Tips on Planning a Beach-Themed Wedding

Congratulations on your wedding! Even more, congratulations on planning your beach-themed wedding! Where else could be as peaceful and soothing as a wedding on the beach, with the waves crashing against the shore, and the water lapping at your sand-covered toes as you declare your life to the one you love?

You know you want the ceremony on the beach, but you're at a loss as to where you should start with the planning. Where? When? How? What? Huh? If you're in need of inspiration, here are a few tips on planning that wonderful beach-themed wedding ceremony.

Locale -- The first step is to chose the beach that you want to have your wedding on. That could be a local beach, or even a far-away vacation island somewhere. Choose a place that has meaning, or at least one that you know something about. Research online, call the area for suggestions, look up a wedding planner in that area and hand it over to their capable hands once you know they're the one for your beach wedding. If you do it locally, or by yourself, make sure to find out if you'll need a special permit to have your wedding on the beach. Find out the rules of the area (many beaches don't allow glass containers or fake flower petals) to make sure that you aren't planning something that'll have to be changed at the last minute

Reception -- If you're having your wedding ceremony outside on the beach, it is probably a good idea to have your reception inside. Your guests will have been out in the sunshine (some may not have thought to put sunscreen on) and getting hot, and having your reception inside, with air conditioning, will cool them down, make them comfortable, and allow them to eat and relax. If you do want to have your reception outside as well, be sure to have large canopies and large fans to provide shade and lower temps for your guests as they eat.

Colors -- Every wedding has a "color" and yours will probably be no different. For a beach ceremony the most common colors are blues, yellows, and tans. This makes perfect sense since you have the blue water, tan sand, and yellow sun. However, anything goes at the beach. You can go bright, soothing, natural, or just anything in between. The beach and ocean house a rainbow of colors for you to choose from.

Centerpieces -- Centerpieces for a beach wedding are easy. Using things that are natural to the beach and/or ocean such as seashells, sand, faux starfish, and faux sand dollars. Throw in a simple candle and you have your beautiful centerpiece.

Flowers -- Flowers are always a big part of any wedding. For a beach wedding, using tropical, in-season flowers is a beautiful option. Every beach has a tropical feel to it, so tropical flowers work beautifully. Your wedding planner (or just a little research on your part) should be able to tell you what is in-season for your wedding.

Dress -- No matter what your style is in wedding dresses, if you're getting married on the beach it's always a good idea to go with something light, flowing, and cool. Depending on what time of the year your wedding is planned for, and which beach your getting married on, the temperatures could be very hot. You don't want to be in something big, hot, and heavy while out in the smoldering sunshine. Choose a dress that flows with your body, and make sure that the length is secure enough to withstand the winds from the ocean. It can get very windy on the beach.

Tan -- Have you ever gone to the beach on vacation and been able to pick out the tourists who probably haven't seen a ray of sunshine in two months just by the whiteness of their skin? Well, would you like to be one of them on your wedding day? Of course not! So go for a little color if you've spent a long, cold winter inside. You're going to be surrounded by sunshine, water, light colors, and probably a white dress, all which will make you look even more light-skinned. The best option is to use a subtle, yet reliable, tanning lotion. Just a touch of color can make all the difference during those wedding photographs.

Shoes -- Shoes are pretty much optional when it comes to a beach wedding. If you plan on wearing them, don't go for anything with a heel. You'll just sink into the sand and look slightly awkward while walking down the aisle. If you want shoes, aim for something light and easy. Flip-flops tend to be a beach favorite, but you could also go with a sandal. If barefoot is more your speed, remember that the sand can get pretty warm on a sunny day.

Sunscreen -- Okay, so sunscreen isn't really something you'd think about when planning a wedding, but when that wedding happens to take place on a beach, well it's probably a very good idea to have a nice layer of sunscreen under your wedding day make-up. Don't forget to remind your guests to come packing their own tubes as well!

I hope that these tips will help you plan that perfect day. Remember that this is your day. Make it the day of your dreams. Enjoy the beach, your family, and the one you love. Have a wonderful time and make sure to have your photographer take hundreds of pictures for you to remember how happy and beautiful the day was. Congratulations!

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