How to Plan the Ultimate Beach Wedding on Siesta Key

The annual number of beach weddings in Siesta Key is growing, making it a long-standing contender as one of the top destination wedding spots in America.

If you’re wondering how to have a memorable beach wedding on a small budget, look no further. Often, a destination beach wedding can be a less expensive – and more scenic – option. Low public beach fees, a smaller guest list, and “au natural” décor are just a few of the bonuses that come with a destination wedding.

We’ve got a few tips for you on how to plan the ultimate beach wedding for you and your spouse. Siesta Key has a range of top-notch options for both ceremony and reception, including country clubs, award-winning restaurants, and, of course, miles of white-sand beach.

Make a Checklist

While all weddings require good organization and planning, beach weddings often have a few more unknowns. Permits, fickle tropical weather, and proximity to services are all things you have to plan for in advance.

Start by answering some of these questions:

• How much does it cost to have a wedding on the beach?
• What are our options in case of rain?
• Are there excellent caterers nearby?
• Will rental companies deliver to the beach?

Then, create the ultimate beach wedding checklist that includes everything that needs to be done to make your special day perfect. Once you’ve made your list, start making calls and crossing off items.

Pick Your Venue

While there’s no consensus on how many beach weddings are in Siesta Key each year, we do know that there are weddings on its shores at least every weekend, year-round.

Sarasota County has about 150 parks and beaches to choose from. Many of these are available to reserve for special events, including Siesta Beach. Most public reservations require a fee and have designated areas. For more information, contact Sarasota County Parks Department (941) 861-9830. You can also choose to use a private beach or waterfront restaurant for your wedding. This allows you the option of having both ceremony and reception in one place, as well as the set-up and tear-down done for you. It also protects you from the rain.

So, do you have to pay to get married on the beach? In most cases, you’ll have to pay something – from a nominal county parks fee to a much bigger one for a private space, and anything in between.

Limit Your Guest List

If you live near Siesta Key, it’s much easier to have a large beach wedding celebration with all your family and friends. If you’re choosing a destination wedding on our shores, you’ll probably have to be a little more selective about who you invite.

Destination weddings are usually limited to just family and close friends – acquaintances likely won’t make the journey. This is a great way to keep your wedding budget-friendly and straightforward.

Keep it Simple

Speaking of which, beach weddings are the perfect excuse to have a no-frills wedding that emphasizes the natural beauty of Siesta Key.

Loose locks, bare feet, khakis instead of suits, and buffet-style dinners are just a few ways of employing the KISS principle – pun intended – on your big day. Aim for natural, minimal decorations like palms, flowers, driftwood, and seashells. If you’re wondering how to plan a memorable beach wedding on a small budget, start by rolling up your chinos and letting the wind blow through your hair.

Buy Local

Local vendors are a great way to both support this laid-back friendly beach community. Order your wedding cake and have your hair done right here on Siesta Key. Don’t order rental services from home to be delivered or bring decorations yourself and risk overweight or customs charges. Instead, rent glassware, sound equipment, and even staff on the island or in nearby Sarasota.

Have a Plan B

You know what they say: prepare for the worst, but hope for the best. Island weather has a mind of its own, and a beautiful sunny day can be interrupted by a thunderstorm at a moment’s notice.

Be sure to book a pavilion, canopy, or tent on the beach as a back-up, in case of rain. Alternatively, opt for a private space that has both outdoor and indoor options.

Are you and your guests looking for a place to stay on Siesta Key? Our vacation rentals offer the perfect place to get organized before the wedding and relax for a few days after.