Florida Beach Weddings – Think Pink!

If you’re a fan of pink in one of its many guises, it’s a great color to incorporate into your Florida beach wedding. From bubble gum pink to hot pink and shades of blush, we at Suncoast Weddings have all the inspiration you need to think pink on your big day?

1. The arch

Beach weddings are already non-traditional, and bringing a splash of color to the ceremony space is a great way to personalize the experience. Pink is very versatile and can be used to drape the arch alone or as a pairing for other colors in addition. Here we share some of our favorite Florida beach wedding arches with pink fabrics. The arch is one of the most popular items of beach wedding decor and is featured in several of our Florida beach wedding packages.

Dusky pink chiffon with asymmetrical draping and floral accents – boho chic!

Hot pink and white pair perfectly on our stylish Tropical four-post arch

Subtle blush chiffon adds a whimsical twist to the arch

Adding an elegant twist to the drapes offers a unique backdrop

Pink perfection on our two-post Suncoast arch under beautiful Florida skies

Go bold with hot pink for the big day

2. Beach wedding bouquets in pink

Where to start? From classic roses to tropical blooms, there are so many beautiful bouquet ideas we would like to share with you!

Tropical inspiration – perfect for Florida!

Pink roses with delicate white orchids – stunning!

A medley of pink blooms to celebrate the big day

Romantic shades of pink and blush

Pink florals, brooches, and strings of pearls

Lilies are always a popular choice for a bridal bouquet

3. Wedding day outfits

Thinking pink for the wedding day outfit can range from soft blush to salmon and from bright pink to tropical silks. Adding a pink accent like a sash is also a great way to add to the colorful theme. Here are some of our favorites from the Suncoast Weddings archives – for happy couples and the members of the wedding party.

4. Florida beach wedding aisle style

There are many creative ways to add pink to the sandy aisle. Ideas include conch shells that have a pale pink interior, pomanders, baskets of flowers, chiffon sashes on rustic lanterns, fresh rose petals, and tropical tikis with pink sash accents.

5. Floral accents

Florida beach wedding packages offer the opportunity to bundle and save, and all of the packages and Suncoast Weddings can be tailored. Adding on a sophisticated swag to the arch or floral accents are a great way to personalize the wedding or vow renewal.

6. The cake

Thinking pink for the cake includes fabulous cake toppers. Check out these tropical flamingos 🙂

7. Pink accessories

From flowers in your hair to flower crowns, nail polish, leis, and jewelry accents, there are so many ways to think pink!

8. Unity Sand Ceremony

If the Unity Sand Ceremony will be a part of your ceremony, bring even more pink to the party.

In summary

If you’re looking for even more pink inspiration, head over to our social media for thousands of images.

Whatever vision you have for your dream beach wedding or romantic vow renewal, we can help make it a reality 🙂

If you’re ready to start planning your beach wedding or Florida vow renewal, give us a call to start planning. 727-443-0039 or visit us online at http://www.suncoastweddings.com

Bridal Fashion – some of our favorite looks

OK – confession time! This blog is a nostalgic meander through our albums at some of the Suncoast Weddings brides who looked so stunning on their beach wedding day, we couldn’t resist sharing the #bridalinspiration

1. Dress length

Beach weddings are already non-traditional, so think outside the box when it comes to what is expected. It is your big day, so really the choices are endless. If the temperature is likely to be hot, that’s another reason to consider a shorter dress. Many couples choose music for parts of their ceremony, and a tea-length dress may be easier to dance in. Certainly, if you plan on going into the surf, then a shorter hemline will help you in the waves and will protect the dress from the salty water.

Shorter dresses can combine bridal style with a fun attitude

Asymmetrical hemlines and lace are a stylish choice for beach weddings and vow renewals alike

Shorter wedding dresses need not compromise on lace detailing or bridal vibes

Are you ready to party into the evening and dance as the sun sets?

A happy compromise for some brides is to choose a shorter dress with an overlay that is longer … a nod to tradition with a modern twist!

