Big thanks to BuzzFeedVideo for the awesome video!

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Not only is it amazing having a mini holiday when you thought you’d be cleaning the house or mowing the lawn, but knowing that your partner has gone to all that effort to create an experience just for you makes it even more special!

If you haven’t already, we definitely recommend you try it. Here are our top tips for planning your own surprise romantic getaway… make sure you read to the end!

1. If you’re a newbie to this, start small

If planning a whole trip sounds a bit daunting, just start with a surprise date night that has a few elements to it (drinks, dinner, dessert, and a one-night stay) and work your way up.

2. Make the whole getaway a surprise (if possible)

I’m talking about planning the day/s off with their boss, packing their bag (if you dare), organising all the transport and accommodation, and arranging baby/pet/plant-sitting for any dependents. The bigger the effort, the bigger the surprise

3. Make sure you’re going at a time that suits them

Do some undercover research into your partner’s schedule and make sure it’s not Aunt Judy’s birthday that weekend, or that they haven’t planned a spa day with the dog (extra points if they have though, that sounds amazing). If you know that a particular time of the year is busy for them, make sure you pick a date that works around it.

4. Do your browsing/planning/booking in private mode

Researching online is amazing, but be sure to cover your tracks!

5. And while you’re on the stealth bandwagon, have a good friend pay for your getaway and pay them back later

If your partner watches the bank account like a hawk, they would probably notice if funds are missing. This is a quick giveaway that you’re planning something amazing – DON’T fail me here, people!

6. Become a pro at lying… in a good way

Try your best to keep a straight face if you’re questioned by your partner! Practice your poker face, because you’re going to need it a lot in the days before the getaway.

7. Throw them off the scent

Make a few false plans for that weekend so you know your partner can’t book anything else and to keep them preoccupied. If you’re normally busy but suddenly have nothing planned, they might become suspicious.

8. Allow room for splurging

Try to save some extra money for that unexpected splurging as well. Your partner’s spotted something special while you’re (supposedly) window shopping? Surprise them and say “Get it, honey” Buying something frivolous and fun is way more satisfying than an everyday purchase – especially on holiday.

9. Keep them on their toes the whole time

The surprise isn’t just the holiday. Plan some activities – even something as small as researching the best restaurants on the beach. Bonus points for romantic activities

10. Don’t worry if parts of it fail!

Trust us, it really is the thought that counts. Sometimes things don’t go 100% to plan, but try to roll with it as much as possible. Making a big deal out of what is probably a small (or non) fail will ruin the mood. Because let’s be honest, your special someone is happy just to be on holiday and that they scored you as a partner!

We hope these tips will help you to pull off the perfect surprise getaway!

Book with us and save with our MASSIVE 15% discount on your booking CLICK HERE!

Feel free to browse through our website to view all of the superb holiday accommodation units that we have on offer.

For more information:

southcoast@leisureletting.co.za | (039) 317-3004 or WhatsApp on (067) 770-5284 | Book Online Now

We want to see you, our extended family @leisureletting

Source: https://www.wotif.com/vc/blog/couples/tips/surprise-romantic-getaway/

The post Tips For Planning A Surprise Romantic Getaway appeared first on Leisure Letting South Coast.

If you want to achieve greatness, you need to stop asking for permission. This is why motivation is important in life because it stops asking questions and aligns you to work towards your goals.

Goals are the stepping stones toward your dreams so in order to achieve them, you need the motivation to keep you chugging along towards them.

Not everyone is born with motivation. There is a severe lack in some who believe ‘I’ll get to that one day’ or ‘the timing isn’t right’ or a classic case of ‘I can’t do that’. Motivation is the defining factor that turns a good thought into immediate action. It turns a good idea into a business and can positively impact the world around you.

Without motivation, you can’t achieve anything. There are no goalposts to aim for and no purpose to strive towards.

Motivation is an important life skill. The reason it’s important is that every person on this earth is unique and has a purpose. To steward your purpose well, you have to be motivated to work towards your goals which helps your dreams become a reality. Not1 just for your sake, but the sake of others as well.

