Pensacola beach is the perfect local if you are set on a beach wedding. With 52 miles of clean sandy beaches, crystal clean waters, and over 300 days a year of sunshine. It also offers a variety of hotels and larger style homes along the beach so your guests have a place to stay.
There are a lot of other considerations when planning a beach wedding as opposed to your traditional church wedding. Here are some things you might want to consider:
1) First, make sure to check the weather reports in the area for what time the tides come in, when it sets, etc. so you can plan accordingly. December through February in Pensacola can be cold on the beach with average temperatures in the low 60's.
2) It might be fun to plan your beach wedding around the special events that happen in Pensacola:
February: Street Party (Mardi Gras)
Jazz Festival in April
Blue Angels Air Show in July
* Sept is the Seafood Festival
* October is the Pensacola Interstate Fair
November: Enjoy the Homcoming Show for the Blue Angels
Winterfest Celebration in December
3) Consider having you reception at sunset. Your guest will thank you, especially during the hot summer months.
4) The many events in Pensacola offers a variety of themes for your beach wedding. Guests may not feel like dining on heavier fare when on the beach, so stick with simple dishes like fruits and salads. If you are going to have a main dish, go with seafood like shrimp or crab. If you can, try finding bakery that will special order a cake with a theme from one of the many events in Pensacola (like a Blue Angels cake).
5) Many weddings use confetti and balloons, but you'll find that they make a mess on the beach that can be difficult to clean up. Besides, they are not exactly environmentally friendly.
6) Don't go overboard with the decorations. It can lessen the elegant wedding you are trying to create.
7) A good portion of your decorations you can find right on the beach. Seashells, clam shells, sand dollars, etc. can be the perfect centerpieces.
Christmas lights or lanterns will work better than candles, which can be easily blown out if there's a gust of wind. Lanterns will last longer should the reception go long into the night.
9) You can also have your reception pool-side if you think all that sand may be an issue for you or your guests. There are a lot of beach side resorts that offer this.
10) Since weather can be an issue, you'll definitely want to get a canopy - preferably one this is open on the sides. It will protect you and your guests from the sun and the rain. Plus, adds a nice focal point for the reception.
11) It can be quite sunny on the beach, so go with light colors that don't retain heat. You'll be much more comfortable.
12) Keep the beach theme going with the music you choose. There are a lot of options from the Beach Boys to "Under the Boardwalk" by the Drifters to "Summer Nights" from Grease.
13) For safety on the beach, hire your own lifeguard. This is especially important for your younger guests.
14) Pensacola has a lot to offer in the way of attractions for you and your guest. Besides the usual boating, fishing, and swimming, you can check out the Oriskany artificial reef and watch the Blue Angels. Sam's Fun City offers more family oriented fun. Rocky and Bullwinkle make their home there, too.
15) And above all, have fun! By planning ahead and having others around to manage the numerous details you will help ensure the most enjoyable celebration.
Everything they never told you about Florida Beach Weddings revealed! For more insider tips and information be sure to check out Pensacola Florida Beach Weddings Guide
