Tips for Weddings on the Beach

Are there any occasions more romantic in life than weddings on the beach? Do you live near a beach? Then you have the perfect chance to have a glorious wedding on a budget, though you can also make it an elaborate event. Both are sure to be wonderfully memorable for all who attend.

Destination weddings often take place on the beaches of lovely tropical islands. The Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Barbados, St. Lucia and Hawaii offer phenomenal locations and romantic settings.

But don't forget, beaches are not only found on islands! There are so many countries with gorgeous coastlines that are great destinations for your dream wedding.

The Mediterranean countries are wonderful places for weddings on the beach. You can celebrate your wedding in the traditional Greek or Spanish way after your ceremony. Then you have the breathtaking locations in Australia and New Zealand, where miles of coastline await you. And of course, so do the United States, Canada and Mexico!

Having your wedding ceremony on the beach is a great way to combine the conventional with the modern. You could have a religious or secular ceremony in the traditional way, but dress in comfortable, semi-formal garb.

Brides who wed on the beach often choose very simple gowns, while the grooms tend to wear a nice pair of khaki pants or shorts along with Aloha shirts. Some brides and bridesmaids even wear bikini tops with floral skirts. Rather than being stiff and formal, the receptions will often be casual sit-down affairs complete with a fire pit and even a luau.

Do you want a beach wedding close to home, or do you want a destination wedding? Before you decide, keep in mind that you'll need to make travel arrangements and accommodations for your guests. It's part and parcel to weddings on the beach. If you book a bunch of rooms at a hotel nearby, you can often get reduced rates. For destination weddings on the beach, discuss airfare options for family and friends with a good travel agent.

Want to get married somewhere unique? Visit Destination Wedding Locations and get insider tips from Weddings in Hawaii to Weddings in New York and everywhere in between.

- Candace Smith