New Jersey Beach Weddings by the Ocean
New Jersey beach weddings offer the perfect backdrop for a romantic and unforgettable celebration. Whether you’re planning a summer ceremony or a coastal celebration in the off-season, the Shore’s stunning views and ocean breeze create a magical setting. Dreaming of saying “I do” at sunset with your toes in the sand and the sound of waves in the background? Here are a few important things to keep in mind as you plan your perfect day by the sea.
Photo Credit: McLoone’s Pier House
Beating the Bugs, Birds, and Burns: Guest Comfort Tips for Beach Weddings
The beach is a beautiful place, but like all outdoor destinations, it comes with a special set of challenges when planning a wedding. Mosquitos, greenheads, and seagulls can all be uninvited guests. Also, there’s always that one beachgoer who ends up red as a lobster because they decided to forgo sunscreen. While you can’t force anyone to put on sunscreen, you can help your guests prepare. Leave bug spray, sunscreen, and aloe vera or lidocaine for those who do end up with a little extra color at the end of the day.
Uninvited Guests: Navigating Public vs Private Beaches
When planning your wedding, one of the biggest things you will make decisions on is the guest list. If you’re planning a beach wedding, you might unintentionally end up with some uninvited human guests: the general public. Beaches can be private or public. To avoid noisy kids making sand castles or curious onlookers nearby, check whether your beach venue is public or private.
Keep It Grounded: Preventing Windy Mishaps at Your Beach Ceremony
We’ve all been to a beach, spread out a towel, and promptly rushed about putting things down to hold the towel in place. Everything from sandals to books, coolers and beach bags. When setting out lightweight things for the ceremony, like programs, be sure to use something to weigh them down. Anything light enough to go airborne probably will at some point, and the last thing you want is to watch all those programs blow away down the beach or into the water.
Dress Smart for Sun, Sand, and Style
When planning everyone’s wardrobe, make sure to keep the climate in mind. Standing on a beach in the hot sun means the men with dark suits in your bridal party will probably be roasting. Instead, opt for cooler options, such as light colored linen suits, or ditch the suits all together for Bermuda shorts and blazers. The same goes for dresses: long dresses are not only hot, they will drag in the sand. Dresses with lace will end up with sand particles stuck in them. Consider dresses with shorter skirts made of a fabric that won’t attract sand like a magnet.
Final Thoughts
Finally, just like any other outdoor event, it’s best to have a Plan B. If the weather doesn’t cooperate for your big day. While everyone associates the beach with cloudless skies and endless sun, it’s unfortunate that it does rain sometimes. If you’re concerned about bad weather, consider renting a tent. Be aware of rules for public and private beaches. Consider holding your event at an oceanfront venue, where you can have a backup plan and beautiful waterfront views.
Finally, the New Jersey Shore is a fabulous place to celebrate your special day. With the sound of crashing waves, ocean breezes, and stunning sunset views, it offers a naturally romantic backdrop for your vows. Whether you’re dreaming of toes-in-the-sand simplicity or elegant seaside sophistication, a beach wedding at the Shore is sure to be unforgettable. Still looking for wedding venues in New Jersey? Click here to continue your search.
