Beach Themes

It might say beach. It might say Fifth Avenue. Either way, the aqua blue wedding (often paired with the most classic of supporting acts, like silver, pearls and creamy roses) is a feast for the imagination ... and the eyes.

Most destination brides probably have that moment on the plane. They've lifted off, they're seeing the clouds scroll by below, and they think: I can't believe this is really happening. Because the island wedding is several epic fantasies all wrapped up into one potent package.

Let's be clear, just so there's no confusion — the nautical wedding is the preppy wedding. So what makes this wedding distinctive, other than having that thick preppy stylebook to help sherpa you on your way?

Plenty of brides dream of saying "I do" on the beach, but just because you don't live in Waikiki doesn't mean you can't have a glamorous wedding by water!

"In the end I found out my fiance wanted a large wedding ... even more than I did. But he also wanted a themed wedding. And somehow, and I don't know how, he convinced me to have a pirate-themed wedding."

Lenna looked at me pleadingly and said, "I'm toying with the idea of an Ariel-themed wedding. You know, like The Little Mermaid."

Why not let your personality shine through with a theme wedding? Just add a splash of imagination, and you'll be destined for a wedding your guests won't soon forget.

if you haven't been living under a rock in a Shanghai alley, you've probably noticed that the craze for beach weddings shows no signs of flagging.

The sun, the sea, the waves, the wind. All these make for a dramatic and refreshing affair. But the starfish is something more specific.

So you're having a beach wedding, but it's more Westport than Waikiki?You're in luck! As you've doubtless noticed, there's almost a limitless supply of enticing beach or destination-style favors available to you. But if you love to get hands-on, there's lots you can put your personal stamp on, too.

The Titanic was all about elegance... excess ... even self-indulgence, especially for the rich. Of course, at your Titanic theme wedding, everyone gets to experience the glories of the Edwardian age as one of the "rich!"

Mini Adirondack chair favors are enjoying mega-popularity among brides holding their weddings in Martha's Vineyard or Cape Cod — or those who just want to feel like they are.

You know you're going to have a wedding that evokes the tropics. Maybe it will take place in the Caribbean or Hawaii. Maybe it will take place in your own backyard (complete with a pig roast), or a local banquet hall (outfitted with real palm trees draped with magical twinkle lights).

With a little creative decorating, any backyard or banquet hall can be turned into a virtual Hawaii destination.

Once it was only an option for the rich and famous. But weddings on beaches and in tropical destinations are becoming more and more popular, and available, for the rest of us. With much of the Caribbean only a stone's throw from the US mainland, heading for the islands has never been easier!

A beach wedding is a romantic's dream. Sand, water and sunshine combine for such a peaceful, picturesque wedding. And yet, with any outdoor wedding you'll find a number of little "gotchas."

From "long ago and far, far away" to "under the sea," you're bound to double the fun when you weave a creative theme into your wedding day.

One terrific thing about choosing a beach wedding theme is that it allows you total creative freedom.

Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular with couples who are eager to skip the fuss of a traditional wedding and jump right into the fun.

Having a beach wedding and hoping to find the perfect centerpiece? Not to worry: this theme makes the most of modest elements. Sure, you can hand your florist 20 grand or call up Preston Bailey for some crystal trees, but even if you keep things super-simple, your tables will still look grand.