You may want to start by choosing a date, and inquiring about a permit from the city/county for permission to use the beach for a special function. Also, check the city calender for upcoming events that could be a conflict of interest for your special day. After you secure a date and a permit, you then may want to consider leasing companies for the chairs and "altar" for the ceremony. Next, are you going to hold the reception on the beach or at another venue? My wife and I secured a restaurant for our reception. We found that the cost to secure the entire restaurant was less than it would have been to pay for a location (example: an Old Southern Plantation home) which typically charge $500-$5,000 per event, and also paying for a caterer.
Most caterers try to charge about $35-50 a head for a buffet style reception (for 150 persons at $35 a head is $5,250). Most fine dining restaurants charge the same thing, plus the staff is attentive, and can provide a sit down meal, and you are not paying for the venue. Then, of course, secure flowers, cake, and pastor/priest.
It all depends on what you want, and how much that you want to spend.
Hope this was of some help,
James
Written on Nov. 08, 2011
