Coastal Wedding Magazine Spring/Summer 2024

wedding Coastal

FEATURES

Ten Best California Bachelorette Party Destinations

Congratulations, you’re planning a bachelorette party! California is full of hotspots waiting for bachelorette parties to come to town.

Ten Reasons to Have A California Winery Wedding

Top 5 Venues

If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, look no further than a winery wedding.

Wedding Decorations: What to Purchase and What to Rent

Between finding a venue, setting a reasonable budget, and deciding who to invite, planning a wedding isn’t a simple task.

Top Five Venues Along the Central Coast

It’s no secret the Central Coast abounds in beauty, from the towering redwoods to the gorgeous Pacific coastline.

A Bridal Shopping Day in Carmel-By-The-Sea Wedding planning is full steam ahead.

The Gardens at The Inn at Pasatiempo | Image provided by

Dream Inn | Image provided by venue

Long Branch Farms | Image provided by venue

PUBLISHER

Patrice Edwards – patrice@cyber-times.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Camisa Composti-Talbott

EDITOR

Jondi Gumz

DESIGNER

Ward J. Austin

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Cathe Race

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine, Danielle Paul

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHERS

Spring has sprung and there is an overwhelming sense of new beginnings. The team at Coastal Wedding have cleaned out the archives and gone through a re-brand to reflect current wedding industry trends. One thing that stays the same at Coastal Wedding is love – it's what makes the world go 'round. We create each publication to give inspiration to engaged couples, and feature top tier venues and vendors along the Central Coast.

As you flip through the pages, I hope you take a moment to appreciate the new and improved look and the support we have from our vendors and venues. This issue is truly a work of art.

Happy Planning!

Publisher Patrice Edwards (right) at her daughter's Camisa's (Associate Publisher) Wedding

10 Best California Bachelorette Party Destinations

Congratulations, you’re planning a bachelorette party! California is full of hotspots waiting for bachelorette parties to come to town. Amazing hotels, wine tasting, incredible restaurants, miles of beaches and of course an insane nightlife.

Palm Springs – An iconic (and trendy) place for your destination bachelorette trip, located on the edge of the California Desert. From Instagram worthy hotels to amazing restaurants and boutique shopping. Not to mention the year-round sunny weather, spa and wellness offerings and great nightlife.

Napa Valley – a classic girls trip getaway. Wine tasting will definitely be at the center of your bachelorette itinerary. Napa is home to over 375 vineyards, producing some of the most prestigious wines. Napa is also home to luxury hotels, resorts and vacation homes.

Healdsburg – If Napa Valley was right up your alley but you want something a little more affordable this is your spot. Healdsburg will give you bougie on a budget. Healdsburg is in the heart of California’s wine country, but there’s so much more to do than wine taste. Have you heard of a peddle pub? It’s basically a traveling bar on wheels where its passengers peddle and sip your way through downtown Healdsburg.

Joshua Tree – Looking for a destination for the bride that likes outdoor activities on the itinerary? A desert-bound national park that offers a

plethora of unique activities. Joshua Tree offers some pretty amazing Airbnbs from airstream campers, offgrid cabins, to luxury retreats.

Santa Barbara – A Coastal, Spanish themed bachelorette party destination that offers endless beach access and The Urban Wine Trail. The Urban Wine Trail is made up of almost 30 wineries, many within walking distance of each other. The Rosewood Miramar beach is considered one of the most pristine beaches located in the Montecito Community. Santa Barbara offers boutique hotels, fine dining, and a bit of a nightlife with cocktail lounges and nightclubs.

San Francisco – Host the perfect city style bachelorette party. There’s a thousand things to do in this artsy city, from every cuisine you could possibly crave to a party of a nightlife scene. See a live show, visit an underground speakeasy, or a locally renowned dive bar, the nightlife goes off in this city.

Malibu – A popular bachelorette party stop with its scenic coastline, it’s the perfect spot for your coastal themed bachelorette party. If your bride is on the adventurous side, sign up for some surf lessons, a fun group activity that gets the girls out on the ocean.

Paso Robles – This spot is an actual hidden gem. Hop between some of California’s most prestigious wineries. Downtown Paso Robles has a ton of things to do once the sun sets. If you’re looking for a fancy dining experience, the Tooth and Nail Winery has you literally dining on top of a castle.

South Lake Tahoe – This is the ultimate party destination for a group that wants to have fun without all the fuss. It’s a great year-round destination from winter skiing to a summer plunge in the lake. Don’t miss the chance to get active and go hike, from an easy hike like the Cascade Falls Trail to the harder Mount Tallac trail. Get ready to explore SLT offers a variety of activities from nightlife to day drinking amongst the breweries.

Pismo Beach – Pismo Beach truly offers a little bit of everything, making it a great bachelorette destination. It offers affordable hotels, nested in its' beach community. The Pismo sand dunes truly make you feel like you're amongst the Sahara's, and yes this makes for some serious IG worthy photos. ◗

Wedding Floral Checklist –A List of all the Floral Arrangements

You May Need for Your Big Day

If you’re getting close to meeting with your florist to hash out all the details of your wedding florals. Then it’s time to put together a checklist for all your florals.

For the Wedding Party:

• Bride’s bouquet

• Bridesmaids bouquets

• Flower girl’s petals

• Flower girl’s flower crown

• Groom’s boutonniere

• Groomsmen boutonniere

• Ring bear boutonniere

• Parents and grandparents corsages

For the Ceremony:

• Aisle arrangements

• Altar arrangements (arches, standalone, etc.)

• Entryway arrangements

For the Reception:

• Bar arrangements

• Table centerpieces

• Cocktail hour table arrangements

• Wedding cake florals

• Cake table arrangements

• Sweetheart table arrangements

• Tossing bouquet

• Entryway arrangements into reception

Ten Hardy Wedding Flowers

Easy to arrange and heat resistant. Perfect for your Spring or Summer Wedding.

