Beach weddings are arguably the most romantic fun weddings there can be. With the beautiful outdoor scenery and the sweet sensations of a gentle breeze and the heat of the sun, you can’t go wrong. It’s quite natural to assume that a beach wedding requires little to no effort at all. But, just like all weddings, a beach wedding needs it’s fair share of planning.
So here are a few tips to ensure your wedding on the beach is a huge success.
Check Your Beach Regulations
So you’ve planned out your beach festivities for the wedding or celebrations after you’ve tied the knot. But have you checked your beach rules and regulations?
Beach regulations vary from location to location, so take a look at those to avoid disappointment.
You don’t want to find out later on that the bonfire you were planning isn’t permitted on that beach. Or just imagine your uncle raising a glass to the happy couple and suddenly the beach police arrive and arrest poor uncle for the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Of course this is a dramatization, there’s no such thing as the beach police. But, you get the point, you don’t want any unpleasant surprises to arise and ruin your big day.
So before settling on any beach, make sure that its suitable for all the activities you’ve got planned. (Contact details for Zimbali Beach wedding arrangements can be found at the end of this article.)
Check The Weather
The weather is typically sunny on the coast, but like with everything else, there are exceptions.
You don’t want your wedding date to fall on that off day when the sun isn’t feeling up to it. So check your weather ahead of time to make sure everything runs smoothly.
It also wouldn’t hurt to make alternate plans to in case the unimaginable happens. Have an indoor venue on standby in case it rains on your parade. But if you insist on staying on the beach, then a few umbrellas will come in handy. You don’t want sour faces at your wedding.
Rain isn’t the only downer at a wedding, there are also turbulent winds to be cautious of. As much as the beach can be sunny, it is also known to be windy. So make sure you’re prepared. So make sure your flimsy, frilly bits are secured in place and get a healthy dose of hairspray to keep the hair in check. You might want to nail down the groom to make sure he doesn’t set sail before saying “I do”.
Best Months for Beach Weddings at Zimbali
April and May are arguably the best months weather wise for an outdoor wedding on the Dolphin Coast. Mild, sunny days with blue skies, little wind and pristine beaches are the order of the day. The high humidity of the summer months (December, January and February) are mostly over and the bride and groom don’t have to worry too much about the “Summer Glow” ruining their beautiful wedding attire and photos!
But a word of caution – make your bookings well in advance to avoid the disappointment of not getting a spot.
Next best would probably be September and October. Winter should be in its last throes with the coast welcoming Spring months. Expect the odd cold day but generally the weather is mild and lovely. Keep in mind that the Dolphin Coast is in the Summer Rainfall area and towards the end of October the rain normally arrives.
So plan ahead!
Of course Winter is our hidden secret! Whilst brides in Gauteng will be wearing full sleeves, brides getting married on the Coast during winter can still wear those designer gowns that show off their arms without the fear of freezing. Expect cooler evenings during June and July but the days should still be lovely, sunny and mild with little wind.
Plan for Seating Arrangements
Just because you are going to be standing for half the ceremony doesn’t mean your guests also have to.
While picturing your perfect day, don’t forget your guests. So think about where your guests are going to sit. Are you going to hire chairs? Or are you going to keep it cosy and casual with a few scattered blankets?
The possibilities are endless, just don’t have your guests shuffling from one foot to the other wondering when it will all be over.
The beach at Zimbali caters for up to 90 people, it also happens to be a private beach offering a bit of seclusion making your beach wedding that much more special.
Consider Getting Sound
On a good day, the beach is quite peaceful.
The beach can also be very noisy. With gusts of wind and the roaring ocean as a soundtrack, It can be quite difficult to be heard especially if you have a large party of guests.
Now wouldn’t that be a tragedy if they cannot hear the ceremony? Probably just as bad as watching a foreign movie without subtitles. It’s bound to bore your guests or irritate you.
So look into some amplification solution or prepare your throat for a bit of shouting. Moral of the story: Do what ever it takes to be heard. I mean, if you can’t be heard on your wedding day, then when ?
Zimbali Beach Wedding Resources
Zimbali Beach caters to up to 90 people.
For more information, contact the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge and Resort on +27 (0)32 538-5000 or zimbali@fairmont.com, or the Zimbali Country Club on +27 (0)32 538-1041 or nisaacs@zimbalicc.co.za