1. Location 

If you choose to elope, the sky is the limit. So hop on a plane, go on a road trip or head down to the courthouse with your soon to be betrothed and have the elopement of your dreams! Below are a few photos that prove no matter where you choose to tie the knot, it can be absolutely magical.

Vegas Baby!

City Hall Cuties

Paris, Please

2. Legalities

Eloping, while a supposed less stressful option, can also get technical. Each state and country has its own laws regarding marriage licenses, so don’t forget to do your research. If you are eloping in a different country you will want to call the country’s U.S. tourist bureau for information. If you’re staying in the states, check out this complete list of marriage laws by state.

3. Say Cheese!

Like any great occasion in life, pictures are a must! Your friends and family will want to see the special moments you and your sweetheart shared but more importantly, you will have photos to look back on. You could even take it a step further and hire a videographer like Courtney and Blaine (below) did. Just prepare yourself for some happy tears every time you watch.

4. Attire

When you elope, you don’t have to play by anyone’s rules! Have fun with your attire and wear what you like, whether it’s a casual get-up, a formal dress, or something in between. Below are a few of our favorite elopement ensembles.

5. Make it Official

If you’re not going to the courthouse, you’ll need someone to officiate (unless you’re eloping in Colorado or Pennsylvania, where you can self-solemnize your wedding). If you hire an officiant out of town, be sure to do research and make sure your religious views align. If you’re interested in having a friend or family member marry you, it’s fairly easy to become a temporary officiant. Laws regarding this vary from state to state so again, do your research!

6. The Guest List

Yes, you’re avoiding the stressful situation that is seating charts, but you still have a couple of decisions to make. Most states require two witnesses to sign a marriage license but again, it varies from state to state. You could invite two close friends to join you, a couple of family members, or even have your photographer and videographer sign. On the other hand, if you’d like to invite your family to witness your elopement, there certainly aren’t any rules saying you can’t, even if you all just head to city hall!

7. Celebrate Good Times

Once you’re husband and wife, take time to celebrate! Whether it’s lunch with your new hubby, exploring a new city after your international elopement, or a proper party with your friends and family, is up to you.

8. The Big Announcement

Many a family member has and will get upset over missing a loved ones nuptials but there are ways to soothe those who are upset. Traditionally, couples who elope do so without telling anyone until after the deed is done. These days many couples choose to clue in their family members, allowing them to feel like they are a part of the day. Whatever you choose, do tell your close family and friends first. Many couples are opting to send other friends and family elopement announcements in the mail (we told you that photographer would come in handy).

Are you considering eloping? We hope this list was a helpful in getting you started planning your perfect elopement. Let us know your dream elopement location in the comments below!

1. Ruffles

This Chanel dress is to die for but there are so many other ways you can incorporate the ruffles trend into your wedding dress. Going for more of a ballgown? Do it with ruffles! Looking for something different? Try a peplum with ruffles! Of course, the layered lace ruffled dress is always classic and pretty and absolutely appropriate for a wedding dress.

2. Velvet

Fall Weddings call for warm, cozy touches and we can’t think of a more fashionable way to do that than with a little velvet! You can easily incorporate velvet into any of your details (or all of them). Side note; a dress similar to this burgundy Ralph Lauren would be beautiful for your bridesmaids!

3. Statement Fur

Faux furs can be found anywhere (and we mean anywhere) this season. You’ll find lush furs in every color from your local Target to the Valentino runway. Looking for a way to stay warm at your Fall wedding? A fur coat or capelette may be the chicest way to go!

4. Chokers

Your inner nineties girl would be so proud. Yes, chokers have come back in such a way that it is officially acceptable to wear them to your wedding. While you might don a darker choker to attend a wedding, consider something lighter and girlier for your own. Lace, pearls and rhinestones are the way to go here!

5. Bell Sleeves

The 70’s trends are still going strong this year and this may be one of our favorites. The bell sleeve is subtle but it’s an easy way to add interest and personality. The best part? It looks absolutely gorgeous on a wedding gown! We have a feeling we will be seeing more of these gowns in the future.

6. Metallic Gold

If you’re a girl who likes her glitter and glam you’ll love this trend! Metallics will be popping up in everyday casual wear so why not glitz up that wedding gown? There are so many gold, glittery options in wedding dresses meaning you can be as subtle or as loud as you want with this one!