1. Chrysanthemums – These are perhaps one of the most hardy flowers, making them an optimal choice for your wedding florals. If they’re cut just before bloom, they can stay fresh for two to three weeks.

2. Carnations – These are very hardy and make really nice filler flowers as they’re easy to work with. If they’re water is fresh, they can last up to three weeks once cut.

3. Daisies – Offering multiple blooms per stem, these flowers are great fillers in bouquets and arrangements. They are hardy and heat resistant making them a great Summer time option.

4. Succulents – Succulents offer uniqueness and diversity when it comes to arrangement. They’re very low maintenance, and maybe not a true flower in the sense of the word but they are very popular.

5. Anthurium – If you’re looking for tropical and heat resistant flowers, look no further. Tropical flowers are generally pretty hardy, making them a great choice for your Summer wedding. Anthurium comes in many bright colors and has leaf-like blooms.

6. Birds of Paradise –These are some of the most popular tropical florals for weddings. The flower is very sturdy, making it a great choice for bouquets and arrangements.

7. Peonies – These flowers can remain vibrant for five to ten days after being cut. They start blooming in early April, in pink, red, orange and yellow. Perfect for a Spring or Summer wedding.

8. Peruvian Lily – Once cut they can last up to two weeks. They’re native to South America and are meant to withstand the sunshine and heat.

9. Dahlia’s – These flowers are native to North America and Mexico, and they can stay fresh looking for just under a week. They bloom in many beautiful colors near the end of Summer to the beginning of Fall.

10. Eucalyptus – Lasting about three weeks after being cut, the Eucalyptus plant offers an earthy touch of greenery to any wedding florals. ◗

Countdown to the Big Day

Weddings take time to organize. For most of us it’s the most time consuming and complex event we will ever attempt. Here is a comprehensive list of activities and the time lines necessary to have a successful and memorable wedding. The two of you are entering into a lifetime partnership so don’t hesitate to share these responsibilities with your future spouse.

Recommended preparation to do the months before the wedding:

7-12 Months Before:

✓ Announce your engagement

✓ Arrange a meeting with both sides of the family

✓ Decide on a wedding date

✓ If using a wedding planner ask for recommendations and start the interview process

✓ Look for wedding and/or reception venues

✓ Shop for your wedding gown

✓ Hire an officiant

✓ Choose a wedding party

✓ Get your bridal registry started

✓ Order your wedding gown

✓ Select what type of food you are having and choose a catering service

✓ Shop for bridesmaid and groomsmen outfits

✓ Hire a photographer and/or videographer

✓ Choose your florist

✓ Book your DJ or band

✓ Shop for your cake and pastries

2-7 Months Before:

✓ Order or make your wedding invitations

✓ Hire your limousine driver or other transportation

✓ Hire your hair stylist

✓ Compile a guest list

✓ Start planning your honeymoon destination

✓ Order your rings

✓ Send out RSVP invitations

✓ Arrange your rehearsal dinner

✓ Get fitted for tuxedos

✓ Meet with DJ or band to discuss ceremony and reception music

✓ Order bridesmaid gifts and groomsmen gifts

✓ Order your wedding cake

✓ Order your wedding favors and place card holders

2-8 Weeks Before:

✓ Decide on your makeup and do a quick check wearing your headpiece

✓ Make any alterations to your wedding dress

✓ Call the clerk’s office to find out the requirements for your marriage-license

✓ Decide on any critical insurance information that might need changing

✓ Confirm all the details with your DJ, florist, caterer and any other service you’re booking

✓ Decide on the seating arrangements

✓ Give your caterer a final count of your wedding guests

✓ Pack for your honeymoon

✓ Assign simple tasks such as transporting all reception and ceremony items

✓ Write a nice toast

The Day Before:

✓ Have the plannerreconfirm details such as transportation, flowers, music, cake delivery, photography, etc.

✓ Try to get an early night

✓ Take a deep breath you’re almost there!

The Day Of:

Before you leave the house, take time to thank your mother, father, bridesmaids and attendants for all their help and support and give each of them a gift . Relax and have fun – It’s your big day!

After The Honeymoon:

Send out your thank-you notes and include a reference to the gift. For the caterers, entertainers, florists, etc. that gave good service, write them a thank you letter praising their professionalism. Finally, begin your married life! ◗

INSPIRE YOUR DREAM WEDDING WITH OUR NEW VENDOR COLLECTIVE.

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How to Pick the Perfect Bridal Shoe

Shop Around

Most brides will say choosing your wedding dress is the biggest decision you will make for your wedding day, but some brides argue your footwear is equally as important. There are many factors you should consider when choosing your bridal shoes such as style, comfort, and the overall feel of your wedding.

Find Your Dress First

Your wedding shoes should match or complement your wedding dress to a T. Length is important when choosing your bridal shoes. If your dress is shorter your shoes will show more, therefore it may influence your shoe choice more. Wearing a long dress, you shoes will be more hidden and if this is the case sometimes comfort is the best choice. If you are planning an outfit change for your reception you can get some fun heels to wear in your ‘party’ dress.

Stick to Your Bridal Style

Once your bridal style has been established, stick to it. Your wedding shoes should match your bridal style, pick shoes that reflect the style you’re after.

It’s very tempting to buy the first pair of shoes you fall in love with, but similar to shopping for your wedding dress you will want to shop around. You want to make sure you’ve considered all of your options and finding a better deal is always a good thing.

Consider Your Venue

It’s important to consider your venue when choosing your shoes for the day of, especially if you’re having an outdoor wedding. You could be faced with grass, gardens, the beach and many other terrains that would alter what bridal shoes you choose.

Prioritize Comfort

We’re constantly prioritizing style but comfort is really what you’re after for your wedding day. It’s a long day and comfort should be high on the priority list so you can spend the whole night on the dance floor.

