Beach weddings are rising in popularity, and for good reason. The stunning natural setting, the relaxed less formal atmosphere and the ready made wedding theme all conspire to make your special day one to remember. Not to mention, they can be far less expensive.

But beach weddings can present problems a more formal affair won’t encounter – such as sand in the wedding cake, a stiff sea breeze taking off with your carefully coiffed `do’ and boisterous waves knocking the bridal party off their feet.It pays to start your planning by finding a beach recommended by other couples, or one that is regularly used for weddings.

Many resorts in Hawaii, Jamaica, Mexico and the US offer inclusive wedding packages where all the worry of a beach wedding is taken out of your hands.But if you know a perfect beach setting and want to arrange everything yourself, there are some things you should remember.The dresses for the bride and bridesmaids should be shorter and less formal than traditional dresses. The bride can still marry in white – in fact, white looks fabulous with a beach tan – but fussy `do’s’, veils and wobbly tiaras should be replaced by natural free flowing hair, flowers and light scarves.

High heels are out if you intend to marry on the sand. Pretty flat sandals decorated with beads and shells make the most charming footwear for the bride and her bridesmaids, but why not give each other a pedicure so you can go barefoot? This could be a great idea for your bridal shower or hen’s night.

The groom and his groomsmen won’t want to wear stuffy formal clothes either, so comfortable and casual is the key – ties will look quite out of place, but shirts should be sleeved and worn with long pants or dress shorts and leather sandals.

If you want to create a slightly more formal atmosphere (and wear high heels!) hire a dance platform. The bride and groom can lead the way for the bridal waltz, while everyone else kicks off their shoes and follows in the sand.

Keeping sand out of the bridal feast is imperative. This can be achieved by covering the table with thin plastic sheeting and weighing it down with decorative little buckets filled with colored sea shells and glass pebbles. Make sure the sheeting doesn’t press down on anything fragile, like the cake. A small decorative fence can be placed around the cake to keep it safe.

Talking of cakes, why not carry the beach theme through to the wedding cake? Sugar sea shells and frangipanis will be both festive and decorative, and if the bride and groom are both keen swimmers, why not top it off with a bridal pair in swimwear!

Buffet finger food is the easiest way to go, but you can give your beach wedding that special touch with a Hawaiian luau, a traditional ground roast or clam bake, or barbecue. Any of these are great for an informal beach wedding.

For an evening more romantic setting, hold your beach wedding at night beneath the stars. Light the area with flame torches and have a traditional pig roast. You will truly have a wedding day to remember!

source : www.weddingsaffordable.com