Unique Ideas For Your Beach Wedding - Planning Your Own: Reception by the Beach

Showing posts with label Reception by the Beach. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

10 Unique Ideas For Beach Wedding Reception

When I was still planning my own wedding, after we have had decided to have a beach wedding, I WAS EXTREMELY EXCITED EVERY MOMENT IN MY PLANNING PERIOD! I remember I used to imagine what was gonna be like when we get to Mauritius. In fact, I even fantasized and envisioned for tens of sleeping nights, it was like my eyes were closed but my mind and spirit were flying. Thanks God it was finally over, this was my very first feelings the moment everybody had flown back to their respective countries!

My BEACH WEDDING RECEPTION was the finale of all of my hard work and the celebration of the union between my husband and myself. Of course, we wanted or you want it to be perfect in every way possible! Here are 10 unique ways to decorate your

beach theme wedding, without overstretching your wedding budget. These are all based on my own experience, though our reception area was all organized by the resort personnel, which really turned out to be ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!

Please click here to read the story of my Wedding Reception by the Beach of Le Canonnier in Mauritius....Enjoy reading...

1. Remember to have fun at your beach theme wedding reception! Your wedding is about you - plan ahead so there are people around to take care of the details and you can relax and enjoy your new husband and your celebration.

2. Consider having your beach wedding reception much later in the evening, when the sun is well on its way to setting. It's important to keep your guests cool and comfortable and outdoor temperatures are at their highest in the afternoon and early evening.

3. Serve a variety of fresh fruits and light fare, such as salads. Beach wedding receptions tend to be warmer and most guests won't want to dine on heavy foods like steaks and chicken.

4. You should also skip the confetti. Like balloons, confetti is dangerous to the local environment and wildlife and is more difficult to clean up. Unless you're having an indoor beach wedding reception, you're better off without confetti altogether.

5. Unless you're going with a whimsical theme, for a beach theme wedding reception you're better off going without balloons. Not only are these dangerous for the environment and wildlife should they get loose and pop, they don't do an elegant beach wedding justice.

6. For an elegant look, keep your beach wedding reception décor to a minimum. Overwhelming the area with dozens of trinkets and lots of colors will only serve to make your décor look to busy or thrown together.

7. Use real, natural sea finds for your beach wedding reception table decoration instead of purchasing bags of seashells, dried starfish or even sand dollars. Go out on the beach in the early morning and see what you can find - spend some time cleaning them and letting them dry. They'll make incredibly inexpensive yet beautiful decorations!

8. Try incorporating lanterns instead of candles. Candles can be blown out easily, even by just a simple gust of wind. Lanterns offer protection for the flame and many of them even last longer than candles, so your reception will be elegantly lit well into the night.

9. Consider a pool side beach reception. Bear in mind that a reception right on the sand can be quite messy - sand is going to go everywhere. Many resorts and destinations offer pools and areas that are right next to the beach - offering you incredible beach views while keeping your reception perfect.

10. Use white! White is the most traditional and popular wedding colors, and it works beautifully for beach theme wedding receptions. Use white table linens, napkins, china and even flowers. To jazz up an all white beach theme reception, try employing a number of different textures, such as lace and satin.

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Thursday, August 21, 2008

Tips To Have A Unique Beach Wedding Reception

What a wonderful feeling to have had experienced, a very different from the traditional reception at a catering establishments or hotels, and what an undeniable appeal to have had a soft and breezy feel of a beach wedding reception. Here are some tips to help you capture that magical wedding ambiance in the atmosphere, so it doesn't feel like just a get-together or a family reunion at the beach. I generally compiled all the tips for a beach wedding reception, not just concentrating in one place.

Creating the Beach Wedding Setting

Probably one of the most important investments you will make is to rent an open canopy under which all of your tables will fit comfortably. It defines the location of your reception as guests approach, it is a necessity for your elderly guests, and it will be your refuge when you need to get out of the sun for awhile. Unless it's going to rain, an open-sided canopy is your best bet. The gentle ocean breeze will be enjoyed by all, and your guests will have full visibility of their beautiful surroundings while, of course, they'll be provided with shade. You can turn this canopy into a bridal oasis simply by wrapping generous amounts of white tulle around the posts and draping it around the top frame. Adorn the tulle with string pearls or with flowers and ribbons of your coordinated wedding colors. If you're wedding will continue into the night, wrap white Christmas lights around it for a romantic glow. Use lantern style candles on the tables, so they'll stay lit in spite of the ocean breeze.

Beach Theme Color Selection and Seating

Think of the beach, and you think light and airy. Soft pastel colors and bright white that naturally blend with the surroundings are best. Lighter colors will not retain heat like darker colors do and are easier on the eye in the bright sunlight. Round tables are nice for the beach. No sharp corners to worry about. Here's a clever tip if you want assigned seating for your guests. Make a "message in the bottle". Take a small clear glass bottle (a lot of dollar stores carry them), fill them almost full with beach sand and write the table number your guests will be seated at on a square piece of white paper. Roll it into a scroll, write the guests name on the outside of the scroll, and stick it in the bottle. Display them on a small table with beach sand spread on top. Another idea is to write their name and table number on a white clam shell. Attach a little bow to it, and you're done! Please be sure to use a special pen with a glittery sheen and a coordinating color of your wedding. Attention to details is what separates your event from an average one into an extraordinary one that people will remember.