Don’t Wait Until The Last Minute

While it is a good idea to wait until you’ve found your dress to choose your bridal shoes, you don’t want to put this off. You need to purchase your shoes enough in advance that you have them for your dress alterations, that way your tailor can adjust your dress based on the height of your shoes. ◗

Picking Wedding Jewelry Says Who You Are

You’ve been working on planning your wedding. You’ve got the venue, flowers. photographer, etc. One small (small but huge!) important detail is the jewelry you will be wearing down the aisle. Choosing your bridal jewelry is one wedding-planning detail that is not to be overlooked.

If you are going to wear a necklace, the general rule of thumb is to pick one that follows the neckline of your dress. V-necks work best with a pendant, and chokers and statement necklaces go better with strapless and sweetheart necklines. No matter the neckline, however, your necklace should sit on your skin, not the dress.

As far as trends go for weddings, thick and chunky chain-link necklaces, bracelets, and even anklets have been gaining popularity in recent years and are expected to remain trendy for this wedding season. Opt for gold chain jewelry with oversized links for a bold and fashion-forward statement. Vintage jewelry, with its intricate designs and historical significance, has always been a favorite among brides. These pieces are not just accessories; they are heirlooms that carry stories and traditions. Before you start shopping for vintage jewelry, talk to your own family. Nothing would be more special than wearing a piece of jewelry from a family member, maybe even one that was worn at their wedding!

The two most traditional looks when it comes to wedding jewelry are diamonds and pearls. The elegance of both is both classic and simple and will always match the style of your wedding dress. You can stick with diamonds alone or mix with pearls for a look that says you are a little daring! No matter what you choose, tasteful accessorizing is the key to looking great. Whether you opt for diamonds, pearls, or a combination of the two, the memory of your beautiful look on your wedding day will be with you forever in your photos. ◗

ca | 831.724.6296

Aptos Village Park

Highlands House

Quail Hollow Ranch

Valencia Hall

What to Wear to a Beach Wedding:

A Complete Guide on What & What Not to Wear

While the brides and grooms planning a beach wedding usually have stylists, coordinators and tailors ensuring every clothing detail is perfect. Nailing the dress code as a wedding guest is typically, entirely up to you. Figuring out the formality of the wedding is key to assessing what the proper attire will be; most couples include this information on their wedding invitation or their wedding website.

‘Cocktail’ or ‘Formal’

Most beach weddings will suggest either ‘formal’ or ‘cocktail’ wear. ‘Cocktail’ attire is the less dressy of the two, women can usually get away with knee length or midi length dresses. Men should consider wearing suits but with the ‘cocktail’ dress code you can leave the tie at home. A good guideline for a beach color palette for wedding guest attire are neutral colors such as beige, light blue, or pale green.

When a couple requests ‘formal’ attire for a beach wedding it doesn’t necessarily mean ball gowns and tuxedos. Being on the beach automatically takes away some of the formality from the event. For women this could mean sophisticated midi-length or full-length dresses, jumpsuits or a suit. For men, suits or long sleeve shirts and slacks are considered appropriate. When choosing fabrics and color consider linen fabrics in darker color like black, blues and dark gray.

Considering fabrics and colors is an important decision, the typical summery atmosphere of a beach wedding should discourage you from heavy knits and dull colors. The location of the wedding will also influence the color palette that will compliment the venue and surroundings.

Choose the Right Footwear (see page 14)

Before choosing your footwear, try and figure out where exactly the ceremony and reception will be. Is it on the sand? A platform? Inside? If their ceremony is in the sand and the couple isn’t putting down a platform, flats are your best option, there isn’t much worse than heels sinking in the sand.

A good rule of thumb from many fashionistas is that being overdressed is much better than being under-dressed. Cheers to being the best (besides the bride) dressed at your next beach wedding. ◗

The Ultimate Playlist To Get Everyone Shaking a Tail Feather

There are several events guests look forward to on the wedding day. From watching the bride walk down the aisle to seeing the bride and groom say ‘I do’ to a delicious meal to speeches and lastly, but not least the reception dance party.

Playing a diverse genre of music as well as popular hits is a sure way to get your guests out on the dance floor. Whether you have hired a DJ or band they will most likely ask you for a few songs to play throughout the night.

When it comes time to choosing songs, input from your guests can be helpful. Such as asking them to request one or two songs on their RSVP to help build your playlist. However, Coastal Wedding is also here to help! Below are a few of our favorites that are guaranteed to get the crowd out on the dance floor.

Your wedding will leave memories guests will not forget. Keeping the dance floor poppin’ helps add to those memories, as well as keeping the party running long into the evening. The last tip we will leave you with is an important one. Ask your DJ or Band to read the crowd and have a backup plan. If guests aren’t up ‘shaking a leg’ have them switch up the pace.

Cheers to making your night full of hips shaking and laughter. ◗

Ten Reasons to Have a California Winery Wedding

If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, look no further than a winery wedding. The grapevines, rolling hills, lush green gardens are like a scene straight out of a movie.

The Views – Need we say more? The picturesque views will take your breath away.

Accompanying Decor – A winery itself has a certain feel to it, making decorating for your wedding easy.

The Photos – A winery wedding is every photographer’s dream. There are so many options for photos in different parts of the winery. From incredible portraits amongst the vineyard to a few cellar shots, you can’t go wrong.

Indoor & Outdoor Setting – A winery easily offers the best of both worlds for a wedding. You can have the perfect vineyard ceremony, accompanied by an indoor/outdoor reception offering your guests comfort and class.

The Endless Wine – you’re right at the source. It’s hard to beat wine that’s made on-site. You and your guests will indulge in the finest of wines during your wedding weekend.

Guest Activities – Guests can partake in wine tasting, oftentimes private tastings, cellar tours, spa days or lounging by the pool. Having additional activities makes a destination wedding a weekend getaway for your guests.

Elegance – Rustic weddings are still widely popular, hosting a wedding at a winery levels up a rustic wedding and provides a certain aspect of class that will wow your guests.

Accommodation Options – Whether the winery has accommodations on site or you’re getting married in California wine country the accommodations are plentiful.

