There are as many responses to that question as there are couples tying the knot. Some want that perfect sunset that only Mother Nature can provide, and others see it as a way to combine a wedding and perfect vacation for their friends and family. Whatever motivations have led you to a beach wedding, you will need to consider a few things that a traditional indoor wedding doesn't think twice about.

When you decided to have your wedding on the beach, you may or may not have had a particular place in mind. Some considerations are important if you know immediately where you want to wed, or if you have no idea, except that there has to be water and sand.
In every case, you will either need to do a few field trips to scout out locations yourself, or rely on the opinion on a beach wedding planner.

Beach wedding in Caribbean can be much more affordable than a traditional wedding. Often times, a couple can fly to an all-inclusive resort in Caribbean, get married, and stay for a four-star week long honeymoon for just a few thousand dollars. Yes, this includes airfare, lodging, meals, and drinks! Compare that to an average traditional wedding, which can cost anywhere from $22,000 to even $100,000 in large cities, and then the couple pays for their honeymoon on top of that! Starting their new life together with a fantastic vacation and money in the bank has real appeal for many couples!

Weddings are a lot of work and you have plenty of things to do! Wedding planners are professional people with often great connections to local vendors. If you are planning a romantic beach wedding in Caribbean, it might make sense to hire someone at your destination to plan the wedding. Many times, hotels and resorts have their own wedding planners on staff and they offer their services for "free" as part of the wedding package, so this can work well for couples desiring package deals. So chances are you'll be able to see photographs of other weddings and be better able to visualize how yours will look.

On the other hand, there is very little that a wedding planner will do for you that you can't do for yourself - for free. Some planners charge a flat fee, while others ask for a percentage of  the wedding costs. You also have to give up some control when you hire a planner. Hopefully, you will find someone you trust and who won't impose his/her ideas and opinions on you. So make sure to interview more than one candidate for the job to make sure this is someone you can work easily with.

It is reasonable to expect your beach wedding planner to be an excellent communicator and to be very timely and responsive to your requests and questions. You may have to allow for time differences, but ideally, both parties will be committed to creating a dream beach wedding, and that can only happen if both parties communicate well by email and phone.

You have made the decision to hold your wedding on the beach.
Now, how is everyone going to get there for your big day?
Your wedding guests are responsible to provide their own transportation and lodging, except for members of the wedding party and VIP guests who cannot otherwise afford to make the trip. In any case, as a considerate bride and groom, you must think about how your family and friends are going to join you.

What means more to you and your fiancé, the location or the people who will be able to attend? Some couples feel that all that matters is that they are together, while others can't imagine the ceremony without their parents, siblings, and best friends.

Beach wedding in Caribbean may be more affordable for the bride and groom, but they are decidedly more expensive for the wedding party and guests. Remember to insist that guests not buy you a wedding gift; accompanying you on this vacation is present enough! Also, think about going to an all-ages, all-inclusive resort or cruise during the non-peak season (May-November in the Caribbean). This keeps the costs lower and builds entertainment right into the day for each of your guests. Do try to help them out by talking to your wedding planner or travel agent about group discounts for air and hotel, or for any excursions your party might want to take, even though ultimately, paying for their expenses is up to them.

A traditional bride in a traditional church can have a ten foot train on her dress.
A bride on the beach, however, needs to consider her outdoor "cathedral"
and choose a dress accordingly.

Think about the length of your dress carefully. You will sink somewhat in the sand, so if you go for a full-length dress, have it hemmed just above your ankles, which is probably a little shorter than you would if you were saying "I do" indoors. Since beach weddings are generally more casual, consider a shorter cocktail or tea length dress, too, and then you won't worry at all about sand on your dress.

The last thing you want is for a gust of wind to catch your hemline and expose your derrière. By keeping the lines of the dress close to your body, you will feel more confident and comfortable.

Look for lightweight fabrics such as silk, organza, crepe, linen, and chiffon. Some polyester/lycra blends work well, too. Avoid heavy beading or multiple layers of heavy fabric since beaches are generally warmer than indoors, and you want to be a radiant, beaming bride, not a sweaty, melting one!

Everyone knows that beaches and wind go together; so many brides opt to decorate their hair without a veil. Rhinestone headbands or barrettes, flowers, or tiaras are all simple alternatives. If you do choose to wear a veil, keep it short so it will be manageable if the breeze picks up.

At a beach wedding, the cake should be just as unique as the setting. You can always opt for a traditional tiered cake adorned with frosted roses, but incorporating the beach theme into your cake will make it that much more special.

If the cake is going to be served outside under the hot sun, you will need to think carefully about how you can keep the cake cooled until it's time to serve. You don't want the carefully sculpted frosting to melt into puddles!

Secondly, how will the cake be transported to the wedding location? Some bakeries have a distance limit, but most will charge by the mile. Many bakeries bring the cake in separate tiers and assemble the cake on site, which is something you may want to consider as well.

Third, how do you know how much cake to order? The general rule is 2 ounces per person, which usually works out to a 4" x 2" slice. Depending on the bakery, the ingredients of your cake, and the labor involved, a slice can range anywhere from $2.00 to $15.00.

Lastly, especially if the baker does not have sample photos, ask for references. The cake is an important piece of your wedding day and you will be spending good money for it, so ask for references and actually call them. Ask about the flavor, presentation and delivery.

Look to the rest of your wedding theme for inspiration. Real seashells can be used, and look  fantastic paired with real tropical flowers. Use local flowers to add sophistication and beauty to your cake and decorations. You can use an abundance of sea life-themed ideas, such as dolphins, oysters with pearls, sea horses, mermaids, and of course, sea stars. Also look to your locale for ideas.