Beach weddings provide a wise yet elegant solution to the expense and stress that is usually associated with traditional weddings. Usually, beach weddings are easier to plan, less expensive, and much more enjoyable for everyone. To plan an even more affordable beach wedding, determine the basics, such as a location, details, and a reception where everyone can celebrate this extraordinary time in you and your partner's life.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Ordering a Location
Step 1. Choose a location
Beach weddings are usually free or relatively inexpensive. If it's not free, you may have to pay for a permit that costs anywhere from Rp. 500,000 to Rp. 5,000,000. After making the decision for a beach wedding, plan the exact location. Indonesia is an archipelagic country, there are so many choices here. If you live near the beach, that decision will be easy to make!
If traveling is necessary, consider whether the people you will be inviting to your wedding will be able to afford the time and money needed to travel
Step 2. Consider booking a place at a resort
Making a reservation at a resort may sound expensive, but it can actually be a cheaper option. At some resorts, such as Sandals, Beaches, and Dreams, the wedding ceremony is free if you book accommodation for a certain number of guests for a certain number of nights. After booking the room, the resort will arrange almost everything.
Step 3. Look for group discounts
Having a certain number of guests at your wedding can provide a discount. You can get free plane tickets, rooms and other things if you book for enough people. The inn probably won't offer a discount, but it never hurts to ask.
Step 4. Try holding a wedding in the off-season
Once you've decided on a location, find out about the high season at that location. Of course you don't want to have a wedding in the middle of a hurricane season, but try to plan it outside of the peak season as much as possible. A week or two before the off-season is ideal. This will save you money, but the weather is still pleasant enough to enjoy.
Step 5. Decide on the number of guests to come
Holding a smaller wedding will certainly be cheaper than inviting hundreds of people. If you and your partner have a large family, a very small wedding may not be possible. Try to reduce the guest list as much as possible. It will be easier to eliminate your mother's co-workers or acquaintances if you will be traveling for your big day.
Part 2 of 3: Holding a Wedding Ceremony
Step 1. Ask a friend or family member to officiate the wedding ceremony
Did you know anyone can get certified to officiate at a wedding ceremony? Hiring someone can cost anywhere from IDR 1,5000 to IDR 4,500,000 or even more. Ask your friends or family members if they would like to apply for online certification. You will have to offer a small fee, but they may be willing to do it free of charge for the pride of being able to marry you to the love of your life.
Step 2. Decorate with less flowers
Fresh flowers often fill wedding decorations. Flowers in large numbers are beautiful, but not a must. Instead, think of flowers as an accent rather than the main decoration. Save money on flowers by going to your local flower shop, flower market, or even supermarket.
After all, custom flower arrangements usually won't stand the heat and wind on the beach
Step 3. Install the handmade decorations
Don't worry about buying expensive wedding decorations, like ice sculptures, which might not last long. Get creative and make your own decorations. You can paint old wood planks, make flowers out of paper, or make your own candles.
Invite your friends to a craft party. Serve wine, food, and make decorations that everyone can enjoy on the wedding day
Step 4. Choose a wedding dress at a lower cost
You don't have to buy an expensive wedding gown to look stunning as you walk down the aisle. Look for dresses that are ready to wear without needing to be changed again. For an affordable option, rent a dress or buy a used dress from a friend.
A shorter, more casual dress would be ideal for a beach location. This type of dress is usually less expensive than a long and elaborate wedding gown
Step 5. Use an aluminum folding chair
The wedding ceremony will not last long, so there is no need to use beautiful chairs for everyone. Place the aluminum folding chairs on the sand just before the wedding begins. Or if you don't need to travel for a wedding, ask guests to bring their own folding chairs.
Another option is to let everyone stand at your wedding-unless they can't. If so, you will need to provide a number of seats
Step 6. Hire a photographer for a few hours
You may need a professional photographer at the ceremony or part of your ceremony. After that, take advantage of technology. Ask your friends to take a photo and upload it to a photo-sharing website, such as Eversnap.
If any of your guests have mobility impairments, be aware that it is nearly impossible to push a wheelchair on the sand. Many beaches have paths or runways. Find out about this before the ceremony takes place
Part 3 of 3: Arranging the Reception
Step 1. Have a wine and cheese reception
Keep your reception costs down by planning an elegant yet simple wine and cheese reception located on the beach. You don't have to walk far to the reception location and this will further reduce the cost of the wedding. Keep in mind that public beaches rarely allow alcohol to be served and will likely bring in the police. Request that a section of the beach be closed to prevent problems.
- You can also ask your friend who is good at cooking to make an appetizer. This will probably cost less than ordering at a caterer.
- Another option is to hold a ceremony without holding a reception.
Step 2. Rent a food truck
You, your partner, and your guests may be too hungry to just eat some cheese after the ceremony is over. A way to reduce catering costs is to rent a food truck. One option is the pizza truck. Who doesn't love a good pizza? This can be a cool, delicious, and a lot cheaper way to go than the fancy food that only some people might like.
Remember to facilitate people who have allergies. Provide options for common allergies
Step 3. Ask a friend to be a DJ
You don't have to spend a lot of money to be able to dance the night away at your wedding ceremony. Make a playlist on your computer or iPod, plug in good speakers, and use a mixing deck, if you can. Offer a music-savvy friend some money to DJ for the night.
Step 4. Rent an outdoor canopy
It's a good idea to protect the reception area from raindrops or sudden seagulls. If you want to buy a canopy, you can find it relatively cheaply online and in many supermarkets. For a tropical feel, decorate the canopy with tulle, small twinkling lights, and silk flowers. Use a large candle for lighting.
Always consider the comfort and safety of your guests. Provide seating for the elderly and sunscreen and insect repellent just in case
Step 5. Plan affordable wedding favors
Thank your guests for coming on your special day by giving them a souvenir to take home. Give them a homemade sand-dollar beach wedding favor, a seashell candle, or a Hawaiian Silk Leis necklace.
Tips
- Have a wedding in the morning or evening to avoid crowded beaches.
- Be sure to check any permits that may be needed for your beach wedding.
- Combine your honeymoon with a wedding to make the whole event even more affordable and stress-free.
- Casual hairstyles are best suited for beach weddings. If it's a windy day, your hair will look natural and tangled, not messy.
Warning
- While many wedding organizers offer all-inclusive beach wedding packages, don't wait until the last minute to book. Leave a gap of no less than six months and more if possible to book your wedding package.
- Also taking the scorching temperatures into account, don't forget that in some areas there can be storms or typhoons at certain times of the year. Make a plan with that in mind.
