Is the beach practical - The PASH Wedding Forums and Message Boards

Mary2008Weds · #1 10-11-2007, 08:57 PM

I have really begun to hink seriously about having our wedding at a beach location. I have mixed reviews from family and friends on the humidity and wind and uncomfotableness of the beach. I would love to hear some feedback from someone who has actually had a beach wedding. This would be in Texas so I am not sure it its the same weather.

tripsdown · #2 10-11-2007, 10:55 PM

Hi Mary2008Weds!

Welcome to PASH Weddings! Thank you for signing up. Take a walk around the site!

Well I have to say we our company does not handle beach weddings in Texas, however we have had beach weddings everywhere else. So maybe I can give you some infor.

We have allot of bridal couples who ask that question about the beach. Have attended several myself over the years I have to say it can be an issue, especially during the summer and fall months when the storms are out. As for the humdity, any time I have been to the beach in the Caribbean or Mexico, there has not been a great concern regarding humdity. You might have some in the summer months but still have the breezes off the ocean to cool you down.

The main item you need to take into consideration for a beach wedding is the sun, especially between June - October. You either have it later in the day with the sun going down or give guests items like fans, or umbrellas so that they can take care of themselves. I had a bride who had a Riviera Maya wedding used both a fan with the wedding program on them and umbrellas I got from an Asian store in Chicago. They where nice and colorful, not very expensive, so it was a favor for they could take home with them. She still gave a favor item at the dinner out too, but it is was a caring thought towards her guests, who appreciate it.

I hope this helps!

Best Wishes,
Lindsay

Mary2008Weds · #3 10-12-2007, 07:39 PM

Thank You so much this really helps on picking the month and day as well. I would def take all of that into consideration. I think later on in the day around dusk would be perfect.

AshyBekka · #4 10-13-2007, 02:43 AM

One of my best friends got married on the beach in Gulf Shores and I was a bridesmaid. In theory, and in some of the pictures, it was gorgeous, but there were definitely some negatives. Their ceremony was at sunset, but it was windy that day-a pretty day in June, but windy. I was standing up as a bridesmaid and I couldn't hear the minister or the vows, let alone people sitting in the last row of chairs. Also, regardless of how much beach was supposed to be closed off to "lookyloos" there were random people gaping from all over-which I found just sort of odd. They did the reception inside which I thought was a good call so everyone was comfortable and able to participate.

Overall, my feeling was if there are more than 10 people there including you, your groom, your family and the minister-it's probably nicer to get married somewhere with a nice view of the beach and enjoy a vacation after...Good luck!

lashy · #5 10-28-2007, 04:42 PM

Honestly I have never thought much about a beach wedding before, but it does sound like an interesting idea.

I guess it's a matter of picking the right time of year, and the right beach.

Good luck with the wedding Mary!

Lila Gail · #6 02-12-2008, 03:10 PM

Ok, Living in texas, close to the beach, knowing the weather, I dont think it would be the best place, Our beaches are not that pretty and with it being really really hot, or just muggy and hot, I just dont think it would be the most comforable for your guest or your self in your beautiful dress.

I too have just changed my wedding to have it a beach wedding, but we are going to Jamaica, we have had to cut way back on our guest list but i think it will be worth it.

Sorry if it seems I am downing your idea, I just know how hot and humid it can get.

amberube · #7 02-12-2008, 06:46 PM

It is also hot and humid in Jamaica depending on the time of year and day you are getting married but the beaches are a lot nicer I'm sure. I have only been once to Texas and the beaches I saw, I agree were not so nice.

I will be getting married in Jamaica as well. Ocho Rios to be more precise.

Have fun planning your wedding.

tripsdown · #8 02-12-2008, 11:29 PM

Hi New Pash Members,

I would like to echo that last remark. Depending upon the time of year it could be hot and humid. You can bank on it starting around the 1st of June to about the end of October. Having traveled there during that time I have to say bring some extra clothes! The breezes down by the beach can cool you but that will depend upon the beach you go with too. More importantly the Sandals resort that you are going to.

