These days, more and more modern brides choose destination weddings over the traditional church wedding. The beach wedding is probably the most popular non-traditional ceremony option for modern couples.

If you’re considering a wedding ceremony with a spectacular view of the beach’s sunset, the sand and the surf, then the beach wedding would be perfect for you and your significant other. Think about it; the setting is absolutely picturesque, and the destination, completely romantic. The beach provides you the ultimate wedding backdrop.

Take gorgeous pictures and look and feel like the perfect bride with your fabulous beach wedding dress and a wonderful groom by your side. You’ve already got the groom, and you’ve made your choice about the setting—it seems like all you have to worry about is your beach wedding dress.

Worry no more, we’re here to help! Provided below is a list of tips and explanations designed to help you find the perfect beach wedding dress.

What Is It?

As you can already gather from its name, the beach wedding dress pertains to the bride’s garb during her beach wedding ceremony. Beach weddings are a lot more informal compared to church weddings.

While some brides actually wear lovely and lightweight dresses for their sandy walk down the aisle, other brides prefer to go for white bikinis complete with an almost see-through sarong. Your choice of beach wedding attire depends fully on how formal or how casual you want your wedding ceremony to be.

Why We Love It:

Due to their informal nature, beach wedding dresses are a lot simpler and easier to wear than their elegant, intricate and heavily designed counterparts. It doesn’t mean that your choice of dress should be any less elegant or special than those dresses worn for church weddings; it only means that you’ll need a different kind of gown or dress.

Regardless of how informal your beach wedding dress appears, the right cut and the right dress style can help make your informal dress look glamorous and classy. Just like their formal counterparts, informal wedding dresses come in various shapes, colors, sizes and designs.

We also absolutely adore beach wedding dresses simply because these can be bought off the rack. You can purchase a simple cocktail or casual white dress from any store and it instantly becomes your perfect beach wedding dress.

Wave goodbye to alterations and months of waiting for your dress to be finished, with the beach wedding dress it only takes a week or two before you can pronounce your dress wedding-worthy.

There’s a beach wedding dress designed to flatter your figure, show off your assets and mask whatever not-so-flattering areas you want to hide. The key to finding that perfect beach wedding dress is knowing where to look and what to look for.

Where to Look

Finding a great bridal boutique is not necessary when it comes to buying your casual beach wedding dress. There are numerous stores that sell breezy white dresses that can easily be transformed into your perfect wedding dress.

If you’re a stickler for rules, then you will be pleased to know that a number of bridal boutiques sell a wide variety of beach wedding dresses. Prices for these dresses vary depending on the style and the design of the dress.

Another great option is to purchase your beach wedding dress online or through a catalog. There are numerous options to choose from! Pick the beach wedding dress that flatters your figure best.

What to Look For:

Picking out the perfect beach wedding dress is a matter of style and practicality. First and foremost, you need to take the weather into consideration. Remember that beaches may be sunny, but most of the time they are also really windy. Pick a dress that won’t blow over your head or get tangled around your ankles. If you’re wearing either a veil or a hat, just make sure that these accessories are pinned securely in place.

If you’re heading to the beach during fall or winter, the beach will definitely be a lot colder than usual. It’s highly impractical to choose a winter beach wedding and march down the aisle with your toes freezing, wearing nothing more than a skimpy white bikini.

As for aesthetics, take into consideration your body shape, physical assets and problem areas when picking your beach wedding dress. If you’re pear-shaped then a mermaid dress may only make your hips appear wider. If you’re top-heavy with little or no hips to show, then a skin-tight number would only emphasize your apple-shaped figure.

Also consider the length of your gown and your sleeve-length. Strapless beach wedding dresses may be the most famous choice, but if you’re feeling self-conscious over jiggling arms, then go for a lightweight and possibly sheer wedding dress over clothes. You can also show off your gorgeous collar bones and shoulders with a lovely spaghetti-strapped number.

Make your beach wedding dress choice based on what suits you, not on what’s popular or “in season”.

Here’s a video for beach wedding dress samples.

Finding the Right Accessories

Because beach wedding dresses are very casual, most brides choose to forgo the veil. If you, however, want to follow tradition, then go for a veil that’s not too elaborate but matches your dress. Instead of a veil, you can also wear rhinestone encrusted or studded barrettes, a hair band or even fresh flowers to adorn your hair.

You can go for an updo, although it’s more preferable to go for a simple hairstyle. A half-up, half-down hairstyle is very romantic and feminine. You can also let your hair down or go for a simple yet sleek ponytail for a youthful and carefree look.

As for footwear, remember that stilettos belong on paved floors and not sandy beaches. Go for simple flip flops, flats or strappy sandals. If none of this footwear appeals to you, then simply go barefoot. A way to make your footwear appear more elegant is to have beaded straps on slippers and sandals.