saturdays are so popular they book up early and venues are able to charge premium prices. Look to mid-week for the best deals.

It’s obvious but needs stating – the number of guests make a massive difference to your costs – not so much at the ceremony as chairs are a low cost overhead per person, but at a catered reception. Read the small print because sometimes you will be charged for a minimum number of people even if you don’t reach that tally. We know the best local options.

Flowers

Not only may it be possible to buy in bulk if you want a lot of flowers, but choosing flowers that are ‘in season’ will almost always give you the best quality at the best price. Be flexible and see what options there are.  Also consider that silk flowers can be used as part of your decor and/or your bouquet. You can mix and match with silk stargazers on the arch for instance, and fresh stargazers in your bouquet. We have several silk floral arrangements and accents which can bring color and style to your day without breaking the bank.

Re-use your ceremony flowers at the reception. Transform them into centerpieces or scatter the petals as tabletop decoration. Don’t take this on as your own task – assign it to someone you trust so you can enjoy every second.

Consider lanterns or ‘beach themed’ decor in place of some of the flowers, not only may that be budget friendly, they add a whimsical twist to your day which may fit your theme even better than those expensive blooms.

Reception

Choose to serve a limited bar of one signature cocktail or wine /beer / cocktail. Find out in advance if this fits into your budget.

Serve casual food or ‘heavy appetizers’ instead of a full menu.

Consider our beach reception addition to extend the magic and get those extra candid photos. Fancy a Cake & Bubbly reception? Click Here for details.

If you haven’t explored options like the Madeira Beach Recreation Center, the dream reception you thought would be outside your budget may still come true. For incredible value for money and to find out more, click here.

 

 

Why didn’t I think of that?

Make your jewelry on the big day your ‘something borrowed’ – a statement necklace, a bracelet. It will carry more sentiment for you and will mean a lot to the person you borrow it from 🙂

Make the favors for each couple instead of every guest.

What if we said you could have an awesome favor for just $1 per couple? You wouldn’t believe us … how about a lottery ticket? You never know when it could be your time to bring some serious good luck to your guests!

We rent signs for your wedding – don’t think you have to buy everything – ask us first and we may have just what you need 🙂

If you have your ceremony and reception in the same spot, you don’t have to worry about transportation time and cost – a double win! Click Here for more on The Toasted Monkey.

Know your wiggle room and be flexible. Set realistic limits and stick to them, we’ll help in any way we can and be assured that with Suncoast Weddings, there are no ‘hidden extras’ or surprises – we will send you an itemized proposal with a full breakdown.

Congratulations on your upcoming ceremony, when you’re ready to start planning, we’re here for you!

Tel: 727-443-0039

Website: www.suncoastweddings.com

Email: inquiries@suncoastweddings.com

 

 

 

Involving children on the Big Day

If you have children as guests at your Florida beach wedding or vow renewal, there are many ways to integrate them into your celebration, making them feel special and making memories together to last forever in your hearts and your photo albums. Here are some ideas … (we’ve taken inspiration from some of our happy Suncoast Weddings families!)

 

Getting crafty

Before the day even arrives, get crafty together to make your special bouquets, boutonnieres or favors.

Flower Girl

Obvious … but read on … to make it really special, have petals of one color along the aisle and let the flower girl scatter petals of a different color so she can see just how great a job she did, or if you have several flower girls, give them their own special petals or blooms. Another idea is to have each child present you with a flower at the start of the aisle which you then add into your bouquet. Different colors or flowers will stand out in your bouquet and will make you smile every time you see the photos.

Ring Bearer

Typically a young boy, but not always, this important role can be made less nerve wracking by tying a ribbon around the rings so that if they fall, they’ll be easily found in the sand.

Of course, sometimes, carrying the ring bearer is responsibility enough!

Sign Bearer

Very popular at a beach wedding or vow renewal, say it in style with a sign … either bring your own or rent one of ours 🙂

Vows

Include the children as part of your vows to each other.

The Unity Sand Ceremony

Normally, the sands blended during the ceremony are poured by the couple only. The ceremony represents mixing of grains from each person – symbolic of the two lives being joined together as one. An easy way to include children is to allow them to pour sands into the bottle at the same time. This is even more sentimental when colored sands are used so that you can see who poured which grains. Shells for each person will be set up and we plan in advance if any colored sands are required. A beautiful sentiment central to the ceremony, the children can take center stage and are actively involved. Sample text for a sand ceremony involving children can be found on our website here

A Keepsake

As you exchange rings, present a token to the children at the same time so they also have a keepsake of the day.

Cool Kids

They could hand out fans or iced water to the other guests

Have a ‘fun’ element to your service

Youngsters (and those young at heart) will all look forward to celebrating the “I Do’s” with beach balls or a shower of bubbles.

Formal Portraits

Ask your photographer to include some family portraits as well. Children can get bored easily so gauge when is the best time, before or after the formal photos of just the happy couple. To keep them entertained when they are not in front of the lens, consider presenting them with a disposable camera each so they can be an ‘official photographer’ – they feel special and you get bonus shots from their perspective.

Let them embrace your theme

If you’re wedding is themed, let them contribute and wholeheartedly join in.

Making the dances kid friendly

If you’re having a reception, make sure your playlist has a few favorites for the younger movers and shakers!

Depending on the age and the willingness to participate, there are countless other opportunities for children to read a poem, sing or play an instrument. Let us know your plan and we’ll help coordinate on the day. A beach wedding naturally brings a relaxed atmosphere, and whatever plan you have, if the children get too tired, giddy or overwhelmed then just ‘go with the flow’. It’s fine if the day plays out in a slightly different way.

