| Couples have beach weddings for different | | | | in if the evening becomes chilly. |
| reasons: to get married in an exotic location, to | | | | 5) Tuck a tropical flower in your hair that |
| save money on ceremony and reception costs, | | | | matches your beach wedding colors. |
| or simply to enjoy a more informal wedding with | | | | 6) Go natural when you give your guests wedding |
| friends and family. Before you decide on an | | | | favors, by handing out seashells, silk hand fans |
| oceanfront destination, remember to check if you | | | | they can use during the ceremony and take |
| need a city permit or other document to hold the | | | | home, or even a single tropical flower. |
| event at the beach. Once you've booked your | | | | 7) Use a sand pail, tin or wood buckets to put |
| beach wedding venue, you can start planning the | | | | wedding programs in at the front entrance way |
| food, décor, favors and wedding attire. | | | | of the tent or space where you're getting |
| Whatever your reason for choosing an | | | | married. |
| oceanfront wedding, make it memorable with | | | | 8) Go for vivid flowers, rather than all white or |
| these 10 unique ideas: | | | | very dark colors. Fill your wedding tent or beach |
| 1) Use fruit as beach wedding décor: a | | | | area with fresh flowers that fit with the sunshine |
| clear vase filled with lemons or pineapples as | | | | and cheer of summer: calla lilies, peach roses, |
| beach wedding centerpieces. | | | | sunflowers, and violets. |
| 2) Have fun with the beach theme right from the | | | | 9) Use twinkle lights or tiki tabletop torches for |
| beginning, by sending flip-flop shaped save the | | | | evening to create a cozy atmosphere for you |
| date cards, or choosing brightly colored beach | | | | and your guests. |
| wedding invitations. | | | | 10) Keep guests cool with mini portable fans in |
| 3) Serve light foods that reflect the bounty and | | | | hot weather. Place packets of sunscreen in |
| freshness of summer: cool tropical fruits, seafood, | | | | decorative baskets so guests can protect |
| chilled salads and airy desserts. | | | | themselves from the morning or afternoon sun, |
| 4) Bring beach blankets for guests to sit on if | | | | and make sure you have insect repellent on hand. |
| they want to be near the water, and to wrap up | | | | |