So, you've been invited to a beach wedding—hello vacation, right?! Before you pack T-shirts and flip-flops, there are a few things you need to know about appropriate attire for a wedding on the beach. While beach wedding attire for guests varies depending on the venue and event style, it's often more casual than black tie, given the climate and terrain (aka lots of sun and sand). That said, guests' outfits should still reflect that it's a special occasion, which requires some level of formality. If you're not sure exactly what to wear to a beach wedding, we've got you covered. Below, we break down all the etiquette of beach wedding guest attire, including what to wear to respect different dress codes. And, to make your search for beach-appropriate clothing even easier, we've included a handful of shoppable outfit ideas for men and women.
What Is Appropriate Beach Wedding Guest Attire?
So, what exactly should guests wear for a wedding at the beach? Wedding attire for a beach wedding is commonly assumed to be dressy casual—and while this might be true for many weddings, others may be more formal. In general, though, beach wedding attire for men and women includes bright colors and patterns (think florals), lightweight fabrics and fun accessories.
If you'll be attending a beach wedding, there are a few easy ways to make sure you're dressed appropriately. First, check the wedding invitation or wedding website for the event's official dress code. Then, look at the ceremony and reception location. Are you going to be outside all day or spending some time indoors? That'll help you dress for comfort. Speaking of comfort, you should also research the destination's weather. Regardless of the time of year, there's a chance the climate will be hot—or, at the very least, warm—and humid. Because of this, fabric is a key element of your beach wedding attire. Breathable materials like linen and cotton are ideal for being outdoors. But don't forget about the possibility of a waterfront breeze—consider clothing that can withstand a little bit of wind.
The most common Explore Beach wedding attire for men outfits for men include a button-down shirt, slacks or chinos and a suit jacket or blazer if it's a formal ceremony. Flowy maxi and midi dresses are common beach wedding outfits for women, but jumpsuits and dressy separates are also appropriate choices. When it comes to accessories, feel free to have some fun. A beach wedding is a great opportunity to wear a patterned tie or colorful statement earrings. It's also perfectly acceptable to pack nice sunglasses or a dressy hat for an outdoor ceremony or reception.
What to Wear to a Beach Wedding by Dress Code
With any wedding, it's always important to follow the celebration's dress code. If you need more help figuring out the level of formality, the time of day can be a good cue. An evening beach wedding tends to be more formal than a midday or morning event. The venue can also serve as a resource. A waterfront wedding at an upscale club or resort will likely require a more formal outfit than a gathering right on the sand. Whatever the case, remember that weddings are special occasions. When in doubt, err on the side of elevated. Everyday attire, like a laid-back sundress or shorts, is only ever appropriate if it's explicitly requested by the couple.
Beach Formal Wedding Attire
Even if you've been invited to a formal wedding on the beach, it's unlikely you'll be expected to wear a tuxedo or evening gown. For men's beach formal attire, a suit is usually your safest bet, but skip black and choose a color like blue or tan instead. Summer fabrics, like linen and seersucker, are appropriate for this dress code. Unless the invitation says otherwise, assume you'll need a tie or bow tie—feel free to choose a solid color or a modest pattern. Finally, don't forget a belt and complementary dress shoes. While an elevated maxi dress is an appropriate option for women, so are high-low and midi dresses or a classy jumpsuit or pantsuit. You can opt for bright colors, pastels or formal metallics, as well as simple patterns. As for accessories, look for block heels or a dressy wedge. Elegant jewelry is a great way to add an extra dose of formality.
Beach Cocktail Wedding Attire
Beach cocktail attire is semi-formal beach wedding attire. Typically, men's ties are optional, but still welcome. If you're shopping for menswear, start with a classic long-sleeve button-down and dressy pants; then, add a colorful blazer or patterned sport coat for festivity. Appropriate footwear includes nice loafers and on-theme boat shoes. Women can wear a semi-formal dress, like a maxi or midi, as well as a jumpsuit or dressy separates. A beach cocktail dress code gives you the flexibility to choose a vibrant color or bold print. Finish your outfit with a low heel, wedge or dressy flats. Beachy accessories, like a raffia clutch, are also acceptable.
No comments yet