From high heels sinking in the sand to guests boiling in dark suits: we've planned beach weddings from the Balearics to the Caribbean, and we see the same outfit mistakes at nearly every one.
So here's the honest, destination wedding planner's-eye guide to getting it right. What the dress code actually means, what to wear, and the traps we watch guests fall into year after year.
First, decode the invitation
Beach wedding dress codes are their own little language, and couples don't always translate.
"Beach formal" is the one that catches people out. It doesn't mean black tie on sand. It means a lightweight suit for men, no tie needed unless stated, and a midi or maxi dress for women. Elegant, but built for heat.
"Barefoot elegance" or "barefoot luxe" means exactly that. The couple wants shoes off for the ceremony. Wear something you're happy to be barefoot in, and don't build your whole look around the footwear.
"Beach casual" still means wedding. Not a holiday. Linen shirt and chinos, yes. Swim shorts and a vest, absolutely not.
And if the invitation says nothing at all? Ask the couple. Guests worry this is annoying. It isn't. Every couple we work with would far rather answer a quick message than have Uncle Dave turn up in football shorts!
For most of our destination wedding couples, we create a unique Pinterest board to be shared with the guests, full of outfits that fit the couple's vision, so they can see exactly the sort of thing they're hoping for to match the wedding theme. If your couple's working with a planner, it's worth asking if one exists before you make your beach wedding outfit decisions!
Fabric matters more than the outfit
More than anything you’ll want to think about choosing the right breathable fabric if it’s likely to be hot.
Heat and humidity are brutal on the wrong fabric. Linen, cotton, chiffon and lightweight silk breathe. Polyester and wool don't, and you'll know about it by the first reading.
Then there's the wind. Sea breezes are not gentle. Floaty dresses are lovely. Uncontrollably floaty can lead to unexpected ‘Marilyn Monroe windy subway’ moments. Midi lengths, wrap dresses with a proper fasten, and anything with a bit of weight in the hem will behave far better than featherlight layers.
One more from the planner's notebook: strapless struggles in a crosswind. A halter neck or straps gives you one less thing to think about.
Colours: think about the light, not just the sea
Keep this bit simple. Soft pastels, warm corals, greens and blues all look gorgeous against sand and sea, and they photograph beautifully. If in doubt, pick a colour you'd happily wear on holiday and just make it a wedding-worthy version.
Two to avoid. White is off limits, same as any wedding, and that includes cream and ivory. That's the couple's territory. And very pale, washed-out shades can disappear in bright sunshine, so if you're going light, go for something with a bit of colour in it.
Black isn't banned, whatever you've heard. But a heavy black outfit in Caribbean heat is a choice you'll regret by the starters.
You will also want to consider a change of clothes to freshen up if there is an evening aspect to the event. Many coastal locations can can turn cool the moment the sun drops, and you'll want a linen blazer or pashmina for the evening
Shoes, and the sand problem
Stiletto heels do not work on sand. You will sink, you will wobble, and you'll spend the ceremony thinking about your ankles instead of the couple.
Flat sandals, wedges or espadrilles for women. Loafers, boat shoes or smart sandals for men. If the reception moves onto a hard surface later, and at most of our weddings it does, pack the heels in your bag and change.
Quite a few of our couples now put a shoe station or basket at the edge of the sand. If you see one, use it. It's there because they've thought about this.
Beach Wedding Styling: Don’t Get Caught Out
As well as the tips above, you’ll also need to plan for the actual weather by checking the weather forecast for that time of year. Don’t just assume it’ll be wall-to-wall sunshine. The couple's planner will have a wet-weather plan, that's our job, but your outfit should have one too. A compact umbrella in your bag weighs nothing and a light wrap or blazer can keep you warm if the weather turns.
Follow this advice and you'll be comfortable, photograph beautifully, and actually enjoy the day. Which, as any planner will tell you, is what the couple wants most from their guests anyway.
And if all this talk of beaches has you dreaming about your own destination wedding? Take a look at the destination wedding planner service from Matthew Oliver Weddings today. We love planning destination beach weddings anywhere in the world including European locations such as Italy, France and Greece as well as more exotic locations such as the Caribbean! Get in touch with our friendly team of planning experts today.