Tel: 727-443-0039

Website: www.suncoastweddings.com

Email: inquiries@suncoastweddings.com

Destination Wedding OOT bags

You’ve either clicked because you want some cool ideas for OOT bags or because you are wondering what is an OOT bag anyway?

Well – if you are planning a destination wedding – or if you live near the beach and have landlubber friends and family coming into town for your big event, you may want to surprise them with a little gift bag to make them feel at home away from home. These Out Of Town bags are known as OOT bags for short.

Will it cost a lot of money? It needn’t.

Can you make it personal and functional at the same time? Certainly.

Will it be a nice surprise to guests who have no idea what an OOT bag is? Yes 🙂

First things first – the bag. It can be a canvas bag or a paper bag, for kids it can even be a bucket to make sandcastles on the beach. You can personalize it and have special ones made, or just pick up anything that works. It needn’t be expensive and you don’t want to give everyone something that will be difficult or bulky to transport back home.

1. A handwritten note

This is an easy one – take the time to personalize a handwritten note to each guest (or couple) saying thank you for being a part of your celebration. They may have traveled a long way and a warm welcome always brings a smile. You could even put a nautical twist on the note and write it as a message in a bottle – literally..

2. The itinerary

If you are planning events together like a rehearsal dinner or an excursion, let them know the general plan so they know how to plan their own time when they are not with the group. It saves time and avoids confusion. Include guidance on the dress code and any other information your guests would want clarified before they turn up to the beach bar in their tuxedo 🙂

3. A local map

A local tourist map will show places of interest and you can circle the important places for your ceremony / reception

4. Trail mix / granola / snacks / dried fruit

Everyone has the munchies sometimes!

5. A water bottle / koozies for drinks

    

6. A few postcards

So they either get to keep a momento of the beach or they use them to send back to friends

7. Brochures

If you know they are looking for kid friendly attractions or local places of interest. If you know one of your guests loves fishing, maybe pick up a few brochures for the deep sea fishing charters that go daily from John’s Pass. Maybe directions to a jet ski rental on the inter coastal.

8. Handy essentials

Tissues / hand sanitizer / chapstick / band-aids / sunscreen / stain remover / mini sewing kit

9. Skip the candles

Many hotels don’t allow candles to be lit so although it sounds like a nice idea, realistically it would end up being taken back home.

10. Music

If you know your guests have your taste in music then you can make or a soundtrack of your destination wedding – great for playing in the rental car and a great reminder of the good times afterwards (bonus: it’s light and easy to transport back)

11. Fresh fruit

It’s hard to beat locally grown Florida oranges

12. A little charm / keepsake

We are surrounded by great gift shops with shell jewelry, shells, charms. If you have young girls in your party, maybe a shell necklace or bracelet. For young boys, how about a shark’s tooth to take home!

13. A taste of Florida

Shells and corals are a really nice gift for guests who long to be near the sea – we found this heart shaped coral and couldn’t resist. If you are only making up a few bags then you have the opportunity to look for something more unique. If you’re making up lots of bags then it could be easier to buy in bulk.

It’s totally up to you although if you decide to make up the bags, it’s easy to get a head start in advance and then have a list for when you arrive in Florida. Especially if you are arriving a couple of days ahead of your guests, you can get everything picked up in a couple of hours. It’s the planning and making decisions that takes the time.

Tel: 727-443-0039

Website: www.suncoastweddings.com

Email: inquiries@suncoastweddings.com

Florida Beach Wedding Grooms

Brides have so many choices when it comes to wedding dresses and the good news for everyone is that when it comes to a beach wedding, really anything goes! It’s up to you and the vision you have for your day. We’re constantly asked what the grooms like to wear…. here’s the Suncoast Weddings Inside Scoop on the fashion and style we see for the leading man on the day.

You can go formal or casual – both look great on the beach. If it is summertime, maybe the heat of the day may influence the choice of fabric.

Formal with a tux

 

If you are wearing a tie, bow tie or waistcoat, it’s a great way to tie in your colors to the theme of the wedding.

Increasingly, brides are choosing different colors for dresses so that is also a great way to integrate a new color into the groom’s wardrobe.

Most of our grooms opt for shirts without a jacket or waistcoat. A classic look, smart yet comfortable.

Waistcoats and jackets without a tie are also a popular choice

When wearing a suit, it’s easier to wear much lighter colors at the beach that at a traditional wedding.

Or even embrace the ‘aloha’ spirit and go colorful!

The mini equivalent to the bouquet – the boutonniere worn by the groom is a chance to really show your style and be unique. We love seeing the beach themes brought by our grooms – starfish, shells. There is an opportunity to embrace the setting and keep a momento forever to remind you of this special day.

Especially with the sunshine on the beach, peacock feathers look particularly striking.

Shoes are entirely optional – and you can always wear shoes down the aisle and then go barefoot for the photos if you like. We have a sign which is very popular where guests are invited to be ‘barefoot past this point’ or ‘Shoes here, vows there, love everywhere’. Everyone can kick off their sandals, flip flops or high heels and feel the sand between their toes ..

If you are a superhero on a rare day off, we suggest channeling your powers in a subtle way 🙂

Whatever you decide, we know it will be perfect – on the day and in the magical pictures afterwards. When you’re in love and wearing a smile, you can’t go wrong.

Let’s get planning!

Tel: 727-443-0039

Website: www.suncoastweddings.com

Email: inquiries@suncoastweddings.com