Beach Wedding Formality: Can You Make It Work?

Beach weddings are a romantic and picturesque setting for nuptials, but they can cause confusion for guests when it comes to choosing what to wear. While beach weddings are often associated with a more relaxed and casual dress code, this isn't always the case. The level of formality can vary from casual to semi-formal or even formal, so it's important for guests to carefully consider their attire. This paragraph aims to introduce the topic of appropriate dress codes and provide an overview of the key considerations for guests attending a beach wedding.

What to wear to a formal beach wedding

Beach weddings are a romantic and picturesque setting for nuptials, but they can cause confusion for guests when it comes to choosing what to wear. While the beach element suggests a casual vibe, beach weddings can range from casual to formal in terms of dress code, so it's important to dress appropriately for the level of formality. Here are some tips on what to wear to a formal beach wedding.

For Women:

When it comes to formal beach wedding attire for women, a dress, suit, or jumpsuit in lighter colours and breathable fabrics is a perfect choice. Lighter colours such as beige, light blue, and sage green are recommended, while cream and white should be avoided. Opt for breathable and airy fabrics such as linen, chiffon, or silk-charmeuse to stay comfortable in the warm beach weather. To elevate your look, consider sumptuous fabrics like lace and tulle, which are light and airy but also upscale.

As for footwear, avoid stilettos as they are impractical on the sand. Instead, go for chunky heels, wedges, flat sandals, or platform sandals. If the wedding is not directly on the beach, you can bring a pair of formal heels to change into for the evening.

When it comes to accessories, lean into the ocean vibes with tassel earrings, colourful bangles, gold jewellery, and hair accessories. A clutch made from natural materials like raffia or shells can also complement your outfit beautifully.

For Men:

For men attending a formal beach wedding, a suit or a long-sleeved shirt with a tie, jacket, and slacks is appropriate. Similar to women's attire, lighter colours such as beige, light blue, light grey, and pink are recommended. Avoid traditional suit colours like black, navy, and dark grey. Linen, seersucker, and other lightweight fabrics are ideal for staying cool and comfortable.

For footwear, dress shoes or nice loafers that complement the slacks are a good choice. Avoid shorts and sandals, as these are not permitted for formal beach wedding attire.

What to wear to a semi-formal beach wedding

Beach weddings can be a tricky dress code to navigate, but there are some simple rules to follow to ensure you're appropriately dressed for a semi-formal beach wedding.

First, check the wedding invitation or website for the official dress code. If it's not specified, a semi-formal beach wedding will likely include a ceremony outdoors and a reception in an air-conditioned indoor space.

For women, a knee-length, tea-length, or midi dress is perfect for semi-formal beach weddings. You can also opt for a button-down shirt with dress pants, with or without a tie. Flowy jumpsuits and dressy separates are also a good choice. Avoid anything too loud or that might clash with the venue. For shoes, opt for dressy sandals, chunky heels, wedges, or dressy flats.

For men, a jacket is not required, but a breathable sports coat or unique blazer can be a fun addition. Your outfit can include prints, but avoid anything too loud that would take attention away from the couple. Shoes can be a little more casual but must be a close-toe option like loafers or deck shoes. Shorts and sandals are not permitted.

When choosing your outfit, select colours and fabrics that work for the weather, season, and location. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, chiffon, and seersucker are ideal. Embrace fun, warm-weather colours and patterns like pastels, bright colours, and tropical floral prints.

What shoes to wear to a beach wedding

When it comes to beach wedding attire, it's important to strike a balance between style and practicality. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing the perfect shoes for a beach wedding:

Comfort and Practicality:

The sandy terrain and potential uneven surfaces at a beach wedding call for comfortable and practical footwear. Avoid stilettos and other formal shoes that may sink into the sand or cause discomfort. Opt for flat sandals, wedges, or espadrilles that provide both style and stability. If you prefer to go barefoot, ensure the venue allows it and consider the temperature of the sand, especially if you plan to walk around.

Dress Code and Formality:

The level of formality of the beach wedding will influence your footwear choices. For a formal beach wedding, consider wearing chunky heels or formal wedge sandals. If the wedding is semi-formal or cocktail attire, dressy sandals, chunky heels, or wedges are suitable. For a casual beach wedding, dressy sandals or even flip-flops can be appropriate, but avoid standard beachwear flip-flops.

