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The southernmost city in the continental US plays host to a slew of weddings each year. With gorgeous crystal-blue waters and fine white sand beaches, it’s the perfect backdrop for your nuptials, whether you plan to have a formal ceremony or something more laid-back. Here are a few tips and suggestions that will help make your Key West destination wedding perfect.

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Think Outside the Box

If you’re a non-traditional couple, then Key West is perfect for you. Not only do you have the option of a beautiful beach wedding, but you can get married underwater at the shrine of “Christ of the Abyss.” This 4,000 pound bronze statue is located in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and is one of the most photographed underwater sites in the world.

Couples can also opt to include marine animals in their ceremony at Islamorada’s Theater of the Sea, where the couple can be whisked away on a chariot accompanied by dolphins to say their “I Do’s,” and then enjoy a private reception at the beautiful Starlight Terrace.

Image Credit: Sunquest Cruises

All in One “On the Water” Packages

Another great option for non-traditional couples is an “on the water” wedding. With a plethora of charter boats available, couples can take advantage of the wedding packages and get married on the water in the Florida Keys. Most packages include things like the wedding cake, champagne, and space for a small group. Some even include extras, like beautiful bouquets created from shells and starfish!

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Venues

It’s as if nearly every business in Key West was created with a wedding venue in mind. From Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville to the Avalon Bed and Breakfast, there is a wide array of options when it comes to venues. Most are prepared to work with out-of-state couples and have destination wedding packages available. Be sure to check out the capacity of the venue as well as making sure the packages are all-inclusive (food, cake, etc.).

Important Information

Couples will be happy to know that there is no blood test required in the state of Florida for a marriage license, and there is no waiting period for non-residents of the state of Florida. Residents of Florida will be required to wait three days before receiving the license. Both individuals will need a form of identification (driver’s licenses or state IDs, etc.) and can obtain a marriage license from any county in Florida. There is a fee of $93.50 that the couple should have with them when they go to obtain the license.

If you’re a future beach bride on a budget, you may be wondering how to pull off the most beautiful wedding possible without breaking the bank. A simple beach wedding can still be breathtaking, but will allow you to focus most of your resources on the reception.

Minimal Décor

The great thing about a beach wedding is that most of the beauty is in the view, so you don’t have to have a lot of décor. The majority of your decorations should be near the altar, and even then you don’t need a lot. To save money, use a simple arch instead of a gazebo, and choose a small number of flowers. Evening weddings on the beach can be beautiful, and flowers aren’t really needed then.

Simple Flowers

Choose flowers that are in season to keep the cost low. Rather than choosing complicated arrangements, go with simple flowers. Small glass containers can hold single roses or carnations, and the effect is breathtaking without being overly expensive. Save the more elaborate arrangements for the bouquets and the reception.

Lights

One of the most magical (and inexpensive) types of décor for your evening beach wedding is lights. Whether you choose twinkling strings of lights or candles, they can create a beautiful effect. Choose small glass containers and place them down the aisle, filling with water and inserting a floating candle. The result is beautiful décor without a lot of money. The same can be done with white bags 1/3 filled with sand; place a tea light inside for a beautiful effect.

Simple beach weddings can be magical without being overly expensive. To stay within a small budget, decorate minimally for the wedding and save the majority of the décor expenses for the reception.

If there’s anything more beautiful than a beach wedding, it’s an evening beach wedding when the sun is going down and the moon sparkles on the water like glitter. Having an evening beach wedding means you need different types of décor, and there are a few things that are absolutely stunning for this kind of wedding. Here are some great beach wedding décor ideas for evening ceremonies.

The “Aisle”

One of the most beautiful things you can do for your evening beach wedding is create an aisle of lights. This is done easily and inexpensively. Simply purchase small white paper bags and place about 1-2 cups of sand in each one. Then, put 1 or 2 tea light candles in each bag. Arrange the bags down each side of your “aisle,” making sure they are wide enough apart that the bride and her dress will never get too close to them, and then light. The effect is breathtaking during the evening and it’s so easy to do.

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String Lights

Twinkling white lights can make wonderful décor and make it easier for guests to see. Consider placing these on the sides of your beach gazebo, on your wedding arch, or on the ceiling of your beachside venue. Many brides cover those lights with tulle to give it a gauzy, romantic effect. Another great idea is to string the lights under your reception tables and then cover with a sheer cloth, such as layers of tulle. This creates a very romantic setting.

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Hanging Lanterns

Another great way to light up your evening beach wedding ceremony is with hanging lanterns. You can create these by purchasing garden hooks that stick in the ground and have a bar for holding items. Create your own lanterns by placing wire around mason jars and putting candles inside. Or, go for vintage lanterns to create a romantic mood. Either way, this is a super cute idea for evening beach weddings.

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When planning your décor for your beach wedding, remember to make sure all safety precautions are taken to protect your wedding party and your guests. Using these beautiful lighting techniques, you can create a magical feeling for your beach wedding.

