A Casual Beach Wedding
DO: Choose something airy and light, like a maxi dress or a crochet skirt with a silk cami. Dress simply, yet elegantly. Dont wear too many layers, and choose flats or shoes you can easily get on and off if youll be in the sand, Hovhannisyan suggests. DONT: Overdo the accessories. This setting calls for a light, natural look. Choose stud earrings or dainty dangly ones instead of big statement jewelry.
Beach Wedding Casual Attire
The most typical attire for a beach wedding is dressy casual. This usually means that lighter fabrics and brighter colors are the go-to look for common beach weddings. Style gurus will say that colorful, resort-ready styles are perfect for casual beach weddings.
Think of what you would consider beach style. This usually button up white shirts, or tropical accessories with lots of color. You may also think of lighter fabrics like linen or cotton. This style of dress is common for outdoor weddings.
These styles can be applied to a casual wedding setting. Think of what you would wear to a fancy dinner on a cruise or at a resort, and that should be the goal for more casual beach wedding attire. We still recommend avoiding flip flops and choosing a nicer sandal, however.
Types Of Beach Weddings And Looks You Should Aim For
You may be at a loss as to which garments make up the perfect beach wedding ensemble is it appropriate to wear your Hawaiian shirt from the 80s? Should you take your tuxedo to dry cleaning? What kind of shoes do you need? Should you wear themed or crazy mens socks? Should you go barefoot?
So many questions!
Of course, there is no simple answer to these questions, as with any other wedding, or, for that matter, life. Although beach weddings are, indeed, less stiff and conservative than traditional church weddings, there are several rules to keep in mind in relation to what kind of wedding the bride and the groom opted for. Yours is to respect their wishes and keep in line with the desired style of the wedding. It all depends on the following factors, all of which we will devote due attention to:
- The degree of formality
- Whether it is an indoor or outdoor wedding i.e. weather
- The theme of the wedding
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Semi Formal Wedding Attire For Guests
When it comes to semi formal weddings, its best to let the time and location guide your outfit choice. For example, if the wedding is taking place in the evening, try choosing dark, formal colors and more structured silhouettes. If it is taking place during the day, opt for light tones and breezy fabrics. As this dress code sits a notch above cocktail attire and just below formal attire, it is appropriate to wear a smart cocktail dress, jumpsuit, or long, dressy skirt and top.
Keep Things Light & Breezy With A Maxi Dress
Emily Herren of Champagne and Channel says that whenever she thinks of beach weddings, “a breezy maxi dress is the first thing that comes to mind,” especially ones with eye-catching floral designs.
“Maxi dresses are also very easy to dress up or down, depending on the dress code of the wedding. I would wear a simple sandal that won’t compete with the beautiful print of the dress.”
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Why Follow The Wedding Dress Code
It is a sign of respect for the couple and the event to get dressed up for a wedding, and your attire should always be respectful, conservative, and appropriate. But keep in mind, the rules of etiquette were designed to help one feel more at ease and comfortable in all social situations. So simply remember your cheerful presence at the wedding is what counts here, and you’re likely to have a good time no matter what you decide to wear.
Casual Wedding Attire For Guests
Many relaxed, outdoor ceremonies and receptions call for casual attire. The dress code, which is the most informal of all wedding dress codes, allows you to wear something comfortable. However, that doesnt mean you shouldnt also look chic. So, be sure to avoid jeans and tank tops unless they are stated as acceptable. Instead, opt for a sundress in a casual fabric or smart pants and a cute top if the weather is cold. When it comes to your feet, keep things laidback by swapping your usual stilettos for dressy sandals or low wedges.
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Beach Wedding Attire For Men And Women
The two biggest differences between beach wedding attire and other wedding dress codes lies in the color palette and footwear, says Pamela Spence, a wedding planner at Making Memories. You won’t typically see a little black dress and heels at a beach wedding. Utilize breathable fabrics, fun prints, and simple, high-end staples for an effortless-yet-refined beach wedding look. Avoid denim and cotton t-shirts at all costs, and only wear shorts or sandals if the venue/event is especially casual.
