Beach Wedding Basics!

If you're looking for a small, simple, and beautifully natural wedding, a beach wedding is the perfect solution. And if you want to invite the whole gang, think about a fun-filled wedding weekend and reunion at an activity-rich, all Inclusive, very exclusive resort. Whatever you decide, beach weddings are often memorable, unique, and offer a plethora of options. On the next couple days, we will be giving you the basic steps to make planning your wedding an official breeze.

1. Scout Out Locations 

Choose a location based on your wedding style and nonnegotiable guest list (if any). Unlike a hometown affair, you can't assume everyone will be able to attend, especially if you've chosen a beach that requires a journey for most people. You'll want to compare facilities and, if you're marrying on a private beach, look into any permit fees, container laws, and clean-up charges.

2. Start Early

Start researching and planning your beach wedding as soon as possible. Not only do you have to reserve your venue, but fulfilling the marriage and potential permit requirements of the state in which you are to be wed may take a few months. 

3. Ask the Right Questions

Two maxims to keep in mind here: No question is stupid and you'll never know until -- and unless! -- you ask. Achieving your dream wedding means having all the information you need to make the perfect choices.

4. Be Flexible

Mother Nature works in mysterious ways. We can't stress this enough: Always have a back-up plan in place for whatever she throws your way. Don't feel compelled to organize the day on a drill sergeant's time schedule; if you need to be on a rain delay for a couple of hours, the rest of the day can still proceed as planned.

5. Work With Those in the Know

Stress not! Work with a bridal consultant who specializes in beach weddings and/or a wedding planner based in the area where you'll be married to help you navigate a particular beach's requirements (these can vary by county and within towns). Planners also serve as expert eyes for finding -- and overseeing -- local vendors.

6. Guide Your Guests

If you've chosen a relatively unknown section of beach, make sure guests know how to find it and can traverse any boardwalks, rocky areas, or grassy dunes. Be sure to place a welcome basket at the front of your ceremony site (suntan lotion, bug spray, etc.) and goodies that will remind them of the setting -- parasols, refreshing glasses of lemonade, or cozy beach blankets, for example.