How to Arrange A Beach Wedding

Beach weddings are always memorable to brides, grooms and guests. A seaside wedding is fun, beautiful and romantic whether you speak your vows beside the Atlantic as sunset paints the waves orange, or bedecked in maile leaf leis on a black sand beach in Hawaii.

Instructions

1. Check wedding websites for useful tips and tricks.

2. Book your venue early so that you can get the ideal date and time. Ask family, friends and colleagues for ideas, search for venues online and contact Chambers of Commerce. Get information on costs, regulations and how prices may vary by day of the week, time of day and season. In New England, spring, summer, or early fall are all great options for a seaside wedding. In Florida, the later fall, winter, and early spring are more desirable if you want cooler weather.

3. Create an initial guest list. Destination weddings are usually smaller, so consider carefully who you ask to join you. As a couple, you need to decide on your shared vision of your seaside wedding: an informal private ceremony, barefoot in the sand, a fun-in-the-sun luau or an elegant evening of dining and dancing.

4. Make a budget. Be clear about who pays for what. The information and contacts you found while looking at venues provides a good start. Your venue contacts can usually recommend caterers, florists, bands, DJs and photographers. Remember that although beach weddings are often more casual and therefore less expensive, your budget is driven by the number of guests, menu selections and other wedding features. Be sure you are not surprised by additional costs involved in transporting food and equipment and setup.

5. Find an officiant. If the beach is close to your place of worship, perhaps your own religious leader can perform the ceremony. Otherwise, find someone whose beliefs are in line with yours. Your venue contacts can usually suggest possible points of contact. In some locations, you can arrange for a friend to perform the ceremony.

6. Finalize your guest list and verify that your budget and venue accommodates everyone. Provide the venue, caterer and baker with these numbers and get a firm quote.

7. Order your cake. Look through bridal magazines and bridal web sites for ideas. For an outdoor reception, be sure that you select a cake with icing and decorations that won't melt easily if it gets hot. Talk to the bakery about different options, such as white chocolate seashells and seahorse cake decorations.

8. Select a florist and choose your flowers. Seasonal flowers can be less expensive, but remember that some blooms are less sturdy in heat, cold or wind.

9. Hire a photographer, a videographer or both. Discuss options such as film versus digital pictures, packages and black and white versus color.

10. Look for wedding attire early. Although beach weddings are often more casual, be sure you are happy and comfortable. Allow plenty of time to for shopping and alterations. Wedding dresses should have shorter hemlines and veils so as not to trail them in sand and water. Consider what fabrics work best for the temperatures during that time of year. Have warm wraps for the bride and bridesmaids if there is a breeze or if your location cools off at night. High heeled shoes sink into sand, so consider low heels, no shoes at all or a runner to protect dresses, shoes and pants cuffs.

11. Order or design and print invitations. Ocean tones and images of shells, ocean waves or palm trees can emphasize your seaside wedding location.

12. Six months before your beach wedding, mail "save the date" notices for anyone traveling to your wedding. Include hotel options and contact information, directions, websites and any other helpful information. For destination weddings or beachfront weddings in popular resort areas, stress to your traveling guests where and how early they should book hotel rooms.

Tips & Warnings

• When selecting your venue, date and time, remember that off-peak often means less expensive.

• Some hotels and resorts offer inclusive wedding packages, which can help with your budget, as well as finding vendors and managing details.

• Certain times of day may provide you with better pictures.

• You may need microphones and possibly other sound equipment during the ceremony and reception to compensate for any beachside noise. Discuss needs, options and costs with your vendors.

• Plan for your guests' comfort. Make sure that your guests are not overexposed to the elements. You may need to keep your ceremony shorter or provide shade and shelter. Consider any known health or mobility issues of your guests.

• Make sure you have any necessary permits in place if your wedding is on the beach.