The beautiful blue sea as your backdrop with the fresh ocean mist in the air, we could not think of a more perfect place to say "I do" than on an Italian beach. Beach weddings are truly enchanting and although the outcome is light and easy, the planning takes a lot of consideration.
Here is our list of the 3 main things to focus on when planning a beach wedding in Italy:
1) Location, location, location
● Where in Italy?
● The degree of beach
● Accessibility
● Permit necessity
● Avoid the crowds
2) Know your environment - prepare in advance
● Beach set up
● Sturdy seating
● Prepare for all weather
● Sound system for ceremony
3) Dress to Impress - Dress code
● Light, easy material
● Skip the veil, do an updo
● Ditch the heels
● Plan your tan
● Brief your guests
Italy has an abundance of breathtaking beaches for your wedding day. All with a unique twist and culture, completing the Italian wedding fantasy. If a sunny, amorous atmosphere is what you desire these are the ideal places to be wed:
● Amalfi Coast - filled with vibrant ceramics and zesty lemons.
● Capri - true luxury in retail, cuisine, scents and views.
● Puglia - with the longest coastline, boasting stunning beaches and exploding with flavour, known as the "breadbasket" of Italy
● Sorrento - Known for its Lemoncello and historical landmarks
● Italian Riviera - the home of Cinque Terre and beautiful fresh produce.
● Sicily - Sicilian cuisine and sandy beaches
Having a beach wedding in Italy you are spoilt for choice, able to cater for any couples desire,even up to how much beach they want.
With luxury villas and hotels resting on the seaside or mounted on the ocean cliffs, you have control of how sandy you want your toes to get.
You could be fully immersed, saying your vowels next to the waves or miles above it on top of a cliff with the stretching ocean as your backdrop.
When planning your beach wedding in Italy it is vital to consider accessibility to your venue, for your vendors and guests, whether on the beach or miles above, accessibility should be the priority.
If you decide to get married at Capri, an island just off the Amalfi coast, consider the logistics of getting all your guests there in time. The same is true with being on a long stretch of beach, make sure all your guests know how to locate the ceremony and have access to it.
Depending on your party you may have to think about putting in ramps or boardwalks to cater for the elderly or handicapped guests to make it out onto the beach safely.
Many beaches in Italy are open to the public, so you must get the relevant permits to have your beach wedding. This may not always be necessary but better to do your research to avoid any hick-ups on your big day, talk to your wedding planner about how to obtain permits if needed.
It is important to choose a location that offers a sense of privacy to avoid wedding crashers. The time of year and day you want to get married is vital to research beforehand.
Being surrounded by nature on your wedding day is truly magical, with the sand between your toes, sun on your skin and wind through your hair. However, it can be unpredictable so it is essential to plan for all possible outcomes.
Let your location speak for itself and let its natural beauty show. You do not want to compete with it when it comes to extra decor, less is always more. You can however have pops of colour in your flowers to contrast the sand and sea, think local and see what natural product is available to add this contrast.
If you plan to be married on an Italian beach next to the lapping waves and in the sand, there are a few things one needs to consider when planning the set-up:
● Sturdy seating
Being in the sand you must have sturdy seating for your guests. Look at seating that will not sink in the sand, be hefty enough not to blow away in the wind or collapse with the uneven grounding.
● Changes like the weather
Regardless if you are on the beach or not, if you are outdoors for your ceremony, you are at the mercy of the elements. This includes everything from rain to shine.
Consider planning your ceremony in the morning or late afternoon to avoid guests being in direct sun at midday. If it is expected to be full sun, think about providing favours to make your guests, keep them cool and comfortable such as Panama hats, day umbrellas or fans.
With warmer weather, it may also be wise to have refreshments available at the beginning of the ceremony.
It is also wise to have a backup plan when it comes to an outdoor Italian beach wedding, in case the weather changes drastically with rain or wind.
Another thought for guest favours is to have a shoe changing station. If you are having a beach wedding, to avoid guests having sandy shoes you could gift them all a pair of flip flops to wear during the ceremony.
● Hearing your vows
As soothing as the wind and waves may be, they can drown out your voices, leaving your guests strained trying to hear your vows. Having a sound system in place will prove hugely helpful for your guests and even your videographer.
Having a beach wedding in Italy will cause all your senses to be tantalised with calm and romantic vibes of tranquillity. Your attire should match this spirit of harmony, consider wearing lighter shades to keep you cool. Avoid stuffy suits and uncomfortable shoes.
We suggest ditching the heels and opting for delicate sandals or barefoot.
When selecting your dress, think about how the material will feel and flow on the day. Look for light, airy dresses that will have a playful element on the beach, with materials like chiffon or charmeuse.
Trains and heavy gowns may be difficult to manoeuvre down the aisle, ultimately leaving you hot and flustered on your big day. When it comes to your hair, try an updo to avoid your hair blowing around during the ceremony, so you can focus fully on your partner and what they are saying, we also think this allows for unobstructed pictures.
The same is true with a vail, more likely than not it is going to be a bit windy so consider skipping on the vail.
A small side note for you to consider before your Italian beach wedding is what swimwear and shirts you will be wearing before the wedding. Being in a sunny destination you are bound to catch a bit of sun, make sure you avoid tan lines that do not fit your dress style.
Consider a spray tan if necessary, always have plenty of SPF on and avoid basking in the sun days before your wedding, you would hate to be burnt walking down the aisle.
When sending invitations out to your guests for your Italian beach wedding let them know the exact dress code for your big day. Depending on your location you may discourage heels and penguin suits.
Promate light flowing outfits to ensure everyone is comfortable throughout the day. You could even take it a step further and limit the colour pallet and aesthetic, this always results in having the most beautiful pictures.
Beach weddings are always alluring and Italian beaches add that extra layer of romance and luxury with turquoise, blue waters and breathtaking views. The crisp air is transcending and you can not help but be infatuated with the whole experience of starting your next chapter together.
Italy is the perfect place to have a beach wedding and VB- Events is the perfect planner to help make your dream day a reality, stress-free. Book a free consultation now.
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