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 have questions about the dress code?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast and events professional, I help couples on a daily basis with the organisation of their weddings. In recent years, seaside weddings have become extremely popular and are captivating many couples!

Today, I invite you to discover what outfit to wear for these celebrations, whether you are the bride-to-be, her future husband, or a guest joining in to celebrate this union.

For a beach wedding, a flowing long bohemian dress or a short dress with lace details would be ideal. You can pair them with flat strappy sandals, some jewellery, and a lovely hairstyle, perhaps adding a floral crown. For men, a light suit worn without the jacket fits perfectly into the seaside wedding atmosphere. Lastly, if you are a bridesmaid or a guest, now is the time to wear a lovely bohemian dress or a jumpsuit in pastel colours or with a pretty print in soft shades!

Want to learn more? Continue 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 grooms' outfits, ranging from smart to casual,
• Examples of guest dresses and suits that are perfectly suited for this type of event,
• And finally, tips on how to accessorise your outfit to achieve a unique and original look!

How does a seaside wedding happen?

Very much in vogue over the past few years, beach weddings are unforgettable celebrations held in a magical setting. The ceremony typically takes place on the sand: an aisle is created with chairs lined up on either side, and the couple usually walks towards an arch positioned facing the sea. Most of the time, it is a civil ceremony, although some priests do occasionally agree to come to the beach for a blessing.

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

What dress to wear for a beach wedding?

Beach weddings are often more relaxed than traditional ceremonies. It’s about allowing yourself a holiday moment and making the most of it. Most of the time, the dress code is less strict, embracing bohemian and romantic trends.

A long bohemian wedding dress

For the queen of the day, a long dress that is both light and flowing is a perfectly natural choice. It is a comfortable dress that conveys a sense of freedom, which is absolutely in keeping with the context of a beach wedding. Opting for a white dress is ideal for the beach, as this bright colour will look stunning against the ocean and the sand.

A dress with lace details

Your dress can be quite simple or have more intricate details, such as lace. This could include sheer sleeves, a panel at the back, or even the entire dress. Lace is a romantic fabric that evokes the light outfits we wear to the beach in summer. It contributes to a bohemian vibe, with its vintage feel, reminiscent of the nature-themed weddings of our grandparents.

A short and lightweight dress

Ultimately, to emphasise that your wedding is a time for relaxation and enjoyment, you might consider choosing a short dress. Its casual nature 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 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 chic bohemian dress for a beach wedding?

This type of dress can sometimes be 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 design. Therefore, you can look to online shops, 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 style wedding dresses, both short and long, well-tailored and at an affordable price. By choosing to specialise in this area, we guarantee our customers a selection of original clothing perfectly suited for all occasions.

Bohemian Wedding Dress

What shoes to wear with a dress?

What a pleasure it is to arrive at the beach, take off your shoes, and walk barefoot! This sense of freedom is at the heart of beach weddings. While some may choose to go barefoot, you might also prefer lightweight shoes that complement the aesthetic of your wedding. Consider flat sandals or heels with delicate straps in light colours. They can also feature gold or silver details to catch the sunlight!

👉 In any case, I would advise against wearing stilettos and high heels, as they might 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 more relaxed outfit that reflects the celebratory atmosphere. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect ensemble!

A Light-coloured Suit

Dark suits, such as navy blue, black, or charcoal, which are traditionally worn for formal events, might not be the best choice for a wedding by the water. In fact, these outfits can come across as a bit too formal and austere, especially in a setting that feels more like a holiday. I would therefore suggest opting for a lighter-coloured suit in shades of grey or beige, which complements the tones of your ceremony décor beautifully. You could even dare to wear an all-white suit if that's what you prefer!

A smart yet casual outfit

For those who may not wish to get married in a traditional three-piece suit, this type of wedding is ideal. Indeed, given the context, you can choose not to wear your suit jacket and instead opt for a waistcoat or a simple shirt.

👉 You could also dare to choose an original suit colour, such as 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 Oxford or Derby shoes in a lighter colour. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can wear canvas shoes that match the rest of your outfit.

Finally, when it comes to accessories, this is the perfect time to choose an original tie or bow tie. Alternatively, you might consider wearing suspenders, which can also support your floral boutonnière!

How to Dress for a Beach Wedding?

You have received an invitation to a waterside wedding and you're wondering what to wear for the occasion? As mentioned in the sections for the newlyweds, I can only advise you to choose an outfit that is both smart and casual.

Some Outfit Ideas for Ladies

Bohemian long dresses are perfect for this type of occasion: their length gives them a formal touch, while their cut and the patterns that may be featured on the fabric generally complement a beach wedding quite well. If you're unsure about the colour, I recommend opting for pastel shades, as they will harmonise beautifully with the setting of the wedding you are attending.

If you prefer, you could also choose a shorter dress with a lovely cut, or perhaps a long skirt. If you're not keen on showing your legs, a flowy jumpsuit would be ideal, as would a cropped trouser paired with a pretty embellished tunic.

👉 Discover 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. Go for flat shoes or those with wide heels, featuring delicate straps that allow you to dance and enjoy the celebrations!

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 rather warm. Instead, opt for a light-coloured linen suit. You could also choose a simple pair of dress trousers, paired with a shirt, belt or braces, and a low pair of shoes in coordinating shades. It's the perfect opportunity to embrace a more relaxed outfit!

And what about the children?

At a beach wedding, children will likely be tempted to play on the sand and go for a swim. Their attire 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 is just perfect, while for a little boy, you can opt for a light fabric shorts paired with a short-sleeved shirt. 😉

What accessories are needed to celebrate a beach wedding?

To conclude this article, I would like to present a small selection of accessories that can be worn by the bride, her bridesmaids, or the guests, to create the feeling of a truly special day and properly celebrate this magical occasion!

Unique Jewellery

A seaside wedding is the perfect occasion to wear beautiful colourful jewellery. The sunlight will reflect off it, enhancing your skin tone. For this event, which is more relaxed than traditional ceremonies, you can choose designer costume jewellery. It's a fantastic 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 itself or simply to keep warm when night begins to fall, you might want to pack a lightweight shawl in your luggage. It should complement the rest of your outfit and will come in handy if needed!

Bohème and Natural Hairstyles with a Flower Crown

Finally, this beach ceremony is the perfect opportunity to embrace simple yet elegant make-up and hairstyles. For your hair, you might consider wearing a lovely hat, which fits perfectly with the bohemian style.

Also consider 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.

👉 Discover our bohemian flower crowns in our shop!

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