What Fall fashion trends are you pining over? How are you incorporating them into your wedding day attire? Let’s chat in the comments below!

WEDDINC:  First of all thank you so much for agreeing to an interview with Weddinc. We absolutely LOVE Astrophotography and everything about it.  We’re here today with Robert Paetz, Astrophotographer with Robert Paetz Photography.

Let’s start with a little about you.  How did you get into Astrophotography originally and have you always been interested in the cosmos?

ROBERT:  I didn’t have a particular interest in the cosmos, but growing up, there were lots of camping trips with my family, and I have always enjoyed the outdoors. I love the feeling of awe and wonder when I look up into a dark sky full of stars.

The very first Astro-session I ever shot was in 2012 when Felicia (my wife and partner, who was shooting with me at the time) told me that a client wanted to their engagement session in Joshua Tree in the middle of August. The thought of being out in the 110 degree heat made her ask, “Can’t we just shoot at night?!”

Then I sat there and thought about it for a second, and said “Wait… maybe we can…”

I had been already been reading a lot about Astrophotography by then and was proficient with off camera lighting. Giving it some thought suddenly made things click in my brain that it might just work.

We are thankful to that first adventurous couple who took a risk on us when we told them to meet us by the vending machine at a desert motel at 2am and let us drive them into the darkness of Joshua Tree.

WEDDINC:  Did you stumble upon shooting the Milky Way in the background of one of your shoots or did you set out to shoot it?

ROBERT:  At the beginning I wasn’t too aware of celestial movements. During the second shoot we did in Death Valley, the Milky Way rose over the background by glorious happenstance. Since then, I have taken time to learn a bit more about it and use an app called PhotoPills to help me track these.

WEDDINC:  What are the challenges you face when shooting the Milky Way or a star-lit night in a photo?

ROBERT:  They do involve a bit of planning as these can only be shot a few days before or a few days after a new moon and it needs to be photographed at least 100 miles from a major city to avoid light pollution ruining our view of the night skies. Secondly you need to worry about weather, that’s why the desert works the best: rain clouds blocking out the skies can be a real downer after everyone went to great distances to get out under the stars.

Most importantly though, it’s about having amazing clients who will follow any crazy idea you may have, even when it comes to standing in the freezing desert wind in complete darkness while I rush around adjusting lighting, camera placement and a number of other technical things. I couldn’t do any of this without the trust of my clients.

WEDDINC:  How many times have you been able to capture a ‘lucky’ shooting star as in the photo above?  Would you say the couples in your photos with a shooting star have had any significant “luck” after the shoot?

ROBERT:  Surprisingly, shooting stars actually aren’t as rare as I once thought. I think almost all the couples that have been out under the stars have seen at least a few. That said, the shooting stars work on their own schedule so it’s more sheer luck for one to end up in an image.

WEDDINC:  How often do you get requests for Astrophotography and what’s your favorite location for a shoot?

ROBERT:  I get many of requests from couples interested in the process of making this happen, but once I educate people on the distance, scheduling restrictions, time and effort it will take for these images to happen (because of the many factors described above) it narrows it down to the most adventurous couples that end up under the skies with me. I don’t set a limit, but I shoot about 6 of these sessions a year. I do not have a favorite spot, because I am always on the look out for new locations, but most of the time I shoot in Death Valley or Joshua Tree.

WEDDINC:  What is a Meteor Shower?

ROBERT:  “A meteor shower is a celestial event in which a number of meteors are observed to radiate, or originate, from one point in the night sky. These meteors are caused by streams of cosmic debris called meteoroids entering Earth’s atmosphere at extremely high speeds on parallel trajectories.”

I borrowed that from Wikipedia, but essentially a meteor shower is LOTS of shooting star burning through the atmosphere in a short period of time. I’ve never photographed one, but I did spend a few hours watching the Perseids shower with my nieces who were equally spellbound.

The Perseids shower is the most regular and happens from mid July to mid August each year and I would be thrilled if someone want’s to schedule a shoot around then in 2017!

WEDDINC:  For our photographer enthusiasts out there, what are some of the techniques you use to capture such beautiful skies?

