For brides-to-be planning a beach wedding, finding the perfect beachy wedding dress can be a bit tricky. Many traditional wedding dresses feel too fussy for a laid-back beach ceremony or destination wedding. Plus, you'll need to factor in the elements: sand, wind, water, and warm summer weather.
So to help you find the perfect gown for your big day, we've rounded up the best beach wedding dresses, and destination wedding dresses below.
What type of wedding dress is best for a beach wedding?
Because of the sandy surface and often windy conditions, not every wedding dress will work well for a beach wedding. The best beach wedding dresses feel easy, breezy, and effortless. Many beach wedding dresses feature shorter hemlines and slimmer silhouettes that look stunningly styled barefoot or with a boho flower crown. Here are a few key details to look for in the best beach wedding dresses:
- Less formal— Beach weddings are typically more casual than weddings held in traditional church settings. For casual ceremonies, stick to lightweight cotton or silk wedding dresses elevated by intricate details like eyelet embroidery, lace trim, or sparkly embellishments.,
- Shorter hemline— To avoid dragging your skirt through the sand, consider getting a dress that is tea length or midi length instead of a traditional full-length skirt. Steer clear of poofy ball gowns and heavy trains.
- Warm weather-friendly fabric— Instead of heavy satin, opt for a lighter fabric that won't cause you to overheat in hot, humid beach weather. The best material for beach wedding dresses are natural materials like silk or cotton.
- Breezy design details— For added breeziness, look for styles that show a bit of skin while still feeling classy enough to wear while you tie the knot. Best beach wedding dresses design details include open backs, spaghetti straps, sheer panels, and skin-baring thigh-high slit.
- Sexy silhouette— Because of the beachy setting, it's a-okay for the bride to show a bit more skin. To keep it classic, look for bridal gowns made using lace, tulle, or sheer fabric with a nude lining underneath.
- Bohemian-inspired styles— Seaside nuptials often have a boho feel. To bring a bohemian feel to your big day, look for beautiful beach wedding dresses with a flowy skirt, lace details, and a romantic open back.
The Best Beach Wedding Dresses
Amsale Willow Bow Dress
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This unique Amsale Willow Bow Dress offers modern brides two beach-friendly looks in one. The body-con midi dress features a fully removable bow that snaps on and off for two distinct looks at your beachside ceremony and reception. Not to mention, the fluttering satin train makes for a stunning photo if the wind starts to pick up mid-vows. Alternatively, Amsale's Willow Bow Dress makes the perfect choice for a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner.
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Reformation's Gimlet Dress is a great sustainable option for eco-friendly brides. The chic bridal style features a fitted bodice with ruffled off-the-shoulder straps and a smocked back bodice that's strapless bra-friendly. Its relaxed skirt features a sexy thigh-high slit that shows off a bit of skin and looks absolutely beautiful, fluttering in the breeze. The lightweight
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This unforgettable Bronx and Banco Medeleine Dress stand out from the sea of beachy wedding dresses. The short lace gown features semi-sheer panels, three-quarter length sleeves, and a sleek exposed back zipper. A partial mesh lining provides just the right amount of coverage without sacrificing one bit of sexiness or luxury.
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This effortless Sachin & Babi Darcy Gown (available exclusively at BHLDN) has an understated but undeniably glamorous feel. The airy gown features off-the-shoulder puff sleeves and a flowy full-length skirt made of silk chiffon in a beachy ivory shade. Its sense of timeless romance is sure to look just as chic when you're looking through your wedding photos fifty years from now!
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Lulu Luxe's Remarkable Moment White Floral Embroidered Lace-Up Maxi Dress is a great choice for a beach wedding or destination wedding. Its hourglass-accentuating mermaid silhouette features a sexy lace-up open back, straight neckline, spaghetti straps, and a cascading chiffon train on the back. The intricate floral lace embroidery is delicately embellished with subtle clear rhinestones that will sparkle in the sun.
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The Bronx and Banco's Fiona Bridal Gown is sure to make your guests swoon as you walk down the aisle. The elegant satin bodice boasts intricate pearl and bead embellishments, and the embroidered mesh skirt has floral appliques that bring a slight boho feel. Its subtle high-low hemline works perfectly for a wedding ceremony on the sand.