First I just want to make a disclosure I have been a Sandals Certified Specialist for 10 years now working up to a Gold Level and have stayed at all but two of them. So with that said I want anyone who is thinking of a Sandals resort to truly look into what you want in a resort. Each of them have their own voice. For an example Sandals Dunn's River is activity center. There is so much going on and people love it. On the other hand there is Sandals Negril which is very mellow with more people taking to beach chairs then pool. There is not a large pool at this resort. If you are a big pool lover and don't care about the small beach then Sandals Ocho Rios is perfect for you. However if you love a good lagoon pool and beach then Sandals Whitehouse is for you. In Montego Bay, the Sandals Montego Bay tends to be more "busy".

With your request regarding a beach wedding that is where you have to be careful. The resorts outside of Montego Bay going East past Ocho Rios the resorts only have beaches that are right infront of their resort. That's it! There is no big walking beach at any resort Sandals or not except for maybe RIU Ocho Rios. To have a nice walking beach in front of a bunch of resorts, then you go towards Negril either in the Bloody Bay area or 7 mile Beach. Why does this matter? Because you want a cool trade wind and if there is a small beach there is not going to be much movement. The one I know is the worst in the Sandals chain is Sandals Ocho Rios. The resort is more like a bay area, back a bit so if you have east to west winds it is harder to get them.

The best advise I like to give couples is to find a travel agent (which yes I am too) that has been to the resort to find the little things. Before I stayed at several Sandals resorts or other resort chains too, I did not put that much of importance in it, but now that I require it of everyone working here and myself, I see the value of it. For an example, I went to a resort that was recently bought by a chain such as Sandals. They where doing pictures there taking different angles, furniture, surroundings and moving items from one place to another. When I finally saw the brochure I was stunned because that was not there and this was not on that side and that dining room was not even at the resort. But I would have not known it, unless I had stayed at the resort.

This is your destination wedding and/or honeymoon that should not be taken lightly by booking on Travelocity. Lets face it after a wedding you don't need any "bumps" on the road. And if you check into something you saw on a brochure undated, you could run into a question. Find actual pictures, talk to other people. You have to get over the creative "writing" to make sure that you have a great time.

I hope this helps!

Take Care,
Lindsay

amberube · #9 02-13-2008, 04:45 PM

Lindsay, thanks for all the great info you gave. The wedding is definately the most important part of the first week travelling but we are there for two weeks and golf is on the agenda which is part of the reason we chose the SGOR and SDR (the second week for the honeymoon) for our Jamaica wedding location. Once we get to the location we will be going around to view the actual settings where the wedding can take place. I have the Twilight wedding therefore the sun will have gone down quite a bit. I realize that the humidity will still be high but we will have to deal with that.

Knowing how the temperature can be atrocious at the time we will be there, I bought myself a destination wedding dress as to not have the very heavy and thick materials that some dresses may have.

BTW you must be on the TTO forums also if you are a Sandals Specialist. I read that forum to which helped me a lot in chosing a destination and location.

tripsdown · #10 02-13-2008, 06:16 PM

Hi Annie,

Since you are getting married at Sandals Ocho Rios I can give you a couple pictures here of where the weddings are held at. Personally I like the one on the hilltop which used to be the Beaches Grande Sport resort. It is not beachside by any means but the view that you see along with your guests is one of the most beautiful none beach location in Jamaica. The beach area at SOR is more off the beaten path down by the pool area. It is not a true full water in the back ground but it is sand. There is also the new piers that they built about two years ago. Depending upon the side you could have it at the gazebo built over the water there.

I am having a problems loading the pictures, but if you want to email me at lindsay@weddingsonthego.com I can send you them.

Also you had something on your posting that I wanted to check what you meant.

Quote:

BTW you must be on the TTO forums also if you are a Sandals Specialist. I read that forum to which helped me a lot in chosing a destination and location.

Actually that TTO forum is run by a person who I know started the forum because of their love of Sandals resorts then a few years back became a travel agent and started just selling them. Then honestly I did not feel like other travel agents, especially another Certified Sandals Specialist where welcomed to post anything so I left. I was a member of that board until then however I have only glanced at them a couple times since then. But they are not the place where other Sandals Specialists "hang out".

I look at like this, you must look at many sources to find what you want because there is so many different views. What might be right for one, could be totally different for another. That's why you came by this message board too. What I point out with Sandals is because so many people that believe the marketing hype but they are not the only one in town anymore. Yes, the brochures are great and the service is but what they show on the TV and in the brochures are the higher priced products. You don't see a picture of the first room category, Deluxe room in their brochures, that's because they don't look as "nice" as the others, then you come back disappointed. Hey I did that myself! I do love Sandals if I can book someone in the certain room styles at certain resorts. And the only way people are informed is by asking questions on message boards such as PASH. So I hope you enjoy the exchange here Annie!

