SUMMER LOVIN'

What better way to spend a cold, snowy winter's day than to dream about a summer, beach wedding! Well, that's just what I did. For all of you summer brides, here are two inspiration boards geared to helping you with great ideas for your wedding.

When it comes to the dress, there are so many styles to choose from. I have found some beautiful selections from designers such as Lazaro, Jim Jhelm, Claire Pettibone Pronovias and Vera Wang. You can be very bridal and still be cool and comfortable on the beach.

Flowers on the beach can be vibrant or cool. But, make sure you choose hearty varieties that will hold up in the heat and humidity. Orchids are wonderful, as they not only stay lovely all day, but they make you feel like you are in the tropics, even if you are only at the Jersey shore. Roses are always a good choice and they smell so good in the ocean breeze. Using flowers to create an aisle is such a beautiful way of making your entrance dramatic- and what a photo op! These chair covers in a shimmery, sheer and luscious turquoise bring that ocean right up to your guests. Lanterns, candles and shells are all ways of keeping the theme of your beach wedding oh, so lovely.

Favors are never hard to find at the beach. I love these little buckets full of candy. And, how about flip flops for all your guests to walk to the sand for the ceremony. Programs and escort cards can also carry the tone of your beach wedding using shells or little parasols. How sweet!

Then there is the cake. Whether you love this luscious chocolate creation with a seashell decoration or a more nautical cake like the navy and white striped one, it's the filling that is the best part of any wedding cake. Why not try more than one flavor- a different one on each tier.

Keep the decor simple, airy and give it the feel of the sea. Fill your vases with shells of color and then scatter petals or candles on the table. Use your creative juices and the ocean's own beauty to astound your guests was they approach your venue. These are only a few of the ideas I found in my search for this post. There are dozens more. Thanks to The Knot and Martha Stewart Weddings for the photos.