Planning a Beach Ceremony

Get married on the beach in style with this guide to putting together the perfect beach affair.

Let's paint the picture -- a beautiful ocean sunset, a pristine sand shore, you and your mate tying the knot in the midst of one of nature's most alluring settings -- the beach. A seaside wedding is a romantic ceremony option that should be considered as you go through the planning process. We've put together a list of the major planning details related to a beach wedding. Just don't forget the sunblock!

How Many People Are Attending?

Your plans begin with an early decision. Are you eloping, inviting a small group, or having a traditional, larger wedding? Ceremonies with fewer attendees allow greater flexibility in location and planning. But it is still possible to plan and execute a beach wedding with a large group.

Budget

This pertains to you and your guests. If you have a large budget available and your guests can afford to visit an exotic location, you should consider paying for access to a private beach attached to a hotel or resort. Private homeowners also rent out their property for wedding ceremonies. Some guests might make a vacation out of the experience, so a resort-friendly location is recommended. A tight budget requires you to get creative. Find a public beach that is off the beaten path so you can have as private a ceremony as possible. Be sure not to pick a spot that is difficult to find or access. Do not plan a wedding that will be unaffordable for most of your guests to attend.

Formal Or Informal?

A beach wedding can be either formal or informal. The more formal the ceremony, the more intricate the planning usually is. Decide early in the process and plan accordingly.

Time Of Day

Many brides dream of a