Whether you are organizing a beach party, surf contest or something completely different that also happens on the beach, here is a helpful list of necessities that will help you make your beach event a huge success.
Entertainment Essentials
Every event needs some form of entertainment to gain momentum and make it noteworthy. Whether you are hosting a big charity BBQ, a surf competition (depends on the weather), or a beach festival, the heart of the event is usually the entertainment part. This is why you need to consider entertainment options to keep everyone occupied during the build-up. This is how to do it:
Bring Music
Music is always an easy entertainment option, especially in a beach setting. You could hire a DJ or a live band or even a simple sound system will work.
Furthermore, think about what your demographic is and pick the music that appeals to them; plan a playlist to keep your guests energized. For instance, if you are hosting a sports tournament, some music afterward may help the players mingle and unwind.
Don’t forget to think about power sources and batteries to ensure your source of music doesn’t die halfway through your event. A portable generator is the most fail safe option if your event is not close to the grid.
Beach Games
Beach games are a great way to keep families entertained, especially if there are young children present. Beach volleyball, scavenger hunts, a relay race, or even limbo are all exciting games to keep your event fun for all ages.
If you are hosting a beach volleyball tournament, consider setting up a smaller area for the younger children to play in. Bats, balls, buckets, and spades are some items that are handy to have at a family beach event.
Food
At a beach event, there is a lot to think about when it comes to food. For instance, you could host a BBQ but you have to take beach rules into account as most beaches’ rules differ regarding open flame. You could also bring finger food and snacks but ensure everything is covered, no one likes a sandwich covered with sand. If you’re hosting a large event and need plenty of options, food trucks are always a great idea as they can park in the car park so guests can indulge without getting sand in their food.
To keep everyone happy, you need to have a whole host of different foods that’ll cater to everyone. Depending on the scale of your event, you could ask for attendees to reply with their dietary requirements when returning their RSVP. This will give you a good idea of what food options you need to offer so everyone can join in and no one leaves your event in search of Gluten-Free food. Also, if your event is child friendly, you also need child-friendly food selections.
Bring a Cooler
Bringing a cooler to your beach event helps keep any food that needs to be chilled cool. It’ll also keep the sand out of your food and flies away from your site at the same time.
No beach party would be complete without a host of beverages on offer–both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are great for larger beach events. Most guests enjoy chilling on the sand in the sun with a beer. You also need to consider providing water points at larger events so guests don’t become dehydrated in the heat, especially if there’s alcohol available.
As a tip, consider setting up marquees solely dedicated to selling bottled water so people don’t have to stand in the bar to get their hands on some H2O.
Seating, Shelter, and Sunscreen
Like every event, it’s essential that you consider the comfort of your guests. People won’t enjoy themselves if they feel uncomfortable.
You also need to plan the layout of your event carefully since a big space can leave your guests feeling exposed, particularly in a beach setting. Also, a space that’s too small can become cramped, especially if event-goers are laying out towels and claiming space in the sand.
Seats
Consider providing seating for guests since not everyone will want to plant themselves in the sand. Maybe bring some extra towels or large beach mats, and then group them together to make the space inclusive and welcoming.
Although most attendees to beach events will bring their own towels and even camping chairs, that arrangement won’t suit everyone. Older event-goers will need somewhere to sit comfortably, as well as families with small children.
If you’re hosting a large beach event, consider having a seating area that can be sheltered from the sun and the wind. Maybe have bean bags or deck chairs so people can lounge and relax with a drink or some food while the event takes place around them.
Marquee
Marquees are the perfect source of shelter for beach events. You need to offer attendees the option to seek shelter from the sun and wind, fortunately, marquees offer both.
Having marquees at your beach event is better than guests trying to squeeze under sun umbrellas. A printed folding marquee with your brand, for instance, can be particularly effective at sponsored events as companies can use them to market their brands. At a beach craft fair, they can also be used to shelter goods from the wind and allow guests to seek out your stall.
Foldable marquees are particularly great for shelter at beach events as they are quick to set up and takedown.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be an everyday essential, but it’s incredibly important for a beach event. Most attendees will bring their own but it’s always best to have some just in case.
You could provide sunscreen near the water marquee or near the bar as a gentle reminder for guests to lotion up and protect themselves from those UV rays while having fun at your event.
Clean-Up Equipment
Last but not least, remember to bring bin bags and anything else your team may need to clean up following your event. Never leave rubbish on the beach, else your event won’t be welcomed back to the area.
Once you have taken down your marquees and put away your beach games, do a quick survey around the space and dispose of any rubbish. Ideally, the beach should look just as it did before you set up.