There are parties, and then there are beach parties. Those are the kind of parties that people tend to never forget. It doesn’t really matter what type of party, from birthday bashes to corporate events, the beach offers the perfect backdrop for a great time.
For party planners, things go more easily when they put tips for throwing a beach party into action. The right planning is key to making your party a hit. From setting up cozy lounging spots to picking the perfect music playlist, every detail helps set the mood.
No beach party is complete without fun activities that get everyone laughing, moving, and joining in. While classics like volleyball and frisbee are great, adding larger-than-life event entertainment like inflatable obstacle courses, giant slides, or interactive games can take the energy to the next level.
Tips for Throwing a Beach Party
Getting a beach party together does not have to be a Herculean task. Just break it down into smaller tasks and knock them out one at a time. The following are some issues to consider.
Location and Permits
Take the time to find the right beach for you. Some beaches have tons of people and are great for putting together giant parties. Others are more secluded and might be perfect for your family and friends. If people are coming from far away, you also want a beach that is near places to stay.
This ranks as one of the most important decisions, so make sure you take the time to get it right.
Some beaches require permits to do more than simply spread out a few towels with family and friends and enjoy the beach. When picking the right beach, make sure to call ahead to local authorities and find out what kind of permits you need.
Guest Lists
Party size is everything. Tons of people will mean lots of food, drink, and extra entertainment (see below). Take some time to consider just what kind of party you want to throw and design the guest list accordingly.
Time It Right
The time of day can make or break your event. For maximum comfort, consider a late afternoon or early evening start when the sun is less intense and the golden hour light creates a gorgeous setting. If you’re going midday, set up plenty of shade and remind guests to bring sunscreen. Also, keep an eye on the tide schedule and where you set up to avoid having your party ruined by incoming waves.
Entertainment
We’re a party company here at Air Fun Games, so of course, this entire site is filled with great options for the beach. Some people prefer water slides or competitive games, such as obstacle courses. Others, such as those with little ones at the party, might prefer a bounce house.
The best advice is to look around the site and contact us if you see something you think will work for your party.
Food
Beach-friendly foods are easy to serve and mess-free. Think fresh fruit skewers, wraps, chips with salsa, and coolers stocked with cold drinks. Just be sure to store everything in sealed containers to keep sand and seagulls out, and pack plenty of water so everyone stays hydrated.
Be sure to check with guests about any kind of allergies or food they wish to avoid (i.e., don’t bring roast beef sandwiches to feed a bunch of vegans).
Drink
Many people associate going to the beach with having a cocktail. Many others do not. Make sure to please all of your guests by having a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Make sure that those who are driving do not imbibe.
Set the Mood With Music
A great playlist sets the tone for the day. Portable, waterproof Bluetooth speakers work well for smaller gatherings, but for larger events, you might bring a small sound system. Keep the vibe upbeat and mix in classics that everyone can sing along to. Just be sure to check volume limits and respect nearby beachgoers.
Leave No Trace
The best beach parties end with the beach looking as good or better than when you arrived. Bring plenty of trash bags and recycling containers, and encourage guests to help clean up. This not only respects the environment but also ensures you can host future events at the same spot without issue.
Backup Plan
The weather can sometimes play cruel tricks on us all. If it ends up raining on your beach day, make sure you have a backup plan for a different location. Or a backup date if you want to try the beach again. All that information should be included on party invitations.
These are some of the considerations before throwing a beach party. The main issue? Make sure to have fun. That’s what people will remember more than whether everything was done perfectly.
Partner With Air Fun Games
At Air Fun Games, our professional event planners have plenty more tips for throwing a beach party that can help you realize your vision for the event. We can help you choose the right attractions for your beach party and also provide assistance in setting up and taking down the attractions, as well as information on how to run them.
Feel free to contact us at any time to find out how we can help you with the planning for a beach party or any other type of event.
I like that you suggested the number of guests that will attend your beach party to make sure that you can prepare more food and drinks. My husband and I want to have a beach party to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We want to make sure that all our guests are going to be accommodated properly. Since we’d like to rent the right number of chairs and tables, we will list the name of our guests.