A Mini-Destination Wedding – If you’re wanting something semilocal to the Central Coast, this is a great option because wine country isn’t that far away. It will be a get-away weekend for you and your guests.

Everything in One Place – There aren’t many venues that offer both ceremony and reception sites. A winery is one of them. The flexibility of the wineries different aspects fits all parts of the wedding. Who doesn’t love a one-stop-shop? ◗

Money Saving Tips for Your Wedding

Our big dreams sometimes get in the way of our budget when planning a wedding. There are ways to plan a wedding, save money, and still have the beautiful wedding you are hoping for. With the average wedding costing just over $30,000 these days, brides are often looking for crafty ways to cut down on their budget wherever possible.

Hosting a Friday wedding with a weekday rehearsal can save you thousands of dollars when it comes to venue rates. Another option? Hosting a Sunday wedding. By skipping Saturday receptions, you can automatically trim thousands off your venue rental. Try throwing your celebration on a holiday weekend; this way, you can host a Sunday ceremony, and people still have the next day off work!

A secondhand wedding dress isn’t for everyone, but it’s a budget-friendly option for brides willing to think outside the box. Check out bridal shops that sell pre-owned dresses and also social media, such as Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and local buy/sell groups, to find secondhand dresses. Another option is to buy a sample gown. A sample is a test version of a garment that is used to test the fit, construction, and overall look of a design before it goes into full production. Wearing sample gowns are very popular for brides, and the guests would never know that you didn’t pay a fortune for it!

Ask your friends for help! Explore your network of family and friends and call in some wedding favors. Whether it’s having a friend design your wedding invitations or an aunt bake your wedding cupcakes, utilize the resources you have in your network to save money. Friends love to help and will probably jump in to give you a hand and get a chance to use their skills. Using people in your circle can save you money and your friends will feel like they are really helping!

When it comes to wedding expenses, you’ll want to put a large percentage of the budget towards food and drink. However, there are ways to save money on your wedding food that doesn’t involve having hungry and thirsty guests. One of the best wedding money saving tips when it comes to drink is to hire a no corkage venue. No corkage means the venue will let you provide your own alcohol and not charge you any extra to serve it. Buying alcohol in bulk and shopping around will allow you to save a huge amount of money.

Some suppliers will negotiate on charges. You don’t want to offend anyone, but then again you also want to ensure you’re staying within budget. Instead of trying to get a huge discount on a wedding service, make sure the supplier knows that you are a huge fan and desperate to have them at your wedding day, and be honest about your budget to see if there’s any wiggle room. You’d be surprised how many suppliers will be willing to work with you.

By being a bit creative, it is possible to save big money on your wedding and still have your wedding be as special as you dreamed! ◗

BUDGETING TIPS

Dogs & I Dos: Including Your Dog in Your Wedding

Bring your furry friend in on the festivities by including your dog in your wedding. There are a few things to take into account when deciding how to include your dog. First, is your venue pet-friendly? If pets are welcome, find out where they can and can’t go on leash. Does your dog’s personality align with how you want to include them? Don’t make your pet suffer for fashion, if you’re dressing them up, find something comfortable for them to wear. Your furry friends can even dress for the occasion, walk down the aisle, stand at the altar and be included in your family photos.

*Expert Tip*

Assign a chaperone to your dog. You will be plenty busy with your own festivities, having someone there that is familiar with your pet and vice versa is important. They can steer your dog away from the excitement when it becomes too much, take bathroom breaks and give all the snuggles and treats.

It’s important to notify all of your vendors, so they can assist in any way possible and ensure a pet-friendly environment.

Bringing your dog in on the wedding action is a fun way to weave in a personal element of your life into your wedding. A dog’s love is unconditional, why not share that with your closest loved ones on your big day. ◗

Wedding Signage that is Fun & Functional

Whether you’re having a big or small wedding, they will all need signage. While details are important, your signs don’t have to be purely informational, they can be fun and festive too. From photo worthy welcome signs to unique table numbers, your signage is a practical element of your wedding, but also an opportunity for a chic decor item.

Questions to Ask Your Wedding Cake Baker

When it comes to choosing your wedding cake, the options are truly endless. There are many options when it comes to picking the details for your wedding cake but none are as important as choosing your baker. Some bakers offer consultations to see if the couple is a good fit for the dessert they’re envisioning, while others offer a tasting, followed by a cake design appointment after committing to them. Below are some questions you can ask your cake baker before the big day!

General Questions

1. What is your culinary background?

2. How many wedding cakes do you make per year?

3. Do you offer cake tastings?

4. How soon should we order our cake? A delivery and setup included?

Before Signing A Contract

1. Are you licensed and insured?

2. How soon before the wedding will my cake be baked?

3. How many cakes do you deliver on the same day as ours?

4. What are your payment terms?

5. What is your cancellation policy?

Cake Details

1. What flavors and fillings do you offer?

2. Do you specialize in certain cakes or flavors?

3. Can you accommodate special dietary needs?

4. Can you make extra sheet cakes if necessary?

5. Do you rent cake stands?

6. Do you charge for support or bases?

7. Can we freeze the top tier?

Photos courtesy of Sugar Bakery

Five Wedding Color Palettes You’ll See Everywhere in 2024

A look at 5 wedding pantones that will make your special day totally Instagram worthy.

Your wedding color palette is one of the most important details for your big day. Truthfully, it has the power to set the tone for your wedding theme and entire celebration. If you’re in the planning process for your wedding, the color scheme is one of the first things you will want to nail down, since it will influence everything from your invitations to your linens.

Soft Blue

A pretty dusty blue screams coastal wedding, but truly this color is seasonless and a match for any theme of a wedding. From a very formal ball-room wedding to a more laid-back rustic wedding, you can’t go wrong with this pastel tone. It’s saturated enough that it can stand alone in a rather neutral palette, but it also won’t overpower if you wanted to pair it with another statement color.

