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

Thinking of getting married by the seaside and wondering what to wear for the occasion? Are you invited to such an event and questioning the dress code?

I'll help you out.

As a fashion enthusiast and an event planning professional, I often find myself helping couples organise their weddings. In recent years, beach weddings have become extremely popular and are attracting a lot of interest from couples!

Today, I’d like to share some tips on what to wear for these celebrations, whether you’re the bride, the groom, or a guest celebrating this special union.

For a beach wedding, a flowing bohemian long dress or a short dress with lace details would be perfect. You can pair them with flat strappy shoes, some accessories, and a lovely hairstyle, maybe even a flower crown. For men, a light suit worn without the jacket fits right into the seaside wedding vibe. Lastly, if you're a bridesmaid or a guest, it's the perfect occasion to wear a beautiful bohemian dress or a pastel-coloured jumpsuit with a lovely light print!

Want to find out more? Keep reading to discover:

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

How does a beach wedding take place?

In recent years, beach weddings have become quite the trend, offering unforgettable celebrations set in a magical atmosphere. The ceremony usually takes place right on the beach: an aisle is created with chairs lined up on either side, and the couple typically walks down towards an arch 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 a seaside bar-restaurant, not far from the venue. The evening continues in this space, by the sea, often allowing for immediate access to the beach.

What dress to wear for a beach wedding?

Beach weddings are often more relaxed compared to traditional ceremonies. It's all about creating a holiday-like experience and making the most of it. Most of the time, the dress code is less formal, embracing bohemian and romantic trends.

A Long Bohemian Wedding Dress

For the queen of the day, a long dress that's both light and flowy is a natural choice. It's a comfortable dress that gives off a sense of freedom, which is just right 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 intricate lace details

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

A short and light dress

Finally, to highlight that your wedding is a time for relaxation and enjoyment, consider opting for a short dress. Its casual vibe will bring a sense of freedom to your ceremony. For your guests, the message is clear: this wedding is all about joy, celebration, and light-heartedness. A short dress will allow you to feel free in your movements and even dance the night away!

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

This type of dress can be somewhat difficult to find in traditional bridal shops. Since these outfits are less formal than classic wedding gowns, you don’t necessarily need a custom-made model. So, you can explore online stores, ensuring that you take your measurements carefully to choose a dress that fits you well!

👉 Our boutique, Boho Via, offers a range of bohemian wedding dresses all year round, whether short or long, well-tailored and at affordable prices. By specialising in this area, we ensure our customers have access to a selection of unique garments that are 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 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 match your wedding aesthetic. Consider flat sandals or heels with thin straps in light colours. They can even have gold or silver details to reflect the sunshine!

👉 In any case, I wouldn't recommend wearing stilettos or high heels, as they could sink into the sand and hinder your movements on the big day!

Water's Edge Wedding: What Outfit Should the Groom Wear?

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

A light-coloured suit

Dark suits like navy blue, black, or charcoal, which are traditionally worn for formal events, might not be the best choice for a waterfront wedding. They can come off as a bit too formal and serious, which doesn’t quite match the laid-back holiday vibe of such occasions. Instead, I recommend going for a light-coloured suit in shades of grey or beige, as it pairs nicely with the tones of your ceremony decor. If you’re feeling bold, you could even choose an all-white suit!

A smart casual outfit

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

👉 You can also go for an unconventional suit colour, like chambray blue or pastel pink!

What shoes and accessories should I pair with my suit?

When it comes to shoes, you can choose to go for Oxford shoes or Derby shoes in lighter colours. If you prefer, you can also wear canvas shoes that match the rest of your outfit.

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

How to Dress for a Beach Wedding?

You’ve received an invitation for 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 go for an outfit that is both smart and casual.

Some Outfit Ideas for Ladies

Long bohemian dresses are ideal for this type of occasion: their length gives them a dressed-up vibe, while their cut and the patterns on the fabric usually fit well with a beach wedding. If you're unsure about the colour, I suggest going for pastel shades, which will blend nicely with the wedding setting you’ll be attending.

If you prefer, you can also choose a shorter dress with a lovely cut, or a long skirt. If you’re not too keen on showing your legs, a flowy jumpsuit would be just right, as would a pair of culottes paired with a pretty, embellished tunic.

👉 Check out our collection of bohemian dresses, perfect 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, featuring slim straps, so that you can dance and enjoy the celebrations freely!

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

Since this type of wedding often takes place in the height of summer, you might find it too hot in a classic dark suit. Instead, opt for a light-coloured linen suit. You could also choose a pair of smart trousers, paired with a shirt, a belt or suspenders, and low shoes in matching tones. It’s the perfect time to be bold with a casual outfit!

And what about the kids?

At a beach wedding, children are bound to be tempted to play on the sand and take a dip in the sea. Their outfits should be simple, comfortable, and also easy to put on and take off to slip into their swimwear!

For a little girl, a light white dress would be perfect, while for a little boy, you could opt for a light fabric shorts paired with a short-sleeved shirt. 😉

What Accessories to Celebrate a Beach Wedding?

To wrap up 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 genuine festive atmosphere and properly celebrate this magical event!

Unique Jewellery

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

A shawl to cover your shoulders

If there's a bit of wind on the day itself, or simply to keep warm when night falls, you might want to pack a light shawl in your luggage. It should match the rest of your outfit and will definitely come in handy if needed!

Bohemian and Natural Hairstyles with a Flower Crown

Finally, this beach ceremony is the perfect opportunity to go for a simple yet elegant makeup and hairstyle. For your hair, you can wear a lovely hat, which fits perfectly with the bohemian style.

Consider adding flower crowns, which can be worn in your hair, on a hat, or even attached to a bridal veil! They’ll add a lovely pop of colour to your outfit.

👉 Check out our bohemian flower crowns on our store!

I hope this article has helped you find the perfect outfit for your beach wedding or for attending the wedding of your loved ones. Do check out many more articles on wedding themes on our bohemian blog!