Wedding Dresses for the Beach

Styles and Color for Beach Gowns

Beach wedding dresses and bridesmaid gowns can embrace any number of styles, from a pretty sundress to a light and layered elegant gown. A combination of elements make up the dress, so consider those you like best and flatter your figure the most before choosing.

Nice choices in necklines and sleeve styles for beach gowns include:

• Strapless and spaghetti strap looks
• Halter styles
• Sleeveless square, jewel, or bateau necklines
• Sleeveless v-necks, sweetheart necklines, and scalloped styles
• Tulip or flutter sleeves
• Short or cap sleeves
• Short puffed or medium melon sleeves

Backless, surplice, scoop, and keyhole styles are all excellent choices for backlines of the gown.

Ankle, knee, or tea-length wedding dresses are smart choices for a wedding, allowing ease of movement and less distress than with a long gown. If you opt for a train for your wedding processional and wedding photos, shorter sweep or court trains can be pleasing without adding too much bulk.

With a less formal beach wedding, a splash or accent of color, or even a colored gown, can be lovely. Experiment with whatever catches your eye, whether it is light floral pattern or a stunning wedding dress in red.

Wedding Dresses for the Beach: Considerations

Casual Halter Style Beach Wedding Dress

Wind, weather conditions, sweat, and sticking sand don't typically come into a bride's mind when envisioning her fairy tale beach or destination wedding, but it's important to consider how Mother Nature may react the day of your nuptials when planning an outdoor beach wedding.

Lightweight fabrics are perfect for warmer weather, and you can always use a wrap or complementary covering over your shoulders when the weather turns cooler. A few fabrics you may want to consider for a beach ceremony are:

• Duchess satin, which is lighter than traditional satin
• Charmeuse, a soft, lightweight satin created from silk or rayon
• Chiffon, a sheer, billowy fabric
• Goergette, a crepe-like fabric whose flowy design won't be bothered by the wind
• Organza, a transparent fabric that can be used as an overskirt
• Dottted swiss, a lightweight fabric with dotted designs perfect for a casual but feminine look
• Tulle, which is light but can be layered for a full skirt

Avoid weighty, heavy fabrics that will get wrinkled easily, make you too hot, and be less forgiving to move around in for a beach atmosphere (for example, brocade, wool, and heavy silk dupioni).

Beach Wedding Pictures: Beautiful Dresses

Browse the pictures below for some ideas on styles, designs, and colors that will you may want to consider for your wedding dress for the beach. Remember beach wedding pictures are often staged, so don't overlook the importance of your comfort and the ease of movement you'll need in a gown for you special day. Click on each picture for additional articles and photos for even more inspiration.

Strapless Beach Dress with Taupe Wrap Accessory	Beach Dress with Modest Neckline	Light Blue Colored Gown
Elegant Off-the-shoulder Pattern	Strapless Beach Gown with a Hint of Medieval Elegance	A touch of color can revive a secondhand gown.
Flowy Beach Wedding Gown	Romantic Hawaiian Beach Dress	Pretty Plus Size Beach Gown