Pastel Rainbow

A rainbow inspired palette with much more than just a pop of color. The possibilities are endless with what colors of the rainbow you organize together. This color palette could send your florist into the deep depths of any florist’s dreams, an array of color! The key with being pastel colors, they are much less invasive and the muted effect brings a softness to the colors no matter which you choose.

Hot Pink, Yellow and Orange

Citrus inspired colors like pink, yellow and orange make quite the statement for the big day. These colors are whimsical and fun, they’re sure to keep the party going all night long. You can’t go wrong with this color palette on the Central Coast, it will fit everything from your vineyard venue to a venue in the redwoods.

Neutral Tones

Delicate shades like ivory, beige and gray are timeless and never really go out of style. They will make your wedding aesthetic feel refreshing and chic. You can break up the neutrals by adding a few muted-color combinations amongst your wedding details.

Ochre, Gold & Brown

Swooning over this color palette, it’s equal parts romantic and chic, the perfect vibe for 2024. You may question the brown as an accent color, but trust us, this brings the perfect amount of warmth and richness to your decor. Incorporating nature inspired details with this color palette really works, such as driftwood, dried palms, feathers and more! ◗

What to Consider When Planning Your Beach Wedding Ceremony

The ultimate California beach wedding ceremony checklist.

Unless you’re getting married at an ocean-front venue or privately owned beach property, there are a ton of details you will need to consider when planning your wedding on a public beach. Don’t worry –we’ve got you!

A beach wedding comes with its own set of unique challenges so we’ve created an ultimate checklist to make planning your beach wedding seamless.

Beach Wedding Permit:

Not all public beaches require permits to have a wedding, but if you want to reserve a spot or have a large guest count a permit is usually a requirement. Before you get your heart set on a certain beach spot, ask these questions …

Does the beach require a permit to hold a wedding? Some beaches are on a first-come, first-serve basis, while others require permitting.

What is the structure of the permit fee? Is it on an hourly basis?

Daily? Flat rate?

What’s the cost of the permit? Some permits have nonrefundable fees, such as an application to acquire the permit.

How big of an area does the permit reserve? If any at all, sometimes the permit doesn’t necessarily reserve you a certain amount of space.

How far in advance do you need to submit for a permit?

Oftentimes, public beaches won’t allow you to submit for a permit too far in advance – this is something to note when planning for public spaces.

Liability Insurance? Is this a requirement for the couple to possess or is it included in your permit.

Tip: If all this permit talk is making your head spin, consider county resources and lean on them. Oftentimes the county parks department can be a note-worthy resource.

Beach Ceremony Logistics:

No one wants a random person photo-bombing their wedding day photos, which is a likely occurrence on a public beach. You will also want to research public events in the area on the day you’re considering your wedding, you wouldn’t want to be in the presence of a beach cleanup in your white dress.

Can rental companies and delivery trucks access nearby territories? This is something your rental companies will want to plan for when they’re figuring out the logistics of your wedding.

Are there public restrooms nearby?

Is the ceremony site handicap accessible? If not, is there a way to make it handicap accessible, such as rolling out some sort of walkway for guests to get to the beach location.

How early can we set up? Say you have a reserved ceremony time, how early can you set up for your wedding and can certain areas be marked off so the public is avoidant of them.

Weather Planning:

From the beach tides to the average weather report in the area for that time of year. You will want to plan accordingly for your beach wedding.

What’s the forecast? California’s coast is known for its seemingly good weather year round. On the off chance that rain is predicted, you will need a solid plan B.

How crowded will the beach be? Depending on the time of year, day of the week and time of the day, public beaches can be super busy. Consider this when choosing a beach location, sometimes you can find a hidden gem of a location that isn’t crowded.

When is high and low tide? There would be nothing worse than a rising tide during your ceremony. Definitely check the tide forecasters to avoid this.

Prep Your Guests:

The key to prepping your guests is finding creative ways to tell your guests what appropriate attire is and what they can expect for your public peach wedding.

Attire – let your guests know what is appropriate attire for your beach wedding, heels and sand probably won’t mix well.

Highlight key information on your wedding website.

Pick save-the-dates and invitations that set the tone for your wedding – include key details on these.

Make your wedding favors fun – a beach ceremony is the perfect situation to create a few fun favors with your wedding details. Sunglasses, fans, mini-sunscreens. Anything to make your guests a little more comfortable during your beach ceremony. ◗

Morilee Bridal Fashion

Images provided by Morilee by Madeline Gardner. Available exclusively at Trudys Bridal.

Bridal Fashion

Images provided by Brittany Weng, Karolina Grabowska, Karen Willis, Benigno Hoyuela, Nate Johnson

Groom’ s Fashion

Wedding Decorations:

What to Purchase and What to Rent

Meet the Professional

Kelsey Currier is the owner of Coastside Weddings and Events, a wedding and special event planning company based in Half Moon Bay, California.

Between finding a venue, setting a reasonable budget, and deciding who to invite, planning a wedding isn’t a simple task. With that said, it is not impossible to plan a wedding. It just takes a few tips from the experts to help your planning go smoothly.

One item couples will want to consider when planning for their big day is whether or not to buy or rent décor items. Decorations can eat up a couple’s budget in a hurry and depending on the theme, wedding location and a few other factors, either renting or purchasing can help save you money.

Typically, a good rule of thumb is if the item can be used for another occasion or sold for similar value, it’s worth buying. However, if you know you won’t use the item again, renting will be your best choice. Sounds straightforward right?

If this still leaves you questioning, don’t worry we have you covered. We have reached out to Event Planner, Kelsey Currier at Coastside Weddings and Events for her expert advice on this topic of wedding décor.

Décor to Purchase for Your Wedding: Signage

Buying is the best way to go when it comes to custom signage. It gives you the opportunity to put a personal touch throughout the venue. Kelsey suggest to “make sure you keep the style and theme consistent among all signage for a cohesive look. Welcome signs, table numbers, printed menus, place cards and seating charts should all follow the same aesthetics. I love finding local artists or Calligraphers to create custom signage for my couples, and often suggest the welcome sign be created with the intention of becoming a piece of art for the newlyweds to display in their home for years to come.”

