Destination weddings are often staged on the beach, usually on beautiful islands. You can enjoy gorgeous and very romantic settings in places such as Barbados, Bahamas, Hawaii, St. Lucia, and the Cayman Islands.

However, beaches are not limited to islands! You can stage your dream destination wedding in a country that is famous for its gorgeous coastlines.

For weddings on the beach, the Mediterranean countries are good choices. After the ceremony, you can celebrate your union with a reception catered in the traditional Greek or Spanish way. Australia and New Zealand also have much to offer in the way of gorgeous coastlines, a beautiful place to take your vows. For that matter, don't rule out the United States, Canada, or Mexico!

If you have a wedding on the beach, you have a fantastic opportunity to combine the modern with the conventional. You can have a traditional ceremony, religious or secular, but be in very casual or semi-formal garb.

Brides who wed on the beach often choose very simple gowns, while the grooms tend to wear a nice pair of khaki pants or shorts along with Aloha shirts. Many times a bride and her bridesmaids will even wear bikini tops and floral skirts. Beach parties tend to be casual sit-down affairs. Instead of being stiff and formal, the receptions are livened up with a luau or a fire pit or both!

Do you want a beach wedding close to home, or do you want a destination wedding? Before you decide, keep in mind that you'll need to make travel arrangements and accommodations for your guests. It's part and parcel to weddings on the beach. You can arrange a block of rooms in a hotel close by, usually with reduced rates. If the beach is in a distant location, talk to a travel agent about options for airfare for your family and friends.