¿Cómo vestirse para una boda en la playa? [Para los novios y los invitados]

Are you looking to get married by the ocean and wondering how to dress for the occasion? Are you invited to such an event and have questions about the dress code?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast and event planning professional, I help couples with their wedding planning on a daily basis. In recent years, seaside weddings have become extremely popular and attract many couples!

Today, I invite you to discover what outfit to wear for these celebrations, 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 will be perfect. You can pair them with flat strappy sandals, some jewelry, and a lovely hairstyle, maybe even a flower crown. For men, a light-colored suit worn without the jacket will fit right in with the seaside wedding atmosphere. Lastly, if you are a bridesmaid or a guest, it’s the perfect time to wear a beautiful bohemian dress or a pastel-colored jumpsuit or one with a lovely print in light shades!

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

  • What to expect when you’re invited to a wedding by the water,
  • How to choose your wedding dress from trending examples,
  • Ideas for grooms’ outfits, ranging from formal to casual,
  • Examples of guest dresses and suits that are perfectly suited for this type of event,
  • And finally, tips on how to accessorize your outfit to achieve a unique and original look!

beach wedding

How Does a Beach Wedding Unfold?

Very popular in recent years, beach weddings are unforgettable celebrations set in a charming backdrop. The ceremony typically takes place on the beach, where a pathway is created with chairs lined up on either side, and the couple usually walks toward an arch facing the sea. Most of the time, it is a civil ceremony, although some officiants may 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 allows for immediate access to the beach.

beach wedding decoration

What Dress to Wear for a Beach Wedding?

Beach weddings are often more casual than traditional ceremonies. It’s a chance to enjoy a vacation-like experience to the fullest. Most of the time, the dress code is less formal, embracing bohemian and romantic trends.

Long Bohemian Wedding Dress

For the queen of the day, a long dress that is both lightweight and flowy is a natural choice. It’s a comfortable dress that provides a feeling of freedom, perfectly suited for a beach wedding. Opting for a white dress is ideal for the beach, as this bright color will look stunning against the ocean and sand.

bohemian wedding dress

A Dress with Lace Detailing

Your dress can be simple or feature more intricate details, like lace. This could include sheer sleeves, a lace panel on the back, or even covering the entire dress. Lace is a romantic fabric that brings to mind light outfits that are perfect for wearing to the beach in the summer. It contributes to a bohemian vibe with its vintage feel and evokes the nature-themed weddings of our grandparents.

A Short, Light Dress

Finally, to emphasize that your wedding is a vacation time, where everyone can relax, you might choose a short dress. Its casual style will bring a sense of freedom to your ceremony. The message to your guests is clear: this wedding is a moment of joy, celebration, and light-heartedness. The short dress will allow you to be free in your movements and even dance the night away!

short wedding dress

Where to find the perfect chic boho dress for a beach wedding?

This type of dress can sometimes be difficult to find in traditional wedding shops. Since these are less formal than classic wedding gowns, you don’t necessarily need a custom-made design. You can therefore explore online stores, making sure to take your measurements accurately so that you can choose a dress that fits you well!

👉 Our store, Life of Bohemia, offers you year-round bohemian-style wedding dresses, both short and long, well-tailored and at an affordable price. By choosing to specialize in this area, we guarantee our customers a selection of original clothing that is perfectly suited for all occasions.

What Shoes to Wear with Your Dress?

What a joy it is to arrive at the beach, slip off your shoes, and walk barefoot! This same spirit of freedom is at the heart of beach weddings. While some may choose to go barefoot, you can also opt for lightweight shoes that complement the aesthetic of your wedding. Consider flat or heeled sandals with delicate straps in light colors. They can also feature golden or silver accents to catch the sunlight!

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

bridal shoes

Waterfront Wedding: What Attire Should the Groom Wear?

Just like his future bride, the groom can also opt for a laid-back outfit that reflects the festive atmosphere. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect look!

A Light Suit

Dark suits, such as navy blue, black, or charcoal, which are traditionally worn for formal events, may not be the best choice for a wedding by the water. These outfits can come across as a bit too formal and serious in a setting that feels more like a vacation. Instead, I recommend opting for a light-colored suit in shades of gray or beige, which will harmonize nicely with the colors of your ceremony decor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even go for an all-white suit!

bohemian wedding costume

A Chic Yet Casual Outfit

For those who may not want to wear a classic three-piece suit for their wedding, this type of ceremony is perfect. Given the circumstances, 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 color, like chambray blue or pastel pink!

bohemian wedding attire for men

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 light color. You can also, if you’d like, wear canvas shoes that match the rest of your outfit.

Finally, when it comes to accessories, it’s time to choose an original tie or bow tie. You might also consider wearing suspenders instead, which can hold your floral boutonniere in place!

How to Dress for a Wedding Held at the Beach?

You’ve received an invitation to a waterfront wedding and are wondering what to wear for the occasion? Just like I advise the couple getting married, I can only suggest that you choose an outfit that is both stylish and casual.

Outfit Ideas for Women

Long bohemian dresses are perfect for this type of occasion: their length gives them a dressed-up feel, while their cut and the patterns on the fabric generally pair well with a beach wedding. If you’re unsure about the color, I recommend choosing pastel shades, which will complement the setting of the wedding you are attending.

If you prefer, you can also choose a shorter dress with a nice cut, or a long skirt. If you’re not a fan of showing your legs, a flowy jumpsuit would be a perfect fit, as well as culottes paired with a beautiful, detailed tunic.

👉 Check out our collection of bohemian dresses, perfect for a wedding by the water!

bohemian dress for women

👡 When it comes to shoes, my recommendations are the same as for the bride. Choose flat shoes or wide-heeled options with slender straps that allow you to dance and enjoy the celebrations freely!

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

Since this type of wedding often takes place in the middle of summer, you might get warm wearing a classic dark suit. Instead, opt for a light-colored linen suit. You could also go for a simple pair of dress pants, paired with a shirt, a belt or suspenders, and a pair of low shoes in similar tones. This is the perfect time to try a relaxed outfit!

Summer Dressy Outfit for Men

And what about the kids?

At a beach wedding, children will likely be tempted to play in the sand and go for a swim. Their outfits should be simple, comfortable, and also easy to put on and take off so they can quickly change into their swimsuits!

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

What Accessories to Celebrate a Beach Wedding?

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

Unique Jewelry

A beach wedding is the perfect occasion to wear beautiful colorful jewelry. The sunlight will reflect off of them and enhance your skin tone. For this event, which is more casual than traditional weddings, you can choose designer costume jewelry. It’s the perfect opportunity to express your personal style and showcase what makes you unique.

wedding jewelry

A shawl to cover your shoulders

If there’s a bit of wind on the day itself or simply to keep warm as night begins to fall, consider packing a light shawl in your suitcase. 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 go for simple yet elegant makeup and hairstyle. For your hair, you can wear a lovely hat, which perfectly fits the bohemian style.

Also consider flower crowns, which can be worn in your hair, attached to a hat, or even used on a bridal veil! They will add a lovely splash of color to your outfit.

👉 Check out our bohemian flower crowns in our shop!

bohemian wedding hairstyle

I hope this article has helped you to find the perfect outfit for getting married by the sea or for attending the wedding of your loved ones. Feel free to check out many more articles on the wedding theme on our bohemian blog!

¿Necesitas inspiración? Encuentra los conjuntos perfectos para una impresionante boda en la playa. Ver Nuestras Ideas de Vestidos de Novia de Playa