Table Linens, Napkins, and Runners

Most of the linens you plan to incorporate should be purchased. This may come as a surprise, but once you add up the cost for renting and cleaning, purchasing is often cheaper. And a lot of the times, if linens are not stained or damaged, they can be resold. On the other hand, an exception Kelsey says, “is if you are looking for specific patterns or materials that only specialty linen companies carry, or if the patterns you like would not translate well to everyday use then looking into rentals is a better option.”

Chargers

Chargers can be more costly when rented than when they’re purchased. Plus, they don’t take up much space for storage and can be pulled out for later use. Of course, it’s important to weigh your options and find the best fit for you. If you don’t think you’ll use purchased chargers for any other occasion in the future or if you have a high guest count and nowhere to store 100’s of chargers, renting is the better route.

Décor to Rent for Your Wedding:

Renting is a great option for those who don’t plan to utilize their wedding items after the big day. Here are a few pieces couples should consider renting from their local rental companies.

Upgraded China

You may choose to use the options available to you at your venue, but you may choose to upgrade. If that is the case renting is the way to go.

Upgraded Flatware

When it comes to flatware Kelsey advises, “your venue may include flatware as part of your site fee, renting flatware that fits with your wedding design and colors can add interest and depth to your tablescape. I love highlighting gold accents with specialty gold flatware to tie the tablescape together.”

Tables and Chairs

Tables and chairs are often included in the venue price. However, sometimes this isn’t the scenario, and you will need to provide all the furniture. This will be a question you ask in your initial venue showing. Upgraded chairs can be a higher priced item to rent, but they do drastically change the look and feel of the setup. Even if it is just going from a white folding chair to a light or dark natural wood folding chair, it makes a difference! Bare wood tables are beautiful, but if the expense is too high to have all tables bare wood, consider a mix of bare wood and venue provided tables with linens.

Lighting

Your venue may offer lighting options, or you can work with a rental company that is familiar with your venue to plan the perfect setup. For outdoor events, market lighting adds a festive (and functional) element to the space. Pinspot lighting (the use of a narrow-beamed light to illuminate important decor elements) can be a great tool to highlight floral centerpieces, dessert tables, or your wedding cake display. Uplighting, which can often be rented through your DJ, is also a great way to bring color and depth to the reception space and help change the mood when it is time to transition from dinner to dancing.

Candle Holders and Vases

Often, adding small touches to your reception tables, bar, or other spaces can elevate the ambiance. These could also be purchased and resold after your wedding; however, larger quantities are sometimes tricky to resale. So, consider that factor when deciding to buy or rent. Kelsey recommends, “to be sure and check with your venue before renting or purchasing these items, as sometimes venues include votives for the tables. If the venue does not supply any candles or votives, you can ask your florist to include these items in your package which will ensure the design and style of candles used will match the floral centerpieces.”

Glassware

Glassware can make a statement. Be sure to check what’s available with your venue. Otherwise, these essentials can be rented from an outside vendor to add a splash of color and personality at a fairly minimal cost. “I often suggest using venue provided glassware at the bars, but renting specialty glassware for the dining tables to add to the tablescape,” Kelsey notes.

Outdoor Cocktail Bar

These days there are plenty of rental companies offering portable bars for your wedding. This is a great rental option to consider when adding a fun unique touch. Don’t forget to include a backbar to display glassware, florals, photos, or any other fun decor elements.

Dance Floor

Always rent your dance floor.

Wedding Décor Rental Tips

When it comes to finding vendors for rentals, be sure to check out examples of their past work. It’s a huge plus if they’ve worked with your venue before and know the space. And if they don’t have exactly what you’re looking for in their lookbook, be sure to ask. Always review the delivery fees and details carefully on your rental order, if you are flexible with the delivery time you can save money by having a delivery window vs. an exact delivery time. Same idea applies for the pick up of rental items after the event, if the venue allows pick up on the Monday following your event it will save you money, as late night pick ups will add an additional fee.

I recommend checking with your planner or event coordinator first to see if they have items you can rent or that can be included in your package. I have built up an inventory of decor items over the years including table numbers, cake and dessert stands, toasting flutes, card boxes, easels, frames and votives, that depending on the package my clients book can be included or rented for an additional cost. Remember, weddings and events are not always the most sustainable and eco-friendly, so I encourage all my clients to try to keep this in mind when they are deciding on the decor elements for their celebration. Happy Planning! ◗

Florals: Driftwood & Roses

Rentals: Chairs4Events

Signs: Coastal Wood Designs

Photographer: Savannah Hayes Photography

Why You Need a Trial Run for Your Wedding Hair & Makeup

Let’s start by addressing that you wouldn’t get married without a rehearsal or only try your dress on once prior to your wedding. And in all reality, it should be the same for your hair and makeup. The assumption has been made that trial runs are just a way for artists to make more money. However, it’s like a form of insurance for the bride and the artist. In fact, many artists have started to make a trial run mandatory and include it in their bridal rates.

I am going to share with you on a personal level why I agree, as well as 5 reasons why it should be essential.

To start, let me share my experience. A few years back I was tying the knot. My husband’s cousin got married shortly before us. His wife looked STUNNING on their wedding day, AND she did her own hair and makeup! Being the frugal bride that I was, I called to see if she would be interested in doing my hair and makeup. She was happy to help and was going to be of no charge! “Heck yeah!” I had thought.

The day came for my trial and bless her heart, but after 7 HOURS sitting in her chair I came out with crisp curled hair, 500 bobby-pins and so much makeup I looked like a drag queen. My husband was at a loss for words, and frankly so was I. No fault of her own, but what worked for her, wasn’t going to work for me.

With that said, paying for a professional to make me feel and look beautiful on my wedding day, was well worth the money, and I was so happy I had done a trial run!

