What Do I Wear to a Beach Wedding?
The beach is a stunning backdrop to say your vows. Here in the Coastal Bend we have miles and miles of gorgeous public beaches to host your wedding ceremony. However, the natural elements of sand, salt water, and wind require thoughtful choices in wedding attire. After planning hundreds of beach weddings, here are my suggestions to avoid a wardrobe disaster on the beach.
Wind-Proof Your Look
My biggest piece of advice for anyone attending a beach wedding is to be prepared for the wind. Even if it is not windy in town, chances are that the beach will be windy. Ladies, you do not want to risk a wardrobe mishap, so either wear a long dress or make sure to wear shorts under your dress. You want the bride to be the talk of the wedding, not your undergarments.
Before spending hours on your hair, consider that the moisture from the water combined with the wind can really derail your long flowing curls. For a beach wedding, up-dos are a more practical option. Be sure to use lots of pins and hairspray. You don’t want to be holding your hair back in all your pictures. Gentleman, even if you don’t usually use gel in your hair, you might want to for the beach. It will help keep it in place in spite of the ocean breeze.
Do I Wear Shoes?
Take the sand into consideration when selecting shoes for a beach wedding. Although beautiful, ladies, please do not wear heels. Not only will the sand be difficult to walk in, but you will get sand inside your shoes making it terribly uncomfortable. Sandals are a great option for both men and women on the beach. It is even completely acceptable to leave your shoes in the car and attend the wedding barefoot.
My personal favorite for the bride and bridesmaids are barefoot sandals. There are many beautiful styles to choose from. This option keeps your feet looking gorgeous while allowing you to be comfortable walking in the sand – a win-win!
Bride & Groom Attire
The elements of the beach make for a naturally more casual atmosphere. If you are imagining a formal wedding, consider an indoor venue for the ceremony and take your engagement photos or bridal portraits on the beach. Especially in the hot months (spring through fall here in the Coastal Bend), please don’t make your groom wear a full suit. It is hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable and just looks out of place on the beach. If you want a more dressed up look, use a vest or suspenders, not a suit jacket. A nice linen shirt and a pair of dress pants is the classic look for grooms on the beach.
Brides, be mindful of both the wind and the sand. I recommend dresses that are not full length, not too tight, and breathe well. I love the bride’s choice in the picture above. The dress is flowy, has an element of length, but will not get ruined by the water or sand and will keep the bride cool during the ceremony. Dresses that are too long or have trains pick up all the sand, seaweed, driftwood, etc. along the beach making it look dirty. An alternative to consider if you really want a full length dress is to take bridal portraits before the ceremony at an alternate non-beach location and then bustle your dress for the beach ceremony.
Beach weddings are absolutely beautiful and the photos are incredible – if you prepare properly for the elements.
