Hi Deborah,
Do you have any suggestions for what to wear to a beach wedding in the late afternoon with a reception followed inside the hotel? I’m at a loss for how to dress. I’m sure it will be hot on August 13. Love your blog! Liz
Hi Liz,
Beach weddings are getting very popular, but if you have never been to one, you may be scratching your head wondering what to wear. Some beach weddings are more elegant and call for colorful, beachy cocktail wear -think resort chic. Others are super laid back – picture faded denim and casual, gauzy boho maxi dresses.
Whatever type of beach wedding you’re invited to, they all have one thing in common – a low-key, playful, summer feel. Here are some guidelines for what to wear to a beach wedding.
1. Choose Comfy, Loose, Cool Fabrics
It’s usually super hot and the setting is natural and free, so steer clear of heavy, stiff fabrics and super tailored clothes. Instead, try a pretty sundress in a relaxed, lightweight fabric like cotton or linen. Or, for a dressier oceanside ceremony, floaty chiffon is breezy and glamorous.
2. Don’t Be Afraid of Color
Since beach weddings are tropical and exotic, you can go with anything from pale, beachy pastels like pink, peach and blue, to island brights like parrot green, yellow and orange. Pretty floral prints or water/ocean inspired prints work well too.
3. Maxi Dresses are Fabulous For Beach Weddings
Long, flowing maxi dresses are perfect for seaside nuptials, and these days there are so many to choose from. Strapless, one shoulder or off the shoulder are super romantic. A halter style maxi is beachy and a little sexy too! Off the shoulder boho styles fit the carefree feel of the beach. Another option – the high-low maxi. It’s longer in the back than the front to show off your nice tanned legs!
4. Have Fun with Jewelry
A beach wedding is about adventure so bring out the buried treasure! Big colorful beads, shells, gold trinkets and coral jewelry; it all goes so well with the seaside theme.
5. Sandals Make Sense
If the happy couple plans to take their vows right on the beach forget high heels that have no place in the sand. If you want to wear shoes, then your best choice is a pair of glam sandals with a sexy touch of bling. If the ceremony is taking place on grass or on a patio, pretty wedge sandals or block heels are nice and easy to balance on. Plus they won’t get stuck in any cracks like a stiletto would.
6. Don’t Forget a Wrap
Ever noticed that it can get quite breezy down at the beach? Don’t let the wind spoil the ceremony for you. A light wrap comes in very handy and will protect your arms from the sun if the ceremony takes longer than you thought. A hat is a good idea too and sunglasses can be a lifesaver on a very bright day.
7. Keep Hair and Makeup Soft
Beach weddings = Natural so be sure that your make-up and make-up doesn’t look too done. Keep it soft and natural in keeping with your outfit and expect your hair to get blown around a bit. More Beauty at the Beach tips here.
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Hello, how are you doing? :-) I love that nice floral dress you have pictured above.Thanks heaps for your excellent articles! :-)
What do I wear to an early afternoon , casual wedding at a resort in north west Idaho in June? I am 55, 5’5″, 148 LBS. Weather is supposed to be 6o high and 30 low. I am from Virginia and it’s hot and humid here.
Help! What if you don’t wear sleeveless dresses? What about a shrug? I don’t know if that is too youthful for me, I don’t want to look too young, yet a stylish dress with a sleeve is so hard to find.
Hi Kathy,
Yes, a shrug is fine… or with a Pashmina. 3/4 sleeve dress is good or an off the shoulder dress, they can keep you cool, while still covering!
Unless you are a Demi Moore over 40 I would suggest a more conservative option for a wedding. In these photos the models are most likely late 20’s mid 30’s . There are some lovely dresses out there that are more “flow-ey” and don’t forget your dress shrug. The indoors will be chilly and one must have buffed arms or a shrug. Too, remember the leg make-up. The average woman over 40 should not wear above the knee dresses with bow’s. There are those exceptions with firm bodies, knees and botox of course….
I love the new look of your site!! Very eye catching. Congratulations on your selection.you did a great job.
Thanks Afreen!!!
I am so glad that you covered this topic. last year I had an August wedding and I spent days trying to find something that felt right. I never did and wore a navy blue linen dress that did not feel festive. Now I have another wedding in late July and with your perfect guidelines I know what to look for. I will send you a pix of my final choice. Now if you can just explain what is business casual for women our age.
Hi Deb,
LOL.. Ok, I will tackle that one soon!!! Thanks for writing in and please do send me your picture!