Fabric and Colour:

When choosing shoes for a beach wedding, consider the fabric and colour. Light and breathable fabrics such as linen, cotton, or raffia are ideal. Bright colours, pastel hues, and playful prints can add a touch of personality and complement the beach setting. You can also opt for metallic shades or elegant neutrals like beige or tan.

Accessories and Details:

Embrace beach-inspired accessories to elevate your footwear. Consider sandals or wedges with pearl or shell embellishments, or opt for colourful beaded or braided details. Bows, buckles, and bijoux can also add a touch of elegance to flat sandals. If you're concerned about sand getting into your shoes, choose a pair with a back strap or opt for closed-toe options like loafers for a more casual look.

Examples of Beach Wedding Shoes:

• Flat rhinestone sandals
• Flat strappy sandals
• Espadrilles
• Wedges
• Fancy flip-flops
• Slides in festive prints or colours
• Rope or braided flat slides
• Block heels
• Mules
• Strappy flat or metallic lace-up sandals
• Cork wedges
• Boat shoes

Accessories for a beach wedding

Accessories are an essential part of any beach wedding outfit, helping to elevate your look and keep you comfortable in the sun and sand. Here are some ideas for accessories to complement your beach wedding attire:

Footwear

The right footwear is crucial for a beach wedding. Avoid stilettos or formal shoes, as they are impractical for sandy or uneven surfaces. Opt for stylish and comfortable shoes like sandals, wedges, loafers, or deck shoes. If the wedding isn't directly on the beach, you can bring a pair of formal heels to change into for the evening.

Hats and Sunglasses

A beach wedding calls for some stylish sun protection. Consider a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to add a touch of glamour while shielding you from the sun's rays. A straw hat, in particular, can be a great choice to complement your beachy outfit.

Jewelry

When it comes to jewelry, less is more at a beach wedding. Avoid heavy pieces that can be cumbersome in the seaside breeze. Opt for delicate jewelry like pearls or seashell-inspired pieces to add a touch of elegance to your outfit. Lightweight bracelets, anklets, or simple stud earrings can be perfect choices.

Beachy Details

Incorporate beach-inspired details into your accessories to embrace the theme. Consider a raffia or straw clutch, shell earrings or necklaces, or wooden jewelry. These touches will seamlessly blend with the coastal ambiance.

Colorful Accents

Beach weddings are all about vibrant colors, so don't be afraid to add a pop of color to your accessories. Choose accessories in refreshing sea blues, radiant corals, lush tropical greens, or cheerful floral patterns. These colors will reflect the lively spirit of the seaside setting.

Practical Touches

Don't forget the practicalities! Bring along a pair of nice sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. If the wedding is at the height of summer, a fan can be a stylish and functional addition to your outfit.

What not to wear to a beach wedding

Beach weddings are a chance to showcase your personality and rock some warm-weather favourites. However, it's important to remember that this isn't a family outing at the beach—it's a wedding, and your attire should reflect that. So, what should you avoid wearing to a beach wedding?

Firstly, steer clear of anything too casual or revealing. This includes T-shirts, denim, shorts, and rubber flip-flops. While it's important to stay comfortable, especially in warm weather, you still want to look elegant and respectful. For men, lightweight linen shirts paired with tailored trousers or chinos strike the right balance. Women can opt for elegant maxi dresses in breathable fabrics, combining style and practicality.

You also want to avoid heavy or cumbersome outfits and accessories. The soft sand and ocean breeze call for light and breezy fabrics like linen, chiffon, or cotton. Flowy maxi dresses, knee-length sundresses, and tailored shirts with chinos are excellent choices. When it comes to accessories, opt for delicate pieces like pearls or seashell-inspired jewellery. Avoid heavy jewellery that can be distracting or uncomfortable in the seaside breeze.

When it comes to footwear, comfort and practicality are key. Avoid formal shoes, high heels, and stilettos, which can be impractical and uncomfortable on sandy or uneven surfaces. Instead, go for stylish and comfortable options like sandals, wedges, or dressy flats. If you're worried about your feet getting dirty, choose shoes with open construction so you can easily shake out the sand.

While it's important to embrace colour and prints, stay away from dark colours or all-black outfits, which may appear too formal or somber for the cheerful beach atmosphere. Opt for lighter and brighter colours that reflect the sun-kissed beach vibe, such as aqua, coral, or pastel shades.

Lastly, while it may be tempting to pack your swimsuit, remember that a beach wedding is still a wedding. Leave the swimwear at home, and if you're unsure about the dress code, it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Frequently asked questions