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Hey Jewel!  I'm having an outdoor wedding and am so excited to have my beautiful dream wedding come true!  Our ceremony will be along the coastline (not on sand) and our reception will be on luau grounds in the same area.  I've got everything covered - food, tent, tables, chairs, music, photographer...we're ready to go!  Is there anything else I should know before my big day?

~ Beach Bride


Dear Beach Bride,

Congrats on making your dream come true!  You sound like you've got everything covered.  Those are definitely huge checks off your task list.  Just in case, here are a few extra tips that really pay off when getting married outdoors (from someone with experience;):

1. Wear sunscreen!  Not matter how overcast it might look, that sun will have you lookin' like the Bride of Sebastian by the end of the ceremony.

2. Bring an umbrella.  It gets hot out there!  While you're waiting to walk down the aisle, chill out under an umbrella to keep your make up from melting.  While you're at it, encourage your guests to bring umbrellas as well.

3. Have a back up plan.  Those umbrellas can be useful for more than just blocking the sun!  Rain happens...and in Hawaii, it's considered a blessing.  So embrace it, but be prepared!  Also, have an alternate location off to the side just in case.

4. Remember your lighting.  Think about the time of day you're getting married and make sure that you position your wedding to allow the light to shine on your face - not at your back. If you're going for a sunset wedding and really want it behind you, your photographer has certain tools to light your face despite the backlight.  Have your photographer tour your wedding site prior to your wedding.

5. Your hair!  Wind can create a gorgeous picture or ruin every shot at your wedding.  Make sure your hair is secure and out of your face.  If you want your hair down, hair spray is a must.  Another idea is to pin back some of your hair and secure it with a flower.

6. Embrace the natural surroundings.  Don't block your gorgeous view with a bulky archway and thick columns.  A bamboo arch or low columns are absolutely stunning with the natural backdrop.

7. Remember the sound system.  Guests will have difficulty hearing your vows without the echo of an indoor hall.  Set up a sound system and share your love!

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