ROBERT: First and most importantly, check on the moon; before you get into anything else you want to make sure the moon is not in the sky before you set out to photograph the stars, otherwise you (and your camera) just won’t see all that much. Next, bring a flashlight, coat, food, extra water (and maybe a couple beers if you’re not working) – the Eagle Scout in me always tries to focus on the essentials and safety first.

Once you are sure you are not going to get lost in the dark without any light or supplies, then remember to bring your tripod. From there, there are literally hundreds of online articles which would describe step-by-step processes to create amazing nighttime images.

One of my favorite articles is at Luminous Landscape, which covers most of the basics of Astrophotography (https://luminous-landscape.com/landscape-astrophotography)

WEDDINC:  If couples are nervous about doing the shoot what is your one trick to make them feel at ease in front of the camera?

ROBERT:  For my photography sessions I put the emphasis on having fun and relaxing. I carry on conversations while we shoot and do my best to keep things light-hearted. Most people are worried that they won’t know how to pose or how to be a model, but I always let them know that I will take care of all those details and they just need to focus on their partner.

WEDDINC:  What other types of photography do you do besides wedding photography and Astrophotography?

ROBERT:  Before I became seriously involved in wedding photography in 2010 I spent about 3 years traveling the globe and taking pictures. I’ve visited approximately 60 countries and I am currently planning to spend 5 weeks in Myanmar and Southeast Asia over the holidays and throughout January. My biggest regret about life in general is that there will never be enough time to see everything, and more importantly, try all the world’s food.

WEDDINC:  Have you been able to shoot the Aurora Borealis?

ROBERT:  I haven’t made it that far north in the middle of winter just yet, but if anyone out there is looking for an epic adventure, I am totally game to head for Iceland, Norway, Alaska, Finland or anywhere else near the Arctic Circle and create some astounding Aurora Borealis images for you.

WEDDINC:  Is there one shoot or one photograph that you are especially proud of?

ROBERT:  Photography for me is about constant growth and new challenges. Every time I reach an accomplishment or discover something new in my photography I try to raise the bar for myself. Sure, there are a couple images that gets me super excited about some aspect of photography, but they are not seen as an end point, more likely they are the beginning of something new that I can build on. When I look back over the millions of pictures I have taken over the last 12 years, it’s the images I didn’t create that keep pushing me onward.

WEDDINC:  What is next for you career wise?

ROBERT:  In 2017 I still plan to photograph weddings, but I also plan on shifting the direction of my photography career to include more travel images as well as documentation of various NGOs and volunteer causes around the world.  As I get older I am looking to find ways to give back and telling worthwhile stories through photography seems the obvious way for me contribute.  My goal is to start creating some unique images for great causes and projects that could be used to show the fascinating work being done, as well as to create striking visuals to raise awareness and much-needed funds.

If you would like to inquire about a photoshoot or would just like to reach out and chat with a really neat guy, please contact Robert Paetz at www.RobertPaetz.com

Here is a sneak peek of the hottest Fall 2016 wedding trends. Let us know in the comments below which of these trends you most excited to see

Fall Wedding Color Trends

Every wedding is under a theme and/or color selection this season we will be witnessing dust rose and pastel blues combined with rustic jewel tones such as emerald green and burnt orange. Not only will we be witnessing the mixture of jewel tones and pastel shades.

But you will also witness a lot of metallic tones such as brass, gold, rose gold and silver. These metallic tones will be seen everywhere from the flower handle to the wedding cake. Metallics is sure to be making a comeback this wedding season.

Fall Wedding Bridesmaid Trends

Bridesmaids are wearing velvet this fall.  This Fall 2016 we will witness the use of the color burgundy for bridesmaid dresses. We will also see the use of burgundy velvet to be exact. Velvet is huge when it comes to cool seasons especially for fall. However, this fall wedding season we will begin to see it in a much bigger way.

Not only will w witness velvet and burgundy in the bridesmaids dresses and shoes we will also see it displayed on the groomsmen as well. From ties to their shoes the color burgundy and velvet will surely make a statement this year.

Fall Wedding Fashion Trends

Let’s face it we all go to weddings excited to see what the bride and her bridesmaids will wear and how they will pull off their theme. This fall we will be seeing a lot of fur (faux fur). Faux fur will be used on brides and bridesmaids as well. From long faux fur coats, that are knee-length to sophisticated shawls that cover the bride’s shoulders.

