Big dress on the beach?

I think the main "drawbacks" to big poufy dresses on the beach are:

A. Those dresses can be quite hot & heavy

B. Sand! The more dress and the more layers (cathedral train, yikes!), the more sand you're going to accumulate.

As far as hot and heavy - It looks as though your wedding is in September. Depending on whether it's early or late September, the weather may not be that bad! And if you've chosen a light, breathable fabric, you may find that you're quite comfortable.

As for the sand... well, there's probably no avoiding that LOL I would just get ahead of it and have a good plan in place. You're going to need to be able to shake your dress out REALLY well somewhere outside on grass or cement (you don't want to bring all that sand into your hotel room or home!). I would figure out in advance a spot for you to do that, and designate someone(s) to help you with it. You're obviously not going to be able to get all the sand out, so I would have a heavy duty plastic garment bag, or even a plastic storage container, ready to put the dress in. This will prevent sand all over your hotel room (or wherever you're changing), or in your car when you transport it. I'm not sure what you plan on doing with the dress afterward, but if you plan to keep it or try to sell it, I would budget now for a good professional cleaning/restoration (it can cost $500+ to get sand removed from a wedding gown).

I personally think you are crazy, but it is not MY wedding!! I got married on the beach, and I cannot imagine trying to get down to my hubby dragging a poofy dress with a cathedral train, If you live near the beach, grab a heavy beach towel and attach it to your waist and then start walking. It should give you a good idea of what "reality" will be. ALL that being said, again it is your day and if you just can't imagine feeling like a bride in any other gown then take Cece's advice! Good luck.