If this doesn’t have you convinced here are 5 additional reasons why you should go with a trial.

1. A trial run provides the opportunity to get to know your artist’s personality and skill level, and to determine if they are the right fit for you. You want to be comfortable with them and make sure they can execute your desired style.

2. Makeup professionals always try their best to appease their clients with the desired look. However, sometimes that desired look is not always possible depending on a bride's hair, face shape or skin type. A trial run is a good time to discuss options and to try different looks that will work for you. You may find that for your desired look calls for hair extensions or other products you’ll need to be purchased ahead of time.

3. While most professional makeup artists try to work with mostly hypoallergenic products, it is possible that you may be allergic to an ingredient in a cosmetic or hair product. Your wedding day is not the day you want to figure out you’re allergic to latex eyelash glue. A trial run gives allows you to test the products that will be used on your wedding day.

4. Time is of the essence. Wedding day prep schedules tend to be tight, so knowing what look is desired and the time it takes to perform can help you plan ahead.

5. A trial run is also a great opportunity to discuss any details such as the number of bridesmaids, prep timeline, and artist recommendations.

A trial run is a very important and often underestimated part of the hair and makeup process. It may mean you have to adjust your budget slightly, but rest assured it is well worth the time and money. By knowing exactly how to plan for the day and how you will look, will leave both you and your artist confident that you’ll look and feel your best! ◗

Tips for Planning Your Outdoor California Wedding

When it comes to an outdoor wedding, the options are endless, serene beaches, redwood forests, beautiful gardens and vineyard backdrops make for the most perfect backdrop. Whether you’re having a large wedding or an intimate affair – you will want to ensure you and your guests are comfortable.

Have a backup plan – Unexpected weather can hit at any time, after all mother-nature has a mind of her own. A backup plan eases your mind that should weather appear, you have a solution. For example, if renting a tent, it’s advisable to rent one with side walls even if you don’t think it’s necessary.

Top 5 Venues Along the Central Coast

It’s no secret the Central Coast abounds in beauty, from the towering redwoods to the gorgeous Pacific coastline. We’ve curated a list of five venues that exemplify the Central Coast and all of its beauty.

Wave Street Studios

Monterey

Uniquely located on the Monterey Peninsula, on the Recreation Trail above Steinbeck’s historic Cannery Row. This nature-infused venue with a multi-story, indoor/outdoor setting gives couples the opportunity to host up to 150 guests. With three ceremony locations to choose from; inside the studio with a rock backdrop, outside in the garden with a live fountain and on the Wave Street Level Patio. Equipped with a full studio and soundproof dance room. The soundproof dance room allows guests to dance all night long!

Long Branch Farms

Half Moon Bay

With its natural beauty and secluded rustic charm, it’s easy to see why Long Branch Farms is among the top country wedding venues along the Central Coast. Each wedding is as unique as the couple getting married and creative ideas for adding extra personal touches are readily shared.Whether you exchange vows in the picturesque country chapel or set up an altar in the meadow, the distinctive romance of an authentic, country western wedding will provide great memories for years to come.

The Inn at Pasatiempo

Santa Cruz

The Inn at Pasatiempo is a rustic wedding and event venue located in Santa Cruz. This quaint bed and breakfast is less than four miles from the shores of some of the West Coasts’ best beaches. Nestled into a grove of beautiful Eucalyptus trees and with space to fit up to 200 of your friends and family, The Inn at Pasatiempo is a stunning seaside getaway. When the last dance is over and good-night kisses exchanged, it’s just a few steps to the Inn’s welcoming accommodations.

Dream Inn

Santa Cruz

The Dream Inn Santa Cruz is a full-service beachfront hotel, wedding ceremony and reception venue. Located on a stunning beach in Santa Cruz with breathtaking views of the Beach Boardwalk. The Dream Inn can accommodate up to 200 guests for your big day, the ballroom features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the scenic views of Santa Cruz. Your guests will love the panoramic views, walking distance to attractions and stepping off the venue to dip their toes in the sand.

Felton Guild

Felton

Nestled amongst the redwoods, Felton Guild offers a redwood cathedral and reception lawn to host your dream day. Other amenities include a fountain for picturesque photos, bridal suite, grooms room, and on-site catering. When you set foot between the towering redwoods you will know why couples travel from all over to get married here. Accommodates 200+ guests. ◗

Top 5 Venues

The Gardens at The Inn at Pasatiempo | Image provided by venue

Dream Inn | Image provided by venue

Wave Street Studios | Image provided by venue

Felton Guild | Sabrina Autumn Photography

Long Branch Farms | Image provided by venue

A Bridal Shopping Day in Carmel-By-The-Sea

Wedding planning is full steam ahead. You have nailed down your venue, determined your guest list, asked your bridal party to stand by your side at the alter, now what’s next?

It’s one of the most exciting parts of planning…finding the dress! To make this an easy and fun event for you and your bridal party, we have come up with a shopping day in Carmel-By-The-Sea. This itinerary offers a start with brunch, dress and jewelry shopping, and ending at one of our favorite spots for happy hour with the bridal gang.

Itinerary:

Start with Brunch at Carmel Belle

Come hungry! Carmel Belle offers a wide selection from breakfast, brunch to lunch and dinner. All ingredients come from farmers and purveyors that practice sustainability and only offer the highest quality of foods. Their menu will leave your mouth watering with delicious choices such as the truffled egg toast to their open-faced egg, bacon & arugula breakfast sandwich to a free-ranch chicken cobb salad.

Breakfast Mon-Fri 8 AM - Noon | Sat-Sun 8 AM - 1 PM, Lunch & Dinner 8 AM - 5:30 PM

San Carlos St, Ocean Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 831.624.1600

Then on to the hunt for the perfect dress, starting with Epiphany Bridal Boutique

Epiphany is a beautiful bridal boutique with a wide selection of bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, rental suits and tuxedos and even mother of the bride dresses.

