How to Dress for a Beach Wedding: A Guide for Couples and Guests

Are you looking to get married by the sea and wondering how to dress for the occasion? Have you been invited to such an event and are curious about the dress code?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast and event planning professional, I assist couples daily in organizing their weddings. In recent years, seaside weddings have become extremely popular and have captivated many couples!

Today, I invite you to explore what outfit to wear for these festivities, whether you are the bride, the groom, or a guest celebrating this union.

For a beach wedding, a flowing long bohemian dress or a short dress with lace details would be perfect. You can pair them with flat strappy shoes, some jewelry, and a lovely hairstyle, perhaps a flower crown. For men, a light suit worn without a jacket fits seamlessly into the seaside wedding vibe. Finally, if you're a bridesmaid or a guest, now is the time to show off a beautiful bohemian dress or a jumpsuit in pastel colours or with a nice light print!

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

• What to expect when you're invited to a waterfront wedding,
• How to choose your wedding dress, featuring trending examples,
• Outfit ideas for the groom, ranging from casual to formal,
• Examples of guest dresses and suits that are perfectly suited for this type of event,
• And finally, tips for accessorizing your outfit to achieve a unique and original look!

How Does a Beach Wedding Unfold?

Very trendy in recent years, beach weddings are unforgettable celebrations that take place in a magical setting. The ceremony usually occurs on the beach: an aisle is created with chairs lined up on either side, and the couple typically walks towards an arch facing the ocean. Most often, it is a civil ceremony, although some priests occasionally agree to come to the beach for a blessing.

After the ceremony, guests are traditionally invited to a beachfront villa or bar-restaurant nearby. The evening continues in this space by the sea, which often provides immediate access to the beach.

What Dress to Wear for a Beach Wedding?

Beach weddings are often more laid-back than traditional ceremonies. They offer a chance to take a break and enjoy a holiday atmosphere to the fullest. Most of the time, the dress code is less formal, allowing for bohemian and romantic trends to shine.

A Long Bohemian Wedding Dress

For the queen of the day, a long dress that is both light and flowing is a natural choice. It’s a comfortable dress that gives a sense of freedom, perfectly aligned with the context of a beach wedding. Choosing a white dress is ideal for the beach, as this bright colour will look stunning against the ocean and sand.

A dress with lace detailing

Your dress can be simple or feature more intricate elements, such as lace. This could include sheer sleeves, a lace panel on the back, or even the entire dress. Lace is a romantic fabric that brings to mind the light outfits we wear at the beach in the summer. It contributes to a bohemian vibe with its vintage feel and reminds us of the nature-inspired weddings our grandparents had.

A Short and Lightweight Dress

Finally, to emphasize that your wedding is a time for relaxation and celebration, you might want to consider a short dress. Its casual style will bring a sense of freedom to your ceremony. For your guests, the message is clear: this wedding is a moment of joy, fun, and lightheartedness. A short dress will allow you to be free in your movements and even dance the night away!

Where to Find the Perfect Bohemian-Chic Dress for a Beach Wedding?

This type of dress can be quite difficult to find in traditional bridal shops. Since these outfits are less formal than classic wedding dresses, you don’t necessarily need a custom-made model. You can look for options at online stores, making sure to take your measurements carefully so you can choose a dress that fits you perfectly!

👉 Our shop, Bohème Life, offers you a selection of bohemian wedding dresses all year round, whether short or long, well-tailored and at an accessible price. By specializing in this area, we guarantee our customers a selection of original clothing perfectly suited for every occasion.

Bohemian Wedding Dress

What Shoes to Wear with Your Dress?

What a joy it is to arrive at the beach, kick off your shoes, and walk barefoot! This same spirit of freedom is at the heart of beach weddings. While some may prefer to go barefoot, you can also choose lightweight shoes that match the aesthetic of your wedding. Consider flat sandals or those with a low heel, featuring delicate straps in light colours. You might also look for options with gold or silver details to catch the sunlight!

👉 In any case, I recommend avoiding stilettos and high heels, as they could sink into the sand and hinder your movements on the big day!

Waterfront Wedding: What Should the Groom Wear?

