How to Choose a Beach Wedding Dress This 2024

There’s a reason the beach is a classic place to get married. You can say your vows with the ocean as your backdrop, and the natural lighting and soft sand make for unforgettable photos. This outdoor venue calls for a unique type of dress. Here’s how to shop for beach wedding dresses.

Things to Consider When Shopping for Beach Wedding Dresses

Before you run to the nearest bridal boutique, take a moment to ask yourself these questions:

• Do you mind getting a little sand on your dress?: You might want to look for a style that stays off the ground since you’ll be on the coast.
• What time of day will you get married?: You should choose a lightweight, breathable fabric if you’re saying your vows in the sunshine so you can stay cool.
• Which colors fit the theme?: White is a classic choice in Western countries, but other tones also look gorgeous at the beach.

• What type of dress do you love most?: You should keep this in mind above all else. Your wedding is your special day, after all, and you make the rules!
• What’s the level of formality?: If you have adults and relatives attending, a formal wedding might be ideal. If you have more casual and younger guests, a casual celebration may better suit your tastes, your partner’s, and your guests’ tastes.

Consider the Event’s Formality

Now that you know the level of formality, it’s easier to choose a style. Here are the common wedding gown styles for a beach wedding:

• Casual: If you’re having a casual ceremony, chances are you’re planning to go barefoot for your wedding ceremony. Opt for more embroidered dresses or those that allow you to accentuate your curves.
• Formal: A formal beach wedding dress is generally the same as a traditional dress at other venues. It should make you feel beautiful and comfortable. Look for A-line gowns, sheath gowns or empire waist for that seaside vibe.
• Semi-Formal: A semi-formal celebration provides you more freedom to choose whatever floats your boat. From cocktail dresses to tea-length gowns, there are plenty of options to choose from. Fabrics such as silk, chiffon and organza are ideal for a semi-formal beach party.

Deciding on the Length

Some brides-to-be want to keep their beach wedding dresses from dragging on the ground at an outdoor venue. If that’s true for you, a high-low gown would be an excellent choice. They’re short in the front and long in the back, often stopping just before they reach the floor. They also come in long, flowing styles that look magical in the breeze.

Knee-length dresses are perfect since they blend the formal and casual styles that characterize a beach wedding. You can choose an A-line to emphasize a smaller waist and a flared waistline, which flatters any body type.

Full gowns also have their place at a beach wedding. You only get married once, so you can make this as formal and elegant as you like. A layered skirt and long train trailing behind you will turn heads as you walk down the aisle — or isle.

Selecting the Right Fabric

Beaches vary in temperature and humidity depending on location and season. A winter beach wedding in Oregon will feel very different than a summer wedding in Cancún.

With this in mind, you can opt for heavier fabric like wool or velvet if you’re getting married on a cold day. Brocade, made of silk or synthetic fibers, is another great material for a winter gown. Wear layers under your dress to trap the most heat, and choose long sleeves if you like the look. Even sheer sleeves will warm you up a little.

If the forecast for your wedding day is hot and sunny, chiffon and tulle are your best friends. These light, airy fabrics will keep you breezy and cool outdoors. There’s also the classic lace — it has never failed birdies for many years due to its romantic appeal. Your entire gown can feature lace, but if you want to embrace a more minimalist style, add laces in small doses to the bodice or sleeves.

Think About Your Preferred Silhouette

Beach weddings are versatile. However, some silhouettes aren’t ideal for seaside settings. For instance, long trains can make it difficult to walk properly, and princess silhouettes are too overwhelming for the eyes. 

Sometimes, a fit look doesn’t mean it’s better. For instance, mermaid wedding dresses can feel too tight. If you like this cut, choose a slightly looser design and light fabrics to improve comfort levels. Remember, your comfort is a key priority as you tie the knot under the sun. You wouldn’t want a constricted waist to make you anxious on your big day.

Choosing a Color

Your choice of color varies according to where you live, your cultural traditions and your personal preference. In Western countries, women often choose white and pastel pink or lavender tones for a beach wedding.  In India, brides wear a red or maroon dress that symbolizes fertility, purity and prosperity.

In India, brides typically wear a bright red lehenga with elaborate embroidery, and red dresses with flowers are a classic choice for women getting married in China. At a beach wedding in Ghana, brides usually wear elaborately colored dresses with bright zigzag patterns. 

Dress colors and designs are different worldwide. You can take inspiration from the hues of the landscape and decorations at your wedding, and think about the colors of your jewelry and bouquet, as well.

Find the Right Shoes

Lastly, consider the footwear you want as you walk down the sandy aisle. Stiletto heels or shoes are delicate, making them non-practical options for you. You also don’t want to use an expensive pair, as your shoes are bound to be covered or filled with sand on the day.

Embrace a more suitable choice depending on your preferred gown. For instance, white gladiator sandals with embellishments can be a great choice if you’re wearing a cocktail boho dress for your casual wedding. If you’re wearing a traditional wedding dress with a flowy train, you may go barefoot or wear a pair of comfortable sandals to walk easily.

Embrace Your Unique Style

No matter what the traditional rules are about an oceanside ceremony, it’s your party. These style tips for beach wedding dresses are just a general guide, and you should choose something that makes you feel comfortable, beautiful and most like yourself.

Original Publish Date September 3, 2022 — Updated 7/23/2024