I just got engaged. I am really excited, but I want a destination or beach wedding and I don’t know where to begin. How do I do this right and with the least amount stress? and within budget?

Introduction

• This is The Beach Wedding show number 8.
• We have beat the odds! Show number 8.
• All About Engagement Season
  • 40% of engagements From Thanksgiving to Valentines Day
  • 1 in 5 engagements happen in December
  • 17% of engagements happen on the same 10 days each year
  • The top ten most popular dates include major holidays such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years’ Day, and Valentine’s Day.
  • We sponsor a free engagement photo along with our demo day in March. Click here for more information about our 2018 event. More info coming soon about our 2019 event!
  • http://www.paradisebeachweddings.net/wedding-info/free-engagement-photos-demo-day/

So in the get to know us section, we can do up to three simultaneous beach weddings and two receptions per day. When you contact us about your wedding, talk about how busy we are for your date. See if we are available.

Set the Stage – So I Just Got Engaged, and I Want a Beach Wedding, Now What? 8 Steps to take

• How long should should I be engaged before I get married?
• Pick a couple of wedding dates and time of day for flexibility
• Decide if you are having a reception after the beach wedding
• Work on a realistic Budget for the entire event.
• Find a wedding planner in the area where you would like to get married
• If you are heaving a reception, work with the planner to secure a VENUE this first. The beach wedding is the easy part.
• Make a guest list, get ready to manage it to fit your budget
• Now plan the Beach Wedding, Decor, Options, Photography, Videography and any other vendors etc. (the planner will help you with all of this!)

1) How long should should I be engaged before I get married?

• • The average engagement period in the US is 12-13 months
  • 29% of couples are engaged less than 9 months
  • 33% of couples are engaged for over 16 months.
  • If planning a beach or destination wedding, the time that you need to plan varies:
    • Based on your own life and relationship, start with what feels comfortable and right for you , the couple! (other famikly events, vacation time, children in school etc)
    • Also if you are paying for all of your expenses and cost yourselves, you may need a fixed period of time to save for the cost of your beach and destination wedding & reception.
  • Make sure you hire a highly rated wedding planner as you start your planning process as they are your boot son the ground at the beach or destination wedding.
  • How many people do you expect to attend? More than 50 people will probably take a bit more time but this also depends on this: Are you having a reception? if so getting that venue booked is vital to your engagement timeline. Explain- in terms of venue, Explain in terms of beach wedding, permits –
  • What is a good time of year for you and your guests to travel or go to a beach wedding?
    • • Have planner tell you about peak seasons, room rates, local large scale events which can affect these.
      • If flying, look at airfare rates for your projected trip dates.
  • We have planned full destination weddings and receptions in as little as 30 days. But this varies based on size of wedding, reception venues, vendor availability, time of year etc.

2) Pick a couple of wedding dates and time of day for flexibility

• • If you have a special date and it must ne that date for various reasons, start with that date as your goal
    • Also have an alternate date “just in case” your special date will just not work for your planning needs. A good planner will give you options and the challenges in looking at your special date.
  • If you do not have a specific “special” date in mind, pick 2-3 dates that would work in theory so you r planner can assist you with find a date that works for everything including venue, vendors, lodging, etc.
  • If you are flexible, and you are considering a destination beach wedding, look at dates during the weekdays! Venues will be more readily available, sometimes less expensive. The beach is less busy. Restaurants are less busy!
  • Discuss backup plans for your date in the event of weather that is unrelenting. A backup plan may be the next day!

3) Decide if you are having a reception after the beach wedding

• • Are you planning a reception after the beach wedding? If so the number of guests will dictate the choice of venues that can accommodate certain group sizes. If you are planning a reception at a hall or banquet room (non-restaurant) this will take more planning time, not only to secure the venue but the decor, vendors like catering, DJs, cakes etc will be added to the planners tasks.
  • For lots of details about destination wedding receptions, Listen to show number 3 https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/how-much-does-a-beach-or-destination-reception-cost/id1434603274?i=1000419317410
  • For smaller sized weddings, restaurant receptions are often a smart and even economical choice. But planning time matters with these locations as well.
  • Receptions on the beach are also an option, but are much better between Nov 1st and April 30th due to weather, peak season, and environmental issues like turtle nesting season. These are easy to plan as there will always be room on the beach! But there are many pros/cons to beach receptions.

4) Work on a realistic Budget for the entire event.

