One of the best locations for a wedding is a destination beach wedding. Anyone can tell from pictures or from those that have experienced one, that a destination wedding in a beach location can be a perfect place to celebrate your special day. If you are planning a dream beach wedding in the Sunshine State, we have you covered. This blog post will provide you with several tips if you are searching for Florida beach weddings on a budget for your big day.
From prioritizing your budget to selecting the right vendors and the perfect location, we’ve got you covered in this guide. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into these cost-saving tips that’ll make your dream wedding a reality without breaking the bank.
1) Choose an Off-Season Date
Choosing an off-season date can save you a significant amount of money on your Florida beach wedding. During peak season, which is typically from March to May and from July to August, wedding costs can increase due to high demand. Consider planning your wedding day during the off-season months of September to November, or even during the winter months of December to February. Not only will you save money, but you may also have more flexibility with venue availability.
2) Consider the Weather
It’s important to consider the weather when choosing an off-season date for your Florida beach wedding. While September to November can be a great time for a wedding due to fewer crowds, hurricane season can pose a potential risk, whether it is along the Gulf side or along the East Coast. December to February can also have cooler temperatures, so be sure to plan accordingly as mother nature can always play a part in your big day.
3) Research Venue Pricing
When planning a beach wedding, choosing the perfect venue is something of high importance. But when you do, choosing an affordable venue is should be a priority for someone on a budget. Be sure to research venue pricing to find the best deals. Some outdoor venues may offer discounts during the off-season months, so be sure to ask about any special promotions or packages. Additionally, consider looking for venues that are not typically associated with weddings, such as parks or public beaches, as they may offer more affordable options.
Related Resources:
Wedding & Dance/Reception Budget Template
4) Flexibility with Vendors
Another benefit of choosing an off-season date for your Florida beach wedding is the potential for more flexibility with vendors. During peak season, vendors may be in high demand and may charge higher prices for their services. However, during the off-season months, vendors may have more availability and may be more willing to negotiate prices.
By choosing an off-season date for your Florida beach wedding, you can save money and still have the wedding of your dreams. Consider the weather, research venue pricing, and be flexible with vendors to make the most of your budget.
For more information about planning a Florida beach wedding on a budget, visit Weddingbee.
5) Trim Your Guest List
One of the most effective ways to save money on your Florida beach wedding is to trim your guest list. While it may be tempting to invite everyone you know, each guest adds to the overall cost of your wedding. But how do you decide who to invite and who to cut? Consider immediately family members and your closest friends only along with other members of the wedding party.
6) Calculate Your Cost Per Guest
Before making any decisions, you need to calculate your cost per guest. This includes factors such as food, drinks, cake, favors, table linens, chair covers, reception paper goods, and table centerpieces. Once you have a total cost per guest, it will be easier to determine how many guests you can afford to invite.
For example, if your cost per guest is $85 and you cut 10 guests from your list, you could save $885. That’s a significant amount of money that could be used towards other areas of your wedding. Consider a guest list tracker like this one to make tracking easier.
Ways to Cut Your Wedding Guest List
Here are some tips to help you decide who to cut from your guest list:
- Have an adult-only reception – This can save you a lot of money, especially if you have many children on your initial guest list. You could allow nursing infants and nieces and nephews/cousins of any age, or you could limit inviting children under 12 or 18 years old depending on how many there would be.
- Consider coworkers – Do all your coworkers need to be invited? How about your SO (significant other), mother, father, or your in-law’s co-workers? It is nice to involve those you spend your day with, but how many are you as a couple close to?
- High school and college friends – You haven’t seen each other since graduation, or it’s an occasional “hi” on Facebook. This also applies to college friends you don’t keep in contact with or haven’t seen in the last couple of years.
- People you went to their wedding – You haven’t seen them in years. Take them off the list. You are not obligated to invite someone because you attended their wedding! Use the 1-2 rule: if you haven’t seen or talked to them in one to two years, delete.
- Plus-ones who are not engaged (or in a serious relationship) – You have a friend or two that are serial daters—why spend the money on someone’s plus-one that may not be around a week after your wedding? Maybe limit plus-ones to those who have been dating at least 8-10 months or to those you have met.
