Many brides make the mistake of thinking that because they are having a more informal beach wedding, they won't have to do any planning to ensure that it goes off without a hitch. This is not the case, and there are certain things that you must carefully prepare for to avoid wedding day stresses and disappointments.

The first step is to check with the local city hall or government office to make sure that you don't need a permit to have an event at the beach. If you are going to be serving liquor, ask about their policy on serving alcoholic beverages at the reception. Some city policies will not allow you to have candles, or will require you to remove your own garbage before leaving the area. Leave yourself plenty of time in case you need to apply for permits or other documents, and get any information in writing.

Safety is a big concern with oceanfront weddings. Busy brides often forget that it could be difficult for older guests or people wearing high heels to walk in the sand. You should have wooden walkways set down for guests to walk on, and ushers to help guests find their way to the beach area.

Remember that the weather doesn't always behave as you hope. Even if you plan your wedding for the height of summer, there's still a chance that wind or rain could ruin your plans for a beach front party. Renting a tent is the perfect way to plan ahead for less-than-ideal weather conditions, and you can create a beautiful setting with twinkle lights, fresh flowers, and beach theme wedding centerpieces and décor. Never block exits or entrance ways with beach wedding decorations or foliage, as this can be a fire hazard.

Don't let pesky mosquitoes or burning sun ruin your wedding. Have sunscreen and insect repellent on hand for guests. Set up beach umbrellas or make beach wedding parasols available for shade, and ensure that you have ice water available to guests at all times. It's easy to get dehydrated standing in the sun, so make sure you are drinking lots of water too!