Don’t Let The Spill Spoil Your Beach Wedding

Arizona couple after wedding on Saturday, June 12, 2010, on Pensacola Beach, Fla. (Michael Spooneybarger / Associated Press)

It’s a given that there are many industries affected by the BP oil spill in the Gulf. Fisherman, shrimpers, oil workers and others are the first to come to mind when you think about those affected by the tragedy, but there are hundreds of other businesses–like wedding planners, florists, caterers, etc.–who are also caught in the ripple effect of this oil that is swirling out of control.

To Cancel or Not To Cancel, That Is The Question

It’s a tough time all around. For those in the wedding and event business, their livelihood is at stake. For the bride and groom, their dream of a romantic beach wedding along the Gulf coast is drifting out to sea. Many feel that moving their wedding to another beach is the only option. But, it doesn’t have to be.

How To Save The Day

Whether you got engaged on a Pensacola beach, you grew up in the area or always envisioned a beach wedding there, if the coast has special meaning, you may be inspired to forge ahead with your Gulfcoast gala. Although the beaches may be manageable right now, the uncertainty of waiting a few months can put you in some turbulent waters. But with these tips, you may be able to stay the course:

• Review your contract to see if you are legally bound to have the event or forfeit your deposit. Most contracts allow for natural disasters, but since this one is man made, you may still be liable for the deposit. However, some compassionate vendors are refunding the deposits hoping to submit a claim to the oil companies for reimbursement.
• Work with your wedding planner to identify alternate locations that are close to the beach that can accommodate you with a last minute change (within three days.)
• Take wedding photos on the beach and have the wedding elsewhere. It may be easier to find a place to take a few pictures of the couple than to set up 50 chairs, decorations, etc.
• Simplify your wedding plans and decor. If there are last minute changes to be made, you may have to move things quickly. With a less elaborate display, having the least amount of equipment will reduce the set-up time and allow maximum flexibility in determining the best location on the beach.
• Create a wedding alert for your guests to notify them of any last-minute changes via email, text, calling post, etc. with updates daily beginning a week prior to the wedding.
• As a different, useful wedding favor, provide guests with mini bottles of Gojo or other crud-cutting cleaners to remove oil from hands and feet just in case. (Some beaches already have “cleaning stations” with this type of product set up along the shore.)
• If your wedding is towards the end of the summer, you may be able to negotiate an extension of the cancellation deadline, which will give you a little time to wait and see what happens with the oil recovery.
• In lieu of wedding gifts, ask guests to donate funds to the oil recovery efforts as a thoughtful gesture.
• Be flexible…enough said.

Remember, haz-mat teams are cleaning the beach every day and people still go to the beach every day. They’re just a little more careful where they step these days.