If Steve Jobs wasn’t motivated to start Apple, you wouldn’t have a Macbook air, iPhone or iPad.

You wouldn’t be holding that designer handbag or wearing those clothes if a designer wasn’t motivated to turn their visualization into a realization.

You live in a world where motivation has solved problems and produced products and services you never knew you needed.

Motivation can also help you personally to be the best you can be. This can have a positive effect on your confidence, relationships and the community you live in.

If you’re still not convinced about building up your motivation, here are eight reasons why motivation is important in life.

MOTIVATION CLARIFIES A GOAL

When you’re motivated, you have the desire to change your life. Motivation pushes you towards your goal because of a desire for change. Motivation helps you clarify your goal so you know exactly what you’re working towards.

MOTIVATION SETS PRIORITIES IN LIFE

Once you know what your goal is, motivation helps you prioritise your life. If your goal is to write a book, you need to set time aside each week to write it. Motivation helps you to focus and make a commitment to seeing your goal accomplished.

MOTIVATION PUSHES THROUGH SETBACKS

Every road to success will have a setback. There is no such thing as a dream route to reach your dreams. Setbacks will have you doubt whether your goal is worth the effort, but motivation steps in and gives you the strength and courage to try again.

MOTIVATION TEACHES PERSEVERANCE

This ties in with the previous point, but motivation helps you strive through setbacks, trials and fears. Thomas Edison is known for the invention of the light bulb and is noted for this quote, ‘I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.’ The famous inventor also inspired this thought, ‘Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.’ Motivation will teach you to persevere when reality tells you to give up.

MOTIVATION FIGHTS AGAINST FEAR

Fear of failure is so common it can literally stop you from taking action. Motivation kicks fear in the butt because it tells it, no matter what I’m feeling, I’m going to do it anyway. Motivated people see beyond their fear and can visualize the outcome. Motivation will always help you see the bigger picture.

MOTIVATION BUILDS SELF-CONFIDENCE

When you’re motivated to achieve your goal, confidence is a by-product of the little steps taken to see that goal achieved. When you’ve pushed through setbacks and fear, there is a sense of accomplishment and this builds inner confidence to try something new. Motivated people will have a few projects on the go because they have pushed through barriers and seen positive results, which gives them the motivation to start new projects and try new things.

MOTIVATION ATTRACTS YOUR TRIBE

If you’ve ever met a motivated person, their1 vibe can be alluring and inspiring. You want to align with their energy so you can draw from their expertise. In turn, this helps build your motivation to succeed.

The same can be said of a business manager. If you require a team to help you achieve your dream, a good leader will know how to use their motivation to pioneer a spirit of drive and desire within the team to see results. Employees will want to work with you and for you if they are valued and can take hold of the vision of their leader.

MOTIVATION INSPIRES OTHERS

Motivation is an attractive trait and it can inspire others to make things happen in their own life. If you’ve ever met or hung out with a self-motivated person, you instantly feel like you can achieve anything because their positivity and can-do attitude elevates your own spirit. Seeking out a motivated person can help elevate your own motivation levels.

Motivation is a muscle that needs to be constantly worked and this can be achieved by reading biographies, enrolling in training and listening to motivational speakers who can share their own successes, while building you up.

We hope that after reading this, you feel motivated and in the right headspace for the new year! With all of that new motivation, why not book your next holiday to the KZN South Coast with us?

Learn how to receive a MASSIVE 15% discount on your booking CLICK HERE!

Feel free to browse through our website to view all of the superb holiday accommodation units that we have on offer.

For more information:

southcoast@leisureletting.co.za | (039) 317-3004 or WhatsApp on (067) 770-5284 | Book Online Now

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Source: https://www.nataliecook.com/blog/why-motivation-is-important-in-life

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Before we jump into this incredible article we would like to give a shout-out and say a big thank you to Prevention Magazine for the great share.

