Newbie here-Hatteras Bride to be!
Hi,
I've been stalking the boards for a while but think i finally have my "ultimate" ideas in place. This is a second marriage for me, so our wedding party would be our kids only, with about 40-50 guests. After vacationing in the OBX most of my life, and scattering my father's ashes there, there's no other place I want to get married. Here's my dream: Late Sept/Early Oct Casual wedding either at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (or near with the lighthouse in the background) or on the beach of an event home sometime in the day. Then, to save money, skip the dinner (have guests do their own thing and come back later) and have a "bonfire reception" at dusk/dark with light refreshments, drinks and a kicka$$ bonfire, with live acoustic music, our first dance by the moonlight and fire, and smores and popcorn around the fire!
NOW--is this even possible? I've looked into great houses in Hatteras, but not sure about having tents on the beach (for the music, food, etc). I've searched the web for info and can't seem to find details on event tents on the beach. I would even be ok with a couple smaller ones.....
I would also like to light the way to the tents with some kind of candlelight (or lanterns of some sort). Of course Pinterest has helped with lots of ideas but many of them are on the West Coast where the rules are very different from East Coast beaches.
One obstacle i think I'll run into is the pics in the dark may be tough to get but i'd think a good photographer could work some magic.
So, any advice or guidance you might have is totally welcome! Thanks in advance!
Jules
Re: Newbie here-Hatteras Bride to be!
I do believe that small fires are allowed in Hatteras, I don't know what is termed a small fire though. In regards to the tent, from what I've read online, it is suggested to contact the area you want to get married in for their specific rules.
I would suggest that you have your ceremony, whether at the lighthouse, or in front of your rental, have a dinner back at your event house, and then have the fire idea afterwards. Most of us have worked within a budget and I completely understand wanting to save money, but please make sure your guests are treated well.
Hatteras, North Carolina
UPDATED 11/05/10 Lots of Wedding PICS!
UPDATED 07/28/10 My Planning Bio
I don't think tents are allowed on any of the beaches in the OBX, especially the national seashore which has more restrictions on seating, decor, etc. than most towns up north.
I agree on the dinner aspect as well I don't mean to be rude, but I would be upset if I wasn't offered something to eat... even pizza. Many OBX brides do bbq, which is considerably cheaper than most reception meals, but I would reconsider sending people to do their own thing.
Thanks for all of your comments. I should have said: Let them do their own thing for dinner time, and feed them lighter finger type foods around 7 and when it starts to get dark, move down to the bonfire. But I do agree with you that some people may be a little salty that they weren't fully fed. I will re-think this part. I was hoping to get around the SEATED part of the reception because i don't know if i'd have the space around the pool to seat everyone. Maybe with the right house, it would work out. I was kind of thinking about doing cocktail tables around the pool with food, then have popcorn and smores, dances, etc by the fire.
Maybe i'm just dreaming. Don't you hate when you have your dream all thought out and then....you start to realize it may not be do-able?