• • • Sit down with your fiance and any other benefactors who might be helping financially and build a realistic budget for your event. Make sure you include all travel and lodging costs as well as wedding, reception, vendors and more.Wedding Wire has a great budgeting tool, link is in the show notes. budget.html">https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget.html
    • Do your own research on what weddings cost. Look at catering costs person as this is usually your number one expense. https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/budget—t12
    • Definitely listen to our shows 2,3 & 4 as they talk about specific, detailed costs in working with us, here on the east coast of Central Florida
    • Actually plan two budget numbers, your absolute maximum and the desired budget. Provide your planner with the desired budget number so that can work backwards and give you the best options for your money. This way if you have any overages, it should still fit within your maximum budget.

5) Find a wedding planner in the area where you would like to get married

• • • This could easily be item #1. But that would be too much self promotion. But seriously, don’t waste your time and create frustration by searching for venues, vendors etc in a destination location just by using Google search or a wedding community website. Highly rated planners have relationships with the venues and vendors. We text many of these people to get immediate answers and info. We know of venues and option that you will never find. We know about the best vendors (we work with them!)
    • Here are some reviews about planning a wedding from afar!
      • What an awesome job by Paradise Weddings! We love Steve and Sandy. We couldn’t have asked for a better wedding day. All of the details were handled perfectly! As an added bonus, both Steve and Sandy are very kind, calming, laid back people. Would recommend them to anyone regardless of where you live, as we did most of our planning while home in Michigan. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Nick & Dawn Brown
      • I’m so appreciative & filled with so much joy that Steve & his beautiful Wife made our day perfect, after the paradise cruise line cancelled on us 30 days prior to our date, due to fema sending their only ship to the Virgin Islands. I was then referred to Steve & I wouldn’t change anything if I could do it again, it was perfect, thanks so much. Tommy & Tyesha Green.
    • A good planner will take your budget and give you options to fit your plans, a job would either be impossible to take way too much time for someone not connected to the wedding industry

6) If you are heaving a reception, work with the planner to secure a VENUE this first. The beach wedding is the easy part.

• • While this has been mentioned before, it can not be stressed enough. Venues get booked up for popular dates and Saturdays, so let the planner have enough time to provide you with venue choices that will fit your budget.
  • Consider all options, hotel banquet rooms, civic centers, private venues, restaurant and beach receptions.
  • Ash the planner to send you photos of the venues with receptions so you can get a image before you commit.
  • Ideally, an early planning trip where you can tour reception venues with your planner would be bonus, but a good planner will take out some of the worry if you can not make this trip.

7) Make a guest list, get ready to manage it to fit your budget

• • Many people choose destination weddings as a way to have a more private and less expensive wedding & reception, than doing a large wedding in your hometown. If this is you, you will manage your guest list to a number of people that you “really” want to attend, know that some simply can not or will not make the trip and incur the travel costs.
  • According to the knot.com, you should expect about a 50 percent attendance rate — that is, if you invite 100 people, you should plan on approximately 50 making the trip. But this is just an estimate — some couples have as many as two-thirds of their initial guest list attend their festivities. Only you two can really judge for how far your friends and family will be willing to travel. https://www.theknot.com/content/destination-weddings-attendance
  • Get ready to make tough decisions with your fiance to pare down the initial list of potential attendees. Go through the list and scrutinize each guest 2-3 times together.
  • Include names on the response cards for RSVPs
  • Avoid last minute adds

8) Finally, Now plan the Beach Wedding, Decor, Options, Photography, Videography and any other vendors etc. (the planner will help you with all of this!)

• • Your planner is the go to group to help find great vendors that are available for your date and in your budget! Let them do the heavy lifting.
  • For us, Beach Weddings are the easy part. We have turned them around in 48 hours! We own all of our inventory and have 47 miles of beach in Volusia County alone!
  • Vendors like catering, #1 are critical as they may only do one event that day. Same with DJ’s, bands, Photographers and Videographers. Cake/bakery have the ability to serve more clients on your day, but deliveries become important.
  • Don’t forget to PLAN YOUR TRAVEL & lodging as early as possible! Your planner can assist with lodging including blocks of hotel room, condos, home rentals etc.

SUMMARY

• • You just got engaged, now what?
    • Don’t get overwhelmed, work with a local planner where you are getting married
    • Consider how long you should be engaged before getting married, look at all of the factors including costs and family commitments
    • Pick a couple of dates, even if your heart is set on one special date that it must be.
    • If you are having a reception, add extra time to your planning period, and always secure your venue first!
    • Work on a realistic budget for the entirety of the vent including travel
    • Make a guest list and read up on managing a destination wedding guest list. Link in show notes.
    • Finally, work with planner next to secure all other vendors for your special day

The post I Just Got Engaged Now What appeared first on Beach Area Wedding Planner - New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast and Ponce Inlet, Florida.

Introduction –

Show 7 talks about what is an officiant and how do I get one? It also discussed Faith and Civil based ceremony vows, as well as personal vow, customization and ethnic or religion specific vow additions/changes.

