| This is going to be THE most romantic day of your | | | | and cannot wear. Also, it would be helpful for your |
| life; your wedding day. It's a dream come true for | | | | guests to know what is appropriate for them to |
| both of you. This is your special day when you will | | | | wear. Communicate as much information ahead of |
| stand together before family and friends and pledge | | | | time as possible. Let them know the theme and if |
| a lifetime of commitment and devotion to each other. | | | | this going to be a more formal or casual affair. In |
| For your own personal reasons, you have chosen to | | | | addition, let them know what weather conditions |
| have your nuptials on a beautiful beach. | | | | they can expect and what type of shelter will be |
| Planning a beach wedding ceremony offers the | | | | available so they can prepare and dress accordingly. |
| opportunity for a spectacular setting and wonderful | | | | BUDGET - Establish a reasonable budget for |
| memories but it also presents challenges that would | | | | yourselves and your wedding party. This may be a |
| not be encountered with a more traditional indoor | | | | "delicate" conversation but will save a lot of |
| setting. To be able to enjoy your special day, the | | | | embarrassment and heartache throughout the |
| key will be in the preparation and planning of the | | | | planning process. |
| special requirements for a Beach Wedding. Here are | | | | SEASON AND TIME OF DAY - Research the climate |
| some important factors to consider when selecting | | | | of your chosen beach location. Are you, the wedding |
| the beach wedding attire. | | | | party, family and friends going to be exposed to the |
| THEME - This is the one time you really need to be | | | | elements during the hottest part of the day or have |
| introspective and true to yourselves. Think about | | | | you decided to have the ceremony during the cooler |
| some general parameters. Are you more formal, | | | | part of the late afternoon or early evening? This will, |
| modest, reserved, casual, trendy, chic, dramatic, | | | | in part, determine the style, fabrication and |
| Victorian, contemporary, etc.? Do you wish to | | | | accessories you will want to choose. |
| emulate the location you've chosen? F or example | | | | ACCOMMODATIONS AND SET UP - Considering your |
| Hawaii, Caribbean Islands, Mexico, or Florida and | | | | theme, budget, weather conditions, etc., research |
| California beaches. You want to consider that various | | | | and secure appropriate shelter. Investigate canopies, |
| aspects of your wedding look to be organized and | | | | seating, "runners", etc. to insure everyone is as |
| not muddled. | | | | comfortable as is financially feasible. If your wedding |
| STYLE AND COLORS - You will want the fashion | | | | ceremony is going to be at a beach resort, you will |
| colors you choose to be complimentary to your | | | | be able to arrange the use of the hotel's facilities. |
| theme, location and other ceremonial accessories. | | | | FLOWERS FOR THE WEDDING PARTY - The bridal |
| This will be especially important for your wedding | | | | bouquet, bridesmaids' and mother's corsages, floral |
| party and not just the bride and groom. If you are in | | | | bouquet for the flower girl, and Gentlemen's and |
| a quandary as to suitable style and colors, take the | | | | father's boutonnieres must compliment everyone's |
| time to browse through travel and fashion | | | | attire. Again, you will want to consider your theme, |
| magazines, the internet, and clothing stores. It may | | | | colors, styles, location, etc. |
| be helpful to talk to a couple of fashion consultants. | | | | JEWELRY - Make your selections carefully and |
| Allow plenty of time to coordinate with your | | | | tastefully. Jewelry should only enhance your attire |
| bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl and ring bearer | | | | and never overwhelm. Remember the wedding party |
| depending on the size of your wedding party. Allow | | | | should be uniformly clad and not "upstage" the bride. |
| enough time for their attire to be ordered and any | | | | Now that you have carefully planned for this |
| necessary alterations. Be especially considerate of the | | | | important aspect of your beach wedding, you can be |
| ladies. Choose styles that will be most flattering for | | | | rest assured you and your wedding party will greatly |
| everyone. If there are glaring figure "challenges", ask | | | | enjoy this very special day. |
| for their input. Most of us know what styles we can | | | | |