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When it comes to beach wedding dresses, sometimes less is more. This Love of Details White Lace Dress Backless Wedding Dress boasts a simple silhouette with a plunging v neckline and sheer maxi skirt with a sexy thigh-high slit. Underneath lies a nude stretch-knit bodysuit with two snap closures for total coverage as you walk down the aisle, twirl on the dancefloor, and toss your bouquet. Thanks to its lightweight cotton lace material and airy design, the minimalist lace gown is perfect for a beach ceremony or destination wedding.
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This effortless Barzelai Bohemian Open-Back Beach Wedding Dress is the perfect gown for minimalist brides looking to bring a subtle boho feel to their wedding day. The elegant beach wedding dress features a fitted waist, flowy bell skirt, open back, and chic lace straps. Plus, its v-neckline and embroidered lace sleeve are embellished for added glamour. The gorgeous gown is available in both white and broken white.
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This Jesus Bridal Embroidered Lace Beach Wedding Dress is equally as elegant as it is sexy. The airy tulle and satin dress features a plunging v-neckline, spaghetti straps, a dramatic low back, and a flowing skirt with a high slit. Its upper half is covered in intricate lace embroidery that makes for gorgeous close-up photos. In addition to a range of dress sizes 2-16, the beach wedding dress can also be custom-made to your exact measurements.
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Lulus' Special Moments White Crochet Lace Two-Piece Wedding Dress offers a fashion-forward alternative to a traditional lace wedding dress. The two-piece bridal set features a darted cropped bodice with short sleeves and a modest v-neck and a full-length maxi skirt with a hip-hugging sheath silhouette that accentuates your curves. Both pieces are lined with a lightweight beige stretch knit material to keep you fully covered and comfortable on the beach.
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Make your wedding day a day to remember in this elegant Tunisia Bridal Gown from the Australian bridal label the Bronx and Banco. It's cut with a flattering fit and flare silhouette with shoulder ties that accentuate the sophisticated beaded bodice and plunging neckline. The light, airy tulle fabric is covered in floral embroidery and sequin embellishments.
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This flirty Belle Dress from Sau Lee is the perfect beach wedding dress for a casual, spur-of-the-moment ceremony by the sea. Its sweetheart neckline, intricately woven fil coup tulle fabric and romantic tea-length silhouette will have you feeling sweet, sassy, and just the right amount of sexy. The fitted bodice features padded underwire cups and adjustable shoulder straps that provide the perfect amount of support for the dance floor.
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For the bohemian bride, there's this breathtaking LoveShackFancy Norma Dress. Its 100% cotton lace fabric, square neckline, scalloped skirt hem, and flutter sleeves bring a classic boho feel that's perfect for a casual beach wedding. The center front boasts eye-catching lace insets and sunflower embroidery. Brides can choose between two equally wedding-worthy colors: classic white or pale pink.
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This sleek Romi Bridal Gown from Bronx and Banco is designed with a minimalist bride in mind. Its silk satin fabric brings beachy sophistication to the figure-hugging fit and flare wedding gown. The plunging neckline is perfectly balanced by lightly padded shoulders that (along with a waist-cinching detachable sash) accentuates your hourglass shape. Plus, the ankle-skimming hem is ideal for going barefoot on the beach.
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Looking to show a bit more skin while you say I do? This breathtaking Bohemian Beach Wedding Dress with Lace Embroidery from Reve Couture comes unlined, allowing you to choose how much skin you want to show. It can be paired with a nude or white bodysuit or slip. The boho wedding dress features dramatic three-quarter length sleeves, a plunging v-neck, a full-length skirt with a thigh-high slit, and an open back with an adjustable closure.
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Be prepared to turn heads in this stunning Alexandra Embroidery Beach Wedding Dress with Slit. The strapless corset wedding dress is made from lightweight tulle embellished with 3D floral appliques and glittering Swarovski stones. Its rich, milky color and dreamy skirt are sure to bring an ethereal, romantic feel to your big day. But heads up, this made-to-measure dress takes at least two months to create, so you'll want to order your dress well ahead of your big day at the beach.