Fur accents give the wedding an old Hollywood glam that can be worn for many years to come. When choosing a fur coat or shawl always keep your dress in mind. The fur accent should appear to compliment your dress not compete with it.

Fall Wedding Invitation Trends

The invitations you send your guests will set the tone and theme for your wedding. You want them to represent you and your significant other while giving a little bit of a hint of what your theme will be. This fall we are expecting wedding invitations that are crisp clean while focusing on the calligraphy. Not only calligraphy a huge trend for invitations but stamps are as well.

Not your typical mail stamps but stamps that mean something to you and your  groom. Shop on Etsy to find a few that are part of your theme. Your wedding invitations do not have to be the only area in your wedding that you include calligraphy. You can use calligraphy in your place cards, table numbers or, even in the food menu your guests will read.

Fall Wedding Flower Trends

Flowers always seem to be one of the first things a bride will look into once she starts preparing for her big day. The reason behind this is flowers tend to be seasonal so you want to get your flower arrangements decided before you decide on anything else. This will also help you choose the proper theme that will work for you. This fall’s wedding flower trend is freshly picked flowers.

You want a wild arrangement of flowers in rustic colors such as burgundy, orange, plum and green. Flower arrangements are trending to be more organic rather than put together and neat. You want a rustic look for you and your bridesmaids. If you choose to have flowers in your wedding decoration stick to arrangements that contain a lot of leaves and tones of green with pops of color here and there.

Fall Wedding Food Trends

Let’s talk about food. Every wedding has either a buffet with multiple options or a formal dinner where a menu has already been preselected by the bride and groom. This season we are looking at different food and drink stations and we are not just speaking about a dessert station. We are speaking about gourmet coffee stands, craft beer tasting, build your own pizza or taco bar and even a barbecue tasting station.

Depending on the food station you choose that will fit your budget consider hiring a professional to help you serve it. This will help save and your guests time it will take the guessing game out of what you should do next.

Fall Wedding Cake Trends

Start saying goodbye to large over the top cakes. This fall season we are looking at smaller topless cakes. The trend of having a “naked” cake instead of it being covered in frosting or fondant has completely taken over. Instead of covering the cake with fondant or frosting couples are now looking into adding small details such as bunches of bloom or greenery.

Couples are also opting for cakes that have flavor drippings. What this means is a “naked” cake will have caramel dripping on the outside of it instead of the inside. If you do consider this trend you may want to have another dessert as your cake will be smaller in size. As another dessert we recommend pie! Pie is huge as a dessert this fall 2016.

If you are finishing the last touches for your fall wedding, you may want to look into one of these trends to give your wedding an extra hint of the trend. Let us know below what trend for this fall 2016 is your personal favorite.

In our book, there is one thing that is definitely worth obsessing about. The delicious, delectable, scrumdiddlyumptious Wedding Cake! (like you even had to ask). Pardon us, while we soothe our sweet tooth. Cake is always important. Wedding cake trends tend to ebb and flow, but this year’s artistic design trends are where it’s at.

The Geode

One wedding cake trend that is rocking the Instagram at the moment? Geode wedding cakes. The trend was started by Australian pastry chefs, but plenty of pastry chefs all over the world are getting in on the game. Now you are all – what is a geode?

Geodes are volcanic rocks. And they look like normal rocks. Until they are split open and a gorgeous crystal interior is revealed. Geode cakes look pretty and they taste lovely too. The geode is a combination of sugar-rock crystals, modeling chocolate and hand painting. Lest you think this type of cake can be whipped up over night, think again. In order to grow the smaller sugar crystals it will take about three days and for larger crystals it can take up to a week.

Cake done by Intricate Icings Cake Design Image Ali Brannan via Brides

Image via Writicial

Cake tigerlilycakes Image via Shout.sg

Image via Johnson Custom Cakes

Image (and cake done) by Carrie at carriescakes.com

The Ombre

There were ombre manicures. Then there was ombre hair. Now ombre has become one of the hottest wedding cake trends too. Chances are you will not be doing your wedding cake yourself. But for any passionate bakers out there who might be curious how the effect is achieved – it’s all about the frosting and the food dye.

