Many young women cite the beach as the location of their fantasy wedding. Far fewer women end up actually performing their nuptials at the shore, however, because they encounter some logistical concerns. One of the most important is determining what wedding attire will be most appropriate.

It's possible to have a dress that's anywhere from casual to formal, but there are specific issues that arise on the beach that you won't encounter elsewhere. You can't control the wind, of course, which means you don't want to wear a short and flirty dress than can blow up around your waist. You also want to avoid materials that may not stand up well to humidity--silk and satin, in particular, can pucker and scrunch from the water in the air, ruining what would otherwise be a sleek silhouette.

Tulle, organza, linen, and chiffon are good fabric options for beach wedding dresses. Consider also whether you're going to want to be barefoot for your wedding. If so, alter the length of the dress accordingly, and consider whether you want the material to be one that can get wet--chances are you'll want to wade in the ocean as part of your romantic day.

Some brides opt for very casual beach wedding dresses. It's not uncommon to choose a pretty white or blue bathing suit and dress it up with a lovely sarong or wrap. While it's not quite a dress, this look is ideal for a low-key, romantic wedding. The right headpiece is also important, as a day on the beach can be rough on most hairstyles. If you don't want to wear a formal veil with a casual beach wedding dress, consider a pretty straw hat or a simple scarf to keep your hair from blowing around.