Long Beach Island is a beautiful place for love! Read our guide to planning gorgeous and carefree weddings on Long Beach Island, from the moment he pops the question and into the Big Day. LBI is the most romantic place for a beach bride and her handsome groom to wed!
Planning Guide: 9 Months before your wedding on Long Beach Island
- Choose the Venue
What wedding locations are available on LBI? Check out the old-fashioned nautical theme of the Spray Beach Yacht Club, a building from 1922 located only 3 blocks from the beach. Another lovely venue option is The Stateroom with a beautiful ballroom to hold 275 guests, scenic grounds, and access to the beach. For a place with a Victorian flair, check out the historic Peter Shields Inn.
- Choose the Wedding Planner
A wedding planner will help you plan your event to perfection, and dramatically lessen the stress and hassle that falls on the bride and her family. Jersey Cape Weddings and Events orchestrates weddings on LBI from the gorgeously elaborate to the small but beautifully memorial. They have excellent reviews and are highly recommended by locals at the Jersey Shore.
- Host a Bridal Shower and/or Engagement Party
Both Spray Beach Hotel and Mariner Inn have excellent amenities for a carefree bridal shower or engagement party that will take your mind off the details and let you enjoy the company of those you love. This is a great place to celebrate your exciting plans to marry your loving fiancé, and the beach is just steps away!
- Create the Theme
This is one of the most fun parts of planning a wedding on Long Beach Island! LBI is a popular place for nautical themed weddings. Whether you’re adopting a boatyard theme, looking for a sandal-friendly beach ceremony, or opting for a more formal Victorian-style wedding with the ocean in the background, you can count on a stunning sunset over the waves at the close of your wedding on Long Beach Island!
Things to do: 8 months before your wedding on Long Beach Island
- Choose the Photographer
When settling on the professional who is going to be photographing your special day, choose someone who has plenty of experience and a stunning portfolio. Look on their website for picture-perfect shots – literally. Macpherson Photography, Saltwater Studios, and Felsberg Photography, are always ready for weddings on Long Beach Island.
- Find the Right Caterer
If your venue doesn’t provide catering, then you’ll have to find someone to cook up the reception meal. Foodies’ Catering and Take Out provides budget-friendly options, with a fantastic varied menu and quality service. Taste Catering Excellence offers the options of three different romantic venues to choose from, or off site catering at the venue of your choice.
- Decide on the Entertainment
Do you want a DJ at your wedding on Long Beach Island? Do you want live music? What style of music do you want? Choosing the music that you want at your wedding is another exciting decision you’ll want to make at this time. You’ll want to keep the party dancing and having a good time all throughout your wedding reception.
- Hotels on LBI
Your guests will need a place to stay during the weekend of your wedding, and booking ahead of time will help. Start checking into your options now so you have everything set! LBI has a wide selection of top quality hotel and motels, just walking distance from the beach. Spray Beach area in Beach Haven is ideal because it’s close enough to everything but far enough for peace and quiet. Spray Beach Hotel is a great choice for weddings because the onsite Sand Dollar Restaurant will take care of all dining and reception venue needs. Check out how affordable their Beachfront Banquets can be! Make sure your family and friends are happy and comfortable for your wedding on Long Beach Island.
Getting ready 7 months before your wedding on Long Beach Island
- Design and Send Out Save-the-Date Cards or Magnets
Before the invitations are ready to send, it’s important to tell guests to save the date- the sooner the better! Sending out a simple card or magnet to remind everyone to “Save the Date!” is a smart idea, and it sets the theme and adds a nice touch.
- Design, Print, and Mail out Invitations
Now is the time to invite your loved ones to share in your celebrations and joy! What type of invitation expresses your dream wedding best? Classy? Vintage? Imaginative? Modern? The Knot and Pinterest are always good places to start for creative ideas.
- Select a Florist on LBI
Lily of the Valley, The Cedar Garden, and Rose Garden Florist are three local florists known for their beautiful flower arrangements and reliable wedding services. If you plan to order bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces and decorations, choose a florist and start making your arrangements at least seven months in advance.
Checklist: 5 months before your wedding on Long Beach Island
- Choose the Rehearsal Location and the Rehearsal Dinner
Your rehearsal night is one that you will want to enjoy. It’s a chance to have a good time and unwind a bit before the big day. Tucker’s Tavern, Ship Bottom Shellfish and Panzone’s Pizza are easy choices to make everybody happy in a casual environment. For a sunset view over the water and a touch more elegance and class, check out Bistro 14 or the Spray Beach Hotel Restaurant for a beachfront table and live music. There are many more restaurants in the area that will fit into plans surrounding your wedding on Long Beach Island. Check out the great s and some of the best bars on Long Beach Island.
- Find a Cake-Maker on LBI
Who can make your wedding cake as beautiful as you’ve envisioned? Taste Catering Excellence covers both catering and cake-making. Papillon Couture Cakes and Palermo’s Custom Cakes and Bakery are others that are known for covering weddings on Long Beach Island.
- Select a Hair and Make-Up Artist
Who can you count on for hair and makeup and nails and spa treatments that you and your bridesmaids are looking forward to? Check out Bella Donna Salon & Spa and Lavish Salon for the best LBI-based beauty services. They have bridal packages available specifically tailored to a wedding on Long Beach Island. Make sure to choose a salon that will make your wedding morning fun, relaxing, and pampering.
Get Ready for a Magical Wedding on Long Beach Island
There are many books and resources with step-by-step guides to wedding planning, right down to the hour before the ceremony. There are also wedding planners you can hire to pull everything together for you. Whether you’re a DIY bride or you’d rather outsource the management role, this guide will help to put together a timeline for planning your wedding on Long Beach Island. Sit back, relax, and get ready for a magical day with your love!