In addition to avoiding black, a traditional wedding guest color, consider small touches that lend toward the theme without going overboard. Carry a sweetgrass clutch or consider a fishtail braid for your hair to elegantly add a beachy vibe.
Beach Wedding Attire For Guests
Are you heading to a beach wedding this summer? Embrace the gorgeous setting with a lovely dress or jumpsuit. When shopping, look out for relaxed cuts, light flowing fabrics, and summery colors and prints. As it can be windy at the beach, maxi dresses are often more appropriate than short dresses. But, if youre keen to show off your tanned legs, go for it. Just remember to ensure your footwear is suitable for walking on sand. In other words, no stilettos.
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What Do You Wear To A 4 Pm Wedding
If you are attending a 4 pm wedding, you must first note the location and any dress code that the invitation has required. If it is a formal event or casual one, dress appropriately, choosing something that can easily be transitioned from day to night. You may want to bring a shawl or something similar to cover up in the evening if you expect it to get cold.
Cocktail Dress And Flat
Although we dont recommend wearing a formal gown , you can still look glammed-up in a cocktail dress. Your best bet is a short or mid-length dress, both of which will stay well out of the sand. Plus, if the sun is blazing during the ceremony, you wont overheat like you would in a long, stiff gown. On that note, we suggest wearing a halter top dress, one with an open back, or another style thatll keep you cool during the heat of the day.
For beach weddings, we love lightweight fabrics, such as lace, crepe, and chiffon, in medium and light neutral colors. Blush pink, lilac, mauve, and gray are all excellent picks in solid hues or subtle prints. For your shoes, we recommend flat-soled beach wedding sandals in a color that matches your dress. To create the appearance of longer legs in a short or midi cocktail dress, opt for nude shoes.
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What Always Works For The Guys
The dress code is even simpler for guys. Unless it’s a black tie affair, a tailored shirt, tie, slacks and a sport coat will see you though any ceremony. Seersucker and madras are fine for beach and summertime weddings, but stay away from giant palm leaves and other Hawaiian-style shirts. Regardless of what shirt you’re wearing, keep it tucked in unless the groom’s is untucked. Even at super-casual ceremonies, leave your flip-flops at the hotel unless the invitation specifically says it’s OK to wear them.
The Dress Code At A Black
Black tie means black tie, and you risk being a fashion faux pas if you don’t stick to the dress code.
“Traditionally, black tie means a gown and a tux,” Brown said of the attire for women and men.
The gown should be floor-length for women, and men should don a tuxedo. It’s what differentiates it from a black-tie optional wedding, Sabatino explained.
But that is changing as guests put their own spin on their fashion choices. Brown noted that weddings have become less formal as a whole.
“Nowadays the interpretation has become a looser,” she said. “You see people wearing shorter hemlines or wearing dressier suits that aren’t tuxedos,” she said. As long as it’s hinting at glamorous and luxurious, you should be in the clear.
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Smart Casual Or Semiformal
Dont be fooled by the word casual here. The couple does not want you to arrive in jeans. Men should wear a suit and tie but can take their jacket off later during the reception if the groom and groomsmen lead by example. Women will want to wear a cocktail dress or combine a very dressy skirt and top.
Best Tropical Beach Wedding Guest Dresses $89
This is one of the most popular tropical beach wedding guest dresses of the year, probably because of this stunning shade of sage green and the gorgeous silhouette. This dress features thin straps, a deep v-neckline, and a waist tie for a flattering look. The length of the skirt is a floor-length maxi, made for dancing! Buy here.
shop here
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Choose Elevated Sandals Over Traditional Heels
As for footwear, Chatiagne is a fan of strappy sandals that can go from the beach to the dance floor, since you can pack them for the wedding but also wear them for the rest of your vacation.
“I love the metallic accent that gives a bit of elegance,” Chatiagne says. “No one will notice that they are flats with the tie up detail. So on point this season.”
Smart Casual Wedding Attire For Guests
Received an invite to a smart casual wedding? Dont panic. This relatively informal type of attire leaves you with plenty of outfit options. To nail the look, remember to keep your ensemble elegant and easygoing. Instead of fancy dresses and gowns, try opting for a stylish midi dress. Alternatively, consider pairing a midi skirt or cropped pants with an on-trend top. As for footwear, stick to sandals, wedges, or block heels.
