1.Head for Dry Land
Take your photographer away from the beach for a wedding day shoot. Instead, strike a pose in front of the colorful Museum of Discovery & Science (954-467-5637, MoDS.org) or on the urban railway tracks near Las Olas Boulevard.
2. Squeeze in Some History
Use Florida's old charm as your wedding's setting, and pick a classic venue. Check out the century-old King-Cromartie House (954-463-4431, OldFortLauderdale.org) or the 35-acre Bonnet House property (954-563-5393, BonnetHouse.org).
3. Label your Tables
Pick your favorite street or landmark names for your tables. Get creative and personal, and seat your guests at tables with names that have some sort of funny or special connection to them.
4. Give Fresh Favors
The treats at Jan's Homemade Candies (954-202-9495, Jans HomemadeCandies.com) are as delicious as they are gorgeous. Offer them up in a candy buffet for guests to help themselves.
5. Prepare your Guests
Have goodie bags waiting for your out-of-town guests in their hotel rooms. Stuff each one with chocolate seashells from nearby chocolate shop, Kilwins, (954-523-8338, Kilwins.com) and treats from Pops Corn (954-349-3499, PopsCorn.com).
6. Celebrate with a Stogie
Florida Cigar Bar and Company (954-563-4677, Florida Cigar Company.com) will set up shop at your venue and roll fresh cigars on the spot. Check your venue's outdoor smoking policy first to see if it's allowed.
7. Have a Classy Bachelorette Party
Suggest Pangaea (954-581-5454, Pangea-Lounge.com) to whomever takes charge of planning your last single hurrah. The hotspot has elegant ambience, an outdoor garden and plenty of dancing room.
8. Go for Simple Dining
The great thing about beach weddings is that they can be super-simple and still feel elegant. "We're getting a lot of orders for understated chicken entrees and no-hassle buffet dinners," says Sindy Wolfe at The Market Place (954-963-3880), a local food source and catering company.
9. Take Advantage of the Weather
If it rains, don't be afraid to get a little wet for photos: "Pictures in the rain encourage an intimacy and a closeness that's not the same on a sunny day," says Roy Llera, a Miami-based photographer, (305-759-2600, RoyLleraPhotographers.com).
10. Travel in Style
Christy Hechler, a wedding coordinator for the Pelican Grand Beach Resort (954-568-9431, PelicanBeach.com), suggests arranging a fashionable ride for off-site events. Fort Lauderdale Duck Tours (954-761-4002, FortLauderdaleDuckTours.com) will pick your party up at the hotel, arm everyone with life jackets and take you on your merry way.
-- Lisa Freedman