Many brides dream of having a beach wedding. Who wouldn’t? If you’ve attended one before, or perhaps have seen some beach wedding photographs online or in magazines, you have to admit that it’s quite hard not to get envious. If you also dream of having one yourself, take note of these tips that will help you have the perfect beach wedding reception.

Do a walk-through of the venue

It’s a mistake to think that all beach venues are the same. While it’s true that they have the same elements—sun, sand and the sea, there are plenty other things that make each beach unique. This makes it imperative for you to do a walk-through of the venue you’ve chosen so you can take note of which specific features to highlight, which areas to spruce up, and how to dress up and organize the entire venue. Doing this will also help you in mapping out the space. Ensure that you allot enough space for the number of guests attending. Rule of the thumb is to allow 10 to 15 square feet per person.

Get everything in writing

Make several checklists. One is for all the tasks that need to be done. Include a timeline, calendar and due dates. Prioritize the bigger tasks like booking the venue, hiring a caterer, choosing the theme and décor and so on. After the major tasks are accomplished, you can start focusing on the smaller details. Another list is for all the items that you need to shop for. Specify the items so narrowing down your choices won’t be that difficult. This will save you plenty of time. Don’t forget to keep a copy of all the signed contracts from the vendors. Read the fine print and ask questions before signing any.

Create the reception timeline

A very important element of the reception is the timeline. Without it, the entire event will be a mess so be sure to plan out yours properly. Usually included in a reception timeline are the following: cocktail hour, couple’s entrance, welcome speech, first dance of the couple, mother-son dance, father-daughter dance, meal time, meet and greet with the guests per table, cutting of the cake, bouquet tossing, and dancing and partying. Include a time limit for each part of the program so that you don’t spend too much time on one part and not have any more time left for the others.

Plan for the outdoor elements

The weather forecast tells you there’s nothing to worry about but this doesn’t make it 100 percent sure. Plan for backup in case rain decides to visit you on your special day. Reserve a tent or have a nearby indoor location where guests can transfer to in case. The wind is another thing you should plan for. Install wind tarps in strategic places and avoid decorative elements that can easily be blown away. On top of these, equip your guests with items that will make them comfortable during the event. Portable fan, mister, and a bottle of cold water or juice will keep them refreshed. It would also be nice to hand out sunscreen for protection against harmful UV rays.