Lindsay

amberube · #11 02-13-2008, 06:56 PM

I find it so important to have knowledgeable people such as yourself on forums like this one. Thanks again...

I am one to do a lot of research on and off the web, to get what I am looking for and to access all information available. When I do not have enough information I try radical options. My FH boss was looking for a place to go next week and we suggested that he go see what Jamaica is like. It ends up that he was waiting for last minute deals and he did get a deal to Jamaica. He will be going to the SDR and will jump the bus to go see the GOR for one night out. He will be at our wedding so he is going to check out the place and take all kinds of pictures. But I would like to see the pixs you have.

I am not stuck on the idea of having a beach wedding if I can find a better location overthere. I would love a place where we can see the ocean and the sunset.

SarahD. · #12 03-11-2008, 08:10 PM

I too would love to get married on the beach because the beach is my favorite place in the world (specifaclly south carolina beaches cause i grew up going to them) but im worried that the beach air will ruin my hair in make up! lol, it might sound shallow but i dont want to have gross beach hair at my wedding!

The future Mrs. · #13 03-12-2008, 02:50 PM

Hi! I am getting married on a beach in NJ next July. I picked a resort that has a back up plan. they move everything inside to a ballroom if there is more than 40% chance of rain. i think if you do an evening wedding, they sun won't be strong at all.
however, older people really hate the idea of walking on the sand, etc. i have already had several complaints about it. TOO BAD!
Gina

tripsdown · #14 03-12-2008, 04:01 PM

Thanks for joining PASH! Here are some thoughts that I have on your postings.

Sarah - Don't worry that is not shallow at all. It is a very valid concern! This is your big day and your hair is just one part of it. And actually that is what you should look at it as such. Just one part and one that you cannot control no matter what you are doing. There could be a big wind when you are getting out of the limo or it you are going for an updo, that could actually down do for no reason. What I tell brides is to talk with a hair dresser to fit the location that you are looking at. Have them show you variations. An updo is not a great choice if you have lots of hair. Actually for a beach you should keep it as simple as the location. Because lets face it the location dictates the dress too. You are not going to go down a beach aisle with a fancy dress, long train and veil that goes past the fingertips. I had one bride that I traveled with who did it, she even had the hoop skirt under. It was not a pretty picture. I thought she was going to fly away as a parachute! So Sarah, when you are looking at a place take into consideration what you want for your wedding. What is important to you.

Future Mrs - Good for you! You are standing up to your wedding vision. Actually your concern (complaints) regarding the sand is a valid one, but you can combat that with a couple of options. For one, the older adults or people not steady on their feet have the ushers walk them assisted to their seats. But the trick is to not let that single them out. Maybe have enough ushers to escort several people to their seats.

Another suggestion would be to have flip flops at the beach location with a shoe check. Then the guests can take them home as a favor. You can add to them in painting or maybe a charm or even just a ribbon. We have had bridal couples ask for people's shoe size when they ask them chicken or beef on the RSVP card. You can either hit the dollar stores, Old Navy had some really nice ones last year or sign up for Ebay looking in the wholesale lots. There was a wedding last year that I traveled with who did this. They had a teenage cousin be the "shoe" check person. There was preprinted cards with a ribbon attached. So that when they took off their shoes, the shoe check person could take off from the flip flops then tie the ribbon around their old shoes. Then when the wedding ended they could either leave the flip flops on or take them as a favor. The bridal couple bought them at Old Navy then when to Michael's Crafts and found a paint that they could write on the pad part their names, location and wedding date. It is a way of your guests who like heels become involved with the overall wedding.

I hope this helps both of you! Congratulations! I wish you nothing but the best on your special day!

Lindsay

The future Mrs. · #15 03-12-2008, 05:04 PM

thanks for the idea. i am not sure whether or not we have the extra $ in the budget for it, but i have seen it before and thought it was cute. we are going to mention on the invitation "beach ceremony and reception" so we hope that people plan accordingly.

his mother really wants us to rent a dance floor, but thats another $1,000 we don't have.. ya know?

thanks for the tips!
Gina