Try these easy-to-follow tips and tricks recommended by experts to soothe the discomfort and reverse the day’s rays.

1. Use compresses

Following a burn, the skin is inflamed. Get sunburn relief with compresses dipped in any of the following substances.

Coldwater. Use either plain water from the faucet or add a few ice cubes, says Michael Schreiber, MD. Dip a cloth into the liquid and lay it over the burn. Repeat every few minutes as the cloth warms. Apply several times a day for a total of 10 to 15 minutes each.

Aluminium acetate. If itching is intense, says Thomas Gossel, PhD, RPh, try mixing Domeboro’s powder packets with water. The aluminium acetate in the powder keeps the skin from getting too dry or itchy. Follow package directions.

Witch hazel. Moisten a cloth with witch hazel, says Fredric Haberman, MD. This incredible astringent has been shown to have long-lasting anti-inflammatory relief. Apply often for temporary relief. For smaller areas, dip cotton balls into the liquid and gently wipe on.

SMART TIP: You can also direct a fan on the area to heighten cooling.

2. Apply these foods

Common kitchen staples can be great sunburn soothers.

Oatmeal. Wrap dry oatmeal in cheesecloth or gauze. Run cool water through it. Discard the oatmeal and soak compresses in the liquid. Apply every 2 to 4 hours.

Fat-free milk. Mix 1 cup fat-free milk with 4 cups water, then add a few ice cubes. Apply compresses for 15 to 20 minutes; repeat every 2 to 4 hours.

Cornstarch. Add enough water to cornstarch to make a paste. Apply directly to the sunburn.

Lettuce. Boil lettuce leaves in water. Strain, then let the liquid cool for several hours in the refrigerator. Dip cotton balls into the liquid and gently press or wipe onto irritated skin.

Yoghurt. Apply yoghurt to all sunburned areas. Rinse off in a cool shower, then gently pat skin dry.

Teabags. If your eyelids are burned, apply tea bags soaked in cool water to decrease swelling and help relieve pain. Tea has tannic acid, which seems to ease sunburn pain.

3. Avoid soap

Don’t make it worse! Soap can dry and irritate skin with a sunburn.

Do not soak in soapy water. Likewise, stay away from bubble baths. If you must use soap, says Dr Gossel, use only a mild brand and rinse it off very well. What you can do is take a cool bath, as an alternative to compressed. Add more water as needed to keep the temperature cool. Afterwards, gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Do not rub your skin, or you’ll irritate it further. You can also add one of the following to reduce pain, itching, and inflammation.

Vinegar. Mix 1 cup of white or apple cider vinegar into a tub of cool water, says Carl Korn, M.D. A great astringent, it soothes sunburn pain.

Aveeno. If the sunburn involves a large area, use the premeasured packets or add 1/2 cup of Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment (R85  amazon.com), made from oatmeal, to a tub of cool water, says Dr Schreiber. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Aveeno is a well-known remedy for itching.

Baking soda. Generously sprinkle baking soda into tepid bathwater, suggests Dr Haberman. Instead of towelling off, let the solution dry on your skin. It is completely nontoxic, and it will soothe the pain.

4. Memorise these rules

While the memory of your sunburn is still painfully fresh, brush up on your sun sense with these tips from Norman Levine, MD.

Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going out, even if it’s overcast. (Harmful rays can penetrate cloud cover.) Don’t forget to protect your lips (try this lip balm with SPF), hands, ears, and the back of your neck. Reapply as necessary after swimming or perspiring heavily.

Pick a sunscreen with an SPF between 15 and 30. Sunscreens with SPF 15 protect against 94% of the sun’s harmful rays, and those with SPF 30 protect against 97%. Also look for the ingredients zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone in your sunscreen. These block both ultraviolet A and B rays.

Take extra care between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM (11 AM and 4:00 PM, daylight saving time), when the sun is at its strongest.

Wear protective clothing. Hats, tightly woven fabrics, and long sleeves help keep the sun off your skin.

