There is something quite romantic about the idea of walking down the beach at sunset, holding hands, and exchanging wedding vows before the grand majestic view of the sun setting in the background. For those couples landlocked, meaning no part of the state is bordering an ocean, it can be the epitome of fantasy wedding. Planning a beach wedding does not have to be for those on a limitless budget or living right on a sand dune overlooking the ocean.

Planning a beach wedding does have its fair share of difficulties. The first involves the ability of family and friends to travel to the wedding. For those couples on a tight budget this can prove to be a bit of a challenge in itself without worrying about the standard wedding accompaniments. Cheap wedding packages exist at many resorts dotted up and down the coast. There is a problem though with using some wedding packages, regardless of where they are located. Many packages have a very limited number of guests allowed. When the guest list exceeds the allotted number, it can lead to cramped quarters and additional fees per guest.

The upside to planning a beach wedding is that the destination wedding and honeymoon is wrapped into one fabulous locale. The same beach that hosted the nuptials also serves as the honeymoon spot. The downside is family. If family has flown or driven hundreds or thousands of miles, then they will be staying in the same location and privacy may become an issue.

When checking off the steps to planning a wedding, pay attention to one tiny sidenote. There always must be a backup plan in case Mother Nature decides to attend the nuptials. Planning a beach wedding is very tricky during certain months of the year. There are tropical storms, hurricanes, squalls as well as high winds to consider. Pay attention to the month you are attempting to have your wedding in and the location. Some beach wedding sites are better than others during the summer months. A little research can save headaches later by being informed and prepared.

A beach wedding does not have to be a “sand in the toes” affair. Many beach wedding sites actually are on a wooden pier or the deck of a resort. The waves and sand are present but not intrusive and irritating. There are any number of ocean front resorts that offer packages that include the wedding site, a reception room and also offer to cater the event. This is an ideal situation for a couple with a low guest list.

The best advice regarding planning a beach wedding comes from couples who have been married on the beach themselves. They can offer valuable tips and hints to help the day go as smoothly as possible. It can be everything you ever dreamed of, from the ceremony to the reception. It takes a lot of time and effort but it is not an impossible task.