There’s so much to love about a beach wedding. From the soft sand and lapping waves to the healthy breeze and endless vista, these beautiful elements make for even more beautiful ceremonies. But if you want your big day to go off without a hitch, you have to consider how the beach setting affects every detail of the ceremony, including your bridal party. Here, we walk you through how to choose the perfect bridesmaid dresses for a beach wedding so that your crew can feel stunning and comfortable all day long.
Beach Wedding Basics: What Should You Plan For?
Beach weddings present unique challenges that don’t exist in traditional indoor venues.
Unique Weather
Coastal areas often experience unpredictable weather patterns. If you’re planning your beach wedding in a warm or tropical region, however, you can generally expect hot weather, elevated humidity levels, and the potential for rain (depending on the season).
Moreover, the sun’s intensity at beach locations can be particularly strong, especially during midday ceremonies. This means both sun protection and fabric considerations should be important factors in your dress selection process.
Shifting, Finicky Sand
Sand presents mobility challenges that concrete and grass don’t. On a beach, heels are impractical, as are floor-length gowns that drag on the ground. After all, your bridesmaids need to navigate not just the ceremony space but also photo locations along the shoreline.
Fabric: What Should the Dresses Be Made Of?
The fabric of your bridesmaids’ dresses should be breathable and offer sufficient sun protection.
Breathable Natural Fibers
The best beachy materials are natural fibers, including cotton, linen, and authentic silk chiffon. Now, with the exception of chiffon, bridesmaid dresses don’t typically come in natural fibers. Though you can find beautiful cotton and linen gowns, they’re more suited to a rustic, earthy wedding. If that’s your vibe, however, then go for it! Your bridesmaids will look as lovely as they feel.
Sweat-Wicking Synthetic Options
The more practical options are synthetic fabrics that wick away moisture because your bridesmaids will be sweating under the sun. You can keep them comfortable with materials like rayon, nylon, and polyester. The best part is that plenty of bridesmaid dresses are made of these materials, so you just need to focus on choosing the right length, style, and color, which we discuss in detail farther down.
Fabrics You Should Avoid
Heavy satins and taffetas can become uncomfortably warm and don’t move well in ocean breezes. On the other hand, ultra-delicate fabrics like pure silk can be damaged by salt air and sand.
Style: What’s the Best Length and Silhouette?
The length and silhouette of your bridesmaids’ dresses affect both their appearance and functionality at beach venues.
Length
Tea-length dresses hit the sweet spot for beach weddings. They’re formal enough for the occasion, will photograph beautiful, and won’t drag in the sand. Midi-length options offer similar benefits.
Floor-length dresses can work, but they’re not recommended. If you must choose long gowns, select styles with higher slits or A-line silhouettes that won’t gather sand. Avoid mermaid or other fitted styles that will make it too hard to walk on shifting sand.
Silhouette
A-line dresses flatter most body types and move beautifully in ocean breezes. They’re comfortable for extended wear and photograph well from all angles.
Empire waist styles work excellently for beach settings. They’re particularly flattering for bridesmaids who are pregnant or prefer a looser fit.
Again, you just want to avoid restrictive styles that hug the legs or wrap too tightly around the bodice. Outdoor ceremonies can be a bit uncomfortable at times, and you don’t want your bridesmaids’ dresses making matters worse.
Color: How Can the Dresses Complement the Beach Setting?
Beach venues are naturally beautiful, and your color choices should enhance rather than compete with the environment.
Ocean-Inspired Hues
Soft blues, from powder to periwinkle, or seafoam green and sage will look great against the ocean backdrop. These colors photograph beautifully against sand and complement most skin tones.
Warm Sunset Tones
Coral and peach tones echo beautiful beach sunsets and create warmth in photos. These colors work particularly well for afternoon and evening ceremonies.
Sandy Neutrals
Champagne and taupe are elegant neutrals that merge with the sandy earth beneath everyone’s feet and won’t compete with your white dress.
Bringing It All Together With Practical Accessories and Styling Tips
Once you’ve decided on the gowns, it’s time to move on to accessories and styling choices that can improve the practicality of your bridesmaids’ outfits.
Footwear Solutions
Heels are a no-go! Instead, choose formal sandals or flats. Alternatively, you can hold a barefoot ceremony and have your girls wear foot jewelry to elevate the aesthetic.
Hair and Makeup Considerations
Beach weddings require long-lasting, weather-resistant beauty looks. Discuss with your beauty team about products that can withstand humidity and wind. Updos and braided styles work well because they keep hair controlled in ocean breezes.
Elegant Layering Options
Provide light wraps or shawls for your ladies when the evening temperature drops. Choose options that complement the dress colors and overall aesthetic.
Final Tips
Here are some final tips on choosing the perfect bridesmaid dresses for a beach wedding:
- Start shopping early to allow for alterations and shipping.
- Consider having a backup plan for weather-related issues.
- Consider your bridesmaids’ comfort and budget.
- Order fabric samples before making final decisions.
Create Your Perfect Beach Wedding at Alexandra’s Boutique
Your beach wedding is going to be a beautiful, unforgettable event, especially if you pay attention to the details. Your bridesmaids are sure to appreciate the effort you invest in finding comfortable, beach-ready gowns that make them feel comfortable and gorgeous throughout the ceremony.
Now that you know how to choose the right gowns, all that you’re missing is a place to shop. Well, you’re already there! Alexandra’s Boutique has a wide selection of bridesmaid dresses in Massachusetts, the location of our storefront. You can browse our styles online and then come in for personalized support and advice from one of our expert stylists. We look forward to helping your beach wedding be everything it can be for both you and your bridal party!