Ultimate Guide: What to Wear to A Beach Wedding
I simply love a good beach wedding! I’ve had the pleasure of attending beach weddings from everywhere like Cabo, the Outer Banks in North Carolina, and of course a NJ resident: the Jersey Shore! Over time, I’ve learned what works (and what doesn’t!) when it comes to beach wedding attire.
So whether you’re prepping for a formal affair or a casual beach ceremony, I’ve got you covered with my ultimate guide.
Beach Wedding Attire: The Basics
The first thing to reference before planning your beach wedding outfit is the wedding invitation (or wedding website!). It’ll often spell out the dress code. So whether it’s beach formal, semi-formal, or a more casual affair, you'll know the vibe before shopping around for your outfit.
But beyond the invitation, it’s important to factor in the beach setting itself! Typically beach weddings include warm weather, sand, and an ocean breeze that call for lightweight fabrics and fun tropical prints and colors.
Do’s and Don’ts for Beach Weddings
Let’s get into some tried-and-true do’s and don’ts for beach wedding attire to ensure you’re appropriately dressed and can fully enjoy the special occasion.
Do’s:
Do choose breathable fabrics. Linen, chiffon, and cotton are all excellent choices for warm-weather weddings. Lightweight materials keep you cool while looking polished.
Do embrace floral prints and vibrant colors. Beach weddings are the perfect occasion to play with bold prints or stick to bright or pastel hues. They’re fun, festive, and photo-ready.
Do consider the sand and terrain. Flat sandals, dressy sandals, or platform sandals are far more practical than high heels, which can sink into the sand.
Do pack a lightweight shawl. Even in summer, beach ceremonies can get breezy, especially after sunset. A shawl is an easy way to stay comfortable.
Do follow the wedding dress code. I will list some examples of outfits below for each type of the beach wedding dress codes, but make sure you're not showing up in a formal gown if the wedding dress code is beach casual!
Don’ts:
Don’t wear heavy fabrics. Avoid anything thick or restrictive, as it’ll leave you sweating and uncomfortable.
Don’t go too casual unless specified. While the setting may feel laid-back, casual dress codes still require effort. Skip overly casual wear, it's a wedding after all!
Don’t forget practical footwear. As tempting as it may be to wear more formal heels, they’re impractical for sandy terrain. Opt for something easier to walk in like a block heel sandal instead.
Don’t ignore the color palette. Light colors, such as pastel hues or brighter fun colors and prints are a safe option that reflects the beach vibe. AND PLEASE do not wear white unless you want the bride (and anyone that cares about her) to hate you forever.
Don’t wear traditional wedding attire unless specified. A formal dress code might call for a long dress, but a heavy black-tie gown might feel out of place in a breezy beach setting.
Beach Wedding Outfit Ideas for Women
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into outfit ideas that suit various types of beach weddings, from casual affairs to formal weddings.
Casual Beach Wedding
For casual beach weddings, the vibe is relaxed and carefree. Opt for a flowy maxi dress or a midi dress with fun prints. I’ve found floral prints to be an excellent choice, especially paired with flat sandals or dressy sandals. Chic sunglasses can also be a stylish yet practical accessory to protect against the sun.
Some more casual beach dresses & outfits I am loving:
Semi-Formal Beach Wedding
Semi-formal beach weddings offer the opportunity to dress up while keeping comfort in mind. A long dress in lightweight fabrics like chiffon or a linen look is perfect for this type of event. Pair it with chunky heels or platform sandals for added height without compromising stability.
Some more semi formal beach dresses & outfits I am loving:
Beach Formal Weddings
For more formal weddings, elevate your look with floor-length gowns or cocktail dresses in pastel colors or solid colors. But don’t be afraid of prints either! I’ve seen women wear stunning formal attire with natural materials like airy fabrics, which blend elegance and practicality.
Some more casual beach dresses & outfits I am loving:
General Rules of Thumb for Beach Wedding Attire
The most important thing is to dress for the occasion while considering the environment. Lightweight shawls, breathable fabrics, and the right footwear make all the difference.
Always prioritize comfort and practicality. The dance floor at beach weddings is often outdoors, so choose outfits that let you move freely.
Embrace the color palettes of the beach setting. Bright colors, pastel colors, and fun prints are popular choices that enhance the vibrant atmosphere.
When in doubt, refer back to the wedding invitation for guidance on the dress code.
Final Thoughts: Perfecting Your Beach Wedding Look
Dressing for a beach wedding is all about finding the sweet spot between style, comfort, and practicality. From breathable fabrics to vibrant colors and the right footwear, every detail matters when creating your beach wedding look. Whether you’re attending a destination wedding in South Africa, a semi-formal beach wedding in the British Virgin Islands, or a casual affair in the United States, the tips above will help you navigate the dress codes with ease.
What are your favorite outfit ideas for a beach wedding? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you’ve styled your beach wedding guest attire! Cheers to celebrating love in the most beautiful beach settings!
Loved these ideas? Be sure to pin of the images below on Pinterest to reference for later!