• Name & Company – Location
• What we do
• This is The Beach Wedding show number 7.
• In the podcasting world there is statistic that most new podcasts dwindle and stop after 7 episodes. Well we are right on that number! It is time consuming, but we love it and cant wait to bring all of the new shows to you! So much more to do.
• Today’s personal thoughts – We are the antithesis to most wedding planning podcasts
  • I listen to a couple and have tried many
  • I am a male, most podcasts are one or more females. My wife is a huge part of our business. She has skills I will never nor could ever have
  • I will keep the focus on you the listener, and on professionalism. I will not curse, or try and act really cool for entertainment or swag points. If that makes this show dull or less entertaining, I will take that risk. I believe you can be entertaining without being crass or explicit.
  • I will not make this show about politics. While politics affect seemingly everything, and Marriage is a political issue, with States having policy, plus the Supreme Court ruled about same sex marriage with Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015.
  • At some point in the future I will tackle the issue of the collision of Faith & Religious rights of business owners with the Supreme Courts Ruling and the law of the land.

Why we are really focused on customer service

• A wedding is one of the most important moments in your life. We want to provide the highest level of customer service and satisfaction. Tour reputation and service becomes your brand.
  • A story about Glyph – The Scarlett Letter.
  • in 1995, I was CEO of a company that provided digital storage devices for recording digital audio used in production of music, film, TV etc. One of our dealers in SF called about a problem with some of our storage devices being on a live sound stage at the Saul Zaentz Film Center in Berkeley Ca. The film was The Scarlett Letter and the primary star was Demi Moore with Robert Duval & Gary Oldman. I told the dealer grab some brand new devices of ours, out of their inventory and I would pay for courier from SFD to Berkeley. They replied “ we don’t have any of your devices in stock, only your competitors”. So I said “deliver a couple of our competitors devices to the sound stage, I will pay for the courier and replace those items with our inventory”. This solved the problem that day, and helped build our legacy of being dedicated to swift and amazing service. I want to apply the same type of response and commitment to any wedding that we are involved in.
• Talk about reaction to issues, weather etc.

Set the Stage – 6 questions to consider about Officiants – Faith & Civil Based Wedding Vows

• What does the officiant do and how do I get one?
• Can I bring my own officiant?
• What type of vows are used for beach or destination weddings?
• What are faith based vows?
• What are civil vows?
• What about ethic or religion specific vows and ceremony additions?

1) What does the officiant do and how do I get one?

• • A person, typically a pastor, minster, judge or notary is some states, who performs a service or ceremony
  • Can be man or woman, religious or civil.
  • They typically assist with creating your ceremony vows
  • They may be available to perform vows in different languages, Spanish being one example here in Florida
  • We provide and include officiants in all of base packages.
    • Male & Female
    • Spanish is available
    • We have Marriage Minsters & Notaries
  • We also provide officiant only services – if you have a wedding already planned and need just an officiant.
  • There are many other officiant only companies & people in any given regional location.

2) Can I bring my own officiant?

• • The answer for us, is Yes!
    • Pastors, minsters, judges, Florida notaries are all OK.
      • Make sure they are legally licensed to perform marriages in Florida
      • Catholic Priests can only perform marriage in the Catholic Church.
    • They would develop your ceremony vows with you.
    • They would file your marriage license after the ceremony.
    • If you have your own officiant, and they have not done a beach wedding, you may want to consider a rehearsal, especially if you have a bridal party with a processional.
    • We will answer any questions and meet with your officiant 30 minutes before the ceremony if necessary.
    • We always provide a PA system and handheld wireless mic for your own officiant.

3) What type of vows are used for beach or destination weddings?

• • • There is confusion about vows. many clients say “we will write our own vows”. That is awesome, we love that. The personal vows, from the heart that the couple say to each other in the ceremony is the most touching, and best part! But those are “personal vows”. They fit some where in your ceremony vows.
    • The ceremony vows have the actual structure of the wedding ceremony. An opening and greeting, charge to couple, the I do – vows, the ring exchange, and the proclamation of marriage.
      • Besides personal vows, other in ceremony additions to vows.
        • Unity Sand Ceremonies
        • Typing the Knot Ceremonies
        • Scripture readings
        • Prayer
        • Adding Children/family language
    • Ceremony vows are normally either faith based or civil (non-religious) vows.

4) What are faith based vows?

• • • Faith based vows for this discussion will be Christian, non-denominational vows mentioning prayer, scripture etc.
      • We provide 3 examples of Faith Based Vows on our website to be reviewed and selected
      • They may be edited or modified, you may like the ring exchange in one set of vows better than the vows you selected for instance.
      • Many people choose simple civil vows and add scripture in various areas
      • Catholic, Jewish, Native American and Hindu may all have special vows and will require custom vow writing by your officiant.
      • They still follow the structure previously mentioned.

