Formal afternoon weddings will of course lead to usual "sit down" planned menus. Caterers will be necessary. The advantage being that whole affair will be tended to without you lifting a finger...for a price. In order to cut costs here, you will have to limit menu and guests.

So, if you have a large guest list and a limited budget, avoid marrying late in afternoon. Guests will be hungry and expect dinner reception. Instead, stick with a breakfast, brunch or cocktail reception.

The wedding industry dictates that a reception should be from three to five hours in length. Rubbish! A reception should be as long as it takes for you and your guests to enjoy each others company and have fun. It can last a couple of hours or all day if you like.

Don't feel obligated to stretch event out. Often, your older guests tire easily and would like to leave before designated departure time anyway. If you are having a beach side bash, consider a "come and go" atmosphere. Let people know what time your departure will be so they can be there to send you off.

As far as beach wedding reception ideas go, rule of thumb is - there is no rule of thumb! Break mold. Do something different, something fun, something memorable.

Whatever you and your guests will enjoy most, IS perfect beach wedding reception!

4.Cake. If you’re no type who values look of your wedding cake a lot, then don’t go for a tall, grand look that costs a lot. Have a small cakeshop do job instead.

5.Musicians. Don’t go for a band if you can’t afford it. Hire a very talented small-time singer instead. Give her piece or songs she will sing in advance and make sure she’ll be able to carry them out really well.

6.Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. There are things that you want in your wedding that may not be within your budget. List those that are important to you in one group, then list those that are not in another. Learn to give value to those you believe will make your wedding memorable and discard ones that are just frill to you, or go for a budget-friendly alternative. The key is to adjust with budget you have.

A wedding is an important occasion to people who will spend their lives together, and it must be something that should be taken much time and preparation. Remember to save in advance if you want to have that special day a success to you both, and to people who will attend it.