You divide the frosting and add the food dye to get different shades of color. To smooth out the frosting and get a nice gradient layer takes some skill. If we are honest – a lot of skill. It involves piping bags and spatulas and making sure the colors do not mix together so you’ll need intermediate baking skills at the very least. The beauty of an ombre cake is not only it looks stunning, it is easy to match with your wedding’s color scheme. Also there is plenty of room to get creative – you can go for bold, rich, vibrant hues or you can opt for paler tones if you want a more traditional look.

Image via One Wed

Image via Delicious Cakes

Image via The Bride Link

Image C Baron Photography via Style Me Pretty

Image via My London Wedding Planner

Watercolor

It does not get more artistic than a watercolor wedding cake. Just think about it – anything can serve as an inspiration. It can be your favorite painting. Or a flower. Or a pattern. The sky is the limit. Watercolor wedding cakes can be done with both buttercream and fondant frosting. Do bare in mind however that if you would prefer a fancier design fondant is easier to paint on.

Image by ArtbyAsh photography Design by Girly Trend Design

Image and cake design by cakewhisperer.ca

Image by Mango Studio via Deer Pearl Flowers

Image via Decor Amor

Image Kristy May via Crazy For Us

This year we are looking at a more modern take on bridal hair trends. 2016 has been the year of the contemporary modern bride when it came to fashion and bridal hairstyles is no exception. From veil alternatives to fun pieces and more low key looks this year’s hair trends feel more energetic and revamped. Here are 8 bridal hair trends that every bride will want to try this 2016.

1- PonyTail

The 2016 the name of the hair game is low key. We are looking at hairstyles that are more low key than we have ever seen them before. This year brides have opted for pony tails as their bridal hair. The reason being pony tails are easy and fun to wear while they can be dressed up or down for whatever theme your wedding may be.

They can be worn down low, up high or even to the side. However, if a ponytail seems too casual for you, you can always add flowers, braids or even hair accessories to dress it up.

2-Middle Parts

By now middle parts have established themselves as being part of those trends that is back with a vengeance. Long gone are the days when you tried to avoid a middle parting your hair instead now you want to have a middle part to be on trend. Influencers such as super model Kendall Jenner have been seen sporting a middle part at different events.

The best part about the middle part is that it can be worn with multiple looks. You can wear it with a ponytail, a bun or even with your hair in waves. The options are endless. If you want to dress it up, you can always go for a classic updo and just change-up the parting in your hair.

3-Loose Waves

While waves and curls have traditionally been a bridal go to look. We are now looking at an upgrade for this do. While it has always been customary for brides to have curls in their hair for their special day it has always been a tighter curl.

This 2016 we are expecting to see loose waves as the most popular bridal hairstyle. Not only will we see loose waves as one of the hottest bridal hairstyle trends but we will see it in different shapes and styles. The loose waves style will be in updos, with headbands, or flowers even incorporated in braids.

4-Braids

Oh how we are loving the braid trend. Braids have truly taken over 2016 with a storm. They are being incorporated in everything you can think of. And bridal hair is no exception. We are expecting to see a more mystical look when it comes to braids. Not only will the braids be more low key but they will have accessories in them like Baby’s-breath, jewels and flowers of all kinds.

The great part about incorporating a braid in your hair for your special day is you have so much versatility. You can have a full braided updo, or you can choose to incorporate a braid in your hair with waves the options are endless. They can be transformed into so many styles they go with every wedding theme you can imagine.

5-Floral Accessories

If flower crowns were the trend for 2015 then floral accessories are the trend for 2016. Flowers have always been a big part of weddings regardless of the theme there are always flowers incorporated somewhere. However, this year they are coming in a big way when it comes to incorporating them into bridal hair styles.

Since veils are not as big anymore in bridal gowns many brides are choosing to use flowers in their hair instead. Or they are using them to accessorize their veil. Not only that but flowers are also being used as part of the hair such as in an updo, a loose wave or even in a braid.

6-Headbands

Since veils have become less popular, headbands have become the modern form of a veil. It adds a little touch of sparkle to your hair and it can be integrated with almost any hair style. You can wear your hair up and have a beautiful headband or you can wear your hair down.