5) What are civil vows?

• • • Civil ceremony vows are non-religious.
      • They can can short, basic and simple
      • For beach weddings, Seashore vows invoke language around the ebbs and tides and calm and storms of the ocean. These are extremely popular.
      • They may be edited or modified, you may like the ring exchange in one set of vows better than the vows you selected for instance.
      • They still follow the structure previously mentioned.

6) What about ethnic or religion specific vows and ceremony additions?

• • Catholic, Jewish, Native American and Hindu may all have special vows and will require custom vow writing by your officiant. You may seek out an officiant that specializes in these types of specific ceremonies.
  • African American weddings can have several traditions during the vows such as “jump the broom”, “tasting of the elements”, or “crossing sticks”. We have done several of these ceremonies.
  • Hispanic families may want the “13 Gold Coins” exchange as part of the ceremony. Our daughter Maya married Edwin who was born in Columbia and we included this beautiful in ceremony add on in the vows.
  • Ask your planner to assist you with any ethnic or religion specific vows and ceremony additions

SUMMARY

• • Our website has so much information around officiants and vows. Just go to http://paradisebeachweddings.net/vows-and-ceremony/ The link is in the show notes. You will find examples of faith based and civil based vows, scripture and in ceremony add-ons.
  • We provide officiants in all of our base packages as well as officiant only services
  • You are allowed to bring your own officiant when you work with us. Ask your planner about this specifically..
  • Choose between faith based or civil based vows. You can customize the vows – shorten, add items etc.
  • Consider writing your own “personal vows” to each other to be included in the ceremony vows.
  • You may want to include ethnic or religion specific vows. Give your planner time to find the resources and perhaps officiants who specialize in these areas.

The post All About Officiants and Faith and Civil Based Vows appeared first on Beach Area Wedding Planner - New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast and Ponce Inlet, Florida.

Set the Stage – 6 things to consider

• If you have a vision or dream for what time want your ceremony to be, pursue that!
• Consider the season, month and day of the week when you are planning a time. Much to consider.
• Think about your guests, the number of attendees, any special needs etc.
• Think about photography and videography for the ceremony time.
• Consider parking and accessibility for the time of the ceremony at any location.
• If you are having a reception, make sure that you can execute the timing of that close to your beach wedding ceremony time.

1) Pursue Your Dream or Vision of What Time the Beach Wedding Ceremony Should Start

• • This is one of the most important moments in your life. If you have a mental picture of hat it should be, then pursue that dream or option!
    • Know that ceremony start time should be carefully considered with season, date etc
    • Look at tons of photos. Find the vibe or aesthetic that you love. Look at our Facebook.
    • If have picked a date, talk with your planner about various start times during the day.
    • Share photos with the planner
    • If you are firmly set on a sunrise or close to sunset beach wedding, make sure that that vision works with all other planning details. Much more about this coming up.
    • Beach weddings are outside, and ceremony start times will be affected by
      • Temperature
      • Wind/Rain
      • Tide cycles
      • Busyness of beach – daytrippers
    • A good and reputable planner will do all the hard work and make suggestions. Listen to them, they are experts
    • Tell story about 2pm start on Saturday, in the summer, in busiest spot, at high tide.

2) Consider the Season or Month That You Have Chosen when Picking a Ceremony Time

• • Lets assume you have a date
    • What month of the year is it?
      • Listen to show 5 all about what month or season should I have my beach or destination wedding
    • Is it in the late spring or summer? .
      • Temperatures are very warm
      • Two optimum times are sunrise and near sunset
        • Sunrise during turtle nesting season is difficult , explain
          • You can do photography first, then the ceremony after sun is up
          • If you want sunrise, choose Nov1 – April 30th
          • Sunrises in east, we are on east coast. Spectacular results are possible.
        • Mid morning ceremony times are great! 10am is optimum
          • Temp is great, not max heat yet
          • Summer day crowd has not yet arrived
          • Plenty of time for any beach wedding setup and decor
          • Flexibility for the rest of the day
          • Rarely rains in morning in summer
        • Near Sunset is most popular in the summer
          • Weddings can start as late as 7-7:30pm.
          • Daytripper crowd has gone home
          • Cooler temps – shady spots available
          • Sweet photography – we do get color in the east on many nights!
            • There are locations where you can get photo shots facing west
          • All day to prepare, hair, makeup etc.
    • Is your date in the fall?
      • More flexibility on ceremony time.
        • After Nov 1st, you can do full setup sunrise
        • Near sunset gets earlier so 4 & 5pm weddings are optimum.
        • Afternoon weddings are more attractive since the temps are cooler and the beach is not as busy as summer time.
        • Much smaller beach crowds
    • Is your date in the Winter?
      • Late morning, afternoon or late afternoon by 4pm are great times
      • You are actually looking for warmer parts of the day as temps can be cool early morning
      • Much, much smaller beach crowds. Sometimes empty!

