Is a beach wedding your wedding paradise? If you are a beach bride, then you need to find your beach. Is
it a windswept beach in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean?  Is it on a bluff overlooking the Pacific
ocean?  Is it on the shore of a clear mountain lake?  Find your paradise and make it happen.

Beach weddings can be held at the ocean, lake or lagoon.  It can be held on the sand, on a deck, a pier, a
gazebo on the beach or a veranda overlooking the ocean.  It can be the two of you or an elaborate family
affair.

Most beach weddings are held through a hotel on the beach, renting a condo or renting a beach house,  
If you are looking for beach house to rent for a wedding, here's a great place to start looking:.
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Your family can turn your beach wedding into an extended family vacation.  The family rents condos on
the beach and one condo is the host condo.  The wedding takes place either on the beach or in the
condo areas, the reception is held in the host condo.  You can have the event catered by a local caterer.  
This is becoming a very popular wedding option for beach weddings.

Another option is renting a beach front vacation home to use as a base for the wedding.  The family
hosts the wedding at the vacation home, the wedding is on the beach front at the home.   The reception
is at the home either inside or outside. The bride and groom may elect to stay at a hotel or condo instead
of with the family.

Your beach wedding can be held at a hotel using the hotel as home base.  There are hotels on the beach
that specialize in weddings.  A family member is getting married on a large veranda at a hotel
overlooking the ocean.  The reception will be in the hotel and on the veranda.  They'll take photos on the
beach.

You may find a state park where you can take out permits and marry on the beach.  One couple I know
rented the park's shelter and decorated it like a tropical garden. They held the wedding on the beach,
and a picnic reception in the shelter.  The cost was under $100 for the entire rental and permit.

You'll need to research the marriage licence requirements of the state and if any permits are needed for
the wedding.  Most beach areas have wedding consultants and coordinators who will gladly help you
make all your wedding arrangements.  

A wedding consultant who handles beach weddings in the area you choose for your wedding can be a
lifesaver.  They'll help you through the planning and helping you obtain an officiant and getting your
marriage licence.
Beach Weddings, Beach Wedding Tips
Tips for a beach wedding:

Research the wedding at your wedding site before you choose the date.  Set the date for the time of
year when the area gets the traditionally best weather, don't schedule an outdoor wedding during
rainy season.   

Have a plan "B" in case the weather doesn't cooperate.  Have an indoor venue if a storm is brewing.  
I've even had brides tell me they were able to move the wedding time to later in the day once the
storm had passed.  

Make sure the tide is out at the time of your wedding.  There is nothing like getting married on the
beach at sunset only to find that the tide has swallowed up the sand.

If you are getting married on the sand, don't wear heels.  The heel will anchor in the sand and you
won't be able to walk.

Make sure your dress is hemmed so you can walk on the sand without tripping.

Don't buy a dress with an extra long train or you will end up dragging it in the sand.

Go easy on the sparkle makeup.  It will reflect on the beach from the sun and the water and may
make your pictures reflective.   Choose a more matte finish makeup.

The ocean breezes can sometimes be chilly.  Find a shawl that matches your dress just in case!

Practice your beach wedding hairdo.  If its windy, you don't want your hair in your face during the
ceremony.

Make sure your veil is not flying in your face during the ceremony because of the wind.  Many brides
don't wear veils on the beach for that reason.  A tiara or flowers completes the look.

Make sure you and your groom both have on some form of sunscreen if you are getting married on
the beach during the day.  A sunburn on your honeymoon won't be any fun!

If you wear contact lenses, keep some eye drops in your new husband's pocket.  Sand in your eyes
can ruin your wedding ceremony.   If you have to, wear sunglasses!

Make sure your photographer is experienced at taking photos at the beach.  The sunlight bouncing
off the water is hard to photograph by an amateur photographer.

Schedule the time of the wedding where you will not be under the blistering sun.  The sun will be
hottest at noon and during the early afternoon.  Most weddings are scheduled at sunrise or sunset.  
The afternoons will also be crowded with people enjoying the beach.  If they see a wedding, they'll
be naturally curious.  I admit it, I've watched beach weddings.

If you get married on the beach, make sure there is space available for your guests and easy
access to the spot.  Please take your guests in consideration.  

Remember that the ocean waves may be crashing down on the beach and create a lot of natural
background noise.  If you are having the ceremony video taped, make sure the camera can pick up
the your voices during the ceremony.   The ocean breezes can also make a lot of noise and will
make lighting a unity candle next to impossible.  Do a sand ceremony instead where you both put
colored sand into a single vial to signify unity.

The beach is  a natural habitat and may have birds in the area.  If you throw birdseed after the
ceremony, you'll attract MORE birds!

Check local beach ordinances for rules regarding serving food, alcohol, fires, grills, etc.    Some
beaches may require a permit.  Do your homework.

If you are serving food on the beach, make sure there aren't ordinances against it.  Also, keep in
mind you need to make sure the food you serve has been properly refrigerated in the warm
temperatures so no one gets sick.

Make sure the beach access will be easy for all your guests.  If you have elderly grandparents,
make sure they can easily navigate to the wedding site without any obstacles.  If they have
problems standing, please make some accomodations so they can enjoy your wedding.

Make sure you can navigate easily in your wedding dress without getting it caught on any objects.  If
necessary, have someone hold your train up until you reach the wedding spot.
Beach Beauty Tips:

A photographer who specializes in beach weddings said  that if the bride's hair is too dark, it casts a
shadow on her face in the pictures. She advises the bride add highlights to the front of her hair so the
light bounces off her hair instead of being absorbed into her dark hair.

If the bride doesn't want to highlight her hair, she should wear a tiara or headband to draw the light to
the face.

Here's another beach photo tip: Nix the sparkly body lotion on any outdoor wedding. The sparkles in
the lotion can deflect light and cause a light reflection on you when the photographer takes your
wedding pictures.

Beach beauty tips from a hairdresser:
Remember that humidity can wreak havoc on your hairstyle.   Discuss the weather with your stylist
so you can choose a hairstyle that will work with the weather.

Arrange for a local stylist to style your hair the day of the wedding.

The sun and salt water can dry out your hair and can fade your hair color.  Discuss products with
your stylist that will help keep your hair shiny, healthy and keep the color bright.

After you swim, wash out the salt or chlorine and use a conditioner on your hair.

Beach beauty tips from a skin care specialist:
Always use a sunscreen if you are outside, a 30 SPF.  Reapply sunscreen when you get out of the
water and dry off.

After sun, use a moisturizer on your entire body.  Use aloe vera if you think your skin has burned.

Apply a makeup primer to keep your makeup on during the ceremony and reception.  Use makeup
blotters that will blot the oil and sweat and leave your makeup intact.  

The number one beach beauty tip:  a big smile!
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