2. Color

Don’t be afraid to choose a gown that isn’t the traditional ivory or white … although it is more common in vow renewals to wear a colorful gown, there are no rules for your beach wedding 🙂

3. Veils

There aren’t many days that are veil-wearing days – so in our opinion, they are a stunning accessory on a magical day. There are so many photo opportunities and often they make the big day’s outfit shift from great to sensational. If you are worried about the breeze, then consider the length of the veil and look into veil weights which are cheap to buy and will give a more predictable experience. Veil weights can be decorative as well as functional, adding an extra dimension to the bridal outfit.

4. Bling!

It’s the big day, the sun is shining in the sunshine state … what better way to capture some of the beautiful sunlight and magic of the day? Crystals and pearl accents are an integral part of some bridal dresses and they bring that touch of pazazz and sparkle to the shore 🙂

5. Lightweight fabrics

Florida beach wedding packages may be the starting point for couples looking to plan, but the dress is always going to be high on the ‘to do’ list. When planning a beach wedding, lightweight fabric may not only be more comfortable, it could add some natural movement as the breeze blows in from the Gulf of Mexico, making for whimsical and magical beach wedding snaps. An added bonus if you are having a destination wedding is that lightweight wedding dresses are easier to pack and less bulky.

6. Crowning glory

From tiaras to flower crowns, and from starfish accents to ‘flowers in her hair’, have fun and embrace the chance to look and feel truly amazing from head to toe on this special day. Here are some of our favorites from the Suncoast Weddings archive.

7. Footwear

Walking in the sand can be tricky! Some couples opt for bare feet, others for flip-flops. A very ‘beach wedding’ twist is to wear foot jewelry. Whatever you decide, there is always the opportunity to change into a stylish pair of shoes for the reception afterward 🙂

8. Express yourself

This is a day to shine, a day to feel beautiful, and a day to enjoy. Really, there are no rules. Share your dress code vision with your guests so they know what to look for when they are choosing their outfits, and then have fun with it.

In summary

It was so much fun to look back through the years. We are lucky to have met wonderful, creative, fun-loving couples who continue to inspire us every day.

Whatever vision you have for your dream beach wedding or romantic vow renewal, we can help make it a reality 🙂

If you’re ready to start planning your beach wedding or vow renewal, give us a call to start planning. 727-443-0039 or visit us online at http://www.suncoastweddings.com

8 reasons to Say “I Do” on Florida’s West Coast with Suncoast Weddings

1. Location, Location, Location

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. We are surrounded by beautiful beaches, bordered by sea oats, palm trees, dunes, and boardwalks. Most of our couples choose a beach setting for their ceremony, with the Gulf of Mexico providing a stunning backdrop to the ceremony. The ceremony space is relaxed and welcoming, and the beach provides an ideal location for group photos and portraits of the happy couple. We have a dedicated page on our website to show you more detail about our preferred Florida beach wedding locations.

2. Sunsets

The West Coast of Florida in particular is famous for golden sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Although each day can be slightly different and the weather varies, sunset is the most popular time of day for our couples to say “I Do”, hoping for that perfect golden hour. Take a look at our Sunset beach wedding gallery for more inspiration.

3. Easy to reach

Tampa International Airport is less than an hour’s drive away and is a hub for guests traveling from inside the US or from further afield.

4. Lots of places to stay

The area around St. Pete Beach, Madeira Beach, Clearwater, and Treasure Island is a popular destination for tourists, so there are many accommodation choices ranging from hotels, to beach houses, to quaint cottages and resorts. Suncoast Weddings couples may be eligible for a discount, so if you’re interested in staying in local accommodation as a couple or as an entire wedding party, ask us for more information.

5. Beach Weddings on a Budget

Planning a wedding, or a wedding and reception can be a daunting task. With Suncoast Weddings, we offer a range of Florida beach wedding packages that are designed to help couples ‘bundle and save’ on their big day. To keep all of the costs in one place and make logistics easier, many choose to plan a wedding and reception together with Suncoast Weddings. We have a list of preferred local vendors that we have worked with for years, so even if you’re out of state or out of the country, we are your local experts.

6. Romantic Setting

With a soundtrack of the waves, and soft sand as the aisle, the beach is seen by many as their ‘happy place’. Where better then to exchange vows and say “I do” or “We still do” in the case of a vow renewal? If the beach wasn’t already the perfect setting, then it is amped up at sunset with ‘golden hour’. Romantic portraits of the couple at the shoreline as the sun sets over the horizon are dreamt of by many. When there are so many choices to be made over where and when, one look at these pictures shows how a magical setting can be both stress-free and romantic.