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What Never To Wear To A Wedding
Jeans, Hats, Non-Collared Shirts
The standard rules of being well-dressed for a wedding still apply, so just like a restaurant or private club, the warning of ripped jeans, baseball hats, and non-collared shirts aren’t appropriate –unless it’s at the request of the couple that you dress down.
White or Off-White
Please don’t wear white or off-white dresses or anything that could perhaps photograph as white. Head- to-toe white suits or jumpsuits are also off-limits, too. Pale pastels like the palest blues, greens, yellows, grays, nudes and blushes all have a tendency to look lighter than they are in photos. A white wrap or sweater to throw on if you get chilly is generally fine, especially if it’s after the ceremony. Prints with some white elements are ok but just be sure the colors are much more predominant than any white background. We wrote a whole post about wearing white to a wedding, but we’re sure you get it — please, just don’t!
Anything Too Revealing or Too Short
And of course, don’t wear anything too short or revealing, and don’t look unkempt or wrinkled. If you have to fight with your outfit to keep parts of your body you’d rather not show, it might not be the right choice.
Anything too Formal or Glamourous for the Requested Dress Code
The Wedding Party Colors and Styles
Head to Toe Black,
Red in Some Cases
Even after those general wedding guest attire guidelines, there can still be many gray areas. We’ll go into much more detail about wedding dress codes below!
What Should A Female Guest Wear To A Wedding
Female guests should wear outfits that they are comfortable in and that is modest yet chic. Depending on the wedding venue and the theme, the dress code can change, but in general, it is best to avoid showing too much skin, do not pick anything low cut, and keep your heels to an appropriate length. Tea-length dresses, midi dresses, and maxi lengths are all wonderful options for a female wedding guest. You can also wear a jumpsuit or a pantsuit.
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Where To Buy Beach Wedding Attire
If youre interested, one of the best places to shop beach wedding guest dresses is Lulus. Their beach wedding guest dresses have their own dedicated section here, which makes it easy to shop by length, color, size, style, and even sleeve.
You can also sort by most popular, top-rated, or by price. I love how you can access tons of real reviews and ratings by customers, along with photos taken from Real Weddings. What a fun way to shop! You can really envision how the dress will look on you.
Plus, right now theyre having free shipping on $50+ and free returns for a limited time here.
If you prefer more luxury, you can shop formal or semi-formal beach wedding guest dresses here at BHLDN. They have tons of new dresses added all the time in rich, luxe fabrics and materials.
Lets get started you have a beach dress to shop for! 🙂
Summer Beach Wedding: The Best Accessories
For Him: Ties are great but they can cause and catch sweat, so a good alternative is a bowtie. Depending on the wedding theme, you can also wear a fedora hat to shade your face. A pocket square will not only look dapper, it will be a useful way to wipe away any sweat if it gets too hot.
For Her: You dont need a lot of accessories for a beach wedding as simplicity often works best, but a statement piece is necessary to bring your entire attire together. A chunky necklace or bracelet would work really well with any long chiffon dress or midi floral.
Other accessories you may need include a hand fan, a portable USB fan, sunglasses, and maybe even an umbrella these will help you keep cool during the ceremony. Rechargeable misting fans are a great idea, too.
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Finally A Wedding Guest Dress Code Dos And Donts Etiquette List:
- DONTEVER WEAR WHITE unless specially instructed to do so in the wedding invite. White is the brides exclusive colour for the day.
- DONTBEAR IT ALL. Mini skirts, bulging bosoms and tight, see-through dresses are a no-no.
- DOMAKE AN EFFORT. At a wedding, its not cool to look like you just dont care.
- DONTBREAK THE BANK. Consider jazzing up a smart work outfit with dressy accessories. If need be, borrow or rent the attire you need.
- DOTAKE YOUR GLOVES OFF WHEN EATING at a formal wedding.
- DONTDRESS LOUD. As a guest, you should blend in and let the couple have the limelight.
