Let's Head to the Beach Wedding Inspiration Board

Beach weddings are still a hot trend in 2012 and if you are thinking of planning one you are in good company. Many brides are deciding to go with the beach wedding these days because they can be much cheaper and let's face it, more fun. Beach themed or beach weddings are not just about a blue color palette. Your beach wedding can have any color palette you desire. By adding sand, seashells and tropical flowers you can make the beach wedding of your dreams. Let this beach wedding inspiration board inspire you with your wedding plans.

With a little planning, your wedding day will be the beach wedding you have been dreaming of. We wish you sunshine and blue skys for your beach wedding day. Good Luck!

Photo Credits: both beach bride and groom and tropical table setting are from; stylemepretty.com, the beach bridal bouquet is from; brideorama.com,  and the beach wedding collection, flip flops, lanterns and place card frames can all be found at myweddingreceptionideas.com

Be Creative with Beach Weddings

Beach weddings are a classic venue that will never go out of style. Here are a few tips for creating the perfect beach wedding.

Welcome guests to your hotel with gift bags full of goodies. Insert brochures with important information about the wedding and also the location where your guests are staying. Other smart things to include are sun block, bottled water, snacks, inexpensive sunglasses and other fun little tokens of appreciation.

For your ceremony add shell accents to your pearl studded ring pillow and garter. Also, in lieu of a unity candle ceremony, a sand unity ceremony is the perfect finishing touch.

Complement your theme at your reception with the lovely porcelain starfish cake topper shown below. Add simple touches like beach themed toasting glasses, and natural shell place card holders. Give your guests gel candles with sea shells and starfish inside so they can feel like they are taking a bit of the ocean home with them. Other favor ideas include sand art in small bottles, treasure chests full of pretty candy, and sea shell shaped soaps.

For a fresh take on beach weddings, my imagination has been whisked away by the fairy tale wedding trend and I am inspired by stories of mermaids in glamorous tiaras and strands of pearls. Apparently I'm not the only one, even Alfred Angelo has designed the mermaid gown below based on Disney's "Little Mermaid." The playfully trumpeted skirt and form fitting bodice help create this more sophisticated princess look. Add finishing touches with mutliple strands of pearls and long flowing hair with sea inspired hair pieces.

Photo Credit - Alfred Angelo

Haven't had enough? Check out MyWeddingReceptionIdeas.com for more inspiration on beach wedding favors and beach ceremony accessories.

Not-So-Distant Destination Weddings

Want a Destination Wedding? Look no further than your own backyard! Well, okay, maybe a few miles down the road at least! Either way, it is definitely possible to bring your wedding closer to home and still feel like it has taken place in an amazing and unique location.

If you have your heart set on a beach wedding and are not lucky enough to live in a coastal state, it is most likely that there is some sort of sand surrounded body of water nearby. A lake can be just as beautiful and seem almost as vast as the ocean. The picture above, for example, is compliments of  the Lake House Inn on Lake Erie, Ohio. Consider renting a lake house to combine lodging and venue costs. This way you can have your ceremony overlooking the water and then invite guests to your outdoor reception at the lake house. This would work best if your wedding was small and you enjoyed a casual atmosphere. A bonfire and s'mores on the beach would be the perfect ending to your day!

State Parks are another great place to find beautiful locations for weddings. Some even offer wedding packages that include lodging and photographers. If you are a nature lover this would be the venue for you! If you and your guests are adventurous, one unique idea is to invite them to spend a few nights camping, canoeing, and exploring the park. Finish the mini-adventure with a beautiful ceremony and a big bash to follow! Even the fussiest bride could make this work by finding local salons and designating dressing areas ahead of time. The National Park Service can help you find your state's parks.

Other options for a not-so-distant destination wedding are local bed and breakfasts, small wineries, local farms, and favorite local landmarks or historic sites. Some of these places may not advertise their space for weddings, but remember that it never hurts to ask! They may say no, but they may also be pleasantly surprised and grateful for the business.

Finding a closer destination site may also make the ceremony that much more special. It may already be a place that is close to your heart. Also it will be that much easier to revisit on your anniversary!

Bon Voyage!

~ Jenna