How to hold your spot on the beach

A common concern for couples planning a public beach wedding is wondering if the spot on the beach that they desire will be available on their wedding day.  The solution to this concern is very simple.  Get there first and make your presence known.

This is what I suggest to all couples planning a beach wedding. Recruit at least two family members or friends who would not mind spending some time holding your spot.  I have found that younger guys actually really enjoy having this "duty". They should arrive with a cooler, a football or frisbee and a few lawn chairs and basically set up camp in your desired location.  How early they arrive is best calculated by the season, the day of the week and the weather. But for the sake of example, a Saturday during peak summer months means someone should be there no later than 9:00AM.  Beach-goers will avoid your spot as long as they know where it is.  What they will NOT want to do, is move after they have gotten settled in.  Imagine how you would feel if someone asked you to move. But the sight of your friends throwing a football back and forth, with maybe music playing, will drive people to different spots, because they likely want a relaxing spot on the beach.  It is absolutely essential that along with this activity, your friends actually tell people that there will be a wedding there today.  I suggest they don't say what time. Once the other folks find their spot on the beach, they won't care. But your friends need to realize that they need to be a friendly, courteous but very visible and vigilant deterrent to other people.

Trying to save a spot without people will not work. Outlining an area with furniture, yellow caution tape, balloons or signs will only upset people and they will almost without exception  remove those items.  (I've actually witnessed a group move someone's wedding setup and put theirs in its place. The reasoning was that they were ready to have their ceremony, and there was no one around from the other group.)  All locals, and most other vacationers, know that beaches cannot be reserved and will indicate their disapproval of cordoning off an area by moving your stuff.  You must have friendly, courteous people present, and typically they really enjoy the job.

Outdoor Wedding Tip

Outdoor weddings have never been more popular. Beach weddings, golf course weddings, Meijer Gardens, State and County Parks, John Ball Zoo, or even Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids; all these places, and numerous other venues like them, offer a beautiful alternative to a traditional indoor wedding ceremony.  But with the reward comes a risk in the form of inclement weather. Mother nature is not only beautiful but also unpredictable.  As you make your wedding preparations, remember to put one more thing on your to-do list - A backup plan.  And don't leave this important detail until the last minute.  Most alternative sites, even if they are free, require a reservation; and you want to be the one with your name on the list even if you don't need to use it.  Most likely you won't, but you will be less stressed knowing you have a plan in place. My West Michigan Wedding can help with suggestions.

Remember the wind when planning your wedding day hairstyle and dresses

Here's a tip for any bride planning a beach wedding ceremony. My West Michigan Wedding serves many couples who have chosen to have their ceremony along the beautiful West Michigan shoreline.   It pays to remember that it can often be windy along the shore.

Here are a couple of ideas to prevent having your hair blowing in your face during your ceremony.  First, talk to your stylist in advance to select a style that will express your personality and still be contained.  Find a style that will work for you - wind or no wind.  Secondly, plan to face into the wind during your ceremony.  It might not be the traditional side to stand on, but it's better than trying to keep your hair out of your eyes.

And don't forget to plan for the wind when you select not only your dress but also the dresses for your bridesmaids.  The type of fabric and style you choose can help them be able to concentrate on your ceremony and not on holding down their  dress.

Writing Meaningful Marriage Vows

When I meet with couples as their wedding officiant, I am frequently asked what to do about marriage vows.  This is one area where prospective brides are often as confused as prospective grooms.  What is it about this element of the marriage ceremony that intimidates so many couples? Maybe it's because deep inside they recognize the importance of the words they will share with each other.  Intuitively, we know that promises are a big deal.  Not to be broken.  A binding agreement.  But wedding vows, unlike everyday promises, are made on the premise of our love for just one other person.  Marriage transcends every other earthly relationship, and it stands to reason that vows made in this context need to rise to the occasion.  That's why the words that are said should embrace the ebb and flow of life.  We promise our love through good AND bad, richer AND poorer, sickness AND health.  Wedding vows need to reflect this unwavering commitment through the totality of life together.  They are more than mere sentiment or a list of things we like about the other person.  So it's reasonable to think that a lot of thought needs to go into the choosing of the right wording.  Tom Hamel and My West Michigan Wedding can assist you in writing wedding vows that reflect this level of commitment to the one you love.  For samples of some tried and true marriage vows click here.

Now Serving Grand Rapids

After 8 years of serving the Lakeshore communities of Pentwater, Ludington, Silver Lake, Muskegon and Manistee, My West Michigan Wedding is expanding.  Amy and I have recently relocated to Grand Rapids to be nearer to family.  With that move comes an opportunity to provide marriage officiant services to the greater Grand Rapids area.  I will continue to officiate beach weddings, and other marriage ceremonies along Lake Michigan.  I love Lake Michigan's beautiful lakeshore and its resort towns too much to stop, but I'm also excited to become more familiar with the outstanding marriage venues available in this city.  I have already made some contacts with very nice business people who serve brides and grooms in this area.  Like me, they love weddings and all they represent.