Beach weddings are a beautiful and romantic way to tie the knot, with the sound of waves crashing and the sun setting on the horizon behind the happy couple. Choosing the right outfit to wear as a guest at a beach wedding, however, can be tricky. Beyond the bridal bikini and cozy coverups, you want to look stylish and appropriate for the occasion, of course, but also stay comfortable in the warm weather.
In terms of the dress code for a beach wedding, chances are, the invitation says something like “cocktail attire,” “dressy casual,” or “beach chic.” Sounds simple, right? But when you factor in the sand, sun, and salty air, chances are, you’re starting to second-guess that trusty LBD.
The first step to choosing the perfect beach wedding outfit is identifying the venue. Will the event occur on the beach, or is it overlooking a beach at a nearby seaside locale? Though a seemingly slight difference, the experts at Brides explain it matters:
“‘If the location simply overlooks the beach on a rooftop or patio, then just plan your outfit as usual’... If, however, the ceremony and/or reception takes place in the sand, you can dress with confidence and adhere to the beachy vibes.”1
Either way, a beach wedding is the perfect opportunity to have some fun with your outfit. Whether you don a shorter hemline, brighter color, louder pattern, or deeper neckline than usual, follow these general guidelines as you consider what to wear:
- A fun print, bright color, and shorter hemline will do for most casual beach weddings (i.e., the ceremony and/or reception will take place in the sand).
- If the wedding is more formal (think: the venue overlooks the beach), a midi or maxi dress (or even a jumpsuit!) is appropriate, and you typically want to opt for solid, lighter colors.
With all that in mind, we've compiled a comprehensive guide featuring some of our favorite ViX pieces to help you select the perfect beach wedding outfit. From dresses and jumpsuits to rompers and blouses, we have plenty of options to make you the best-dressed on the beach (besides the bride, of course).
Dress Options for a Beach Wedding
When it comes to beach wedding attire, dresses are always a popular choice. And for good reason, too. They're light and flowy—exactly what you want to wear in an ocean setting. A beach wedding is also the perfect occasion to play with color and pattern or spice up a classic silhouette with a plunging neckline or low back. So, without further ado, here’s our roundup of ViX dresses to wear to a beach wedding:
#1 The Perfect Beach Wedding Dress: The Audrey Detail Short Dress in Lime
Crafted from a rich silk blend, The Audrey Detail Short Dress features a flirty, plunging neckline, low back, and extra-long straps with 24k-gold end caps that will sparkle in the sunshine. And the prettiest accessory to pair with this lime cutie? A tan.
How to Style It:
- Since heels are a no-go on the beach, we recommend a pair of comfortable sandals that you will wear long after the music stops.
- These dimensional, gold-pendant earrings feature a unique, asymmetrical oval. They are the perfect complement to Audrey's gold details.
- Pull it together with the Greta Bag, a paper-straw bag with a delicate chain for a casual beach-to-street look.
#2 Elegant and Comfortable Beach Wedding Dress: The Audrey Detail Long Dress in Duala
For a more formal beach wedding, the Audrey Detail Long Dress is sure to turn heads. Made with a lightweight and flowy silk-blend fabric, the Audrey cranks up the heat with its plunging neckline, low back, and versatile straps that can be adjusted to give you a custom, luxurious look.
How to Style It:
- Make a statement with our Horn Earrings, a hoop earring with one horn ornament for a special accessory moment.
- A straw clutch never goes out of style and is perfect for holding all the necessities while you tear up the dance floor.
- Elevate your look with the Peggy Sandal—the leather ankle straps and captivating gold-plated pendant perfectly match Audrey's design.
#3 The Romantic Beach Wedding Dress: The Flora Midi Dress in Ballet
Looking for love on the beach? This romantic midi dress is the perfect balance of sweet and sexy. Designed in a luscious, lightweight fabric with a sultry hand-embellished sequin neckline, get ready to make waves in The Flora.
How to Style It:
- Since the Flora is a show-stopper all on its own, we suggest keeping accessories to a minimum. A pair of dainty earrings and classic sandals are all you need to complete this look.
Jumpsuits and Rompers for a Beach Wedding
If you're searching for an alternative to dresses, jumpsuits, and rompers are a great option. They're comfortable, stylish, and perfect for sinking your toes into the sand at a beach wedding. Here are some of our favorite ViX jumpsuits and rompers for a beach wedding:
#4 Chic and Comfortable Beach Wedding Jumpsuit: The Luana Detail Jumpsuit in Zen
The one-and-done Luana Detail Jumpsuit is ideal for any getaway, especially a beach wedding. It’s designed to evoke flirtatious femininity in a linen-blend fabric that will keep you cool while looking hot. With cut-out details, gold bead accents, and flowy pants, the Luana takes you from cocktails to the after-party in chic comfort.
How to Style It:
- The Callas Sandal is ideal if you’re looking for a bit of height thanks to its solid wood-block, low heel. It’s designed with thin straps that frame the foot, plus an adjustable ankle strap that makes it easy to find your perfect fit.
- Dress up your look with our chunky Hoop Earrings—a must-have in every closet.
#5 A Fun and Flirty Beach Wedding Jumper: The Serena Detail Mini Jumper in Zen
If you're hoping for a more fun and flirty option, this mini jumper brings sophistication and glamour. Plus, the Zen color is a beautiful shade of blue to complement the ocean setting. The detail on the neckline adds a touch of sophistication, while the flowy shorts will keep you dancing all night long.
How to Style It:
- Accentuate your neckline with the Anik Necklace that’s just as much a piece of art as it is jewelry.
- Make a statement with the Paige Sandal, a versatile lace-up design you'll want to wear all summer.
- With its straw body and genuine leather trims, bring along everything you need for a beach wedding—and more—in the Bianca Bag. Might we suggest packing your bikini? You know, just in case.
Blouses for a Beach Wedding
For a versatile beach wedding ensemble, opt for a blouse that can be paired with a matching skirt to create a complete outfit. The best part? When the wedding’s over, you can easily throw on a pair of white jeans for a laidback, beachy-chic look.
#6 The Casual Beach Wedding Blouse: The Celine Detail Blouse in Cactus
The Celine Detail Blouse in Cacuts is our pick for a casual beach wedding blouse. Designed in a linen-blend fabric, this sleeveless stunner features an eye-catching, 24k-crushed-gold plated pendant.
How to Style It:
- Pair the Celine with our matching Clara Long Skirt for an elegant, sea-green silhouette.
- No shoes? No problem. An anklet adds just the right amount of shimmer.
Find Unique Beach Wedding Outfits at ViX
At ViX, we’re passionate about combining exquisite prints, colors, fabrics, and unique accents into hand-crafted pieces for women who appreciate beauty, quality, and attention to detail. As you consider what to wear to your next beach wedding, remember to keep in mind the venue and weather that way you can party the night away in comfort and style. Our collection of resort wear—plus jewelry, bags, and sandals—has everything you need for a special occasion in the sand. Now, let’s get packing!
Sources:
- “A Guide to Beach Wedding Attire for Men and Women.” Brides, www.brides.com/beach-wedding-attire-4842339