Just like his future bride, the groom can also opt for a casual outfit that reflects the festivities. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect gem!

A Light Suit

Dark suits, such as navy blue, black, or charcoal, which are traditionally worn for formal events, may not be the best fit for a wedding by the water. In fact, these outfits can come off as a bit too formal and serious for a setting that resembles a vacation vibe. I recommend opting for a light-coloured suit in shades of grey or beige, which will complement the tones of your ceremony decor beautifully. You could even be bold and choose an all-white suit if that appeals to you!

A stylish yet casual outfit

For those who don't necessarily want to get married in a classic three-piece suit, this type of wedding is perfect. Given the context, you can choose not to wear your suit jacket and instead opt for a vest or a simple shirt.

👉 You can also dare to wear a unique suit colour, like chambray blue or pastel pink!

What Shoes and Accessories Should You Wear with Your Suit?

When it comes to shoes, you can choose to go for Oxfords or Derbies in a lighter colour. You can also opt for canvas shoes to match the rest of your outfit if you prefer.

Finally, when it comes to accessories, it's the perfect time to choose unique ties or bow ties. You might also consider wearing suspenders instead, which can hold up your floral boutonnière!

How to Dress for a Beach Wedding?

You've received an invitation for a waterfront wedding and you're wondering what to wear for the occasion? Just like I advised the newlyweds, I can only recommend you choose an outfit that is both chic and casual.

Some Outfit Ideas for Women

Bohemian maxi dresses are perfect for this type of occasion: their length gives them a dressy feel, while their cut and the patterns on the fabric usually suit a beach wedding quite well. If you're unsure about the colour, I recommend going for pastel shades, as they will complement the setting of the wedding you are attending.

If you'd like, you can also choose a shorter dress with a lovely cut, or a long skirt. If you prefer not to show too much leg, a flowy jumpsuit would be just right, as well as a cropped pant paired with a beautiful embellished tunic.

👉 Check out our collection of bohemian dresses, perfect for a waterfront wedding!

👡 When it comes to shoes, my recommendations are the same as for the bride. Choose flat shoes or those with wide heels, featuring thin straps, that allow you to dance and enjoy the festivities!

How to Choose Your Outfit for a Beach Wedding as a Man?

Since this type of wedding often takes place in the middle of summer, you might find it too warm in a traditional dark suit. Instead, opt for a linen suit in a lighter colour. You could also choose a simple pair of dress pants, which you can complement with a shirt, a belt or suspenders, and a pair of low shoes in coordinating tones. Now is the perfect time to embrace a more casual outfit!

And what about the children?

At a beach wedding, children will likely be tempted to play in the sand and splash in the water. Their outfits should be simple, comfortable, and also easy to put on and take off for changing into swimsuits!

For a little girl, a light white dress will be perfect, while for a little boy, you can go with a light fabric pair of shorts paired with a short-sleeved shirt. 😉

What Accessories to Celebrate a Beach Wedding?

To conclude this article, I’d like to share a small selection of accessories that can be worn by the bride, her bridesmaids, or the guests, to create a festive atmosphere and properly celebrate this magical event!

Unique Jewelry

A wedding by the ocean is the perfect occasion to wear beautiful colourful jewellery. The sunlight will reflect off them, enhancing your complexion. For this event, which is more casual than traditional weddings, you can choose designer costume jewellery. It's a great opportunity to express your personal style and showcase what makes you unique.

A shawl to cover your shoulders

If it's a bit windy on the day or simply to keep warm as the night begins to fall, you might want to pack a light shawl in your luggage. It should match the rest of your outfit and will come in handy if needed!

Bohemian and Natural Hairstyles with a Flower Crown

Finally, this beach ceremony is the perfect opportunity to embrace simple yet elegant makeup and hairstyles. For your hair, you can wear a lovely hat that perfectly complements the bohemian style.

Consider also flower crowns, which can be worn in your hair, on a hat, or even on a bridal veil! They add a lovely splash of colour to your outfit.

👉 Check out our bohemian flower crowns in our store!

I hope this article has helped you find the perfect outfit for your seaside wedding or to attend the ceremony of your loved ones. Feel free to explore many other articles on the wedding theme on our bohemian blog!