5. Moisturise

You’ve really damaged your skin and now you need sunburn relief. It’s time to slather on lotion and begin repairs.

Soaks and compresses feel good and give temporary relief, says Rodney Basler, MD. But they can make your skin feel drier than before if you don’t apply moisturizing skin care immediately afterwards. Pat yourself dry, then smooth on some bath oil. Let it soak in for a minute, then apply a moisturizing cream or lotion, such as Eucerin.

SMART TIP: Chill your moisturiser in the fridge for added relief.

Learn how to receive a MASSIVE 15% discount on your booking CLICK HERE!

Feel free to browse through our website to view all of the superb holiday accommodation units that we have on offer.

For more information:

southcoast@leisureletting.co.za | (039) 317-3004 or WhatsApp on (067) 770-5284 | Book Online Now

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Source: http://www.prevention.com/beauty/natural-sunburn-cures/slide/1

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Let’s jump right in. Don’t forget to let us know which game you enjoyed most on your trip!

1. If you have some sleepy passengers in the car, you should play “While You Were Sleeping.”

The Game: Create the most believable story when someone falls asleep

The Rules:

• First, a passenger must fall asleep
• After five minutes of slumber, the awake passengers begin creating a story
• Each person takes turns adding to the story
• Once the passenger wakes up, you must get them to believe the story
• If somebody breaks character, they lose a point
• If somebody goes off script, you ask, “Are you sure?” and then that person is silenced and loses two points
• If you successfully fool the person, each storyteller wins three points
• If the sleeping passenger fools the car and joins their story correctly, they steal their current point
• The one with the most points at the destination wins

2. For a good old-fashioned guessing game, play “21 Questions.”

The Game: Guess what a person is thinking in 21 questions

The Rules:

• Someone thinks of something
• Then the car begins by asking questions
• You can’t repeat a question that has been asked
• Whoever guesses it right gets to start the next round

3. If your car mates are current and hip on events, then you should play “Did You Hear That…?”

The Game: Pop culture and news collide for a fun game of fact or fiction

The Rules:

• You are trying to fool your opponent
• You start by asking, “Did you hear that _______ happened?”
• Your opponent can either say, “That didn’t happen,” or, “Tell me more.”
• If they correctly guess that it didn’t happen, the opponent gets two points
• If they incorrectly guess that it didn’t happen, you steal one point and gain two additional
• If you are asked, “Tell me more,” points double at the end of the statement

4. For a car full of human jukeboxes, play “The Singing Game.”

The Game: Connect song lyrics for a fun sing-along game

The Rules:

• One person starts singing a song
• Using a lyric from the song, the next person has to connect it with another song
• It continues on until somebody messes up the lyrics or is stumped

Example:

• “I kissed a girl and I…”
• “…Really, really, really like you…”
• “…Doing that thing you do, breaking my heart into a million…”

5. If your car is full of film buffs, play “The Movie Game.”

The Game: Connect actors through movies they have starred in

The Rules:

• The game starts with an actor/actress
• The next person has to say a movie that they were in
• The following person has to state another actor/actress from that movie
• It continues on
• If someone is incorrect, they have to sit out the next round

Example:

• Elijah Wood
• Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
• Sean Astin
• Rudy

6. When you have a car full of optimists, play “Fortunately/Unfortunately.”

The Game: Making a fortunate situation out of an unfortunate situation

The Rules:

• One person starts by saying “Fortunately” and mentioning something fortunate
• The next person has to follow by saying something unfortunate about the previous situation
• Move clockwise around the car switching between fortunate and unfortunate situations
• If somebody stumbles, they get a strike. Three strikes and you’re out
• Last man standing wins

Example:

• Fortunately, this will be my first time seeing the Grand Canyon
• Unfortunately, it was invaded by Martians just last week
• Fortunately, I just finished my course in extraterrestrial communications

7. All know-it-alls will spark some fierce competition if you play “The Alphabet Categories.”

The Game:  This is NOT the road sign game; you name things in alphabetical order from a category