3) Think about your guests, the number of attendees, any special needs etc.

• • • Do a careful assessment of all of the guests and determine some detailed facts
      • Are their young children coming. Consider “get ready” and feeding times
      • How large is the guest list and what are the logistics of getting everyone to the location.
        • All driving and parking?
        • All inclusive location?
        • Shuttle service?
      • Do you have disabled or older guests who have optimum times during theday that works for them?
      • Are people flying into the area late the night before or even day of the wedding, which is common on Saturday weddings
      • Is this a destination wedding, where everyone will already be at the beach town location, that gives you more flexibility
      • or a local wedding where many people will be traveling by car to get to the beach? Travel time, parking, employment requirements etc
      • Do you have many guests that would have to take time off of work for a morning or daytime wedding, even on the weekend?
      • If you have a large bridal party, consider the total time it will take for hair, makeup and getting dressed for everyone, then add more time because it will take longer than you think!
        • Talk about how hair/makeup is the #1 time sink and cause of start time delays and lateness. How surprise additions (mother in laws etc) can derail a ceremony start time
        • We will have a whole show soon on the number one issue with beach/destination weddings. Late starts and delays.

4) Think about photography and videography for the ceremony time.

• • • Incredibly important to plan properly for treasured memories of your beach wedding. This means wedding photography and video.
    • The start time of the beach wedding ceremony will have an affect on this
      • Dramatic sunrise or sunset photography, is this your vision? You need professional photography, experienced in beach weddings.
      • Beach weddings can typically have bright sun conditions that will create shadows. Very important to use professional photography at all times, but especially in these conditions. The brighter the time of day, the more difficult the photography.
      • Consider the amount of beach ceremony and group family shot photography that you will have when picking a time. It may be extremely warm based on your start time
      • The more space and remoteness of the location, based on the start time, will provide better photos without people and chaos around or in the photos
      • Low to mid tide, with tide going out are always better ceremony times in general for beautiful setups and photography for same reason as previous point.
      • Videography has the same challenges as photography as light is everything, but video lights are rarely ever used so pick a time where natural light is still available for good results.
      • If you want drone video, which is amazing, the same principal as in the previous point applies.

5) Consider parking and accessibility for the time of the ceremony at any location.

• • • This applies to both destination and local beach weddings
      • The time of day of the ceremony will greatly affect parking availability and proximity of parking to the ceremony
        • Morning and evening weddings will provide the best parking opportunities
        • Afternoon weddings ok, but only in certain locations.
        • In Volusia County, you can drive your car on half of our beach, so this may be the best parking scenario in some instances. Currently $20 per car however.
        • You may need to consider shuttle transportation if your ceremony time is such that the location would would have limited parking , or if the guests would be better off not trying to drive (like if pregaming) or they don’t have transportation because they flew into the area and dont have a rental car.
        • Local weddings usually require more parking availability so ask your planner about the best locations, for the ceremony time you are considering. Talk about Hiles Blvd

6) If you are having a reception, make sure that you can execute the timing of that close to your beach wedding ceremony time.

• • As always the reception venue is the number one item to secure on your wedding date & time. Make sure that the start time of your reception works seamlessly with your wedding ceremony time. This would include if you plan a hors d’oeuvres and or cocktail hour.
  • For sunrise or mid morning weddings consider a breakfast/brunch food option for the reception. Lower cost and super.
    • If you want alcohol served, consider Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bars!
  • Early Afternoon weddings are not ideal for receptions. An unusual time for food. Odd for Children and seniors as well.
  • Evening weddings always work well with a reception to follow as it is dinner time, and people have already had meals throughout the day.
  • As always, hire a planner who can take all the pressure off and advise you of the best way to put the ceremony & reception together.

SUMMARY

• • If you have a vision or dream for what time want your ceremony to be, pursue that! This is the most important item.
  • Consider the season, month and day of the week when you are planning a time. Much to consider. Listen to show #5
  • Think about your guests, the number of attendees, any special needs etc.. This is a extremely important and sometimes tricky task.
  • Think about photography and videography for the ceremony time. Only use professionals and ask for advise.
  • Consider parking and accessibility for the time of the ceremony at any location. Very important for local weddings.
  • If you are having a reception, make sure that you can execute the timing of that close to your beach wedding ceremony time. Let a highly rated planner make this easy for you.

The post Sunrise or Sunset What Time Should my Beach Wedding Start appeared first on Beach Area Wedding Planner - New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast and Ponce Inlet, Florida.