After your beautiful beach wedding, no doubt your guests will want to chow down on some delicious food. Beach weddings and receptions demand light but filling foods that are delicious and convenient. By checking out some of these menu ideas, you might feel inspired to use them or create your own yummy beach wedding menu.

Orange Chicken

Orange glazed chicken adds a tropical feeling to this beach wedding menu, and when paired with champagne, hits the spot just right. Pair it with buttered and peppered baby peas and sautéed mushrooms. Add in a spinach salad with cherry tomatoes, shredded radish, pecans, and dried cranberries for a light but delicious starter. This is a great wedding menu that can be affordable as well as filling.

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Shrimp Alfredo

There’s nothing like enjoying a little seafood at the beach, so this menu features exactly that. As a starter, go for deep-fried crab claws or baked crab cakes. Pair delicious and creamy shrimp Alfredo with steamed spinach and crusty garlic bread. Finish off the meal with decadent key lime pie drizzled in raspberry sauce.

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Grilled Steak

Grilled food is perfect for a beach wedding menu, and you can’t go wrong with steak. Start with a selection of grilled fruits paired with cottage cheese (pineapple is a favorite). The perfect pairing for your sizzling steak is veggie kabobs, complete with bell pepper, onion, red potato, squash, zucchini and mushrooms.

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When planning out your beach wedding menu, you’re going to want to keep things light without sacrificing flavor. These hearty menus combine the perfect flavors to create excellent meals your guests will love.

It’s very okay in this day and age to be a non-traditional beach bride (or any other bride for that matter). If you’re worried about your wedding not being as traditional as most, here’s some food for thought that you should really take to heart.

Do Away with Tradition

Tradition is not sacred; it is simply a lot of people doing the same thing for a long time. Unless it’s important to you, it’s just not important. Maybe you want to walk down the aisle yourself, to convey what a strong and powerful woman you are. Maybe you don’t want an aisle at your wedding to walk down. Maybe you want to dance down it. It’s YOUR wedding – go for it.

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Tradition is Expensive

You don’t have to purchase a $600 wedding cake just because it’s what people do. Make your own cupcakes and serve them to guests. Create cupcakes in a jar. Have 12 tiny cakes instead of 1. All of these options are cheaper than the traditional tiered wedding cake, and each one will taste as good.

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People Love Unique Weddings

Most people admire those who are willing to think outside the box when it comes to weddings. Most of the time, it’s because it’s brave, different and fun. Who would want to see the same movie 7 times when they could see 7 different movies? Be brave and go ahead with the unique ideas you have. People will love you for it.

Most of all, remember that it’s your closest family members and friends attending your wedding; they already know you’re probably not the traditional type and they probably already expect something unique from you. No matter what, they’re going to love you anyway. Create the unique and non-traditional wedding you want, and have a lot of fun with it!

If you’re about to start planning your wedding, you’re probably already thinking about what it’s going to cost you. According to various studies and a lot of research, there are some average costs for various aspects of a wedding. You’ll find those below, which might help you determine what to expect when it comes to paying for your wedding.

Average Dress Cost

On average, a woman will pay approximately $1,099 for her wedding dress. To save, purchase last season’s dress or shop online.

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Venue Cost

The average cost of the ceremony site is about $1,393. You can save money by hosting your wedding at your own home or the home of a family member. Also, booking the venue during the week can save you money as well.

The average cost of a reception site is much more; over $12,000. Of course, this is on average, so not all brides pay this much, and you don’t have to either. Host your reception in the same place as your ceremony or attempt to get a deal from your vendor.

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Average Cost of Flowers

The average cost of flowers is approximately $1,988. Brides can save money by choosing flowers that are local rather than having them imported, and by choosing more greenery than blossoms. Also, choosing wildflowers or other flowers that are considered “weeds” but are still beautiful will also help.

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Catering

Per head, the average cost of catering is about $61. You can save money by having a “potluck wedding,” or by cooking your own food. You may also want to go the less traditional route of just serving hors d’oeuvres or dessert. This is becoming more and more popular amongst brides.

By knowing what to expect, you can take steps to ensure that your wedding costs less than average and that you’re saving money!

You may not have a lot of time during your wedding day, and you may have things planned down to the last minute, but there are probably a few things you haven’t thought about! Here are 5 essential tips for your wedding day.

1. Together Time 

Plan just a few minutes for you and your brand new spouse to be together after the wedding and before the reception. You’re married! Take a few minutes to let that sink in. Hold hands, dance or just enjoy each other!

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2. Make-Up Touch-Ups

Before the reception, you’re going to want to touch up your makeup. You may even want to change if you’ve planned to wear something different to your rehearsal.

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3. Eat

You’re probably not going to have a lot of time on your wedding day to just sit down and eat. If this is something you’re worried about, go ahead and eat before you make it to the reception. It will ensure that you have plenty of energy and feel great while celebrating your big day.

