Cape May, New Jersey is third in the United States for destination weddings. Over 400 couples exchange vows in Cape May every year. If you're looking to plan your wedding in Cape May, here are some helpful tips that will help you along the way:

- Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse, preferably at the ceremony location. Don't show up at your own wedding and encounter chaos. In Cape May, 30 minutes are allowed for the actual beach wedding ceremony, not including chair setup.

- Be Prepared - Assign someone you trust (not in the bridal party, preferably)-and give them total responsibility and authority to make the decision the day of the wedding to change the ceremony location in case of inclement weather. This person will tell you and the groom at the last minute possible where you are now going to be married -- but only if necessary.

- Be on time. The day goes by so fast. Everyone is happier especially you if you have more time for those beach photos and more time at the reception.

- Give the groom and the best man a roll of quarters for the parking meters. Encourage car pooling. Parking can be limited.

- Bring a cooler to the beach filled with ice, small bottles of water and rolled/cold wash cloths (from the dollar store). Great for hot days, the trolley, the ceremony and beach photos in the sun.

- Provide every guest a chair for the ceremony. Don't ask your guests to stand in clumps on the beach. It looks very messy and chaotic. It can also look cheap. Provide an aisle for the bride, bridal party and parents. Your guests came a long way for you. Make them comfortable at your beach ceremony.

- Save unity candle services for the reception if possible. Do it during/after the blessing before dinner. Wind and strong breezes make it difficult often times on the beach. Do a sand pouring ceremony instead. Make the most of the beach and the sand.

- If the weather does not cooperate don't forget to notify the officiant, the carriage, trolley, limo, the ceremony musicians, the videographer and the photographer. They are not psychic. Do not under any circumstances watch the weather channel the week of the wedding. Let that designated person do it. Enjoy yourselves. The weather will be what it is. Make the best of it. It makes your wedding day story unique.

Most important of all is to have fun on your wedding day!