The best time to plan a beach or destination wedding is when YOU want it. Here is info to help you decide.

Set the Stage

• In Florida we have a 12 month wedding season
• The best time is when you REALLY want it – fits your plans
• Special dates like 11/11/17 (7 bookings) , 4/20 hehe – Holidays like new years eve, new years day, July 4th, etc
• Sometimes couples want the same date as when they were engaged, or their parents anniversary or other special dates.
• We find that Destination weddings often occur when people take vacation time in the summer, kids out of school and college, classic summer vacation time
• Visualize what your wedding theme and vibe will be. This will help you pick a season. If it is fully decked with formal wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses, and tuxedos or suits, this may guide you to a cooler month. It may. Although we have done those in July with heat index of 110.
  • If you will be super casual with shorter summer dresses, bare feet, men wearing linen outfts or shorts then the summer months will be fine.
• If you are having a reception, making sure the venue that you want is available, at any month or time is vital. Plan well in advance for this to increase your odds of booking the right venue.
• Make sure you understand seasonality and events occurring where you are planning your destination or beach wedding
• Read our blog post – Magic Months for Florida Beach Weddings – http://www.paradisebeachweddings.net/wedding-info/magic-months-for-florida-beach-weddings/

The Seasons – If you are trying to pick a time

• Spring – Late February, March, April, Mid-May
• The Endless Summer 2nd Half May, June, July, August, September
• Fall – October, November
• Winter – December, January, February

Spring – Great for Sunrise Ceremonies. Great for On Beach Receptions.

• • For east coast of central Florida, late February kicks off the busy season and Spring – average temp daytime high is 71 and nighttime low is 51
    • Daytona 500 occurs and all hotels in a large radius are booked, restaurants full, beaches start to get day trippers and vacationers. It is on Feb 17th in 2017
    • First two weeks of Feb great for cooler beach or destination weddings. Still off season and winter.
    • Last week is also great and we would consider it to be early spring
  • March is full spring with average temp daytime high is 75 and nighttime low is 57
    • It has become a busy month for our area
    • Bike Week is March 8-17, 2019 with 500,000 people (most with motorcycles) coming into our area. Hotels and all restaurants booked. Beach is OK, not that busy during this event.
    • Spring break is all month for colleges around the USA (Ohio State and Florida State go March 9-17)
    • March is a great beach wedding month but if April is a better bet here, but it fills up quickly so plan ahead.
    • Eastern time or Spring forward starts March 10th. with sunsetting about 7:30pm
  • April is one of the “magic” months along with November – average temp daytime high is 79 and nighttime low is 60
    • This month kicks off the “busiest” wedding season
    • Perfect weather
    • Longer daylight days. Evening weddings
    • Easter is semi – busy and occurs on April 21st 2019.
    • Schools and colleges are still in session
    • Daytripper traffic starts to increase on weekends as weather is getting warmer
  • We consider the first half May as early spring – average temp daytime high is 82 and nighttime low is 69
    • School is still in session until May 20th or so.
    • Beaches getting busier
    • Warmer days
    • Still off season, the last of it.
    • May 1st is Turtle Nesting season for us. In other locations, find out their specific regulations and other seasonal topics.
• In Volusia County Florida, we have turtle nesting season. It starts May 1st an ends October 31st. This means that no equipment or lights can be on the beach before sunrise or after sunset. People can, but nothing else. Spring weddings have full flexibility for sunrise setups and parties with lights on the beach, Can you do it for this amount? Yes but you set the budget based on working with the wedding planner.
• Venues have good general availability in the spring
• Excellent Choice for Weddings

Endless Summer – Consider during week if Destination Wedding

• • 2nd Half of May – average high 85 average – nighttime low is 71
    • Colleges and southern schools out
    • Summer season officially begins with very busy beach weekends
    • Venues start to book heavily
    • Northern primary and secondary schools still in session
    • Classic summer vacations for most employed people have not yet started
    • In season pricing well into affect
    • Memorial day is a super busy time at the beach
  • June average high 88 average – nighttime low is 72
    • First half of June Northern primary and secondary schools still in session
    • Weekends are packed with Daytrippers and out of towners
    • Fully summer heat in play
    • June is the wedding month of the June bride!
    • June is our busiest month with events.
    • Longest daylight days of the year, weddings can start as late as 7:30 for cooler temps and less busy beaches
    • Hurricane Season Begins
  • July average high 90 average – nighttime low is 73
    • Our second busiest month of the year
    • 4th of July Weekend is busy, lots of fireworks and events
    • Coke Zero 400 Nascar Race – 7/6/19 – Hotels and restaurants booked
    • Hot, morning weddings before 11am are great. Later in evening.
  • August average high 90 average – nighttime low is 74
    • Better summer month for venues and availability of vendors than June – July
    • Hot, morning weddings before 11am are great. Later in evening.
    • Beaches still very busy on weekends
    • Schools and colleges start getting back into session in late August
  • September average high 88 average – nighttime low is 74
    • While many areas of the country start cooling down, we are still in dead of summer! Still hot and your body is ready for fall!
    • All schools back in session
    • Off season begins, pricing for hotels goes down, availability goes way up. restaurants less busy.
    • Venues busy as September is a traditionally strong wedding month
    • We have a significant drop in beach weddings as “destination season” has ended. Explain:
    • Still turtle nesting season

