Beach weddings can be extremely romantic, f you take the obstacles such as weather, water and sand into consideration, and plan accordingly.

Guest List. Your plans begin with an early decision. Are you eloping to an exotic location like Mauritius, inviting a small group of close friends and family, or having a traditional, larger wedding? Wedding ceremonies with fewer attendees allow greater flexibility in location and planning, but it is still possible to plan and execute a beach wedding for a large number of guests.

Location. If you can afford it, consider paying for access to a private beach attached to a hotel or resort. Some private homeowners also rent out their property for wedding ceremonies. For a tighter budget, a public beach that is off the beaten path can be ideal; just make sure you get the required permits and permissions. The beach at LLundadno, Cape Town, is a beautiful, romantic spot.

Formal or not?. A beach wedding can be either formal or informal. The more formal the ceremony, the more intricate and detailed the planning usually is. Decide early in the process and plan accordingly.

When?. Sunset is an excellent time for a beach ceremony. Not only is it a beautiful backdrop, but most beachgoers have left the sand so you gain more privacy. Be sure to factor in the time required with the photographer if you desire sunset poses. Mornings are wonderful as well -- beaches tend to be empty, it's the coolest time of day, and the light is perfect for photography afterward.

Know your tides. Tides change throughout the day, and it is always better to have the wedding ceremony when the tide is not coming in. Low tide will cut down (but not eliminate) the ocean noise and will also prevent a wet, advancing water line from interfering with the proceedings.

Weather. You can't control it, so you must consider a few weather related alternatives. Try to find a section of beach that is shielded from the wind. Be sure to have a backup location that provides shelter in case of rain or other bad weather. A tent should be kept on call if there is not a nearby facility that can be reserved in case Mother Nature does not cooperate.

Flooring. At informal beach weddings, guests are often asked to gather round in the sand, barefoot, for the ceremony. For a more formal affair, a stable flooring system can be constructed to support seating. If there will be many elderly or disabled guests in attendance, be sure to consider their safety and comfort.

Chairs. Be sure to have a plan for chairs so guests are comfortable, especially if the ceremony will be a lengthy process. Even if guests are asked to stand during the ceremony, you should still have some chairs available for guests who may not be able to stand through the entire ceremony.

Decor. Because the powerful visuals associated with the beach and ocean dominate the scenery, it is good advice to keep the decorations to a minimum. An aisle way lined with indigenous flowers is always beautiful, and if the ceremony is performed at sundown, consider dramatic lighting options such as torches or elaborate candles.