| If you're set on a beach wedding then look no further | | | | 7) For a wonderfully inexpensive idea, try scouring the |
| than Pensacola Beach. With its white sand beaches, | | | | beach for seashells, sand dollars, and other items. Use |
| sparkling clear waters, and 343 days of sun each | | | | these for you wedding reception. |
| year. Plus, there are plenty of hotels and large homes | | | | 8) Christmas lights or lanterns will work better than |
| along the beach for accommodating your guests. | | | | candles, which can be easily blown out if there's a gust |
| There is a lot to consider when planning your beach | | | | of wind. Lanterns will last longer should the reception |
| wedding. Some things you may not have thought of | | | | go long into the night. |
| with your traditional wedding. Here are some tips to | | | | 9) Sand can be an issue on the beach. If you'd like to |
| help you. | | | | keep it as sand-free as possible, look into a pool side |
| 1) First, make sure to check the weather reports in the | | | | reception. There are quite a few resorts that will offer |
| area for what time the tides come in, when it sets, etc. | | | | areas that are next to the beach. |
| so you can plan accordingly. December through | | | | 10) Get an open-sided canopy. It helps to define the |
| February in Pensacola can be cold on the beach with | | | | reception area and will provide protection from the sun |
| average temperatures in the low 60's. | | | | (as well as the rain) while still allowing full view of the |
| 2) You may want to plan your beach wedding around | | | | beautiful beach setting. |
| the annual events that take place in Pensacola. For | | | | 11) Go with light colors. They don't retain heat like |
| example:o February has the Mardi Gras Street Partyo | | | | darker colors do and you'll want to stay as |
| April is the Jazz Festivalo July is the Blue Angels Air | | | | comfortable as possible. |
| Showo September is the Seafood Festivalo October | | | | 12) Need some music ideas? How about the Beach |
| is the Pensacola Interstate Fairo November is the Blue | | | | Boys, the Drifters "Under the Boardwalk", "Summer |
| Angels Homecoming Showo December is the | | | | Nights" from Grease, or Reggae music like Bob Marley |
| Winterfest Celebration | | | | and UB40. For a Naval oriented feel how about music |
| 3) For summer weddings, have your reception in the | | | | from "Top Gun". |
| evenings so you'll be able to keep you guests cooler | | | | 13) For safety on the beach, hire your own lifeguard. |
| without the blaring sun. | | | | This is especially important for your younger guests. |
| 4) If you planning your wedding around one of the | | | | 14) Pensacola offers a variety of attractions for your |
| Pensacola annual events, then keep the food along the | | | | guests. Everything from fishing, chartering a boat, |
| same theme. See if you can find a special order | | | | swimming, to taking a dolphin cruise. Dive the Oriskany |
| bakery that will make you a Blue Angels cake. Or if | | | | artificial reef (the largest artificial reef ever created), |
| you having it during the Seafood Festival have | | | | scuba dive, or go snorkeling. From March through |
| seafood as your main dish. Keep the food light with | | | | November you and your guest can watch the Blue |
| salads and fruits. Your guests likely won't want to dine | | | | Angel's at the National Navel Aviation Museum. For |
| on heavier full course meals during hot temperatures. | | | | more family oriented appeal there's Sam's Fun City |
| 5) Skip the confetti and the balloons. Confetti makes a | | | | with a water park and arcade games - home of |
| mess on the beach that is hard to clean up. Besides, | | | | Rocky and Bullwinkle. |
| neither is good for the environment. | | | | 15) And above all, have fun! By planning ahead and |
| 6) Keep you decorations to a minimum. Having too | | | | having others around to manage the numerous details |
| many decorations and colors will detract from the | | | | you will help ensure the most enjoyable celebration. |
| wedding and will give it a less-than-elegant feel. | | | | |