How to Dress for a Beach Wedding: A Guide for the Bride, Groom, 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 questioning the dress code?

I’ll help you.

As a fashion enthusiast and event planning professional, I find myself helping couples daily with their wedding organisation. In recent years, seaside weddings have become incredibly popular and attract many couples!

Today, I'm here to help you discover what outfit to choose for these festivities, whether you're the bride, the groom, or a guest celebrating this union.

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

Would you like to know more? Keep reading to find out:

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

How does a seaside wedding take place?

Very popular in recent years, beach weddings are unforgettable celebrations set in a magical setting. The ceremony usually takes place on the beach, with an aisle created using chairs arranged on either side, and the couple typically walks towards an arch positioned facing the sea. Most of the time, it’s a civil ceremony, although some priests may occasionally agree to come to the beach for a blessing.

After the ceremony, guests are traditionally invited to head to a villa or beachside bar-restaurant not far away. The evening continues in this space by the sea, which often offers immediate access to the beach.

What dress to wear for a beach wedding?

Beach weddings are often more laid-back compared to traditional ceremonies. It's about taking a little holiday break and making the most of it. Most of the time, the dress code is less strict, allowing for a focus on bohemian and romantic trends.

A Long Bohemian Wedding Dress

For the queen of the day, a long, lightweight, and flowing dress is the obvious choice. It’s a comfortable dress that conveys a sense of freedom, perfectly suited for a beach wedding. Opting for 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 quite simple or feature more intricate elements, like lace. This could include sheer sleeves, a back panel, or even lace covering the entire dress. Lace is a romantic fabric that brings to mind the light outfits one might wear at the beach in summer. It contributes to a bohemian vibe with its vintage appeal and evokes the natural weddings of our grandparents.

A short and light dress

Finally, to emphasise that your wedding is a time for relaxation and enjoyment, you might consider choosing 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 time for joy, celebration, and light-heartedness. 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 wedding shops. As these outfits are less formal than classic wedding gowns, you don’t necessarily need a custom-made model. Therefore, you can look to online shops, making sure to take your measurements carefully so you can choose a dress that fits you well!

👉 Our shop, Boho Via, offers you a range of bohemian wedding dresses all year round, available in short or long styles, well-tailored and at a reasonable price. By focusing on this area, we guarantee our customers a selection of unique clothing that is perfectly suited for every occasion.

Bohemian Wedding Dress

What shoes to wear with your dress?

What a delight 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 go barefoot, you can also choose light footwear that matches the aesthetic of your wedding. Consider flat sandals or heeled options with delicate straps in light colours. They can also feature golden or silver details to sparkle in the sunlight!

👉 In any case, I wouldn't recommend wearing stilettos or high heels, as they might get stuck in the sand and hinder your movements on the day!

Wedding by the Water: What Outfits Are Suitable for the Groom?

Just like his future bride, the groom can also opt for a more casual outfit to match the celebratory vibe. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect look!

A light suit

Dark suits, whether navy blue, black, or charcoal, which are traditionally worn for formal events, might not be the best choice for a wedding by the water. These outfits can come across as a bit too formal and strict in a setting that feels more like a holiday. I would recommend opting for a light-coloured suit in shades of grey or beige, which complements the tones of your ceremony decor beautifully. If you’re feeling bold, you could even go for an all-white suit!

A smart yet casual outfit

For those who may not want to get married in a classic three-piece suit, this style of wedding is perfect. Given the circumstances, you can opt not to wear your suit jacket and instead replace it with a waistcoat or a simple shirt.

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

What shoes and accessories should you wear with your suit?

When it comes to shoes, you might choose to go for some Oxfords or Derbys in a light colour. If you fancy, you can also wear canvas shoes, matched with the rest of your outfit.

Finally, when it comes to accessories, now is the time to go for a unique tie or bow tie. You might also consider wearing suspenders instead, which will hold up your floral boutonnière!

How to dress for a beach wedding?

You’ve received an invitation to a wedding by the water and you're wondering what to wear for the occasion? Similar to the advice given to the wedding couple, I can only suggest that you choose an outfit that is both smart and casual.

Some Outfit Ideas for Ladies

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

If you prefer, you can also go for a shorter dress with a lovely cut, or opt for a long skirt. If you're not keen on showing your legs too much, a flowy jumpsuit would be ideal, as would a pair of culottes paired with a nice embroidered top.

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

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

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

As this type of wedding often takes place in the height of summer, wearing a classic dark suit might leave you feeling overheated. Instead, opt for a light-coloured linen suit. Alternatively, you could go for a smart pair of trousers, adding a shirt, a belt or braces, and a pair of low shoes in similar tones. Now is the time to embrace a more relaxed outfit!

And what about the children?

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 for changing into swimwear!

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

What accessories are essential for celebrating 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 truly festive atmosphere and celebrate this magical occasion properly!

Unique Jewellery

A seaside wedding is the perfect occasion to wear lovely colourful jewellery. The sunlight will reflect off it, enhancing your skin tone beautifully. For this event, which has a more relaxed atmosphere than traditional weddings, you might consider designer costume jewellery. It's the perfect chance to express your personal style and showcase what makes you unique.

A shawl to warm your shoulders

If there’s a bit of a breeze on the day itself or just to keep warm when the night starts to fall, you might want to pack a light shawl in your bags. 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 a simple yet elegant makeup and hairstyle. For your hair, you might consider wearing a lovely hat, which fits perfectly with the bohemian style.

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

👉 Check out our bohemian flower crowns in our shop!

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