4. Consider Changing Your Shoes 

Do you really want to spend the whole reception wearing those heels? Opt for flats or something a little more comfortable so your feet aren’t being tortured all day.

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5. Double Check 

Do you have everything you need to make it through the reception? Do you have your speech ready? Do you have an emergency kit with all the things you might need? Have you forgotten anything? By doing a double check before you get to the reception venue, you can ensure that the rest of the day will go smoothly.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can make sure the day is a success and that nothing is forgotten!

Just because you’re having a destination beach wedding doesn’t mean you have to decorate everything with seashell and starfish accents. Here are some top destination beach wedding decor themes to make your wedding day stand out.

Most couples planning a destination beach wedding automatically assume they should use a beach decor theme. While it makes sense to use the surrounding environment for decor inspiration, you are not limited to a starfish, seashell-studded beach theme for your destination beach wedding.

Here are some top destination beach wedding decor themes to choose from if you want something other than a traditional beach theme:

Ships lost at sea—A ship theme is one of the top destination wedding decor themes for couples who want something fun with character. You don’t have to go all out with pirates and parrots if you don’t want to. You can focus on the legends, construction, and textures associated with old-fashioned ships once lost at sea. Draw inspiration from historical explorers and famous expeditions around the world’s oceans, and use atlas maps to get ideas for color schemes.

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Sea Treasure—Think golds, teals, and fluorescent greens. Use this color palette to set the backdrop for a sea treasure decor theme. Use gold coin accents, ancient-looking chests with iron latches, and rustic wooden centerpieces to enhance the theme. Compasses, mermaids, and tropical fish are also images you can use to accentuate this theme, as well as rope fishing net and whimsical sea glass.

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Message in a bottle—East coast style, harbor touches, and the classic message-in-a-bottle idea combine to create one fun, creative destination beach wedding decor theme. If you want to skip the same old beach seashell themes, consider using your own messages in bottles for wedding favors, centerpieces, or even as cake toppers. Add lighthouse and fishermen accents to your place settings and voilà—you have a cozy, warm, and enchanting destination beach wedding decor theme to work with.

Other destination beach wedding decor themes to consider include marine animal or aquatic themes, which can incorporate a variety of ocean-inspired touches into your wedding ceremony and reception decor.

If you’re planning your wedding by yourself or without the help of a professional wedding planner, then organization is a must. Without it, you can quickly begin to feel overwhelmed and stressed out with the planning. Here are a few great tips that will help you get super organized so your wedding planning goes smoothly.

Create a Wedding Binder

The first thing you want to do is create a wedding binder. You can get the binder at any supply store, and make sure you get some tabbed dividers as well. This will allow you to section off the binder for different aspects of your wedding planning. You might want to label them with sections like décor, attire, venues, etc.

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Create a Timeline

Nothing will help you more than a great timeline of your wedding day. While it can be impossible to make sure everything goes according to the timeline, it will certainly help you as you plan. You’ll want to start several hours before the wedding so you can plan time for getting ready, pictures, etc.

Checklist

You will want to create a checklist early on so you know exactly what is taken care of and what still needs to be done. There are plenty of sample checklists available online, but yours might include things like:

• Book the caterer.
• Interview DJs.
• First dress fitting (date).
• Bridal Shower (date).
• Confirm the caterer.
• Place deposit on the venue.
• Etc.

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Phone Numbers

Finally, in the back of your binder or somewhere where you can access them easily, keep a list of phone numbers. The list should include all of your vendors and the venue phone numbers so that you can easily get in touch with them if you have a question or you’re worried about something.

By using these tips, you can really take advantage of good organization to make your wedding planning easier.

Are you the type of bride who would never be called traditional? Do you love odd customs, plenty of color and lots of fun? Well then take some inspiration from these whimsical and fun additions you can include in your beach wedding.

Kites

Have kites flying with the couple’s names present, or with words on the kites like “I do.” Alternatively, you can provide super thin strips of paper and markers, and have guests write a wish for the couple on the paper. These can be tied to the tail of the kite and then the kite will take off, bringing the wishes into the air. This has a lot of great symbolism and is really fun for everyone.

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Bubbles

A bubble machine can make a beach wedding a ton of fun. It’s whimsical and reminiscent of childhood, and it can make a beach celebration extra charming. Alternatively, you can purchase small bubble wedding favors and then instruct all the children present to blow bubbles for the wedding pictures or during the celebration.

Seashell Wedding Favors

Seashells are the perfect beach-y wedding favor, and it’s even better if they hold place cards on the reception tables. Guests can take these kinds of favors home and use them as picture frames long after the ceremony.

Photo Source: weddingfavors.org

Just a few fun additions to your ceremony can really take out the stiffness and provide a lot of charming and whimsical elements for your wedding. Guests will love these ideas long after the ceremony is over.