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? Are you invited to such an event and questioning the dress code?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast and event planning professional, I help couples with their wedding organisation on a daily basis. In recent years, beach weddings have become incredibly popular and are appealing to many of them!

Today, I’d like to help you discover what outfit to choose for these celebrations, whether you are the bride-to-be, the groom-to-be, or a guest celebrating this union.

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

Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:

• What to expect when invited to a wedding by the water,
• How to choose your wedding dress, featuring trendy examples,
• Ideas for the groom's 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 for a unique and original look!

How does a beach wedding take place?

In recent years, beach weddings have become exceptionally popular and are truly unforgettable celebrations that take place in a magical setting. The ceremony typically occurs right on the beach: an aisle is created with chairs arranged on either side, and the couple usually walks towards an arch positioned facing the ocean. Most of the time, it is a civil ceremony, although some pastors 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. They offer a holiday-like experience, allowing everyone to make the most of the occasion. 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 is both light and flowy is a perfectly natural choice. It’s a comfortable dress that gives a sense of freedom which is just right for a beach wedding. Choosing a white dress is ideal for the beach, as this bright colour will look stunning against the ocean and the sand.

A dress with openwork lace details

Your dress can be quite simple or have more elaborate features, such as lace. This could include sheer sleeves, a panel on the back, or even lace covering the entire dress. Lace is a romantic fabric that brings to mind the light outfits one might wear to the beach in summer. It contributes to a bohemian vibe with its vintage feel and evokes the nature-inspired weddings of our grandparents.

A short and lightweight dress

Lastly, to highlight that your wedding is a time for relaxation and celebration, you might consider opting for a short dress. Its casual vibe will bring a breeze of freedom to your ceremony. For your guests, the message is clear: this wedding is a time for joy, festivity, and light-heartedness. The 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 hard to find in traditional bridal shops. Since it's a more relaxed style compared to 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 accurately so you can choose a dress that fits you perfectly!

👉 Our shop, Boho Via, offers you all year round bohemian wedding dresses, available in both short and long styles, well-tailored and at an affordable price. By specialising in this area, we guarantee our customers a selection of original clothing that is perfectly suited for all occasions.

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 spirit of freedom is at the heart of beach weddings. Some may choose to go barefoot, but you can also opt for lightweight shoes that complement your wedding’s aesthetic. Consider flat sandals or heels, featuring delicate straps in light colours. They can also have gold or silver details to catch the sunlight!

👉 In any case, I recommend steering clear of stilettos and high heels, as they could sink into the sand and hinder your movements 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 reflects the celebratory atmosphere. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect look!

A light suit

Dark suits, such as navy blue, black, or anthracite, which are traditionally worn for formal events, might not be the best fit for a wedding by the water. In fact, these outfits can come across as a bit too formal and serious, especially in a setting that evokes a holiday vibe. I would suggest 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 entirely white suit!

A smart yet 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 circumstances, you can choose not to wear your suit jacket and instead opt for a waistcoat or a simple shirt.

👉 You can also be bold with 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 can choose to go for Oxford or Derby shoes in a light colour. 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 go for a unique tie or bow tie. You might also consider wearing braces instead, which will hold your flower boutonniere nicely in place!

How to Dress When You're Invited to a Beach Wedding?

You’ve received an invitation to a wedding by the water and you’re wondering what outfit to choose for the occasion? Just like in the sections aimed at the couple, I can only advise you to go for an outfit that is both smart and casual.

Some Outfit Ideas for Women

Bohemian maxi dresses are perfect for this type of occasion: their length gives them a formal touch, while their cut and patterns on the fabric usually suit a beach wedding quite well. If you're unsure about the colour, I recommend going for 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 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 cropped trousers paired with a beautiful, detailed tunic.

👉 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. Go for flat shoes or wide-heeled ones with thin straps that allow you to dance and enjoy the festivities!

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 a classic dark suit too warm. Instead, opt for a linen suit in a lighter colour. You can also choose a simple pair of dress trousers, paired with a shirt, belt or braces, and a pair of low shoes in similar tones. This is your chance to rock a more relaxed outfit!

What about the children?

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

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

What accessories do you need for a beach wedding?

To wrap up this article, I would like to share a select range of accessories that can be worn by the bride, her bridesmaids, or guests, to create the feel of a true celebration and to properly honour this magical occasion!

Unique Jewellery

A beachside wedding is the perfect occasion to wear beautiful colourful jewellery. The sunlight will reflect off them, enhancing your skin tone. For this event, which has a more relaxed atmosphere compared to traditional weddings, you can choose designer costume jewellery. It’s the perfect opportunity to express your personal style and showcase what makes you unique.

A shawl to drape over 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 bags. Make sure it matches the rest of your outfit, and it 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 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 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.

👉 Discover our bohemian flower crowns in our shop!

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