Beach Reception Centerpieces and Favors

Centerpieces can be creative too. Apart from a traditional floral arrangement, you can adorn each table with a "wedding style" beach pail. Fill it up with a rolled up beach towel in your coordinating color. Add a bottle of spring water and make a personalized label for it on your computer. Drop in a bottle of sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses. Guests will love to take this home, and it will be a great conversation piece. Looking for something easier, how about an Aloe Vera plant? It's the best sunburn remedy around. Top off the soil with some beach sand, wrap the pot from the bottom up with material or decorative paper, tie a ribbon around it, and you're done. If you want a traditional floral piece, add a touch of blue food coloring to the water. Wedding favors? Try a sand dollar or shell ornament. Use a glitter glue pen to decorate your shell by accenting its natural characteristics. Add pearls or beads, and glue a looped piece of ribbon to the back of the shell so it can be hung on a doorknob or Christmas tree. Another idea is to buy candles - the ones that are about three inches high by three inches wide. Roll them in glue, then roll them in the sand. These are so easy to make, and they are beautiful. Glue on some shells if you want.

Entertainment

Add a little pizzazz to your wedding party by adorning the groomsmen with "cool" sunglasses and the bridesmaid with beautiful sun hats and sarongs. Set up a Tiki Bar. Have a volleyball game set up and have beach balls for the kids. If you can, arrange to have a lifeguard stand nearby and stand a couple of surf boards up in the sand. These will serve as props for great pictures.

Seaside Wedding Food and Drinks

Your menu can be whatever you want it to be, but do add some touches from the sea to keep your theme flowing. Include shrimp, stuffed clams, and fried calamari with your hors d'ourves. If serving a pasta dish, use the shell shaped pasta or have stuffed shells. Your main course should include at least one seafood choice; lobster tails, sea bass, etc.All drinks can be served with a little paper umbrella in them. Order a "Tequila Sunrise". Want a unique cake? Locate a bakery that specializes in special order cakes and have them make you a sand castle.

Seaside Theme Music Ideas

Whether you have a band, a DJ, or a boom box, make sure to include at least some beach style music. Anything by the Beach Boys, "Summer Wind" by Frank Sinatra, "Under the Boardwalk" by the Drifters, "Summer Nights" from Grease. And sure to be a favorite, "Beach Baby" by First Class.!!! That song will surely stir up a lot of nostalgia. Add some diversity with some steel drum selections or a little bit of reggae.

Safety Tips

An important investment that's well worth the money … hire your own lifeguard. Attach a color-coordinated bracelet around the wrists of your younger guests and relax knowing that they are being supervised at all times when down in the surf. It will provide your guests with extra peace of mind as well, and they will really appreciate it.

Remember that when you choose a theme wedding, accentuate the theme! Your effort will be noticed and will be remembered long after your wedding day. Your guests will leave with something to talk about. And you, the bride and groom will have created a beach wedding that you will treasure for the rest of your lives. Memories so unique and special; memories which reflect the celebration of your beautiful shared love.

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Articles You May Interested:

Part IV: My Beach Wedding Reception
Part III: My Wedding Day Photo Shoots
Part II: My Wedding Ceremony (By the Beach)
Part I: Procession (Marching Going to the Beach)
Brides: How Do You Want To Look Like On Your Big Day
Before I Say "I Do"
The Bride's Survival Guide Book
Tips In Transporting Your Wedding Apparels
My 4 Handy Tips On How To Survive Your Wedding Photo Shoot
The Day I Got Married
Girls' Night Out - "Hen Party"
My Tips To Have a Perfect Beach Wedding
Choosing Your Beach Wedding Gown
My Personalized Wedding Favors and Place Card Holders
My Unique Wedding Invitation
Planning A Destination Wedding?
Getting Married In Mauritius
The Secret of a Successful Planning Your Own Wedding
Determining Your Wedding Theme
How To Set a Budget For Your Wedding
Choosing Your Bridal Bouquet
Our Wedding Website
My Personalized Wedding Favors and Place Card Holders
My Unique Wedding Invitation
My Personalized Wedding Programs & Menu
My Wedding Tips - 6 to 9 Months
My Wedding Tips - 4 to 6 Months
My Wedding Tips - 4 to 4 Months
My Wedding Tips - 1 to 8 Weeks

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Part IV: My Wedding Reception By The Beach

It was almost 7pm already when we finished our Photo Shoots, very good timing to have the party started but never all our guests was feeling hungry as they were served with canapes and cocktails while we were having our photo shoots, right after my husband and I went straight to our room to change our clothes. He just took off his top and left the white long shirts on, while I totally had a new look for the whole evening.

It was a very lovely evening though! When I first came down to see what it was like, oh my God - beautiful arrangements of small plates with desserts, and the resort staffs welcomed us with cocktails to start. However, some of our guests were

already seated waiting for us and wondering what was going to happen next aside from eating right in front of the sea. Nice romantic music were playing, we heard some birds singing and the sea waves splashing by the shore. It was on it's low tide at that moment, so we had all the space for us, for that event! AMAZING!!

While I was on my way to stand next to my husband, I heard people started shouting and clapping their hands, while there were drums playing and ladies singing. When I turned my head towards their direction, I realized it was the "Sega Dancers" - the local entertainers, which they normally offer to wedding receptions. We didn't know what it was, we just booked it for the night, at least to give entertainment to our guests. Here they are, guys were playing their improvised instruments, while the ladies were dancing.

They were gorgeous!, and after playing a few minutes they all stopped and taking us to dance with them! That was funny really and look at us dancing!

Haayyy, we all a bit tired when they finished, and it lasted for about 1 and half hours!! Dinner were served, we had a barbeque as weel, loads of choices to eat plus desserts, etc..

While we were eating, there were "Trio" came to give us romantic love songs. Look at my father, he stood up to entertain us too..lol, and funny really because most of us were dancing while they were singing.

Everybody really enjoyed, and it was absolutely such a fantastic experience. An experience that never be forgotten by everyone who witnessed and experienced themselves. IT WAS ONE OF A KIND... In fact, we finished at almost 1'oclock the following morning! We had some rain showers too, a blessings for a new beginning.