Headbands also come in different shapes and sizes so you can choose whichever works best for you. It is important to remember that all though headbands are not as traditional they can also be incorporated into your veil if you choose to do that as well.

7-Half up & Half down

Having your hair half up & half down has always been a bridal hairstyle. However, now it is getting a bit of an upgrade by incorporating all the trends in one. When you choose to have your hair half up & half down you can incorporate flowers, a beautiful veil, a headband or even curls. With this hair style you get to choose exactly what you want and how you want it.

This bridal hairstyle has become such a huge trend because you get to have your hair up and out of your face. If you are a bride that is considering the ponytail trend as your hairstyle but think it is too casual you can always choose this trend. As it is less low-key and casual while still being effortless and beautiful.

8-Hair Clip

We get it. Looking through multiple bridal magazines and Pinterest boards can be overwhelming especially when you are looking for something specific and don’t find it. We are here to tell you that if you cannot decide what to do with your hair on your special day you can have the perfect look with a hair clip. You read that correctly hair clips are coming in a big way as you can build-up on them and have more than one or just one.

The beauty of using hair clips is you get to incorporate your wedding theme and colors as they come in multiple sizes, shapes and forms. Let’s not forget they also work well with all hair lengths from a pixie cut to the longest length. The versatility and laid back factor in hair clips is what makes it such a huge trend for 2016.

Choosing your hairstyle for your wedding can be a tedious task as you want to look your very best while still having a style that will go well with the theme of your wedding. Next time you are looking for bridal hairstyles to take to your hairstylist show them one of these. Please let us know in the comments below which trending bridal hairstyle is your favorite.

Martinez, who has shot all over North America, says nothing compares to Alaska. After seeing the Glacier Bride photos, we have to agree! A talented and innovative photographer alone wasn’t enough to make this shoot work though, the bride and groom Martinez worked with were willing to do anything to get the perfect shot!

As you saw in the video above, in order to access the gorgeous glacier, Martinez and the couple traveled via helicopter. Here, the couple was caught smooching near their chariot! If you think this view is something, what came next will knock your socks off.

Did we mention the couple was willing to do anything for the perfect shot? That included wading around in glacier water in their wedding attire. What we don’t know is how they gained the super human strength to look so serene in this photo. What we do know is that the work was worth it!

The beautiful bride sacrificed not just her comfort, but her dress! Result? One of the most breathtaking Trash the Dress photos of all time. The contrast of the stark blue water and her gorgeous white gown is breathtaking. What Martinez has never told anyone is that he used only natural light for the whole shoot. He had brought ample Profoto lighting, but decided to nix it at the last second.

Have these images convinced you to go for adventurous wedding photos? Can’t blame you there! Here’s what Martinez has to say to couples looking to get bold and beautiful wedding photos; “Prioritize your day. You can’t balance your way into epic photography. It has to be one of the top priorities for you and the wedding day. Find a photographer who will push your limits and reward you with something truly remarkable.”

Knowing Martinez lives for adventure and excitement, it was no surprise to us that his favorite part of shooting a wedding is the emotion, drama and suspense of the whole day. With all the distractions of a wedding, it can be easy to bottle up all your emotions. Those emotions tend to pour out when a photographer steals the couple away for a few quiet moments of photography, resulting in intimate photos like the one above! 

When it comes to his own relationship, it sounds like Martinez and his wife are picture perfect together! As far as adventures go, Martinez says “If the day ends with a glass of wine or a morning at the spa, she’s in!” Sounds like our kind of girl. The couple now lives in Nashville, Tennessee where they are raising their four children.

Learn more about Josh Martinez.

Keep up with Martinez’s latest adventures.

Hire Martinez for your wedding day.

Just like any other wedding venue and theme, a beach wedding takes a lot of planning and dedication. Although, planning a beach wedding may seem like a simple task it can become overwhelming to find the proper essentials you will need to make your wedding the magical day you have always dreamed of. For this reason we have decided to put together beach wedding essentials that you will need in order to plan.

1. Beach Wedding Essential- Permits

Photocredit- www.glozine.com, www.weddingchicks.com,www.stylemepretty.com, 

Those of us who dream of a beach wedding dream of a relaxing day at the beach in a beautiful setting surrounded by loved ones. However, that can all be quickly ruined if you do not have the correct permits. Yes some beaches don’t require permits but they may have size restrictions and tent restrictions not to mention other things to consider. 

