* The most important thing to remember when planning a beach wedding is that "Mother Nature" rules! Depending on her mood, she can brighten your day or rain on your parade! When planning your celebration, be sure to plan an "alternate location" should old girl be cranky that day!

* The beach is usually a bit breezy so take that into consideration when picking your location. Try to choose a "cove" on beach that is protected from direct winds.

* Be sure to check with local authorities regarding any permits needed to use beach. This should only be necessary if you are having a large gathering and you want to block off a portion of beach exclusively for you and your guests. Ask to be sure though.

* Check on "Beach Rules". Ask questions. Can you have candles on beach? Can you play music into night? How late can you stay? Is there an area nearby for open fires should you choose to barbeque?

* Speaking of food...don't forget about seagulls! They are notorious beggars and thieves. You can expect them to attend your beach wedding, uninvited! As long as you keep food covered and don't feed them, they will stay on sidelines.

* Remember tides. You definitely do not want to be surprised by quick and unanticipated arrival of high tide!

* On beach, there will be bugs and sunshine! Make sure you consider comfort of your guests. Bring sunscreen and insect repellant for those who did not remember to bring their own.

* Chairs may sink in sand if you do not rent flooring to place under them. However, if you are planning a "beach blanket" reception, you will not need chairs. Remember your elderly guests though. Plan for their safety and comfort. You will need to provide them with chairs and beach umbrellas to protect them from elements.

Beach weddings are absolutely beautiful but nature does provide an element of uncertainty. Careful planning on your part will eliminate most of them.

Just remember...

If every hair is not in place due to ocean breezes or a seagull drops off his "wedding gift" a little to close to punch bowl...

These are not flaws or imperfections in your day. They are "memories"! Cherish them and have fun!

* How about an "I Dream of Jeannie" beach wedding theme? Decorate with pretty, colorful bottles in sand like one she was found in. At end of day, disappear in a cloud of smoke!

* A Western beach wedding theme would be fun! Many beaches allow horseback riding. The reception could be a good old fashioned fireside "camp out" under stars. Leave on horseback.

* Have a Rainbow Wedding. Create a rainbow to wed under out of brightly colored helium filled balloons tied together. Hold them down with "pots of gold" at each end. Have everyone bring a colored umbrella to decorate aisle with. Great back plan up in case it rains!

* Butterfly weddings are popular. Shades of yellow and orange with butterflies woven amongst flowers in your tiara and bouquet would be beautiful. Use butterflies as boutonnieres for guys.

* A Surfing theme would be neat. Of course surf boards and "The Beach Boys" come to mind here!

By way...

Don't rule out you beach wedding ideas because you don't live near an ocean. The definition of a "beach" is - "the shore of a body of water, especially if sandy or pebbly". That includes lakes and rivers. For that matter, you may have a "beach" right by your swimming pool. There are no rules. Be creative!

It is your beach wedding...it can be anything you want it to be - wherever you want it to be! Most of all...have fun!