The Rules:

• You start with a category like food, bands, cars, etc.
• You start with A and travel down the alphabet
• You can get as specific with your categories as you want

8. If you love to get your snack on, definitely play “Regional Food Master.”

The Game: Collect the most regional snacks between the start and finish of your road trip

The Rules:

• At each petrol station, you stop at, you have to find a local snack
• You can only get one food item per gas station
• The food item has to be created within the region the stop is located
• Whoever has the most snacks by your destination wins
• Duplicate cities don’t count

9. For the spontaneous math wizards, play “The Counting Game.”

The Game: See how high you can collectively count without any order

The Rules:

• Somebody random begins with the number one
• Another person follows at random with the next number
• If two people say the same number at the same time, you start over
• If there is more than a five-second pause, you start over
• You are trying to get to the number 20

10. For all the walking encyclopedias, play “The Name Game.”

The Game: Connect the first and last names of famous people

The rules:

• Start with the name of anyone famous (besides yourself, duh…)
• The next person has to say a person whose first name starts with the letter of the previous last name
• If somebody mentions a person where both the first and last name starts with the same letter, the game reverses in order (e.g., Bob Barker, Lindsay Lohan, Mandy Moore, etc.)

Examples:

• Tom Brady
• Billy Joel
• Janet Jackson (reverse!)
• John Oliver

We have got to end this AWESOME article by giving a HUGE shout out to amazing guys and girls from Randburg Midas. Thanks for these great games. We know our readers are going to LOVE them!

Learn how to receive a MASSIVE 15% discount on your booking CLICK HERE!

Feel free to browse through our website to view all of the superb holiday accommodation units that we have on offer.

For more information:

southcoast@leisureletting.co.za | (039) 317-3004 or WhatsApp on (067) 770-5284 | Book Online Now

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Source: http://midasrandburg.co.za/10-road-trip-games-adults-will-enjoy/

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Spending an entire day at the beach is fun for the whole fam – that is, until tummies start grumbling and kiddos start complaining. Packing an awesome beachy meal will help keep everyone happy so they can hit the waves, play in the sand or give it they’re all in a game of volleyball.

And as you can see from the picture of our Bondi Beach accommodation, you are going to want to spend a load of time on the beach, especially considering it is right on your doorstep!

Cool It
If your picnic includes anything with meat, mayonnaise, cheese, other dairy products or perishables, be sure to pack them in a cooler with plenty of ice. Take them out of the cooler right at mealtime, not before.

Picnic baskets are great for the stuff that doesn’t need to be kept cool — paper towels, tablecloths, paper plates and napkins, silverware and serving utensils.

Keep it Clean
To help keep sand out of your food, bring along a blanket, beach chairs, paper towels and hand wipes. You could also wrap sandwiches in wax or parchment paper, so everyone can just peel them back as they eat, keeping those sandy beach hands off the food.

BYOS (Bring Your Own Shade)
Munching on tasty foods isn’t much fun if you’re blinded by the light or too hot to be comfortable. Take a big beach umbrella with you, and remember hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Get to the site early if you have anyone who is sun sensitive so you have the best chance of getting those coveted shady spots under trees or pavilions.

On a closing note, we would like to give a shout out and say thank you to Tablespoon for sharing these great tips.

Learn how to receive a MASSIVE 15% discount on your booking CLICK HERE!

Feel free to browse through our website to view all of the superb holiday accommodation units that we have on offer.

For more information:

southcoast@leisureletting.co.za | (039) 317-3004 or WhatsApp on (067) 770-5284 | Book Online Now

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Source: https://www.tablespoon.com/posts/how-to-plan-a-beach-picnic

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A big thanks to Howcast for the great video and tips!

Step 1: Familiarise yourself with aeroplane safety measures. Commercial airliners have more than one backup system for every piece of equipment that could fail, and they receive 12 hours of maintenance on the ground for every hour spent in the air.

