Pensacola beach is the perfect local if you are set on a beach wedding. With 52 miles of clean sandy beaches, crystal clean waters, and over 300 days a year of sunshine. It also offers a variety of hotels and larger style homes along the beach so your guests have a place to stay.

There is a lot to consider when planning your beach wedding. Some things you may not have thought of with your traditional wedding. Here are some tips to help you:

1) First thing you’ll want to do is check the weather for the time of year you are planning. You’ll want to note when the tides come in and out, what the average temperature is, and the chances for rain. Wedding dates can be difficult to change later, so some advanced planning can go a long way. It can be rather cold in Pensacola during the winter months with temps. in the low 60’s.

2) It might be fun to plan your beach wedding around the special events that happen in Pensacola:

Mardi Gras Street Party in February

April: Jazz it up at the Jazz Festival

Blue Angels Air Show in July

September: Seafood is the theme during the Seafood Festival

October: Enjoy the fair atmosphere during the Interstate Fair in Pensacola

November: Enjoy the Homcoming Show for the Blue Angels

Winterfest Celebration in December

3) Have a sunset reception. If you’re having your beach wedding in the hotter summer months, an evening reception will be much cooler for your guests.

4) The many events in Pensacola offers a variety of themes for your beach wedding. Guests may not feel like dining on heavier fare when on the beach, so stick with simple dishes like fruits and salads. If you are going to have a main dish, go with seafood like shrimp or crab. If you can, try finding bakery that will special order a cake with a theme from one of the many events in Pensacola (like a Blue Angels cake).

5) Don’t bother with balloons and confetti. If you have confetti, you’ll be responsible for cleaning up the mess. They are not good for the environment anyway.

6) Go easy on the decorations. They can detract from the beautiful sandy beach wedding.

7) A good portion of your decorations you can find right on the beach. Seashells, clam shells, sand dollars, etc. can be the perfect centerpieces.
Candles don’t work so well on the beaches. A slight breeze and they will blow out. Opt instead for some Christmas lights or lanterns. They can add an elegant touch to an evening wedding.

9) Sand can be an issue on the beach. If you’d like to keep it as sand-free as possible, look into a pool side reception. There are quite a few resorts that will offer areas that are next to the beach.

10) Since weather can be an issue, you’ll definitely want to get a canopy - preferably one this is open on the sides. It will protect you and your guests from the sun and the rain. Plus, adds a nice focal point for the reception.

11) Go with light colors. They don’t retain heat like darker colors do.

12) Then there’s the music. Anything by the Beach Boys is good, or go with some Reggae like UB40 or Bob Marley.

13) You and your guests might want to take a dip in the water so make sure you have a lifeguard on hand. Especially if you’ll have younger guests attending.

14) There are a lot things to do in Pensacola from boating and fishing to taking a cruise and diving the artificial reef. The Oriskany is the biggest one ever made. Watch the Blue Angels from March until November at the Navel Aviation Museum. If your looking for something more family friendly try Sam’s Fun City which as a water park and arcade. It’s also Rocky and Bullwinke’s home.

15) And above all, have fun! By planning ahead and having others around to manage the numerous details you will help ensure the most enjoyable celebration.

Everything they never told you about Florida Beach Weddings revealed! For more insider tips and information be sure to check out Pensacola Florida Beach Weddings Guide