Beach Wedding Attire

Romantic Ocean Dreams

The crashing of ocean waves during the first kiss. An outdoor buffet with seashell centerpieces. However you picture it in your mind, beach weddings are usually a desirable plan. If you do choose to go this route when it comes to your nuptials, beach attire will be something you will begin to plan soon after you get the engagement ring.

What sort of attire is ideal for a beach wedding? There are plenty of options, but traditionally a beach wedding is more informal than a church ceremony. Bare feet, flower leis, and loose tendrils of hair are often found, however, you can choose to make your beach wedding attire as formal or casual as you’d like.

The Bride

As a beach bride, a simple white beach wedding dress is usually preferred. This can range from a plain white formal bridal gown to a fashionable sundress. Whichever you choose, white is a great color to stick to, as it looks striking on the beach and will stand out gorgeously in photos you will forever cherish. White sparkly flip flops or a cute pedicure if you plan to go barefoot can finish off the look. Trying to bring some extra flair and romance to your look? Accessorize with some fresh flowers to your hair or wear some meaningful jewelry from a favorite relative or friend.

The Groom

A lightweight shirt is a good choice for the groom.

A formal tuxedo may not be totally appropriate for beach wedding attire, but an upscale suit will do the trick. Steer clear from black and go for an attractive navy blue or brown instead. Grooms can go barefoot too, or if you are planning a very casual wedding, the husband-to-be can don a Hawaiian shirt and fancy blue jeans.

The Bridesmaids

Tea-Length Dresses

Pick casual Hawaiian print dresses for your attendants or stick to tradition with formal bridesmaid gowns. If you go formal, find a bright and cheerful hue to compliment your sand and sea backdrop. Wildflower bouquets go well, and again fresh flowers in the hair of the bridesmaids can add some fun to your wedding party. Encourage your special ladies to wear shoes they are comfortable in, and again flip flops and barefoot freedom should reign supreme. Some beach bridal attendants even bring a separate, more casual sundress for the reception portion of the big day.

Your Guests

One of the fun things about a beach wedding is the ability to integrate theming into your ceremony and reception. Let your guests know through your save the date cards or invitations about your beach theme and invite them to take part with proper ocean attire (within reason!). Greet your guests with leis in your wedding colors, or give flip flops as wedding favors. Beach wedding attire has no true rules, so get creative and help your guests get into the spirit of the tides.

If guests ask you for clothing suggestions, you can recommend dressed up vacation clothes such as drawstring linen pants or cotton shirts in vibrant colors.

Beach wedding attire is a fun twist on traditional wedding wear and is perfect for a ceremony and reception by the sea. Comfortable yet still elegant, you can look fabulous exchanging vows by the incoming waves..