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 unsure about the dressing expectations?

I'll help you out.

As a fashion enthusiast and event planning professional, I regularly assist couples with organising their weddings. In recent years, beachfront weddings have become incredibly trendy and have captured the hearts of many couples!

Today, I invite you to explore what outfit to choose for these celebrations, whether you are 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 perfect. You can wear 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 vibe of seaside weddings. Lastly, if you're a bridesmaid or a guest, it's the ideal time to don a beautiful bohemian dress or a pastel-coloured jumpsuit or a lovely outfit with a light print!

Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:

• What to expect when you're invited to a waterfront wedding,
• How to choose your wedding dress, with the latest trends,
• Outfit ideas for the groom, ranging from casual to formal,
• Examples of guest dresses and suits that are perfectly suited for this type of occasion,
• And finally, tips on how to accessorise your outfit to achieve a unique and original look!

How does a seaside wedding unfold?

In recent years, beach weddings have become incredibly popular and are truly unforgettable celebrations, set in a magical setting. The ceremony typically takes place on the beach: an aisle is created with chairs arranged on either side, and the couple usually walks towards an arch positioned facing the sea. Most of the time, this 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 head 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 relaxed than traditional ceremonies. It’s about creating a holiday experience and making the most of it. Most of the time, the dress code is less rigid, allowing for plenty of space for bohemian and romantic trends.

A long bohemian wedding dress

For the queen of the day, a long dress that is both lightweight and flowy is the perfect choice. It’s a comfortable dress that conveys a sense of freedom, which is ideal for a beach wedding. Opting for a white dress is perfect for the beach, as this bright colour will look stunning against the ocean and sand.

A dress with open lace details

Your dress can be quite simple or feature more intricate elements like lace. This could include sheer sleeves, a panel at the back, or even the entirety of the dress. Lace is a romantic fabric that brings to mind the light outfits worn at the beach in summer. It contributes to a bohemian vibe with its vintage appeal, reminiscent of the nature-inspired weddings our grandparents had.

A short, light dress

Finally, to emphasise that your wedding is a holiday vibe, where everyone can relax, you might choose a short dress. Its laid-back style will bring a sense of freedom to your ceremony. For your guests, the message is clear: this wedding is a moment of joy, celebration, and lightness. The 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 sometimes be difficult to find in traditional bridal shops. As it is a less formal outfit compared to classic wedding dresses, you don’t necessarily need a custom-made design. Therefore, you can look to online stores, making sure to take your measurements carefully to choose a dress that fits you perfectly!

👉 Our shop, Boho Via, offers you throughout the year bohemian wedding dresses, both short and long, well-fitted and at an affordable price. By choosing to specialise in this area, we guarantee our customers a selection of unique clothing that's perfectly suited for all occasions.

Bohemian wedding dress

What shoes should you wear with your dress?

What a delight when you arrive at the beach to kick off your shoes and walk barefoot! This same sense 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 choosing flat or heeled sandals with delicate straps in light colours. They can also feature gold or silver detailing to catch the sunlight!

👉 In any case, I recommend steering clear of high heels and stilettos, as they might sink into the sand and hinder your movement on the big day!

Waterfront Wedding: What Should the Groom Wear?

Just like his future wife, the groom can also opt for a relaxed outfit that matches the celebration. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect piece!

A light suit

Dark suits, such as navy blue, black, or charcoal grey, 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, especially in a setting reminiscent of a holiday. Instead, I recommend choosing a light-coloured suit in shades of grey or beige, which will complement the tones of your ceremony's decor beautifully. If you're feeling bold, you could even go for a completely white suit!

A smart yet relaxed outfit

For those who may not want to get married in a classic three-piece suit, this type of wedding is perfect. Given the circumstances, you have the option to forgo the suit jacket and replace it with a waistcoat or just a simple shirt.

👉 You could also try 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 can choose to go for Brogues or Derby shoes in light colours. If you prefer, you can also wear canvas shoes that match the rest of your outfit.

Finally, when it comes to accessories, it's time to choose a unique tie or bow tie. You might also consider wearing suspenders instead, which can hold your flower boutonniere in place!

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? Just like I advised the couple, I can only recommend that you choose an outfit that is both smart and relaxed.

Some Outfit Ideas for Ladies

Bohemian maxi dresses are perfect for this kind of occasion: their length provides a dressed-up vibe, while their cut and patterns often 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 prefer, you can choose a shorter dress with a lovely cut, or go for a long skirt. If you're not keen on baring your legs, a flowy jumpsuit would be an excellent choice, as well as a pair of culottes paired with a beautiful embellished tunic.

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

👡 When it comes to footwear, my recommendations are the same as for the bride. Choose flats or shoes with chunky heels, with thin straps, that allow you to dance and celebrate the festivities freely!

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, you might find a classic dark suit a bit hot. Instead, consider a linen suit in a lighter colour. You could also opt for a simple pair of dress trousers paired with a shirt, a belt or braces, and a pair of low-cut shoes in complementary shades. This is the perfect occasion to embrace a more relaxed outfit!

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 therefore be straightforward, 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 could go for some light fabric shorts paired with a short-sleeved shirt. 😉

What accessories to celebrate a beach wedding?

To wrap up this article, I've put together a handy selection of accessories that can be worn by the bride, her bridesmaids, or the guests, creating the perfect festive atmosphere to truly celebrate this magical occasion!

Unique Jewellery

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

A shawl to keep your shoulders warm

If there's a bit of wind on the day itself or just to keep warm when the night starts to fall, it’s a good idea 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 a great opportunity to go for simple yet elegant make-up and hairstyle. For your hair, you could wear a lovely hat, which fits perfectly with the bohemian style.

Consider also flower crowns, which can be worn 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 store!

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