By trimming your guest list, you can save a significant amount of money without sacrificing the quality of your Florida beach wedding.
7) Consider Alternatives to Traditional Venues
When it comes to planning a Florida beach wedding budget, choosing a non-traditional venue can save you a lot of money. Here are some alternative options to consider:
Public Beaches
Public beaches are a great option for a budget-friendly beach wedding. They often have free or low-cost permits, and you can bring your own chairs, decorations, and food. Just be aware that public beaches can be crowded and noisy, so consider the time of day and week when planning your wedding.
State Parks
State parks offer beautiful beach settings for your wedding ceremony and reception. The fees are typically low, and you can choose from a variety of locations within the park. Keep in mind that some state parks may have restrictions on the number of guests and decorations allowed.
Private Beaches
If you want a more intimate and secluded beach wedding, consider renting a private beach or beach house. While this option may be more expensive, it can give you a lot more flexibility in terms of guest count, decor, and timing. Plus, you can often negotiate lower rates during off-peak seasons.
Regardless of which alternative venue you choose, make sure to research the permit requirements, restrictions, and accessibility beforehand. This will help you avoid any unexpected costs or logistical issues on the day of your wedding.
For more information on alternative beach wedding venues in Florida, check out WeddingWire.
9) Research Your Locations
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to having your wedding day in a beach location. But despite all beaches having sand, not all beaches are the same. Making the perfect choice may depend on what you really want. Here are some of the top locations:
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach weddings are a popular choice due to the abundant palm trees, white sandy beach and crystal clear waters it offers. For a more hands off approach, Destination Weddings of Florida, Inc., aka “Cocoa Beach Weddings” offers a number of inclusive packages to fit your needs. They have a couple more affordable beach wedding packages if you reserve early, and also they might from time to time offer great deals. They dub themselves as the #1 Beach Wedding Service in Central Florida. For more information, please visit their website at http://cocoabeachweddings.com/.
Madeira Beach / St Pete Beach
Madeira beach and the St Pete Beach area are also an amazing place to have a beach wedding, I have stayed there before and I found it be be an ideal location due to having some of the most beautiful beaches and sunsets. Plus, the little place we stayed at on the beach was not very crowded which we liked. And this is close to John’s Pass boardwalk, which is just a short walk away and has lots of places to go look around and shop at.
Sarasota
The beautiful beaches of Sarasota are a perfect choice for a beach wedding. If you are looking for a luxury location, the Ritz-Carlton and The Resort at Longboat Key Club are two of the most popular luxury resorts in the area. They offer top-notch service, stunning ocean views, and world-class amenities that will make your wedding day unforgettable. Or if you are looking for a more intimate wedding experience, The Lido Beach Resort and the Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach are two popular options that offer beautiful beachfront venues.
Florida Keys
The Florida Keys offer many beautiful locations for your beach wedding. Consider popular spots like Islamorada, Key Largo, and Marathon. Each location has its unique charm, and you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your ceremony. Keep in mind that some beaches may require permits, so be sure to check with the local authorities before planning your wedding.
Indian Rocks Beach
Indian Rocks Beach is a stunning location in its own right, but there are a few things you can do to enhance its natural beauty. Consider incorporating tropical silk flowers and greenery into your decor, and choose a color palette that complements the sapphire-blue waves of the ocean. When it comes to attire, lightweight fabrics and flowing dresses are a great choice for the beach
Treasure Island
Located off the coast of St. Petersburg, Treasure Island is a small but stunning barrier island with miles of pristine white sand beaches and clear blue waters.
There are several beautiful beachfront resorts and venues on the island that can accommodate weddings of all sizes and styles. Some of the most popular options include:
- The Bilmar Beach Resort
- The Treasure Island Beach Resort
- The Sunset Beach House
- The Crystal Palms Beach Resort
Conclusion
There are many options for Flordia beach weddings on a budget, you just have to decide the things that matter the most to you and then take the time to do your research. Having a wedding along with wedding reception on a beach can be a beautiful and special experience if planned the right way.