Fall Season – Off Season & Magical Weather

• • October average high 83 average – nighttime low is 67
    • The first real relief from summer temperatures
    • Beaches are quieter
    • Off season, pricing for hotels goes down, availability goes way up. restaurants less busy.
    • Biketober Fest is another Motorcycle event like Bike Week but much smaller (only 150,000 motorcycles) and shorter in length. In 2019 it is 10/18-10/21.
    • Usually good availability for venues and planners
    • Still turtle nesting season, but ends 10/31
  • November average high 77 average – nighttime low is 59
    • One of the other “magic” months like April
    • Turtle nesting season is over so sunrise weddings with setups and evening receptions/parties on the beach are OK!
    • We and busy with local weddings
    • Off season, except Thanksgiving weekend
    • Last month with “warmer temps” before Winter Season
    • Hurricane Season is over
    • Time change November 4th 2018, Fall back – lose an hour of daylight

Winter Season – Pricing Deals, Cooler Temps, Empty Beaches

• • December average high 71 average – nighttime low is 52
    • Off season, Super quiet except Christmas-New Years
    • Shorter days of sunlight, dark by 5:30pm
    • High availability
    • Special pricing and deals available across vendors
  • January average high 68 average – nighttime low is 50
    • Off season, Super quiet except Christmas-New Years
    • Coolest Winter Month
    • High availability
    • Special pricing and deals available across vendors
    • Last slow month before busy peak season begins in 2nd half of February

SUMMARY

• • 12 months wedding season
  • The busier the season, the longer planning time you will need to assure availability of venues and vendors
  • Busy in-season on east coast of Central Florida starts in 2nd half of February and ends by Labor Day.
  • April and November are Magic Months
  • If you want more formal with warmer clothing, look into early spring or Fall-Winter
  • Ask about discounts in Dec – Feb
  • Start by picking the date that YOU want, unless you have total flexibility, and then the planner will provide you with great options.

The post What are the Best Months for a Beach or Destination Wedding appeared first on Beach Area Wedding Planner - New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast and Ponce Inlet, Florida.

Introduction

• This will be a shorter show, but very important. Please listen to shows 2 & 3 first for details and then listen to this show to help pull it all together

Set the Stage

• This show sums up show 2 & 3 to help you plan your overall budget
• All of these estimates are just guidelines, pricing may vary based on your number of attendees, options chosen, time of year etc.
• Estimates are for the east coast of central Florida for 2018
• As I said in the last show, According to The Knot & WeddingWire, two prominent wedding marketplace websites, the average urban/subur wedding costs around $30,000.
• Consider a destination beach wedding and reception to have a special, memorable, unforgettable wedding, treat your guests, and help lower overall wedding costs.

By the Numbers

• Average number of attendees for a destination wedding is 48

For 30-50 attendees with a beach wedding and reception

• • Decorated arch base package with chairs. Ceremony music on PA. One hour professional photography
  • Reception in hotel banquet room with buffet style catering, alcohol, room decor with linens and centerpieces, DJ and Cake
  • All Wedding Planning Fees
  • Price Range from $4,500-$6,500 plus tax
  • Can you do it for this amount? Yes but you set the budget based on working with the wedding planner.

For 70-80 attendees with a beach wedding and reception

• • Decorated arch base package with chairs. Ceremony music on PA. One hour professional photography
  • Reception in hotel banquet room with buffet style catering, alcohol, room decor with linens and centerpieces, DJ and Cake
  • Permit & Insurance
  • All Wedding Planning Fees
  • Price Range from $6,000-$8,000 plus tax
  • Can you do it for this amount? Yes but you set the budget based on working with the wedding planner.