We recommend getting into contact with the local government of the beach you would like to use. This will save you time and heartache as well as give you an idea as to what you will need to have the wedding you have always dreamed of.

2. Beach Wedding Essential- Lighting

Photocredit- www.glozine.com, mydarlingflowers.com, www.colincowieweddings.com

Unlike a reception hall or a restaurant that comes with already installed lighting. When it comes to a beach wedding, you will have absolutely no light but natural daylight. This can become a challenge as you will need to find a way to add the proper lighting to your wedding while still keeping the beach feel. The good news is sand is a great form of covering up pesky electrical cords that may have to hang around the floor.

One way to add lighting to your beach wedding is by using lanterns or candles that will add personality and dimension to your wedding atmosphere.

3. Beach Wedding Essential- FootWear

Photo credit- www.ownza.com, www.indulgy.com, www.etsy.com

At a traditional wedding, you would have your footwear all sorted out. People arrive in formal attire with their shoes on and enjoy the rest of the evening. However, at a beach wedding your guest and you will have to get excited about experiencing sand between your toes. One way to enjoy the sandy moments is by offering your guest a shoe area where they would be able to remove their shoes if they chose to and enjoy the night. Or offering a flip flop station where there are flip flops for all the guest to change to once they arrive.
For the bride and bridal party, it can be a great idea to wear barefoot sandals to keep their look bridal and put together through the entire wedding.

4. Beach Wedding Essential- Wedding Dress

Photocredit- www.californiaweddingday.com, www.weddbook.com, collegegirlwithpearls.tumblr.com

When it comes to a beach wedding finding the perfect wedding dress can become a little bit more of a hassle as certain fabrics do not do so well in the beach wedding atmosphere. For example, thicker fabrics will not work for a beach wedding as it will become too warm for the bride. As well as heavier wedding dresses will not work neither because it can become very heavy for the bride to carry while walking on sand.

We would recommend a light fabric and more simple fabric such as lace. Lace will allow the bride to travel freely among her guest and wedding party.

5. Beach Wedding Essential- Photography Planning

Photo credit- www.indulgy.com, www.glamour.com, www.indulgy.com

Much like lighting wedding photos, your beach photos will require careful planning and thoughtfulness.  The reason being that you will not have the built-in lighting that a ballroom or church would have. This may make taking candid photos a bit more difficult as your photographer waits for the sun to pass through the clouds. It is sometimes very favorable to take beach shots during the overcast morning hours, however for that soft glow which can be very hard to achieve with canned light.  However, with a little bit of planning ahead you can achieve the photos you have always dreamed of and you may be surprised at how beautiful they can be without the direct sun.

We recommend finding a location at the beach that is well lit with natural lighting and/or lighting that you may install. The key to great photos is always having excellent lighting and it doesn’t hurt to hire an excellent photographer as well.  You want to make sure that you choose a photographer who understands natural light and has the right filters for his camera and be sure that he also has experience shooting a beach wedding successfully. You may also want to take advantage of appropriate beach props and include your wedding party as well.

6. Beach wedding Essential- Prepare for the Heat

Photo credit- theblisslifeblog.com, colincowieweddings.com,  www.bellethemagazine.com

Unlike having a wedding in a ballroom or banquet you will not have the luxury of having air conditioning or air ventilation at your wedding. Which may be somewhat of an inconvenience to your guests. For this reason it is important to prepare for the heat. There are ways you can make your guests feel more comfortable without compromising your decoration or wedding theme. Having umbrellas at your wedding as part of your decoration can add a cooling shade while maintaining a contemporary look.

You can also add woven fans to your guest seating. Woven fans will allow your guest to fan themselves whenever they feel the need to do so. If you are trying to find a way to maintain your wedding cool from the heat at all times you may want to consider a draped tent. A draped tent will keep your guests under shade the entire wedding while adding a mystical feel to your wedding theme, also consider boho tipis.

When it comes to planning a beach wedding considering these essentials while you plan can save you a lot of time and headaches. Have you planned a beach wedding? If so tell us below what tips would you give other brides that are planning a beach wedding.