Step 2: Sit over the wing Request a seat over the wing. The ride is the smoothest and most quiet there.

Step 3: Bring aboard as many diversions as you can think of—an engaging book, puzzles, good music, a stack of magazines, a variety of snacks, and a DVD player. You want your mind so occupied that you won’t notice every in-flight hiccup. Tip if you run out of things to do, talk to the person next to you.

Step 4: Alert the flight attendant tell the flight attendant that you’re a nervous flyer as soon as you board. He or she will take the time to reassure you about any odd sounds or sensations. Tip Fight the urge to use sedatives on a flight. They double your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, a potentially fatal blood clot, and the threat lasts for four weeks.

Step 5: Dismiss turbulence Stop panicking that the plane is going down every time you hit a little bump. Airliners are designed to withstand more turbulence than Mother Nature is capable of creating. In fact, turbulence has never taken down a commercial airliner.

Step 6: Meditate, take some deep breaths whenever your morbid imagination begins to trump your common sense: Inhale slowly through your nose as your stomach expands, then exhale gently. Tip For an instant tension releaser, do the Ten-Second Grip—squeeze your armrests as hard as you can while tensing your stomach and leg muscles. Hold for ten seconds and release. Repeat until you’re calm.

Step 7: Reassure yourself that the pilots are well equipped to deal with any situation—their training is comparable in time and intensity to that of a medical doctor. Air traffic controllers undergo rigorous instruction, too.

Step 8: If all else fails, repeat this mantra: ‘My chance of being in a plane crash this year is about 11 million to one. It’s far, far safer than driving!

Did You Know? Passengers sitting at the back of a plane are 40% more likely to survive a crash than those sitting in the front. Take that, First Class.

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Learn how to receive a MASSIVE 15% discount on your booking CLICK HERE!

Feel free to browse through our website to view all of the superb holiday accommodation units that we have on offer.

For more information:

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The most romantic day of the year is FAST approaching. February 14th is for many couples an ideal date to renew their love with a special celebration. That is why we have put together 5 reasons why you should celebrate this special day at the beach while holidaying on the KZN South Coast!

SURPRISE EFFECT

Take the opportunity to surprise your partner with a romantic date on the beach and finish the day toasting with champagne while enjoying our stunning blue flag beaches!

YOU WILL NOT FIND BETTER VIEWS

Enjoy the best environment of your meal, dinner or a simple refreshment or cocktail in a paradisiacal scenery of sea, sun and sand.

DISCONNECT FROM THE WORLD

Share with your partner a unique moment and relax with the sound of the sea. It is a time to celebrate and forget the world for a while.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SPECIAL MAGIC OF THE BEACH

Whether for the melodious sound of the waves, the peacefulness they cause, the sand that gently caresses our feet, and the fabulous climate, there is no doubt that if you spend Valentine’s on a beach, you end up falling in love.

SUNSHINE

Our tropical weather will be your allies to make the date a success, as sunlight increases the production of serotonin, the hormone responsible for wellness, optimism and good mood. It also affects our capacity to fall in love and feel love for another person.

For all these reasons, you know, Valentine’s day is better at the beach!! This February 14th, we look forward to making your beach Valentine’s dreams come true!

Feel free to browse through our website to view all of the superb holiday accommodation units that we have on offer.

For more information:

southcoast@leisureletting.co.za | (039) 317-3004 or WhatsApp on (067) 770-5284 | Book Online Now

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Source: https://chiringuitosdelsol.com/en/5-reasons-why-you-should-celebrate-valentines-day-in-our-beach-bars/

The post 5 Reasons Why You Should Celebrate Valentine’s Day At The Beach appeared first on Leisure Letting South Coast.

We would like to start off by giving a huge shout out and say a big thank you to the incredible Huffington Post for the great article.

