Brides planning a destination wedding have many factors to consider: How to transport their beach wedding dress on the plane, what flowers to use, how to plan a location-appropriate wedding reception, and even how to get a little bit of along time after the wedding is over. Beach wedding dress and shoes have their own set of rules and regulations for destination weddings, as well. How long should a beach wedding dress be if it will be worn on the beach? Here is the answer to your questions.

No matter where your wedding is taking place — on a beach or in a barn — you need to look for a wedding dress style that is most flattering for your figure. Once you’ve determined the silhouette you want (sheath, ball gown, A-line), you can focus on the wedding dress’s details. For you, try to stay away from heavy beading, which weighs a dress down. Look for such light and airy fabrics as silk chiffon or organza. Halter necklines also lend a more casual, beachy look. You may want to forego the long train, which is sure to accumulate lots of sand, and the cathedral-length wedding veil, which could be really annoying in a strong ocean breeze. And if you decide you’re not up to baring your legs, be sure to have an extra pair of pantyhose handy: Bits of shells are sure to get caught in your stockings and cause snags.

Wear the heels at your wedding dress fitting, and ask the seamstress to hem the skirt so it just skims your toes. As long as your heels are three inches or lower, the destination wedding dress will be a smidge long for the ceremony but will look perfect (and won’t trip you up) on the dance floor.