Guide to Dressing Up For Beach Weddings

Dressing Up For Sun, Sand, and Vows

The mention of sun, sand, and beach evokes the feeling of happiness. Now imagine planning a beach wedding! The sandy location for your outdoor event is easily one of the best settings to kickstart the rest of your life with the one that you love. In most cases, getting married at the beach translates to hosting a destination wedding.

Even if you live minutes away from the beach or you are fortunate enough to occupy a beachfront property; having the location locked down is only the first of many wedding planning tasks. In this case, the next order of business is finding a goddess-inspired gown to wear on your special day. Bouncing off of the looks from Origami Creatives, it's fair to conclude that beach wedding dresses are airy, flowy, and simply gorgeous.

Worth noting is that you can still host a themed beach wedding. Think along the lines of planning a boho-chic beach wedding or a rustic-themed fete at the sandy location. That presents lists of other considerations when choosing your bridal ensembles, and it helps to explore your options.

Planning a Beach Wedding In Relation To What You'll Wear

Getting married at the beach is different compared to getting hitched anywhere else. For starters, the specific location presents unique experiences. If you jet off to the Caribbean, the beaches are much breezier and drier compared to Thailand beach locations which tend to be humid. The particular climate conditions will also influence your bridal outfit choices.

Overall, you want to wear an outfit that will make you feel comfortable without necessarily compromising on your styling preferences and choices. In general, you should have the following in mind when shopping for beach wedding dresses.

Keep the location in mind

A full lace wedding dress might look a bit odd for a casual beach wedding. The same applies to a multi-layered bridal ensemble with a grand train worn during nuptials hosted at a European seaside venue. In general, bohemian wedding dresses fit right into the beach setting and they move well against the sea breeze.

Charmeuse, organza, jersey cotton, and chiffon are some of the breathable fabrics that work well for summer nuptials. Beyond being comfortable to wear, they are equally soft fabrics that will sway beautifully against the ocean breeze.

Factor in the travel arrangements

If you are having a destination wedding, more than likely you'll be traveling with your gown. A simple dress tailored using a lightweight fabric that doesn't easily crease is ideal for beach ceremonies.

Transport the gown in a quality slipcover to protect it from potential damage. It's best to carry the gown with you in the cabin when flying to avoid nightmare scenarios related to dealing with lost luggage.

You'll often find that the airline is quite helpful if you alert them about your precious cargo ahead of time. In most cases, they might allow you to hang your gown in a first-class closet even if you are flying economy. There are even brides who've purchased second seats exclusively for their wedding dresses!

Choose an appropriate length and style

Floor-length bridal ensembles are popular choices but when it comes to beach weddings you might want to choose something shorter. A tea-length gown is very convenient for the setting or you could choose a high-low dress.

Mermaid-style bridal ensembles are gorgeous and dreamy options but the long trains pose a challenge in the beach setting. The sand might spoil the outfit and in general, the dirt collected along the way will make it an eyesore during photo sessions. As for the silhouette, A-line dresses are the most flattering for all body types.

Alternatively, consider a bridal look with a detachable train and also choose an outfit tailored using material like chiffon that you can easily brush clean. Your seamstress could also add a bustle to the skirt to prevent it from dragging.

Settle for the right accessories, shoes, and styling

Stilettos have no place in the beach terrain and flats are the best footwear options for beach weddings. In this case, go for flip flops embellished with beadwork, sparkles, or pearls. Pumps are yet another great option for more formal beach affairs. You can even go barefoot altogether if it suits your aesthetic.

As seen in the editorial, simple accessories pair beautifully with beach wedding ensembles. Wear statement earrings, an eye-catching bracelet, a floral hair clip, or a glitzy headband. In terms of the styling, you'll be better off settling for an updo secured with pins or a ponytail. These are some of the hairstyles that will stay in place against the sea breeze.

The veil is traditionally a part of the bridal ensemble but you might want to skip it for your beach nuptials. Floral crowns are ideal for the breezy location but a go-between is settling for a fingertip or vintage birdcage veil.

Go with the tide

When planning a wedding, or any event for that matter, you'll quickly realize that everything won't always go as planned. This statement is even more true when planning a destination or outdoor wedding. For instance, the skies might unexpectedly open up or when traveling, you might have to deal with headaches related to lost luggage. That's why you should set your mind to roll with the tide.

Be flexible about various aspects like choosing to have a "covered" outdoor ceremony or hosting the reception at an indoor, seaside location. Go with the flow, if perhaps the wind blows your veil away or causes your perfectly done hairstyle to come undone. Also, if you get a gut feeling to have a backup dress or make alternative arrangements for one or another aspect, it’s best to be safe than sorry.

Regardless of the unforeseen things that the sandy location might send your way, you won't regret saying "I do" at the beach while rocking a gorgeous goddess-inspired gown.

Beach Goddesses

Today’s beach goddesses themed fashion editorial from Origami Creatives is filled with wedding worthy looks for you and your bridesmaids. With pastel hued bridesmaid dresses, intricate headpieces, and even a pearl anklet – beach bridal inspiration has never looked so pretty!

I love all the sea themed details on the reception table setup. The Whicker charger plates are a fantastic and laid-back touch and the juxtaposition of natural elements against the glitz and glam of the beach goddesses looks absolutely fantastic!

Credits: Photography: Origami Creatives // Styling & Design: The Bridal Collective // Cinematography: Le Motion Wedding Films // Pillows, Wicker Chargers, Plates & Utensils: The Wedding Nest // Lanterns, Napkins, Lotus Tea Light Holders, & Shells: Coastal Home // Barnacles & Sea Urchin Shells: Columbia Imports // Dresses: White Runway // Floral Design: Chanele Rose Flowers & Styling // Bridal Headpieces, Sashes, & Anklets: Three Sunbeams // Jewelry: Samantha Wills // Makeup: Abby Love // Hair: Danielle Murrihy Hair & Makeup Artist // Models: Ivana Vrbenski & Genna Chanelle Hayes // Paper Goods: De La Mod Designs // Location: Nielsen Park, NSW Australia