Videography

• • Quality and time of video varies
  • Live streaming – real time with video that is also viewable later, saved on YouTube
  • HD Ceremony – hand held man on the street
  • Professional quality films
  • Range of $200 – $2,500 plus tax

8 Other Costs for a Destination Beach Wedding and Reception

1. Air and car travel, gas and possibly lodging on the way to Florida if you are driving
2. Lodging at your destination wedding
   1. 1. Hotels – beach front and off beach
      2. Bed and Breakfast –
      3. Condos – Discuss renting privately owned units
      4. Rental Homes
      5. Air B&B
3. Wedding Dress and other clothing like grooms clothes, children’s clothing, etc
4. Hair – Makeup (which can be in room or at salon)
5. Bouquets, Boutonnieres & Live Flowers
6. Food while you are on your destination wedding trip. Consider lodging with kitchens so you don’t have to eat out at every meal. Shop at grocery store.
7. Other entertainment while you are on your trip (Disney, Universal, Kennedy Space Center, concerts, fishing charters, golf, snorkeling, boat rentals, etc.)
8. Gifts for guests, bridal party, family or to take back home

SUMMARY

• • Cost of the destination beach wedding and reception can save you 50 to 75% from a large local wedding at your home town.
  • Since you are doing this remotely, hire a good planner to make this a low stress and quality event.
  • Provide your planner with a budget to help achieve your phenomenal event.
  • Consider planning 12 months in advance for guarantee of dates/times/venues and vendors
  • Consider making a trip to the destination location early on to meet with the planner and look at beach and reception venue locations, do food and cake tasting, look at lodging rooms and other research.It will be a unique and memorable event and a treat for your guests
  • You can couple your honeymoon with the destination wedding event to save travel money and time
  • Ask your planner about special off season discounts

The post How Much Does a Beach Wedding AND Reception Cost at a Destination Wedding appeared first on Beach Area Wedding Planner - New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast and Ponce Inlet, Florida.

The Reception

Going to discuss four options

• • Indoor Venue at Hotel, Condo or Civic Center
  • Beach Reception
  • Restaurant (optional private room)
  • Private Beach House (Not very likely)

Food is the number Expense for all three!

• Seasonality affects pricing and availability (supply & demand) – Higher during peak seasons

Hotels or Resort Venues

• All Inclusive Resort/Hotels
• Hotels with banquet rooms available
• Private Venues or Civic Center with Rooms

Beach Receptions

Restaurant Receptions

Summary

The post How Much Does a Beach or Destination Reception Cost appeared first on Beach Area Wedding Planner - New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast and Ponce Inlet, Florida.

How Much Does a Beach or Destination Wedding Cost

Introduction

Set the Stage

According to The Knot & WeddingWire, two prominent wedding marketplace websites, the average urban/subur wedding costs around $30,000.

• We are going to talk about a beach wedding in Florida
• We will also discuss receptions
• We will touch on lodging.
• Not included
  • air or car travel.
  • Dress & Clothing (we will have show about this)
  • Hair – Makeup (we will have a show about this with guest)
  • Bouquets & Live Flowers
• GUIDELINES ONLY for East Central Florida pricing in 2018
• Basing price ranges on 50 people since average destination wedding is 48 people.
• Important to set a realistic Budget. Cost is up to you! You set budget, and work backwards!

The Beach Wedding

The main attraction! The reason for this show

Decor on the Beach

PROFESSIONAL Photography

Videography

Ceremony Music

PRICE RANGE ONE (Most Popular ) This is based on our pricing in Florida

PRICE RANGE TWO (A bit larger )

ELOPEMENT (Up to 10 people )

Added Options

SUMMARY

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Inaugural Show – Short Bio – Pros and Cons of a Beach Wedding

Introduction

Why are we podcasting?

Who are our target listeners?

What is a beach wedding?

What is a destination wedding?

Are beach & destination weddings popular?

8 good reasons to consider or plan a beach wedding

6 Cons of Having a Beach/Destination Wedding

Summary

A beach or destination wedding is chosen by 1 out of 4 couples and the trend is growing. Many people who are on their second marriage choose this option because they already had the “big , expensive” wedding once in their lives. It is a way to treat guests and control costs. Working with a highly rated planner and beach wedding specialist is vital, as they have already solved all of the pitfalls that can occur with an outdoor wedding. Their job is to make it easy for you. They will even discuss backup options with you in the event that the weather does not cooperate.

Thank you for listening to our very first Beach Wedding show about Pros and Cons of a beach wedding. We already have 40+ more show topics planned and are trying to post weekly. The next show will be entitled “How Much Does a Beach/Destination Wedding Cost”.  My name is Steve Gorney and I am a wedding planner/beach wedding specialist at the beach in east central Florida. If you like what you have heard and would like to learn much more about Beach & Destination weddngs, please subscribe to the Podcast. Share the link on Twitter, Facebook and other Social Media outlets. It will be available soon on Spotify, Google Podcasts as well.

The post The Pros and Cons of a Beach – Destination Wedding appeared first on Beach Area Wedding Planner - New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast and Ponce Inlet, Florida.

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