Hours dependent upon appointment

5 Mission Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 831.626.7700

Next Stop jo Leo Bridal

jo Leo Bridal offers an upscale private atmosphere and features gorgeous gowns from some of the most respectable designers in the world. Brides will experience a private appointment with exclusive use of the boutique where they will receive one-on-one attention from their expert Bridal Consultant.

Hours dependent upon appointment

Lincoln Street, 2 Southwest of Ocean Ave., Suite B, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 831.704.5858

Last shopping stop, bridal Jewelry at Mark Areias

After you have found your dress, stop in at Mark Areias to find your statement piece jewelry to wear on your wedding day. Mark Areias offers customers a wide selection of custom-designed jewelry that has been created in-house. Bridal jewelry ranges loose diamonds to earrings, necklaces, bracelets and more. You’ll be sure to find something to match your dress for your special day.

Tues-Sat 10 AM - 5 PM

Ocean Ave at Mission Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA • 831.624.5621

Conclude the day with Happy Hour at The Star Bar at Vesuvio

On weekends, you’ll find a waiting line at Vesuvio to get a space at the rooftop Star Bar. At the downstairs bar you’ll find something rare in Carmel — folks who live here. Mixologist Anthony Vitacca keeps residents coming back with inventive cocktails like the Momma’s Boy, made with Maker’s Mark, Cardamaro, peach preserves, and their Pèpe branded limoncello. It’s hard to pinpoint one thing because it’s everything — making this the end to your eventful shopping day will leave everyone in your party relaxed and ready to talk wedding details.

Sun-Thurs 4 PM – 10 PM | Fri-Sat 4 PM – 11 PM

6th and Junipero, Carmel, CA, United States, CA 831.626.8889 ◗

The Hangover Party Favor

Looking for the perfect party favor for your wedding, bachelorette, or bachelor party? The hangover recovery kit has all the items your party animal friends need to cure that heavy headache that comes the morning after a fun night out. Your pals will be ohso-thankful for your thoughtful favor.

Sunglasses

Tylenol Extra Strength

Mouthwash

5-hour Energy

Makeup Remover Towelette Single

Mini Champagne Bubbles

Shout Stain Remover

Band-Aid Single

Small Altoids Tin

Gum

Sunscreen

Multi-Vitamin pack

Visine Eye Drops

Chapstick

Bottle of Water

Items to Include: Image

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Band

Wedding bands are a timeless symbol of love and commitment and they have significant meaning for each couple. The style and shape of wedding bands, to the choices of metals to alternative band options, shopping for the perfect style isn’t as effortless as one may think.

In years past, the tradition was for the husband and wife to have matching rings. Though that tradition has faded over the years, there are still couples who choose this to show they have become one unit. However, many couples take the non-traditional route today and choose different wedding bands. It is a show of individuality when your wedding rings are not alike. It shows your personal style and you can make a choice that best compliments your skin tone and size.

Budget Consideration

The first step in choosing the perfect wedding bands is setting a realistic budget. While it may be tempting to splurge, it’s important to determine how much is financially feasible for your personal circumstance.

Metal Choices

One of the most important decisions is what metal you want your band(s) to be. Some people only wear one metal, others wear all, and some decide what metal their wedding ring will be as they are browsing for it. Each type of metal has its own unique characteristics that may work better or worse for different lifestyles.

Gold: Gold wedding bands are a timeless choice and they come in an array of colors, white, yellow, and rose gold. Gold is generally pretty durable but keep in mind the Karat of the gold affects its durability.

Platinum: Platinum is known for its strength and durability. It’s very resistant to tarnish and corrosion, making it a good choice for couples who are a little harder on their jewelry.

Titanium: Modern metals are gaining popularity because they’re strong and affordable. The one downside to this metal is resizing them is challenging so it’s important

Band Style and Design

Classic: Classic wedding bands are timeless, simple and with a smooth polished surface. They truly compliment any engagement ring and are easy to match with your spouses band.

Vintage: Vintage bands are all about the details, offering intricate carving and engraving. This style boasts old romance.

Modern: Modern wedding bands take contemporary to a new level. Oftentimes couples choose clean lines with minimalistic aesthetics in lieu of the style.

Custom: Custom wedding bands offer the ultimate level of personalization. Working with a jeweler to create your absolute dream wedding band can be a unique and enjoyable process. ◗

Choosing Your Bridal Registry

Part of planning your wedding is choosing items for a wedding registry. A registry means friends and family won’t have to guess what you’d like and can be satisfied knowing they are getting you a gift that you will enjoy. When creating your registry, make sure your partner is involved. The two of you can talk through possible registry picks over cocktails or add gifts digitally when lounging at home on the weekend. If you are already living in the same home, having a registry may seem redundant but no, there will always be things you need for inside and outside of your home and you can also choose registry items that you want to replace!

Remember to choose items in a variety of prices so guests can find something they can afford to gift. Besides the usual toasters, bed sheets, etc. a multitude of other products that can be used outside the house can be added to your wedding registry. Think patio items, gardening supplies, camping gear, tools. etc.

Requesting cash can be a slippery slope when creating your registry. Some guests may think of it as rude but sharing your goal, such as a home down payment, lets your guests know they are contributing to a meaningful, specific part of your future. Similarly, if a certain cause or nonprofit is especially important to you and your future spouse, it’s acceptable to designate a space in your registry for charitable donations. Be sure to explain your connection to the charity and ask for donations to be made in your name.

When choosing your registry gifts, choose items you really need or want and are within the realm of your guests’ pocketbooks. Spend time on your choices and after the wedding you will be thrilled to open your gifts and see the wonderful things you picked out. As time goes on, you can mentally thank your wedding guests for that specific registry item that you use on a regular basis!

It’s totally fair to treat a wedding registry as a wish list, but it’s not the same as a shopping list. This isn’t the place to include personal items like clothing, designer purses, fragrances or other goods that cannot be shared between you and your future spouse. ◗