The Do's and Dont's of Beach Weddings

A slight breeze flowing through your veil as you walk down the aisle. Palm trees gently swaying in the background. An oceanside view welcoming guests as they filter into their seats. Dolphins frolicking with one another in the distance. Ah, warm, tropical beach weddings; really is there anything more romantic and serene than saying "I Do" while standing on white, crystal sand with waves gently lapping the shore? No, friends. No, there isn't.

What I described above is the stereotypical impression that creeps into our subconscious when we think of beach weddings. Is it realistic? Maybe—although the dolphins might be a stretch, especially if we're talking about Lake Michigan instead of the Pacific Ocean. In reality, beach weddings can transition from romantic to chaotic in a matter of minutes. That slight breeze lifting your veil can become a blinding, entangled mess. That oceanside view can be interrupted with tourists craning their necks to catch a glimpse of your private ceremony.

Whether your nuptials are taking place on the pristine beaches of Costa Rica or on the breezy shores of Lake Michigan, planning for the unplanned is essential. Rule number one to enjoying your sandy ceremony, is to remember that some of the elements are beyond your control. Control what you can, let go of what you can't.

The DO's:

• Provide bottled water for guests. Warm temperatures, especially for those who aren't used to it, can lead to dehydration.

• Consider a more "manageable" wedding dress. Beach weddings are considered a bit more casual, so feel free to match that feel with your dress.

• Wear your hair up. Nothing will be more annoying on your wedding day than trying to get ocean-view photos of your special day and having to fight with your wind-blown hair all day.

• Get your makeup professionally done. The professionals have high-quality makeup or even airbrush makeup that is meant to last for a long period of time, and can withstand the warm, humid conditions.

• Advise or allow your groom to dress in casual attire such as light linen slacks and a loose-fitting shirt. Tuxes and formal suits are way too warm for a beach wedding.

• Inform your guests of an appropriate dress code. It's not every day they attend a wedding on the beach. It can be difficult to decide how formal or informal is appropriate. Take the guesswork out of it and inform guests of what you would like.

The DON'Ts:

• Try not to plan your wedding ceremony when the sun is at its peak. Photographers prefer dimmer lighting for photos. Consider a ceremony right before dusk.

• Don't forget to secure decor and chairs in the event of high wind conditions.

• Don't wear a veil—at least not a long, flowing one. The beautiful breeze that you've been dreaming about will quickly turn into a nightmare when it wraps around your face as you're walking toward your groom!

• Don't forget to find out if you need to obtain a special permit to hold a ceremony on the beach.