When you picture your big day, do you envision clear blue skies, azure waters, a salty sea breeze and sand between your toes? Then a beach wedding is for you. And a beach wedding in Cyprus will tick all of your boxes.
Beach weddings are the number one reason that couples choose a destination wedding.
Well, let’s face it, UK beaches leave much to be desired!. Paired with the guarantee of no rain on the day of your wedding it’s no wonder why. But what does it actually mean to have a beach wedding and what needs to considered.
There really is no better backdrop to saying ‘I do’ that the shimmering blue of the Mediterranean sea. Meaning if you don’t even have to have a great big budget for decorations and keep things simple. A hidden bonus of a destination wedding means they need to a little further advance planning in advance. Giving you more time to save up and splurge on your big day. As well as saving money with weddings abroad coming in cheaper than UK weddings too.
With any destination wedding, it’s not just one day and done. A wedding overseas allows for a whole weekend or week of festivities and fun!
Planning Ahead for a Beach Wedding
As with any destination wedding, you’ll want to give your guests as much notice as possible. This allows for them to be able to save up, check prices and maybe school holidays if they have young ones. As they’ll need to consider booking flights as well as accommodation.
Sending your save the dates out as soon as you have your date booked is advises. Typically this will be 12-18 months in advance of your wedding date, depending on how well planned you are! Particularly letting your family and VIP’s such as Bridal and Groom’s party in advance to be certain of their attendance.
Booking Travel & Accommodation
As the wedding couple, you’re not responsible for your guest’s airfare, accommodations or any extra expenses involved. However you may need or want to help guests to make their arrangements by suggesting suitable accommodations nearby.
You may also want to get in touch with your hotel or venue to see if they can offer any additional discounts or offers. When it comes to booking blocks or a certain number of rooms to accommodate your guests. You get to save your guests some extra money too – cost effective for everyone. A wedding website can be a great way to share extra information with your guests. Including and not limited to suitable accommodations, airport transfers, local car hire, weather and dress code details.
Beach Wedding Dress Codes
Being your wedding your dress code can be whatever you desire. However a beach weddings typically offer a more casual and carefree vibe when it comes to attire. Whatever dress code you decide on, be sure to let guests know in advance including the particulars. This can be done on your official wedding invitations or within your wedding website. Taking into account the Cypriot weather, and the month you are marrying in. It could be worth opting for lighter colours and lighter fabrics. This will go a long way for your guest’s comfort on the day. For example, asking male guests to wear formal tuxedos may be a little too much. Especially for a beach wedding in August.
Keeping Cool
Whilst a beach wedding and sunning it up is a benefit of having a beach wedding, if you and your guests are likely to be spending all of the wedding day outside in the sun then you’ll want to ensure that there are some shaded areas particularly for elder and younger guests alike. Keeping the refreshments flowing too to keep your guests well hydrated and occupied between your ceremony and reception will go a long way. Popular wedding favours for beach weddings include personalised fans and sunglasses, both of which come in super handy on the day!
Choosing a Location for your Beach Wedding
Paphos and Ayia Napa/ Protaras are the leading destinations on the island when it comes to a beach wedding. Both offer municipalities with their own ceremony venues near or on their gorgeous blue flag beaches and amples of hotels with beach wedding venues to choose from too.
Larnaca and Limassol are also not to be forgotten when it comes to beach weddings with venues offering beach front locations.
When researching your wedding venue be sure to take into consideration your budget, number of guests, drinks and food menus available and of course your overall vibe and vision.
Beach Wedding Legalities
The good news is that there are no additional legalities or permits that need to be obtained or purchased when it comes to a beach wedding in Cyprus. All hotels with beach wedding venues will have the permission from the local municipalities to do so so you have no need to worry!
Beach Wedding Reception
If you’re opting for a hotel beach wedding they will also have options when it comes to the wedding reception, some of which will also be beach front if they can cater to them, or elsewhere within the hotel grounds and facilities. If you’re ceremony venue is arranged/ booked with one of the local municipalities you will need to look into a different venue to host your wedding reception at. The municipality may have some suggestions for you to look into, but ultimately the choice is yours and there are many venues across the island that would suit! Be sure to look into transportation for both you and your guests is travel is required between venues.
