• Let nature be the backdrop for your beach wedding.beach wedding image by chinatiger from Fotolia.com
  
  Unlike traditional weddings---which are typically held indoors and decorated with special lighting, flowers and banners---beach weddings offer the benefit of natural light from the sun and decorative elements provided by nature such as sandy shores and palm trees. For beach weddings, select decorations that complement and enhance the natural beauty of the location.
  
  

Palm Leaves Draped Archway

• An archway provides a visual focal point for wedding guests and photographers. Many archways are constructed of wood lattice. Some archways form naturally from the intertwined limbs of neighboring trees. The wedding officiant stands underneath the archway and faces the guests with her back to the shore. The bride and groom stand under the archway in front of the wedding officiant, facing each other. The New York Institute of Photography recommends placing picture subjects in the shade to avoid squinting and harsh lighting.
  
  Palm leaves draped over the archway provide shade from the sun while also utilizing materials that are readily available on the beach. Secure the palm leaves by weaving them around the archway or attach the palm leaves to the archway by tying them on with raffia, which is available naturally in tropical locations.
  
  

Adorned Chairs

• A beach wedding provides at least two natural features---sand and water. While these elements provide visual appeal by themselves, WeddingDecorationTips.com recommends using beach objects such as seashells and multi-hued rocks as decorative accents.
  
  However, always consult with local authorities to verify that using such found objects for wedding decorations is in compliance with local laws. If not, use reasonable substitutes from craft stores. Wedding guest chairs adorned with beach objects such as sea shells or river rocks add thematic detail to the ceremony while also utilizing the natural elements of the location. Use craft glue to secure the objects to noticeable, but unobtrusive locations such as the back of the chair or its legs.
  
  

Flowered Aisle

• Most weddings feature an aisle that is used by the bride as she proceeds to stand beside the groom. Beach weddings that are held on the actual beach as opposed to a raised platform have the unique quality of having sand for a floor. Depending on the type sand and the type of shoes the bride wears, sand has a tendency to envelope objects. The sinking quality makes flats or kitten heels preferable shoe choices for beach weddings. The addition of a possibly slippery aisle runner makes the hazards of walking down the aisle all the greater.
  
  An alternative to a traditional aisle runner for a beach wedding is to have flowers outline an aisle. St. John of the U.S. Virgin Islands offers wedding packages that include an aisle made of palm fronds and local flowers.