7. Simple Legal Process

Getting a marriage license in the state of Florida is a well documented and simple process, and the turnaround time is in the order of a few days usually.

8. A local wedding planner you trust – enter Suncoast Weddings!

Having a trusted local partner to help plan your Florida Beach wedding is a game-changer. Everybody has that job or that skill that they perfect and they become the experts. Well, Florida beach weddings and receptions are our speciailty. We have the knowledge and the experience to take a vision and see it through to the big day. The fact that we also love doing this every day is a bonus :-). So number 8 on our list is finding a local wedding planner you can trust, and now you know us, give us a call, explore our website, or drop us an email. We look forward to meeting you and being a part of your exciting upcoming journey. We have many testimonials on our website from happy couples.

In summary

Whatever vision you have for your dream beach wedding or romantic vow renewal, we can help make it a reality 🙂

If you’re ready to start planning your beach wedding or vow renewal, give us a call to start planning. 727-443-0039 or visit us online at http://www.suncoastweddings.com

5 ways to incorporate pearls at your beach wedding

In the bouquet

Pearls can be a supporting accent in the bouquet, or the main star! Here are some creative ideas for a stylish beach wedding bouquet featuring pearls.

And the fun extends to pearl inspiration for the beach wedding groom or members of the wedding party.

 Pearl Jewelry

A classic choice for any wedding, pearls pair perfectly with any outfit.

Bridal fashion

There are many choices on how to integrate pearls into the outfit. Some wedding dresses incorporate pearls as part of the style.

The cake and cake topper

Centerpieces

Perfect for a beach wedding, pearls feature in our ‘under the sea’ centerpieces and add a decadent touch to any tablescape.

In summary

There are many ways to incorporate pearls into a Florida beach wedding. They are a perfect representation of a traditional wedding element brought to the shore. Here are a couple of bonus ideas for added inspiration:

As decoration for table seating plans

Maybe not traditional wedding jewelry – but a beach wedding offers the perfect pearl accessory in foot jewelry

As a hair accessory

Whatever vision you have for your dream beach wedding or romantic vow renewal, we can help make it a reality 🙂

If you’re ready to start planning your beach wedding or vow renewal, give us a call to start planning. 727-443-0039 or visit us online at http://www.suncoastweddings.com

5 Fun ideas for your beach Vow Renewal

Cake topper show-stopper

Have a bit of fun with customized cake toppers which echo the vow renewal theme. The cake topper on the top image also includes the number of years being celebrated 🙂

 Say it with a stylish parasol

Parasols are the perfect accessory for the beach, and look great in portraits. Having a bit of fun in pictures for a beach vow renewal, this parasol sums up the key words of the day “We Still Do”

Beach Wedding Signs

Beach wedding signs greet friends and family and act as props for memorable vow renewal portraits. Personalized signs become a great keepsake for the future to remember the big day.

Pose with a picture from your wedding day

Have fun with fashion

From a twist on the traditional to a tea-length dress, to something totally different, a vow renewal is the perfect day to have fun with fashion.

In summary

When it comes to vow renewals, there are no rights or wrongs; choose a milestone anniversary year like 25 years or 30, or choose a date just because it feels right, the premise behind a beach vow renewal is to relax, relish the stress-free backdrop, and focus on celebrating a love which has stood the test of time. Choose from our beach wedding packages for your vow renewal, or let us create something totally unique just for you.

Whatever vision you have for your dream beach wedding or romantic vow renewal, we can help make it a reality 🙂

If you’re ready to start planning your beach wedding or vow renewal, give us a call to start planning. 727-443-0039 or visit us online at http://www.suncoastweddings.com

Beach Wedding Trends for 2022

As we approach the end of 2021, we’re sharing some of the recent highlights in our beach wedding ceremonies and we’re pulling together a list that we think will play a prominent role in the next year for beach weddings and vow renewals.

