Beach Wedding Attire Tips | The Socialite's Closet

Last Updated on April 28, 2023 by Ellen Christian

Check out these beach attire wedding tips! If you plan on attending a beach ceremony this year, this is everything you need to know.

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Beach Attire Wedding Tips

If you’re attending a beach wedding this year, congratulations! Beach weddings are becoming more and more popular, as they offer a relaxed and beautiful setting that’s perfect for celebrating a marriage.

But what should you wear to a beach wedding? While beach wedding attire is more casual, it doesn’t mean wedding guests should show up in bathing suits and normal beachy flip-flops.

Here are some beach wedding attire ideas to help you choose the best beach wedding outfits if you are attending a summer wedding.

Best spots for beach weddings

Beach weddings are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a relaxed and beautiful setting. If you’re attending a beach wedding this year, here are some tips on what to wear to make sure you look chic and appropriate.

When it comes to choosing the best location for your beach wedding, there are a few things to take into account.

First, you’ll want to make sure the location is accessible for all your guests. If you’re having a destination wedding, this may mean choosing a location that’s close to an airport or that has a variety of transportation options.

You’ll also want to consider the time of year you’re getting married. If you’re getting married in the summer, you’ll want to make sure the location isn’t too hot or humid.

And finally, you’ll want to pick a location that has the amenities you need for your wedding. This may include a place to stay for your guests, a place to have the ceremony and reception, and nearby restaurants or bars.

Now that you know how to choose the perfect location for your beach wedding, it’s time to start planning your attire.

Casual beach wedding attire

What you wear to a beach-style wedding really depends on whether it’s a casual or formal beach wedding. Check out these beach maxi dresses.

Casual vs. Formal: Beach weddings are typically more casual than traditional weddings, so you don’t need to wear a formal gown or tuxedo. Instead, opt for casual, comfortable clothing that will keep you cool in the summer heat.

Light and Airy: Choose lightweight fabrics that won’t weigh you down in the hot sun. Linen, cotton, and chiffon are all good options.

Bright Colors: Since beach weddings are typically more casual, you can get away with wearing brighter colors than you would at a traditional wedding. Have fun with it!

Beach-Inspired Accessories: To really capture the essence of a beach wedding, accessorize with items like seashells, starfish, or flip-flops. Check out the jewelry here.

Formal beach wedding attired

If the beach wedding you’re attending is on the formal side, don’t worry – there are still plenty of options for stylish and appropriate attire.

Dress to Impress: While beach weddings are typically more casual than traditional weddings, that doesn’t mean you should show up in shorts and a t-shirt. Beach formal may mean an elegant gown.

If you’re unsure about what to wear, err on the side of caution and dress more formally. These beach gowns are gorgeous.

Choose a Light Fabric: Again, since it will be warm outside, you’ll want to choose a light fabric that won’t make you sweat. Linen, cotton, and chiffon are all good options for a nice maxi dress.

Go for a Flowy Dress: A flowing dress will look beautiful in the ocean breeze. Just make sure it’s not so long that you trip over it! A beachy dress is always a good option.

Accessorize Appropriately: Beach-inspired accessories like seashells, starfish, and flip-flops are fine for a casual beach wedding, but if the wedding you’re attending is on the formal side, you’ll want to choose more traditional accessories.

Acceptable footwear options

Look for formal sandals or dress shoes for a formal affair. If the dress is long, be sure that your shoes won’t get caught in the fabric and trip you.

For a casual wedding, any type of sandal or shoe is typically acceptable. Just make sure they’re comfortable – you don’t want to be walking around in shoes that are too tight or too high.

Wedding guest attire should always be comfortable first and foremost. After all, you want to be able to enjoy the wedding ceremony and reception!

Keep these tips in mind when choosing your beach wedding attire, and you’ll be sure to look stylish and feel comfortable no matter what kind of beach wedding you’re attending.

Wedding guest attire

If you’re not sure what to wear to a beach wedding as a guest, here are some general tips to help you out:

Check the Dress Code: The first step is to check the dress code. If it’s not specified, err on the side of caution and dress more formally. Always consider the venue and wedding style.

Choose Light and Airy Fabrics: Again, you’ll want to choose fabrics that are light and airy so you don’t get too hot in the summer sun. Linen, cotton, and chiffon are all good options.

Opt for Bright Colors: Beach weddings are the perfect opportunity to wear brighter, more vibrant colors. Have fun with it!

Accessorize Appropriately: If the wedding is on the formal side, you’ll want to choose more traditional accessories. If it’s a casual affair, beach-inspired accessories like seashells, starfish, and flip-flops are perfectly acceptable. I love the jewelry here.

Semi formal beach attire

If you’re attending a semi-formal beach wedding, you have a few more options when it comes to what to wear. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect semi-formal beach wedding attire:

You can wear dressy sandals with tea-length dresses for casual beach weddings and more formal evening weddings.

A white dress shirt with light-colored dress pants or summer suits are always a good choice.

For a more casual look, try khaki shorts or a skirt with a nice blouse. Or, a breezy maxi dress works well for a semi-formal dress code.

Add a cardigan or jacket to your outfit if it’s going to be cooler in the evening.

Accessorize with beach-inspired items like seashells, starfish, or flip-flops. I love the jewelry here.

Destination beach wedding outfits

If you’re attending a destination wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing what to wear. Here are some tips:

Check the Weather: The first step is to check the weather forecast for the destination. This will help you determine what kind of clothing to pack.

Pack Light and Airy Fabrics: Again, you’ll want to choose fabrics that are light and airy so you don’t get too hot in the summer sun. Wear fabrics that don’t wrinkle easily.

Wedding attire for men

For men, the key to beach wedding attire is to keep it cool and comfortable. Here are some tips:

Choose Lightweight Fabrics: Linen, cotton, and seersucker are all good options. Avoid anything that’s too heavy or hot, like wool.

Opt for Loose-fitting Clothing: You don’t want to be too constricted in the heat. Choose clothing that’s loose and comfortable. Short-sleeved shirts and a seersucker suit work well.

Try a Light-colored Suit: A white or light-colored suit is always a good choice for a beach wedding.

Wear Dress Shoes or Sandals: Avoid sneakers or other athletic shoes. For a casual beach wedding ceremony, Dockers or boat shoes may be appropriate and work with a more formal outfit.

Final thoughts

When it comes to beach wedding attire, the most important thing is to be comfortable and have fun. Choose fabrics that won’t make you sweat, opt for bright colors, and accessorize with beach-inspired items. And if you’re ever unsure about what to wear, remember that it’s better to dress more formally than too casually.

With these tips in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect beach wedding attire for any occasion. I’ve included a few photos of my favorite beach wedding dresses to give you an idea.

As you can see, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your beach wedding attire. But as long as you stay cool, comfortable, and true to the setting, you’ll be sure to look great in whatever you wear!

Ellen Christian

Ellen believes you can feel beautiful at any age and size. She shares healthy beauty and fashion information geared toward women over 40. She is a direct sales rep for several fashion and beauty businesses.