Browse through our website to view all of the superb accommodation units we have on offer. Pick the perfect area along our incredible coastline to have your special day. For further enquiries or to make a booking, please do not hesitate to contact us at on southcoast@leisureletting.co.za | (039) 317-3004

Here are a few things we found that can help you during this exciting time planning your beach wedding. We know that when you picture a beach wedding, chances are you’re dreaming of the soft sand, cool ocean breeze and gorgeous sunset in the distance. But do your dreams include crowds of nosy onlookers, gusts of wind ruining your wedding hair or mosquitoes? Oceanfront affairs come with their own special set of considerations, so we solicited advice from top planners who specialize in destination weddings. They dish on everything from choosing the right gown to windproofing your decor, to keep you worry-free while exchanging vows on the sand.

Dress Accordingly

Skip the big dress. Let’s face it: A ballgown belongs in, well, a ballroom. “You may be able to get down the aisle in a full dress and long train,” notes Paulette Davis of Bahamas Wedding Planner, “but walking on the beach and taking photos won’t be easy. If a large dress is a must, make sure it can bustle easily.”

Think light. “Dresses with lace trim can be difficult because they pick up debris from the beach,” says Kate Bentley of Happily Ever After Wedding Planning & Design in Key West, Florida. “Instead, choose a lightweight fabric like chiffon or charmeuse so your gown flows in the ocean breeze.”

Ditch the heels. Sand and high heels just don’t mix. “Wear flat-soled sandals, espadrilles or wedges — shoes that won’t sink into the sand,” says Banting. Have your gown hemmed with or without shoes, depending on which option you choose? “Remember, sand can get pretty hot. Have an aisle runner made of fabric or thick flower petals to help keep your tootsies cool?”

Consider an updo. “Think of the elements when deciding on a hairstyle,” says Beth Helmstetter of Beth Helmstetter Events in Los Angeles. “A tried and true updo will keep you looking polished all night.” Larissa Banting of Weddings Costa Rica suggests doing a trial run at your location. If wearing your hair down is the only option, Helmstetter recommends investing in the services of a stylist, who can do touch-ups throughout the day.

Nix the veil. “When marrying outside, think twice about a long veil,” cautions Stacy Mulcare of Ceremonies of St. John. “If it’s windy, it will be a nightmare for you and the photographer.” Instead, accessorize your ‘do with fresh flowers or a fascinator.

Let your guys go informal. “While many brides envision their groom in a tux, black wool is a no-no in tropical climates,” says Helmstetter. Allister Simmons of the
Bridal Suite Bermuda Weddings adds, “We save the ‘penguin suits’ for our many beautiful chapels and churches. Lightweight cotton pants or even Bermuda shorts are great options for the beach.”

At the Ceremony

Prepare Your guests. Make sure your guests know your event will take place on the sand, says Kelly McWilliams of Weddings by Socialites in Cape Coral, Florida. Mention your plans on the invitation or wedding website, and prepare your guests for the sun by including necessary items in the welcome bags. Celebrity-wedding planner Preston Bailey suggests travel-size bottles of good quality sunscreen, bottled water, towels and hand fans to beat the heat.

Stay natural. A gorgeous ocean backdrop doesn’t need to be too dressed up. Instead, highlight the natural beauty of the setting. “A beach wedding can be about shells and starfish, but it can also take inspiration from the harmonious colour palette of sand, dune grasses, stones and water,” says Karen Bussen of Simple Stunning in New York. “Decor should be simple; avoid going over the top with fussy flowers.”

Add colour. To make your setup really pop, Sasha Souza of Sasha Souza Events suggests, “Choose colours that contrast the sand and the surf rather than blend in, like corals, greens and other vibrant tones.”

Go local. Celebrity-wedding planner Colin Cowie recommends hiring local vendors as much as possible. “Otherwise you might find your favours or chair covers stuck in customs.” Tracey Kumer-Moore of Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge adds, “When it comes to food, look for caterers who are conscientious of local markets and respectful of the beach environment.”

Get a permit. Research the required paperwork to hold your ceremony on the beach, especially if it’s public. “Also, inquire in advance about noise ordinances, and be sure to follow them,” Kumer-Moore advises.

