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Few things in life are more romantic than beaches and weddings-- so it's only natural to have weddings on the beach. If you're lucky enough to live near a picturesque beach, it can be a wonderful way to keep to a tight wedding budget, but it can also be a grand event. You can be sure that it will be memorable to all your guests.

Destination weddings often take place on the beaches of lovely tropical islands. You can enjoy gorgeous and very romantic settings in places such as Barbados, Bahamas, Hawaii, St. Lucia, and the Cayman Islands.

But you don't necessarily have to go to the islands to enjoy beautiful beaches. There are so many countries with gorgeous coastlines that are great destinations for your dream wedding.

Weddings on the beach are lovely in the Mediterranean countries. You can celebrate your wedding in the traditional Greek or Spanish way after your ceremony. Then you have the breathtaking locations in Australia and New Zealand, where miles of coastline await you. For that matter, don't rule out the United States, Canada, or Mexico!

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

Many brides choose much simpler gowns for their beach weddings, and grooms often wear nice khaki pants or shorts with floral shirts. Some brides and bridesmaids take it even further by wearing floral skirts with bikini tops. Rather than being stiff and formal, the receptions will often be casual sit-down affairs complete with a fire pit and even a luau.

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 often reserve large blocks of rooms in a nearby hotel, often with reduced rates. For destination weddings on the beach, discuss airfare options for family and friends with a good travel agent.