Beach Wedding in January?

Rae17 · July 19, 2010

We originally had planned an April 2011 wedding, because of issues with family members not being able to travel then we are bumping it up to January 25th most likely. We're getting married on Honeymoon Island, FL. Those of you who have been there around then, or who live there, is January too cold for a beach wedding? We already paid our deposit to hold our date, and the woman told us we could change the date but the deposit is non refundable...sooo we are really hoping we can make it work.

What are your guys' opinions?

JanineA · July 19, 2010

Honeymoon Island is along the Gulf Coast and it does tend to be a bit chilly in January. It really all kind of depends on what kind of winter season we have. This past winter was horrible as I am sure you heard much of central and north florida saw flurries of snow and temperatures were in the low 40s and even 30s in the day time and with the windchill. It would be hard to predict from now, but my suggestion would be to have a back up venue (in doors). I can tell you a friend of mine got married out doors this February and no one was happy standing out in the cold with sweaters and throws on. Or perhaps you can ask for pits and gas heating lamps to be set up (which is what she eventually had to do at the last minute). It can be fun if you have fire pits and gas lamps in case it does get cold but it'll also add a sort of unique beach difference to the whole thing. What time of day were you having your wedding?

roxyqt · July 19, 2010

Hello Rae17!

Congrats on getting married

I live on the Gulf Coast and this past winter was beyond Cold (we had temps under 20 degrees for an extended period of time in January)!! With the winds from the Gulf it can feel about 10-15 degrees colder than the temperature reads.

I have been to a few weddings in the winter months here and during our colder months many people choose to be married inside or in a area that overlooks the beach inside or heated, but some try to brave the cold.

One that was on the beach in January and I couldn't even enjoy one part of the ceremony, I was frozen in my dress it was about 20 degrees outside. Thankfully they had a tented/heated receptions so their guest were able to enjoy the reception and we had a blast and forgot how cold we were earlier and made a big laugh about it. Heaters are the KEY and a place cozy place for your guest to warm up .

Another wedding I attended was in March, the ceremony was chilly but the sun was out so it wasn't so bad, they had a pool side ceremony that the wind was blocked by the condo buildings. The minute the sun went down and we walked over to the reception area (no heaters or buildings to block the wind), it was so cold, people were going to their cars/condos to grab anything warm to put on jackets, blankets, and even a few people changed into Jeans and hoodies . The bride spent much of the evening with a Christmas decorated green and red Fleece wrapped around her for her Purple and Black themed wedding. By the time cocktail hour was over 1/2 of her guest had to leave because of the cold weather (older guest, pregnant mommys, parents with Children, and a few others that were not prepared for cold weather). No one was aware that the reception was outside. The only warm room in the area was the poolside boys/girls joint bathroom .

Another outside wedding was in a area close/overlooking the beach that had 2 Heated Tents , one for the ceremony and one for the reception . It was perfect!! The only time you were cold is when you ran to the clubhouse to use the restroom .

I would suggest a back-up inside venue as well! Not just for the cold temps, but for Rain as well, as with any outside occasion you never know what the weather will be like. If you really want pictures on the beach, I would suggest having the bridal party do them during a warmer part of the day to avoid freezing your guest . Also make your guest well aware of the Cold weather and let them know even though it is Florida we still can have cold weather. We all wish it was 85 and Sunny everyday here , but sadly its not.

Rae17 · July 19, 2010

Yeah, I've heard that it varies depending on the year. My fiance was there a couple years ago in January and said they wore shorts and t-shirts the whole time. We are planning on doing a sunset ceremony, so whatever time that is in January, our April one was scheduled for 6:30. I didn't think about having anything for heating....that might have to be an option. I'm just worried about myself in a dress if it's cold. Our guests can bring sweaters or something to put over whatever they are wearing and the men are wearing suits, I don't want to be stuck freezing my butt off in a sleeveless dress!