Outdoors is best

An alfresco setting, being able to stay socially distanced, and just simply enjoying the Great Outdoors, the beach is a popular setting for weddings and vow renewals, now more than ever. Ceremonies can be planned from out of town easily and the long lead times which are often a headache with traditional weddings are a thing of the past. Instantly familiar and welcoming, the beach is temporarily transformed into a wedding venue, with Suncoast Weddings offering packages like “toes in the sand” for a small and intimate celebration, our Suncoast two-post arch, tropical 4-post arch, dreamy Island Oasis, Ultimate romance, or an a la carte wedding. All weddings and vow renewals with Suncoast Weddings can be tailored – because it’s all about you! 

Vow Renewals with zero stress and lots of fun

We’re seeing a return to vow renewals celebrating landmark years following a marriage from 15 years (crystal), 25 years (silver), 30 years (pearl), to 40 years (ruby), and beyond, although now we’re also seeing more celebrations of earlier anniversaries – like 5 years (wooden) or 7 years (copper). It was a special occasion for us in November 2021 when Margarita and David chose to celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary on the same beach with a similar beach ceremony to their Suncoast Weddings 2016 wedding. Curt was the minister on both occasions, and the wedding decor was expertly handled by Scott and Michelle. 2 picture-perfect ceremonies, 5 years apart.

November 2016 wedding day

November 2021 – 5th year anniversary with the original Suncoast Weddings team of Curt, Scott, and Michelle

Fashion forward

A beach wedding or vow renewal is a special occasion. We have so many stunning couples, it’s hard to select a few to share. Here are some of our recent fashion highlights from the Suncoast Weddings albums. They range from formal to beach casual and the only rule when choosing a dress code is to make sure everyone on the guest list knows it 🙂

Including a reception as part of the package

There are so many choices when it comes to planning a reception, ranging from a small reception with a cake on the beach to a buffet-style dinner in a beach-side pavilion to a more traditional venue with a dance floor and a DJ, to a dinner cruise reception at sunset. Adding the reception onto the wedding package with Suncoast Weddings helps keep all the costs easy to track and allows a single point of contact for the planning, making logistics simpler. Beach wedding and reception packages have become more and more popular during 2021, and we see this as a trend which will continue into 2022, for good reason.

Subtle Shades

There is no right or wrong when it comes to colors. At Suncoast Weddings, we are firm believers that no matter what the pundits say, the colors that you choose are the perfect ones for your wedding or vow renewal. Looking at potential trends for 2022, we can see subtle shades accenting predominantly ivory or white arches will be popular. Here are a few of our favorite subtle shades for some inspiration.

Teal and periwinkle

Dusty sage

Blush

Turquoise and Teal

Blush and grey

Baby’s Breath – beautiful and affordable

Gypsophila – or Baby’s breath, is romantic and whimsical, and easy to arrange across the wedding decor. It’s an affordable choice and readily available. It can play a supporting role to roses or other flowers, or stand alone as the main floral arrangements.

Fun photos to capture the mood of the day

Come with some ideas, or trust your Suncoast Weddings photographer to be creative! Formal photographs have their place and yet we find some of the best “pictures of the day” are the unexpected ones – the candid portraits which catch a hearty laugh instead of a smile, or a tear being shed during the vows.

Whatever vision you have for your dream beach wedding or romantic vow renewal, we can help make it a reality 🙂

If you’re ready to start planning your beach wedding or vow renewal, give us a call to start planning. 727-443-0039 or visit us online at http://www.suncoastweddings.com

Halloween Florida Beach Weddings

Halloween may feel a long time away in February, but now is the perfect time to start planning! If you want a themed wedding around Halloween, we have ideas to inspire at every step of the way, and the day!. Call us to explore the options on 727-443-0039

Looking for some personalized inspiration for weddings vows? Take your favorite Halloween -inspired song and look to use some of the lyrics, maybe changed just a little so they are still equally recognizable, but perfect for the moment.

The Color Scheme

We have inspiration in black or a mix of orange and black although any color scheme can be integrated into a themed wedding.

Arch Style

A four-post arch is the most dramatic on the beach, with bold colors and perfect for a date around October 31st.

If you want to take the decor to the next level, you could add spiders to the arch as a special Halloween delight!

Alternatively, black panels of fabric conjure a more subtle aesthetic.

