No chairs for the ceremony on the beach??

[jennifer769405]

Ok, I did not hire a wedding coordinator but the officiant is helping me to pull together some of the details of the wedding. He lives in the area where I am having the wedding and actually got married on the same beach last year in May so I figured would have the needed information/resources I needed.

 

Mind you, I am getting married on the Caribbean coast of Cost Rica, not a popular location for weddings due to the lack of all inclusive resorts. However we choose this location because we had traveled there before and loved the natural beauty of this underdeveloped area and wanted our guests to have a unique travel experience.

 

That being said....When I asked about renting chairs for the ceremony on the beach, this is the response that I got:

 

NOW, ABOUT CHAIRS ON THE BEACH. I HONESTLY ADVISE AGAINST IT. WHY? BECAUSE YOU WILL BE IN THE SAND AND CHAIR LEGS SINK IN THE SAND AND WELL, SOMETIMES PEOPLE TIP OVER. THERE IS NOT A HIGH AND LOW TIDE HERE IN THE CARIBBEAN SO THE SAND IS LOOSE AND SOFT. MOST CEREMONIES I HAVE DONE ON THE BEACH HAVE THE GUESTS STAND IN A SEMI-CIRCLE WITH THE COUPLE TO BE MARRIED IN THE MIDDLE END OF THE OTHER SIDE CREATING A CIRCLE OF LOVE AND SUPPORT.

 

I have never heard of having the guests stand at the ceremony, does this seem odd?? Anyone ever hear of ceremony like this? The ceremony is going to be short and sweet, but I'm still not very comfortable with guests not having the option to sit down.

 

I don't want to seem over demanding...any thoughts on this?

[SusieQ]

I have been to costa rica and the beach isn't any softer than the beaches of mexico or cuba. i have seen beach weddings at all three "with chairs"...

[stacey]

This sounds a little odd to me. I suppose I can understand the chairs sinking into sand, but the guests can work around that. My thought is that, ceromonys can last a little long, and its a long time for people to stand. especially if you have older guests they may not be able to stand in the sand that long. I would vote asking for the chairs. And if someone does tip over, it might be a funny moment for you to look back and laugh at!

[Destination Scout]

I was married on the Carribean coast of Mexico. We had our guests stand in a circle around us BUT it was part of the ceremony. I thought it turned out lovely. However, I have had chairs used, benches could be another option.

[*Heather*]

Our ceremony was on the sand, and we had chivari chairs. I don't think it was an issue. I think whether you're OK with your guests standing or not depends on how long your ceremony is...?

[jennifer769405]

I don't know...I don't see having chairs being that much of a problem with the sand. But because the area is so remote, he says he would have to get the chairs from San Jose which is about 4 hours away, so maybe that's why he advises against it? I'm just not sure how I feel about everyone standing...

 

Malisa, would you mind telling me a little bit more about your ceremony? What do you mean when you say your guests were part of the ceremony? How many people did you have? I'll have between 35-40 people and not sure and I'm trying to get a better idea of how it would be...

[JuneWeddingDreams]

Having them stand in a circle may be pretty cool - might be worth considering. In any case I wish you luck in whatever you decide to do...

[lisa_k]

How long is your wedding ceremony going to be? If it's going to be pretty short (like 20 minutes or less) then I think it's ok to have the guests stand. I also think it's a little odd that he advises against chairs in the sand. Sine it seems like a big deal (and somewhat of an expense) to bring chairs in, I think it will be fine if ceremony is quick...

[nsimpson]

Also take into account your guests. Is there anyone who maybe has accesibility needs (trouble standing, walking)? I think chairs are a good idea, even if the ceremony is short. And for the record, I've seen people fall out of chairs but never at a beach wedding!!!

[carolina24]

I think it would be ok to have them stand in a circle around you if you had less people. It might look awkward with so many people. Can he give you the info on other brides he's worked with? Maybe he or they can show you pics.