Ensure privacy. “Beaches are most crowded on holiday weekends, so avoid them unless you want the general public in attendance,” advises Janet Renner of Royal Hawaiian Weddings. And remember, not all beaches are private. “Hawaii’s are all public,” reminds Evonne Wong of Events by Evonne in Hawaii. “We’re not allowed to set up canopies, chairs or aisle runners. If you want decor, we suggest renting an oceanfront estate where you can have a secluded ceremony and still take photos on the beach.”

Time it right. When dealing with beach wedding photos, lighting is especially important. Barbara Fancsik of Eventful Moments Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, suggests ending the ceremony an hour before sunset. “That way, you’ll still get great action shots in natural lighting, as well as sunset portraits.”

Set up a shoe station. Don’t let your guests spend the day with sand in their shoes. “Provide a shoe check, where guests can swap their shoes for flip-flops and wipe sand off their feet,” recommends Tara Guerard of Soiree by Tara Guerard. “It could include a bench, towels and a bucket of water.”

Provide shade. “Shade is your guests’ best friend,” says Soloway. “Consider creating a canopy to cover the seating area; for example, you could source some rustic bamboo poles and loosely drape thin white fabric on top.”

Have a seat. “Wooden benches, folding chairs, and waterproof ottomans are great choices because they’re heavy enough to withstand the ocean breeze,” says Guerard.

Offer Refreshments. To keep your guests refreshed, Soloway advises, “Set up a table with ice water, lemonade or a signature cocktail that guests can enjoy while waiting for the ceremony to start.”

Prepare for wind. A good rule of thumb on the beach: Anything that can blow away will. If you’re using ceremony programs, weigh them down with shells, tie them to chairs with ribbon or print them on fans, which perform double duty. And if you envision a perfectly petal-lined aisle, McWilliams advises, “Don’t toss them until the absolute last moment, right before guests arrive.”

Keep bugs at bay. “Insect repellent is a good idea no matter the season or beach location,” says Srimoon. Just make sure it’s a brand that won’t stain your gown.

Speak up. You’ve spent so much time writing your vows and personalizing the ceremony, so be sure your audio doesn’t get lost against the sound of crashing waves. “Rent a wireless microphone and speaker for your officiant to use,” suggests Iraida Gonzalez of Belize Weddings. Inquire if your officiant, resort or DJ can provide this equipment, and do a soundcheck prior to the ceremony to ensure there’s no unwanted feedback.

Keep it short. Given factors like heat and audibility, Mulcare advises limiting the number of readings and performances during the ceremony — and making sure all participants know to speak clearly and loudly.

Have a backup plan. Unfortunately, the weather has a mind of its own, so be ready with a solid plan B. “To keep the party on the beach, have a canopy or tent ready,” Cowie suggests. “Or find a space indoors where everything can take place.”

For the Reception

Anchor decor. Wind can topple tall floral arrangements, blow out candles and send other table elements flying. “Stay away from glass vases, which can easily break in the sand,” warns Bussen. If tall centrepieces are your dream, Helmstetter recommends having the florist secure them to the table with heavy objects. “She can always cover these mechanics by lining the vases with ti leaves, palms or other natural elements.” For lighting, “use hurricane-style lanterns or LED candles, which are flameless and longlasting,” says Bussen. When wind-proofing place cards and favours, a little creativity can go a long way. “Tie seahorses to each place card,” Helmstetter suggests, “and weigh your menus and napkins down with maracas or coconut shells.”

Rent a powder room. If marrying on a public beach, find out if there are bathrooms. If not, Natalie John of Dreamy Weddings & Tours suggests, “Hire an upscale portable lavatory for a few hours, especially if there will be lots of drinking during the reception.”

Keep warm. To help you and your guests fight a wind chill, Bussen advises, “Arrange a basket of comfy, colour-coordinated pashminas to warm ladies’ shoulders.”

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/destination-weddings-honeymoons/tips-for-planning-a-beach_b_2601027.html

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