The sandy aisle

When it comes to the aisle, what could be better than carved pumpkins with your wedding date featured? Orange and black sash accents on the chairs and tikis look great.

The Bouquet

The easiest way to get the look is with silk flowers either scattered throughout a traditional bouquet or on their own. Feathers and crystals also add to the drama.

The dress code

Let everyone on the day contribute in their own way! Great fun, and great photos to follow.

Reception centerpiece ideas

Time to have fun!

• witches’ hats with numbers on them
• black bottles with silk flowers prayed black
• black bottles with orange silk flowers
• black linens
• glasses inverted over silk flowers in orange and black
• photographs of an engagement shoot with themed props
• mini pumpkins with table numbers attached
• floating candles on top of silk flowers in a tall submerged vase
• Use “canned” cobwebs to create the centerpieces (well away from any candles!)
• scatter candy corn on the table instead of confetti

Other Reception Ideas

• The toast to the happy couple could be of blood orange soda and sparkling wine or orange juice and champagne
• Rename the menu items with quirky titles – Mummy’s Spaghetti, Dracula’s Chicken Delight
• Make sure the playlist for the dancefloor includes favorites like Monster Mash, Ghostbusters, and Thriller (which would be a great choreographed first dance surprise for family and friends). The Time Warp would get everyone on the dance floor in a second!
• Tempt guests with a candy station with treats like candy corn and gummy worms
• Set up a photo booth with lots of fun props for memorable photos and plenty of fun
• Decorate with colored fabric panels or accent with orange lights
• Add some themed balloons to the space
• Mix and match the pictures from the day with a traditional wedding followed by a themed reception

The Cake

Another idea would be to have a small top tier to cut and then themed mini portions for everyone else like cupcakes with a cobweb design in the frosting or donuts sprinkled with orange and black sprinkles.

 

Whatever vision you have for your dream beach wedding or romantic vow renewal, we can help make it a reality 🙂

If you’re ready to start planning your beach wedding or vow renewal, give us a call to start the journey. 727-443-0039 or visit us online at http://www.suncoastweddings.com

 

5 Revisions

Beach Wedding Trends for 2021

As we approach the end of 2020, it’s difficult to predict the trends for 2021 although looking through our upcoming ceremonies and the inquiries we are seeing, we have been able to pull together a list that we think will play a prominent role in the next year for beach weddings and vow renewals.

Outdoors is best

An outdoor wedding provides a scenic backdrop

Being encouraged to spend time outdoors has reminded us how much we appreciate the space, the freedom, the relaxed ambiance, and the simple pleasures in life like the sound of waves lapping against the shore and a golden sunset. At the center of a wedding day or vow renewal is love … the formality and tradition that once seemed necessary slips away and we return to the essence of the day. The seashore is a scenic, spacious, and romantic place to gather and say the all-important vows.

Vow Renewals without a landmark year

We Still Do

It’s been a pattern to see vow renewals to celebrate landmark years following a marriage from 15 years (crystal), 25 years (silver), 30 years (pearl), to 40 years (ruby), and beyond. Now, more than ever, we are all recognizing that every year is a celebration, and why not celebrate 7 years (wool), 8 years (bronze), or 12 years (silk) – and to be even more spontaneous, why not set a new anniversary date and make a new tradition on a date which does not match the original wedding day. That may be a good solution when planning a specific destination vow renewal with select family and friends.

Flowers in her hair

From subtle to a statement, wearing flowers is both whimsical and romantic, a departure from every day that reinforces just how special this day is. They can blend into a theme or stand-alone, either way, they are sure to add a touch of joy to the day.

The flowers can then be pressed and saved, maybe even added into a photo album of the magical day.

Blush Accents

There is no right or wrong when it comes to colors. At Suncoast Weddings we are firm believers that no matter what the pundits say, the colors that you choose are the perfect ones for your wedding or vow renewal. Looking at potential trends for 2021, we can see blush being a popular choice in the planning of ceremonies so it seems that is going to be evident in the 2021 albums. From blush-colored roses on the arch to blush chiffon drapes, there are so many ways to incorporate this shade of pink that it is truly versatile.

Fun photos to capture the mood of the day

It used to be that when you scanned through a wedding photo album, you could almost predict every pose, every grouping, and every expression – that needn’t be the case. Having some fun with the photos not only adds an element of excitement to the day, but you are also left with candid memories capturing a special moment in time.

