Is this wedding idea cheesy or does it sound ok?

Question

I'm getting married on the beach. I was thinking that instead of having chairs I can have a couple chests filled with blankets. Guests can grab a blanket and sit on the beach for the ceremony. What do you think?

Answer 1

I think in theory it is a beautiful idea. It really would add a lot to the feeling of a casual beach wedding.

However, I think it would be difficult for your guests to sit through the ceremony without back support. Guests will constantly be shifting their weight trying to get comfortable. Also your guests' legs are more likely to fall asleep. As other posters pointed out, it also would be difficult for anyone who is older to sit down and get up from the blankets. If guests don't expect the blankets, many will be in high heels and dresses, and it will be hard to get comfortable.

Also, when you walk down the aisle, usually all the guests stand for your walk; a beautiful moment could get shuffled in the guests grunting and strugling to get up for that moment and then get settled in again while the ceremony begins.

If you plan on going forward with this idea, make sure that the aisle is clearly designated, and maybe have some ushers help guests figure out where they can set up their blankets. Otherwise, guests may be confused as to where to sit, and they may block your way down the aisle. Also, as others have suggested, you should have some chairs for those who cannot sit on the ground.

If you want to go with a casual idea like the blankets, here are some other ideas:

-You could use beach chairs instead of regular chairs (you'll want to get some that are more like real chairs for those who will have trouble bending to get to them). You could also set up blanketed areas around the chairs, so those who want to sit on the sand can, but those who don't feel comfortable with that option, can feel free to sit in the chairs. You should try to make sure that there are enough chairs for those who don't want to sit on the ground (you could review your guest list and guess who will want a chair and then round up from there; or you could have a chair for each guest to be safe, and those who don't want to sit in them don't have to). I am not sure if you could rent beach chairs, but if you are forced to buy them, and you can find them in bulk pretty cheap, you could also give them to guests as favors at the end of the night (so they don't have to carry them around).

-Because the ocean often has a cool breeze, you could put a bunch of pashminas (the kind from downtown that cost $1 piece) in a chest or basket, with a sign telling guests to take one to stay warm.

-If it falls in your budget, you could rent white couches instead of chairs. I think they would acheive the same look. Also, if you were planning on spending a lot on all the blankets and the chest, it might come out to the same cost.

Regardless, a beach wedding sounds beautiful!

Answer 2

I love the idea of having your wedding on the beach! Such a spiritual and beautiful place. I must admit, though, that initially I was for the blanket idea (with some chairs available for folks who need or prefer them). But, after reading some of the other answers, I have changed my mind. The reality is that it could potentially be uncomfortable for your guests to shuffle around on blankets, trying to see and hear the ceremony (especially if it is windy and/or the waves are crashing loudly), possible sand blowing around, etc. At least if they are in chairs, they aren't at sand level, and they can sit in a more comfortable well-supported fashion. Someone mentioned umbrellas..great idea! These days, the sun feels so strong that no one should be out in it for any extended period without some sort of protection. Your guests will be out there for awhile before the wedding even begins, so altogether it can be an hour or more in the sun depending upon the length of your ceremony. Also, let your guests know about the beach wedding idea in advance so they can dress properly and comfortably.
Best wishes to you!!

Answer 3

I think that is an excellent idea! We are a wedding officiant service (www.lovewithnoboundaries.com) and we perform many beach weddings, where they use chairs, but this idea is awesome! I would still have some chairs for the people who may not be able to get down and up easily, elderly, handicapped, pregnant, but I love the blanket idea! Best wishes!

Answer 4

Formal Wear + Sitting on a Sandy Blanket= Messy and Uncomfortable Ceremony for guests.

Just think about when you go to the beach, you always get sand on the blanket. If I were one of your guests, I would be very uncomfortable in my formal attire, sitting on the ground.

Get chairs. Your guests will be more comfortable and less messy from the sand.

Answer 5

A wedding on the beach is beautiful , I'm not sure about the blankets. It's ok for people who can easily can down and up. If you go with the blanket idea, you should also have a few chairs.

Answer 6

BAD BAD BAD idea. I'm am not sitting on a blanket on the beach in a dress. Get some chairs. My mom would not be able to sit on the beach and then get back up on her own and she's not that old. Really old people would never be able to do it. This is without a doubt one of the worst ideas that I have ever heard. Take pity on your guests and rent chairs.

Answer 7

I think that if you are going to do that, then you will definitely need to let the guest know way ahead of time, because I would not want to mess up my nice clothes sitting on a blanket.
Personally, I would not do that and would have the chairs instead.

Answer 8

Pay the money to rent the chairs, please!!! If I showed up at a wedding on a beach, which is already so informal, and they asked me to sit on a blanket I would be horrified. Women will be wearing dresses and have to get down on the ground. Not all guests are young and might not even be able to get up and down for goodness sake. Who wants sand in their pants for the reception?! I say don't do it.

Answer 9

Not a bit cheesy. Definitely let the guest know ahead of time to dress accordingly. Definitely have some chairs available to those who need them. I would have difficulty due to arthritis being down on a blanket in the sand and having to get up again.

Answer 10

If you decide to do this, the older people will not be able to sit comfortably, never mind them trying to get up. Make sure that you provide for the old persons. Also, make sure that everyone knows that it will be extremely casual, as sitting on blankets in dress or fancy clothes will be miserable. I also hope that you are planning on some sort of shade for your guests, such as canopies. Many people can not sit in the sun without burning, or passing out from the heat especially with the glare from the sand.