Image via James Hamilton’s YouTube channel

1.  SCOTLAND – The Blackening of the Bride                                                               In some parts of Scotland people still practice custom called “the blackening of the bride”. What does it involve? (and yeah, don’t even get us started on the name). The bride’s friends will get together and throw all manner of nastiness at her (from spoiled milk to eggs, flour, even fish and soot). Then they proceed to tie the bride-to-be to a tree. This custom is practiced in order to chase away the evil spirits. But it is also said that if the bride can handle this custom, she can handle anything (marriage included). Sometimes the groom will receive the same treatment (since we are all about equality, we think it is only fair).

Image via Myday.ynet.co.il

2.  POLAND – The Money Dance

The following custom originated in Poland in the 1990s but to be fair – the money dance isn’t exclusive to Poland (the custom is practiced in various forms in a number of countries all over Eastern Europe). When the bride goes to dance with her father, a relative will take an apron and walk around with it. The wedding party guests can then place money in the apron in order to get a chance to dance with the bride. Likewise the female guests in attendance can pay money to have the opportunity to dance with the groom.

Image via Finch &Co

3.  FIJI – A Whales Tooth Gift

You plan to ask your father-to-be for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Sounds simple enough. OK, it might be a bit nerve wracking, but not that bad. Wrong. In Fiji you are expected to bring along a whale’s tooth as a gift. Where do you find a whale’s tooth? We don’t have a clue. Talk about impossible to shop for.

Image via La Crosse Tribune

4.  FRANCE – Banging of Pots and Pans

The custom of charivari dates back to the Middle Ages and it originated in France. Family and assorted friends will gather outside of the newlyweds’ home on the first night of their marriage. They will proceed to bang on pots and pans in order to show their approval for the marriage. It is expected of the newlyweds to treat the crowd with drinks. In some countries the custom goes under the name shivaree. Charivari wasn’t always benign in its nature. Sometimes it was used by the community members that wanted to voice their displeasure about adulterous relationships, when the man was violent or when a marriage was a result of an unsuitable match – for example when a much older widower married a young woman. It was used as a way to shun people from the community.

Image via James Cowan’s YouTube channel

5.  SOUTH KOREA – Beating of the Feet

Falaka is a wedding custom practiced in South Korea. After the bride and groom are married and before the groom is allowed to leave with the bride, he needs to get his feet beaten. Family members or groomsmen will remove his shoes and socks and bound his feet. Then they will proceed to beat his feet with a stick or dried fish. While it might sound cruel it is not, the custom is meant to be in good humor. The purpose is to make sure the groom doesn’t disappoint on his wedding night.

Image via Marigold Events

6.  INDIA – Stealing the Groom’s Shoes

The best way to get families to bond? Have them fight over a shoe. In some parts of India people observe the tradition called Joota Chupai. The groom will take off his shoes on his walk to the altar. The bride’s family will then try to steal the shoes, while the groom’s family will do their best to prevent them.

Image via Turnupgear

7.  GERMANY – Cleaning up Smashed Porcelain

In Germany it is customary for the wedding party guests to bring all sorts of porcelain stuff to the wedding – from dishes to pots and cups. They proceed to smash them on the floor in order to ward off the evil spirits. It is then bride and groom’s duty to clean it all up. The moral of this custom? If the couple works together they can overcome any challenge.

Image via Slavorum.org

8. RUSSIA – Biting of the Bread

After the wedding ceremony Russian newlyweds will have a bread called karavaya. It is decorated with interlocking rings to symbolize faithfulness and wheat that symbolizes prosperity. They have to take a bite out of the bread without using their hands. The person who takes a bigger bite will be the head of the family.

Image via Four Seasons Magazine

9. CHINA – Teasing the Groom

In China your girlfriends got your back. It is customary in China for bridesmaids to give the groom a hard time on his wedding day. They will pose him challenges, tests, ask questions about the bride and generally tease him. And to top it all off he will have to bribe them with envelopes stuffed with cash.

Image via Brides.com

10.  IRELAND – Keeping your Dancing Feet on the Ground

The bride and groom’s dance can be nerve-wrecking as it is (especially if you are less than a stellar dancer). In Ireland? The bride has to remember to keep her feet on the floor at all times. Otherwise it is believed that the fairies will take her away.