The photos can also include members of the wedding party so everyone gets in on the fun.

One of the reasons to celebrate your love on the beach is to throw the rulebook away so embrace the setting, embrace the experience, and enjoy every second!

Come with some ideas, or trust your Suncoast Weddings photographer to be creative!

Whatever vision you have for your dream beach wedding or romantic vow renewal, we can help make it a reality 🙂

If you’re ready to start planning your beach wedding or vow renewal, give us a call to start planning. 727-443-0039 or visit us online at http://www.suncoastweddings.com

5 ways to customize your beach wedding arch

Whether you opt for a two-post arch or a four-post arch, there are many ways to customize the look, tailoring it for your special wedding day or vow renewal.

Statement florals

Fresh flowers (or silk flowers) accent the arch perfectly. They can be subtle and delicate or bold, vibrant, and richly scented. Silk flowers are the most affordable option. Perhaps the most popular customization we see is the addition of a central swag across the top of the arch.

A central swag of silk flowers adds color and texture

Bold sprays of fresh flowers transform this arch

Subtle floral accents add sophisticated flair

A crystal drape

The Florida sunshine and later the Florida golden sunsets pick up the crystals so the backdrop ‘shimmers’. This elegant add-on delivers a high-impact wow factor.

This arch has extra crystal charm with a dramatic chandelier

The golden sunset shimmers on the crystal drape

Color

At Suncoast Weddings, we have a variety of colors to choose from. From subtle sash accents against an arch in ivory and white to bold colors and even textured chiffon, the looks which can be created allow you to let your personality and mood for the day shine through.

Subtle shades of purple and lavender

Bold orange and fuchsia chiffon

Pretty in pink

Royal blue and turquoise

Classic and subtle ivory

Themed weddings

From ‘the little mermaid’ to a fancy dress Halloween wedding, fun in the sun at a beach wedding offers the chance to embrace a theme and make unique memories.

This arch was themed for a Halloween wedding

This patriotic color scheme featured red, white, and blue. A flag can also be placed next to the arch

Boho asymmetrical charm

Embrace the unexpected and bohemian element of asymmetrical draping and placement of flowers. Experiment with colors and seasonal blooms to catch the essence of the natural setting and soft breeze.

Tropical flowers and a soft blush chiffon on our Suncoast arch

Dusky pink on our four-post bamboo arch

Statement flowers and subtle shades

Whatever vision you have for your dream beach wedding or romantic vow renewal, we can help make it a reality 🙂

If you’re ready to start planning your beach wedding or vow renewal, give us a call to start planning. 727-443-0039 or visit us online at http://www.suncoastweddings.com

Florida Beach Weddings – 6 ways to beat the summer heat

Florida is called the sunshine state for a reason – when you’re planning ahead for your beach wedding there are ways to make sure you beat the summer heat – your guests will appreciate the attention to detail and the photos will be filled with smiles no matter how hot the beach is 🙂

Parasols

Instant shade and instant style. These look great in the wedding portraits, too!

Water

Make sure there are water bottles on hand for yourselves and your guests. Although you may not be out on the beach for very long, if someone wants a chilled drink, it’s easy to have a cooler or water station nearby.

Dress Code

Although some weddings are formal attire, most of our happy couples and their guests opt for lighter fabrics and a semi-formal or tropical dress code. This translates into summer dresses, shorts, sandals, flip flops, or sandy toes 🙂

A morning ceremony

Temperatures tend to be cooler in the morning hours and the skies are often the brightest blue. A morning ceremony can be followed by a celebration brunch and there is the rest of the day to celebrate!

Fans

Providing a fan on each chair will help with the heat – they can be found in a number of styles and shades – also a great prop for the photos. A popular twist on the ‘fan’ theme is to print a card program and attach it to a holder so it doubles as a memento.

The waves

When you’re steps from the shoreline, it’s hard to resist! Make time for some cooling fun in the sun with a dip in the Gulf of Mexico

If you’re ready to start planning your beach wedding or vow renewal, give us a call to start planning. 727-443-0039 or visit us online at http://www.suncoastweddings.com