Beach Wedding Dresses

A bride’s choice of dress for a beach wedding should reflect not just the location but also the specific customs of the country concerned. Before making the final choice, here are some things that you should consider.

Choose the right dress for your big day

Style

Go for something which moves with you. Your body will probably swell up in the heat therefore a light, stretchy fabric will be more flattering than a body-hugging dress which may not even fit by the time you unpack it at the resort.

Colour

Almost any pastel shade is going to look good against a beach backdrop but white, in particular, will best show off your suntan and emphasise the exotic quality of the location. Since it will reflect the sunlight, it is also the number one choice for keeping cool in.

Material

Crinoline will crease badly in your suitcase so it is best avoided. If you opt for modern fabrics and a casual look then it should be possible to borrow the hotel’s iron if necessary. The material should also be lightweight and washable.

Adornments

Jewels and beads on outfits will only trap sand and are likely to get lost on the beach so avoid them. Choose a simple necklace – pearls and coral are especially appropriate for a beach wedding.

Modesty

If any part of the procedure is going to be in a chapel, you should opt for something which is not too revealing or short; just as if you were at home.

Gown and veil

These are best avoided for a beach wedding as they will only end up in the sand. They will also cause you to get very hot underneath all that material. If you feel a veil is a must, choose a short one made from something lightweight like chiffon, tulle or charmeuse.

Bikinis and sarongs

Some resorts may not be comfortable with you showing so much flesh as it could be against their dress codes. If in any doubt, check with the hotel or wedding organiser first. Don’t arrive and hope to sort it out on the spot as these notions will be very ingrained.

Shoes

If you’re going to be walking on sand, choose flip-flops or sandals. Heels are to be avoided at all costs! Going without shoes is a brave decision (although the simplicity concept can be stylish) but beware of hot sand. Shifting from one foot to another with a pained look on your face will not appear flattering on the wedding video.

Hats

If firmly secured they can keep the sun out of your eyes but, if not, you will end up chasing them down the beach in a most undignified way.

Travelling

When transporting your dress, you should avoid putting it in your suitcase in the hold since it will get badly creased and there is also the possibility of it getting lost. Far better is to take your dress onto the plane with you. If possible, try to put it in an overhead compartment or make friends with a stewardess and seek her help.

An ideal beach wedding outfit for the modern girl who likes minimal fuss and wants to feel she is communing with her surroundings, might be a bikini top, sarong and sandals though check carefully (see above). If the location for the ceremony overlooks the beach (rather than is actually on the beach) then a more traditional and substantial dress could be more appropriate. Just remember, staying cool is essential, so go for a backless number and thin materials.

Choosing the right outfit for a groom

On the face of it, it is usually easier to sort out a man’s attire than it is a woman’s. With a beach wedding, though, it is not quite so simple.

For example, the temptation is to dress in tee-shirt and shorts. A typical male will automatically want to be comfortable and that basic outfit best suits the beach environment. Unfortunately, it is not formal enough for a wedding ceremony. On the other hand, a smart ‘new wool’ knitted suit will cause you to sweat buckets in the heat.

So, what does the well-dressed groom wear for his beach wedding?

Follow the bride’s example

While it is bad luck to actually see the bride’s outfit before the wedding ceremony, the superstition does not extend to discussing it. Talk it through with your bride and establish how formal or informal she intends to be and then match it.

Morning and lounge suits

These are difficult to transport and you should take them on the plane with you rather than trust them to baggage handlers and the hold as you may not see them again if your bags get lost. They are also going to be hot to wear.

Material

Choose a lightweight cotton or man-made fabric which stretches and breathes as your body will swell up in the heat. Look for a ‘summer-type’ linen suit but make sure that, if you are getting married during our winter months, you purchase it in the summer when these garments are available in the shops. Pure white is a possibility and will certainly make you stand out, but make sure you have the physique to carry it off otherwise you could end up looking like a cloud. Bright white might also overshadow your bride (not a smart move) unless she is wearing white too.

Colour

Go for a light colour that will complement the setting and which will also reflect the sunlight. A pastel shade should not clash with the bride’s chosen colour scheme.

Shorts

Really only choose these if you know both the resort and your bride are OK with the idea. They may be comfortable in the heat but you will not feel quite so at ease if a hundred eyes are staring disapprovingly at you. In extreme cases, you may even be barred from some resorts.

Shirt

This should be traditionally-buttoned but could be made of light cotton for comfort and coolness. Silk will quickly absorb sweat and will stick to you. Avoid anything which is garish (e.g. ‘Hawaiian style’) or which carries some kind of message or slogan making it both tacky and tasteless.

Trousers

Loose-fitting trousers or, possibly, cropped trousers would definitely make a good choice and could be worn in any situation. Make sure you have something with decent pockets to keep the rings in unless you are trusting this to the best man.

Adornments

Bling will not look good and just blind everyone when the sun glints off it. Sunglasses will make you look like a hit-man on the video and will get in your way when you kiss the bride. A single tropical flower will look fetching but not effeminate.

Shoes

Wear flip-flops or sandals since anything else will only end up shipping in sand. Going barefoot is a possibility but establish first that you won’t be required to walk or stand on sand or asphalt; you will regret it when it starts burning the soles of your feet.