I'm planning a beach wedding in Ocean City NJ and being that I have never planned a wedding in my life I am completely lost. I want both the ceremony and reception outside. So I figured I'd have to rent a tent. But what my fiance and I are confused about is lighting. I am checking out a couple of sites next week so I'm not sure if there are electrical outlets. If there isn't... does anyone have any suggestions for lighting/music? My fiance says generators will be way to loud. Please help. Thank you.
Beach weddings are romantic, but depending on what you are wanting, planning for them can be difficult. If you're content with just the two of you and a few close friends, a beach wedding can be had without too many problems. The more people and conditions you add to the scenario, the more issues will require your attention, especially if all family members want to attend as well as friends.
Having provided entertainment at resorts, civic centers, country community buildings without air conditioning, and OUTDOOR weddings, our experience has been that the functions that were planned at facilities where WEATHER is NOT an issue, tended to go much more smoothly.
To have the best of both, you might want to consider having a private wedding ceremony at the beach, go on your honeymoon, and when you get back all nice and rested, have your reception at a location where you won't have to worry about weather conditions, electricity, etc.
To have it ALL outside, consider these items:
1) Will the weather cooperate? If it's nice, will it be so windy that sand will be blown into everything and/or knock the tent down, or blow Aunt Eloise's dress up, creating a scene?
2) Generators are often noisy, but if you plan on having loud music at the reception, a Honda generator runs fairly quiet, and a good time can be had by all.
3) Entertainment considerations - If you plan on dancing, a sandy beach won't be the best choice. If it's just music to listen to while everyone partakes of food, then okay. Also, be sure and check with your entertainment vendor to see if they are going to charge a non-refundable deposit or charge for showing up and not being able to play due to bad weather. If power not available, consider a live band that does not require power (i.e. amplifiers, etc.)
4) If you're planning on serving alcohol, be sure and check with the local authorities and make sure it is NOT illegal to "drink on the beach". Many communities do not allow glass containers or liquor on beaches.
5) If you love the ocean, consider finding a park or something that has a view, or at least offers covered pavillions with electrical power and real bathrooms. Most Pavillions at parks have lighting for night functions, BUT often require the party to be over by a certain time (i.e. 10 pm)
6) Tent rentals are not cheap, especially the size you may require. Also, what about chairs, tables, decorations that may be damaged due to wind gusts, etc.? There may be extra charges for delivery and set up, especially if they have to lug the tent through sand dunes. Again, check with local authorities and find out if there are any zone restrictions, etc.
7) If the wedding is held at the beach during daylight hours BEWARE of GULLS. You don't want your guests throwing rice or other favors if gulls are present. They will dive bomb you and your guests. If the ceremony is held at night, BEWARE of CRABS. You usually don't notice them at night, until you turn on the lights and they seem to be everywhere. For guests who are not use to the beach, it can be disturbing.
Beach Wedding Help!
