Don’t let COVID halt your wedding plans. Here are top tips to help you plan a stylish bohemian style beach wedding.
Written by Mia Lopez of Ivory and Oak llc
Planning a wedding in 2020 can be very challenging. In the midst of adjusting our lives to the “new normal”; we are planning and exploring new ways of celebrating major milestones and events as well. If you are in a situation where you need to plan or change plans for your big day, you are not alone. There are many couples who are finding themselves in that same situation. The stress of planning a wedding can be overwhelming and cumbersome to say the least, but adding a pandemic to the situation makes it even more difficult. Whether you have an Event Planner to help you or you are flying solo, here are a few tips to get you through the process. Grab a pen ladies and gentlemen. This is for everyone! (Disclaimer: I’m biased, but I would definitely recommend you get an Event Planner to make your planning experience a little smoother.)
If you can envision your favorite beach, try to embrace its natural sand taupe color, the crisp blue tones of the ocean’s waters as the waves playfully mesmerize and consume you. The warm brilliant rays of the sun as they kiss your cheeks, and the amazing hues of them all as they merge in the far-off distance. Simply breathtaking isn’t it? There’s something about the simplistic beauty of nature that makes this wedding style so carefree and easy. Bohemian styled ceremonies allow you to explore the vintage and rustic feel of nature and when you combine the majestic beauty of the ocean and the simplicity of the bohemian style, it’s like pairing the perfect wine to an amazing meal. Yes. Take a moment to let that sink in. What’s even more amazing about this type of ceremony, you can change any part of it to fit your personality with ease. Here are a few tips I’ve learned that might be helpful.
Tip 1 – Location, Location, Location
So, you’ve chosen the perfect beach or an exotic tropical location for your ceremony. Perfect! Make sure there aren’t any local government permits you may need. You definitely don’t want anyone stopping you in the middle of your heart-filled vows to the love of your life. Unnecessary interruptions or distractions can easily be avoided by addressing this first. If it’s a hotel location, find out if the beach is privately owned by the hotel and if you or your event planner can simply speak with the hotel’s coordinator and staff about their wedding policies and requirements for the designated location. They will be more than happy to work out any requests you may have for your special day.
Tip 2 – Guests – You’re Invited
This I have found to be very hard for most couples. You’ve talked about it, pulled out charts, boards, and even sticky notes. You’ve probably even had a few rounds of conversations about who to invite from everyone in your immediate and distant family, your friends and co-workers. Listen… I get it! You want to make sure everyone is happy. What really matters is that you are happy, and I’m sure that’s all your loved ones want for you too. I know it’s easier said than done for most, but that’s the benefit of smaller destination or “micro weddings”. You won’t have space to accommodate 300 guests, so there’s your “get out of jail free card”. Take a moment to think about who is in your immediate circle. The friends you always socialize with, the family you always see. Those are the guests you should invite. If your loved-ones want to invite co-workers, old bosses, a distant cousin 6th removed, ask them to host a dinner or luncheon in your honor. Start up the BBQ grill or host an elegant dinner party in your honor and pop a cork to celebrate! Keep it simple. Place value on the things that will make memories.
If your budget or the current situation we now live in has forced you to change your plans, then only allow for a small group of people to attend, and send a video invitation to the others. This will keep your ceremony intimate. Have the wedding of your dreams without compromise.
Tip 3 – Adorn your Crown
The Bohemian trend allows for you to break out of the box when considering ways to style your hair. As we see a rise in this wedding style, there has been a vision of simple love and romance displayed during the wedding ceremony. Golden streaks, flower crowns, natural styles, ribbons, and a classic tapered fade are all in line with the Bohemian style. Take this day to express the freedom of love, even in your hair! From adding flowers draped in baby’s breath to your hair or a floral design in your fresh cut, there are options that allow you to be uniquely you.
Tip 4 – Sun-Kissed Melanin
You want your make-up to stay in line with your theme and there are many ways to achieve this. It doesn’t matter if you want a light and radiant sun-kissed look or a more dramatic goddess look, you want to look as beautiful as you feel. Bold lips are an awesome addition to this look and paired with a natural eye shadow, it completes the Bohemian feel with ease. There are ways to enhance your beauty by using a gold highlighter on your cheeks, nose, and forehead (this is a major key to achieving the sun-kissed look) or applying a soft blush to accentuate your gorgeous smile. If make-up isn’t your thing, there are tinted moisturizers that deliver just as well. Whatever you decide to do, find what makes you beam with radiance!
Tip 5 – Styling Bridal Attire
The Boho Style is refreshing yet romantic and allows you to express yourself with vintage sleeves, lace, soft feminine necklines, bold colors, and flowing attire that “breathes” with the theme. Our Stylist, Sonja Jackson, encourages you to take the moment to introduce yourselves to the world, in your fashion. When considering your wedding style, let the venue guide you and think about your comfort level. How do you want to feel in your attire? What story do you want to see in your photos? How can you and your spouse complement each other’s looks? These questions are great starting points for styling your big day. Remember, this style lends itself to the eclectic creative. Paring a non-traditional tux with a beach inspired gown shows chic elegance with a personal style and personality. The Garcon Couture’s tux featured in this shoot does just this. It gives a nontraditional flavor to this Bohemian Beach wedding while allowing for personal style and personality. Let your wedding be the first experience of you and your spouse’s creative approach to life, allowing others to be amazed at the beauty of two worlds becoming one.
Tip 6 – Make it Last Forever
When choosing a photographer, it’s important to choose someone who you trust with your memories for a life-time! Your photographer will capture moments that you will have for years to come and you want to ensure that the smiles you have on your wedding day are the same smiles you share when you look for years to come.
Our photographer, Chip Dizard, states that it’s important to do your research to make sure that you are getting everything you want and need. It may sound strange, but start with their current reviews and references. Now, don’t take everything you read as truth. Look at the reviews and identify trends and consistent remarks made by former clients. Once you’ve read their reviews, schedule a call to ask any questions you may have regarding your wedding pictures. Once you’ve finished interviewing the photographer be sure to ask to view a gallery of their work. This will allow you to see each portion of the day and also look at their photography style. Your choice in photography is an important part of your day, and you don’t want to pick someone based simply off of their popularity. Pick someone whose work will make you happy for years to come.
Tip 7 – Flower Power
A free spirited bohemian styled bouquet is nestled with lush wildflowers and combined with whimsical stems that makes this organically carefree boho design as unique as our bohemian bride. Janet Fernandez, of Miami Downtown Flowers, created a floral masterpiece that not only made a beautiful addition to the overall styling of our model, but the strikingly bold colors are the perfect accompaniment for any ceremony.
Vendors
- Planning and Concept: Ivory & Oak @ivory.oak
- Photographer @chipdizard chipdizardweddings.com
- Photo Assistant @treneforbesphotography
- Tux: Garçon Couture @garconcouture
- Male model Shoes: Illy & Gilly @illyandgilly
- Gown: @allurebridals
- Styling: Sonja Jackson @sonjastarlove
- Hair: Angie Steele @theangiesteeler
- Jewelry/Accessories: Su Reina Bridal @su.reina.bridal
- Models:
- Jayde Kern @xo.jay.k
- Kolbee Bobo @bobobabyofficial
- Florals: Downtown Flowers, Janet Fernandez @downtown.flowers.miami @ dwtnflowers
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