Beach Wedding Tables
From LoveToKnow Weddings
Planning a wedding ceremony and reception on the beach means you will need to rent beach wedding tables for guests to use to relax, converse, and eat during the reception.
Wedding Table Rentals
A beach wedding is a beautiful setting for a ceremony and reception. However, planning requires a little additional work, as few beaches come equipped with dance floors, tables, chairs, and other essentials. Even small weddings will need a few tables for putting out food and drink or for guests to place their purses and belongings on.
Before booking the rentals, double check to make sure tables and chairs are allowed on the beach, as some beaches may prohibit these items on the sand. You may need to use a grassy area, dock or beach wedding reception tent for the reception space.
Convenience
Renting the tables is convenient and often cuts down on your own labor. Rental supply companies may include table drop-off, set-up and takedown in their fees or for a small additional fee, cutting down on the work you need to do. The parks and recreation board or center who handles beach wedding bookings may offer table rentals or can direct you to reputable rental companies in the area.
Type and Cost
The cost of renting tables depends on the size, style, and type of table you want to rent. Simple folding tables are often the cheapest, but may not be heavy enough to withstand ocean breezes. Tall, round bar tables are perfect for a cocktail reception, while wicker chairs and tables create a casual, relaxed atmosphere.
If saving wedding money is important, ask about getting a discounted rate if you pick up and return the tables yourself. Renting a few large rectangular banquet tables may be more cost effective than getting many small round tables, so double check your guest count and figure costs before securing the rentals. Find out if you get a discount on chairs or ceremony accessories if you rent everything from the same company.
While it may be tempting to haul a few personal or borrowed tables and chairs to the beach reception yourself, remember that the sand, water and wind can cause quite a bit of wear and tear on your tables.
Decorations for Beach Wedding Tables
Purchase or rent table linens to help decorate your beach wedding tables. Consider matching your wedding colors or getting cloths in pastel blue, ivory, or coral—colors that match the coastline. Get clips to hold down the cloths so that wind does not blow them off.
Beach Table Centerpieces
Choose beach wedding centerpieces that coordinate with the rest of the beach wedding decorations. The style and theme of the wedding and whether the tables will be canopied or inside a tent will determine the style of centerpieces and décor. Consider the following centerpiece ideas:
- Large conch shell on mirrored glass with sand bits
- Mini umbrella or parasol inside a large hurricane candle vase
- Blue table runner with small shells, starfish and rocks scattered on top
- Fish bowls with colored glass marbles and candles
- Paper fans and napkins
The same place you rent the tables may offer centerpieces or centerpiece materials (such as mirrors or vases) for a discounted rate. In fact, some rental supply companies offer everything from floral design to table and chair rentals to decorations. Check into the different options near your beach wedding site.
Head Table Beach Décor
The head table on a beach is usually positioned to the front and slightly above the rest of the reception, similar to other venues. On a beach, this can be accomplished without staging by using the natural slopes of the land. Renting a collapsible stage is an option for areas where the land does not offer a natural rise.
Position the head table so the landscape provides a natural backdrop. Cover the table linen with a large fishing next for a nautical themed beach wedding, interspersing shells and faux sea life in the net. Alternatively, you could swag a small garland across the front of the table, using native flowers and greenery. Small potted palm trees can flank the sides of the head table, with lights if an electrical hookup is available.
Renting beach wedding tables and then using ideas for beach weddings to decorate them will make a reception on the beach possible. Remember to double check the rules and regulations for beach use and bring small white buckets to fill with sand for anchoring the table legs, and you’ll have a picture perfect seaside celebration.
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This page has been accessed 2,331 times. This page was last modified 21:04, 27 February 2009.
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