How to Choose a Beach Wedding Dress

When it comes to beach weddings, the dress is just as important as the location. After all, you want to look and feel your best on your big day! Wedding day factors such as humidity, heat and sand could have an impact on choosing your dream beach wedding gown. While True Society boutiques carry wedding dresses made from a variety of fabrics, some are better suited for beach weather conditions than others. To help you narrow your choices, here’s a quick guide to beach wedding dresses for the big day and how to style them with the right accessories! 

The most important factor to consider when picking out beach wedding dresses is the fabric. While True Society boutiques carry wedding dresses made from a variety of dress fabric types, some are better suited for beach weather conditions. Wedding dresses like tulle, chiffon and lace are lightweight and breathable, making them an excellent choice for summer and destination weddings. 

Whether your wedding vibe is more boho chic or simple romance, there is a beach wedding gown that will fit your bridal style. Keep reading to learn more about the best fabrics to choose when picking out a beach wedding dress! 

Beach brides will shimmer in the sun wearing Stella York Style 7560! The light tulle fabric of this A-line skirt will move beautifully in the wind, while the strapless lace bodice with delicate buttons on the back will add a beautiful structure to the gown. Touches of sparkling floral appliques are sprinkled throughout the skirt. A beach wedding is a great time to show off a little skin, and the flirty leg slit on this strapless gown does just that! 

Effortless yet elegant, the All Who Wander north gown is everything a boho bride dreams of for their beach wedding dress! The softness of the ivory lace floral appliques makes this fabric a fabulous choice for an outdoor wedding on the sand. The north gown features an on-trend square neckline and wide set straps that beautifully showcase the décolletage. A vintage-inspired fishnet and tulle skirt creates flowy movement with every step that will make for the most romantic photos along the shoreline. 

Sweet and simple, Essense of Australia Style D3339 is a beautiful option for a destination wedding dress! Made of chiffon, a fabric that is light and airy, this gown is ideal for traveling to the beaches of Mexico or an island in the Florida Keys. A classic A-line skirt meets a V-neckline bodice adorned a structured lace pattern. This breezy fabric will make for a beautiful walk down the sandy aisle! 

One of the best parts of having a beach wedding is that you can choose how elevated or casual you want your beach wedding style to be! For the minimalist bride wanting a casual beach wedding dress, the key is to keep it as simple as possible.   

Focus on the silhouette and neckline of the gown rather than dresses with heavy beadwork or over-the-top embellishments. A flowy chiffon gown with a minimal train, like Stella York Style 6840, will make for a fuss-free bridal look for a beachside ceremony.  

On the other hand, who says a beach wedding gown can’t be formal? For brides looking to elevate their wedding dress style specifically for a beachside ceremony, look for gowns like Stella York Style 7855 made with luxurious but lightweight fabrics like tulle or organza that have beaded bodices or lace accents on the skirts.  

A dress with a detachable sleeve can also make a look more dramatic. You can also infuse extra elegance by adding a longer train but be sure to keep the considerations of the sand and water if you are saying your vows in the sand. Don’t be afraid to ask your True Crew stylist for ideas on how to adjust, elevate or customize your look! 

First, make sure to choose a dress that fits your body type. If you’re pear-shaped, look for a dress that cinches at the waist and flows out over your hips. If you have an hourglass figure, opt for a mermaid-style dress that hugs your curves. And if you’re plus-size and petite, don’t be afraid to go for a short dress — it will make your legs look miles long!  

At True Society, we are obsessed with helping brides find their dream wedding dress, no matter their size, style or the location of their wedding day. That is why we have put together a curated collection of our top plus size beach wedding dresses, so if you are looking for flattering bridal gown for your seaside ceremony, check them out here. 

For beach weddings, many brides think that less is often more, but even if you have a casual wedding dress, you can still add a little bit of sparkle through your bridal jewelry. To capture the beach bride aesthetic, steer clear of heavy full-glam pieces and instead opt for a delicate necklace or a sweet pair of simple studs. You could also consider adding a bracelet made with mother of pearl to truly embrace the aesthetic of your wedding location!  

Shoes are another important detail for beach wedding dresses since many beach brides get married on the sand. Sand can be uneven and difficult to walk on, so we recommend brides tailor their options to a comfortable yet chic sandal, low-block heel or a fun sneaker to keep it fashionable yet comfortable. Beach brides also have the option to go completely barefoot, and not wear shoes all together. 

For a beach wedding set on a dock or further away from the sand, there can be more flexibility with your shoe style.  A pair of white heels with pearl accents, woven wedges or a thicker stiletto heel with tulle bows will look beautiful in a seaside setting! 

Lastly, let’s not forget the veil! A classic long wedding veil will look beautiful flowing in the wind with your summer wedding dress. If you are worried about your veil dragging through sand or getting ripped, choose a fingertip or shoulder-length veil instead.

If a bridal veil isn’t quite your style, ask your True Crew stylist about other bridal hair accessories available. Boho brides can add a floral crown that matches their bouquet or accent a simple wedding dress with dainty pearl hair pins. 

Find a store near you and book an appointment today and let our True Crew help you pick the beach wedding dress of your dreams! Availability varies by store.