How to Make Your Myrtle Beach Wedding a Success
With miles of sandy beaches, a half-dozen of the world's finest golf courses and an enviable climate, the Myrtle Beach area is among the United States' best places to put on a wedding. Whether you're a lifelong Carolinian or hail from far and wide, you'll want to keep a few things in mind as you plan for the big day.
Where to Put Up Your Guests
As a major tourist destination, Myrtle Beach has no shortage of hotels for out-of-town guests. Most of the city's finest hotels are clustered along King's Highway, a major thoroughfare that's just steps from the ocean. It's possible to find affordable lodgings, including motel-style accommodations, in this corridor as well. To ensure that your guests aren't forced to spend more than they can afford, reserve blocks of rooms at a budget hotel, a mid-priced hotel and a more luxurious facility.
If you'll be welcoming large groups of out-of-town guests, consider reserving a handful of beachfront condos or cottages. While these places fill up fast during the high season, it's often possible to secure Friday-through-Sunday discounts on conveniently located properties. Resorts such as Sandy Beach Ocean Front offer a in house coordinator to organize your guest's arrival.
Activities and Events
Although you'll probably have plenty of activities planned for your guests, the Myrtle Beach area offers plenty of opportunities during unstructured time. Point out-of-town golfers to Whispering Pines Golf Course or River Oaks Golf Course, two of the nation's finest. Meanwhile, outdoorsy types can lounge on the city's white-sand beach or take an afternoon hike at nearby Myrtle Beach State Park. Families with kids can't miss SkyWheel Myrtle Beach and Family Kingdom.
In Case of Rain...
Myrtle Beach is known for its mild, sunny climate, but rain is always a possibility. If you're set on an outdoor ceremony or reception, plan for a downpour by ordering enough tents to house all of your guests. If an outdoor reception isn't critical to your plans, consider renting out one of the city's many hotel ballrooms. Also, arrange vehicle transportation to keep your guests from waiting for taxis in the rain.
General Tips
While it's always a good idea to prepare for rain, your big day is much more likely to be a bright, sunny one. Depending on the season, this may pose a hazard for some guests. If your ceremony or reception will be taking place in an open, outdoor area without natural shade, advise your guests to bring plenty of sunscreen. Don't forget to provide bottled water as well. Even if the weather is perfect for your outdoor reception, it may also be a good idea to have tents on hand for reception guests who don't want to spend all day in the sun.
Planning a wedding is tough work, but Myrtle Beach's considerable assets make the process more manageable. As long as you keep these tips in mind, you and your guests can look forward to an unforgettable day in a truly beautiful part of the world.