Date of publication 07/05/2018
Beach wedding Tips for making your beach wedding perfect
Details that can make that special day even more perfect
Summer is just around the corner. As warmer weather arrives, the days grow longer, temperatures rise, and flowers fill the surroundings with color and fragrance, creating the perfect setting for a wedding.
Some of the most popular choices at this time of year are the many beautiful beaches found in destinations such as Mallorca, Ibiza, Tenerife, Marbella, and the Caribbean. These seaside settings are home to Iberostar hotels for weddings, where the location, facilities, and cuisine come together to help make every celebration just right.
In Tenerife, Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey has been one of Santa Cruz de Tenerife's most distinctive wedding hotels for more than 75 years, with Canary Islands neocolonial architecture, spacious gardens, and nine event rooms that can accommodate up to 400 guests. On the Costa del Sol, just a short distance from Puerto Banús, Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach offers the chance to celebrate a hotel wedding in Marbella, with direct access to the sand and the Mediterranean as a backdrop.
Here are six key aspects to consider when planning the perfect day, with advice from two experienced wedding planners who share some of their best tips.
THE BEST DATE
While the weather can never be predicted with certainty, wedding planners recommend holding beach celebrations from April onward in Spain, when warmer temperatures and longer days create ideal conditions. Wendy, co-owner of Bodas de cuento, believes "the best months are from April to October. I particularly love October because, even though it gets dark earlier, temperatures are usually very pleasant. An inland wedding may feel a little cooler by then, but by the sea it always works beautifully."
Lorena, co-owner of Las Bodas de Araventum, prefers the period between May and September, when "the light, temperatures, and lush vegetation are perfect for the season."
THE BEST TIME OF DAY
Both experts agree that sunset is the best time of day. It is an ideal moment for a ceremony by the sea for several reasons: temperatures begin to drop, the light is beautiful, and the photographs are likely to be frame-worthy. During the day, as Lorena explains, "it's simply too hot, and guests can feel uncomfortable. May could be an exception, since temperatures are still a little milder."
Both wedding planners especially value the distinctive light at this time of day, which begins with pinkish tones before gradually fading into softer grays, creating wonderful conditions for memorable photographs.
Another advantage of a sunset ceremony is that guests have time to rest and enjoy the beach, pool, and a little relaxation beforehand. Wendy adds that "holding the ceremony at sunset is ideal, followed by a cocktail reception in the same setting so everyone can enjoy the evening, with candles lighting the space and creating a magical atmosphere."
THE BEST LOCATION
There is no single rule for choosing the best part of the beach for a celebration that feels special and personal. Everyone has their own preferences, but the couple should ultimately decide what their ideal setting looks like. As Wendy explains, "you always look for somewhere special where the photos will be beautiful."
Every beach in Spain is different, but wherever the ceremony takes place, one of the priorities is "positioning the altar in the right spot." Wendy recommends keeping it simple and choosing a location with stunning views, such as an open horizon stretching out across the sea or a cliff framed by beautiful rock formations.
Access to the ceremony site also deserves careful consideration, as easy arrival to the beach is essential for a seamless celebration. Lorena recommends "using natural materials" that complement the beauty of the surroundings. "For example, a sisal runner, a wooden walkway, or wicker accessories can all work beautifully as decorative elements."
THE BEST OUTFIT
Beach weddings naturally call for a more relaxed dress code, since what you wear should always suit the setting. In these natural, romantic surroundings, clothing and accessories tend to follow an "elegant but informal" approach. Both Wendy and Lorena agree that heels can be tricky, especially stilettos.
Lorena adds that "a great option is to give guests espadrilles, or even simple, stylish flip-flops." When it comes to clothing, the key is to stay cool in fabrics that suit the setting: soft, lightweight, flowing, and comfortable. Wendy does offer one word of caution: "Be mindful of the evening breeze, since temperatures can drop by a few degrees. That's why it's always a good idea to bring a shawl."
For Lorena, the ideal beach dress code is a relaxed bohemian style, with no sequins, metallic fabrics, or sparkle. "The more bohemian and lightweight, the better." Men's looks follow the same principle, with linen shirts, tailored trousers, and footwear such as summer loafers or espadrilles with thin soles.
When it comes to beauty tips, the styling should also work with the beach setting, with light, natural makeup in soft or pastel shades and nothing too heavy. Humidity, after all, can easily interfere with even the best-planned look.
Hair, whether worn up or down, should have some structure, since humidity can be just as challenging here. Lorena explains that "both an updo and loose hair are ideal and can complement the overall look beautifully, but an updo should always be simple, with no elaborate chignons, jeweled clips, or sparkle in the hair. A headpiece is a great choice, while hats are generally considered inappropriate for an evening wedding."
This stylistic flexibility should also feel connected to the destination. Espadrilles, for example, are an elegant fit for a celebration at a hotel in Mallorca or a hotel in Ibiza. Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma, just minutes from Playa de Palma, is a good example. Its rooftop, overlooking the Mediterranean through a pine forest, has become one of the most sought-after settings among wedding hotels in Mallorca, with capacity for up to 500 guests.
Lorena also favors natural materials: "Wicker and wood work especially well for these weddings, paired with Mediterranean flowers such as bougainvillea or tropical-style green foliage. Flowers aren't always necessary, though. I tend to prefer elements such as wicker or bamboo chairs and coconut-fiber carpeting."
THOSE LITTLE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Small touches can give a wedding a more personal character. The setting already provides much of the beauty, but a few carefully chosen details can add something extra. Wendy, for example, recommends paper parasols for guests because "besides offering useful shade from the sun, they add a chic touch and look great in photos."
She also suggests creating a small corner near the altar, "always attractive and in keeping with the couple's style," with parasols, hand fans, and even sunglasses. While strict wedding etiquette might say otherwise, beach celebrations allow for much more flexibility, with a naturally more informal and relaxed atmosphere.