The wedding cake is melting, the kids are running amok in the reception, and half of the bride’s entourage has not been prepped for the ceremony that’s to start in two hours. Before freaking out, take a deep breath and collect your thoughts. There are quick fixes to these beach wedding mishaps.

Bridesmaids have important roles before and during a wedding. Their job begins in the bridal shower and concludes when the thank-you cards are sent out. Here are seven tips on how to plan the perfect beach wedding.

Prepare early

Photo courtesy of Alta Vista De Boracay

Mishaps can root from the lack of preparation. One of the problems that arise in weddings is the failure to book a venue on time. You should be reminded that certain event venues are booked for months. Alta Vista de Boracay is a sought-after venue for Boracay weddings. Make sure you book it ahead of time.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Preparing a wedding should start at least six months before the big day. Once you’ve been chosen as a bridesmaid, or a maid of honor, coordinate with the bride and other bridesmaids.

Delegate tasks

You’re not Super Woman. No matter how competent you are, beach wedding problems may still occur. Delegating tasks is similar to spreading risks of a mishap. Create groups assigned to specific tasks such as prep for the bridal shower and coordination with people in charge of the reception venue. It’s also advisable to delegate persons (preferably a duo) to look after kids during the entire ceremony. You wouldn’t want children toppling the buffet table.

You can also create a private social media group for updates, advice, and tips. This is an easier, faster, and more convenient way to ensure everyone’s on the same page.

A checklist is a must

What to prepare for during a beach wedding? Don’t overestimate your memory. Make sure you cover everything related to the task assigned to you. Have a checklist of tasks, the contact details of the coordinators, the timeline and schedule, and quick solutions if things go awry. Consult with the bride and groom, and/or the maid of honor or wedding coordinator as often as necessary. There are productivity apps you can use.

Anticipate the unexpected

One reason why people shy away from holding special events in open grounds is the unpredictable weather. What can be worse than a bride, her groom and hundreds of guests running for cover in the middle of the ceremony? Do a rain dance if you must, but rent a tent as an insurance against a rainshower or intense sunlight. Hand out umbrellas, fans, and bottled water to fight dehydration.

To have a proxy or not to have a proxy

While you might be able get hints on possible downpours, it’s unlikely that you can predict the attendance of people. There may be last-minute emergencies that can leave gaps in the entourage. How do you minimize the impact of absentee bridesmaids or groomsmen? Delegate a person tasked to confirm the guestlist. Sometimes, an RSVP is not enough to ensure the headcount of people attending a wedding. At least three days before the big day, call up the names in the guest list. For the entourage, it’s advisable to ask for proxies in case the bridesmaids, groomsmen or sponsors won’t make it. A proxy is necessary for those with roles in the ceremony.

Have a reception rehearsal

Practice makes perfect, as the saying goes. Schedule an audition for the band and a rehearsal of the program including the songs to be played for each segment. If the sound system will be provided in-house, you should test each equipment two days prior to the event. This will give you time for a plan B in case something is not working properly. If you’re hiring people to take care of the sound system, make sure you’re on the same page. Give them clear instructions on the music to play and when to play the songs.

Pack a first-aid kit and a sewing kit

Disaster can strike anytime, anywhere. Planning a beach wedding involves preparedness and a clear state of mind. Don’t freak out. This is a stressful event for everyone especially for the bride and the groom. Your explosive reactions on simple slip ups are not helping.

Always have a first-aid kit handy. You wouldn’t know when a guest would need an aspirin. A sewing kit should be there to the rescue if something goes wrong with the bride’s gown or the outfit of any member of the entourage.

Avoid faux pas in the menu

If you’re in charge of the menu, be in close contact with the catering service or hotel kitchen supervisor. The food should be suitable to the theme and the weather in the venue. Ice cream is okay for dessert, but cake may be a bad idea. Keep the beverage flowing as the warm weather in the beach can cause dehydration. If you’re serving alcohol afterwards, keep the amount in moderation. You wouldn’t want an intoxicated guest running for the waves in the middle of the party.

Manage your stress

Do you know that wedding stress doesn’t only affect the bride and her bridesmaids but also the groom? A study by British herbal remedies company Kalms suggests that 23 percent of men consider their weddings as their most stressful life event compared to 16 percent of women. As a bridesmaid, it’s your task to make sure that everyone, including yourself, is calm amid the tension during the big day. Set regular meetings with people in charge, but keep the discussion on point to avoid wasting time and energy debating on trivial matters. Write down issues and tackle immediate solutions. At the end of the meeting, summarize all points taken.

A wedding is regarded as one of the most important events in a person’s life. The high expectation is placing everyone involved in the preparation at the edge of their seats. To help you pull off the perfect beach wedding in Boracay, prepare early. Delegate tasks and coordinate closely with the rest of the team. Expect emergencies and mishaps, and prepare for plan B or even a plan C. And most importantly, enjoy!

The Bridesmaid's Guide to Potential Beach Wedding Disasters