5 Tips on Choosing a Wedding Dress for your Destination Wedding

Aside from venue and location, picking a wedding dress is one of the biggest choices you have to make as a bride. Whether you want to look mature and sexy or like a princess, there are countless dresses to choose from and it can be tough to know where to start! I have worked with many brides throughout my career, and I was a beach bride myself, so I want to share the advice I've learned about selecting the bridal gown that’s right for your destination.

I recently went to visit Hello Beautiful Bridal Boutique in Red Deer, Alberta, and got to play dress up with a handful of gorgeous dresses! These dresses were handpicked by the owner, Melissa, specifically with destination weddings in mind. Here are the 5 dresses we selected, along with why they'd be perfect for your destination wedding. And, for fun, I've matched a passport invitation template that would be perfect for the style of wedding dress!

Click here to watch the video showcasing all these dresses!

1. Flowy + Organic || All Who Wander / Estele

FLOWERY BOHO FIT-AND-FLARE WEDDING DRESS WITH DETACHABLE BELL SLEEVES

This dress features detachable sleeves and 3D lace (both are HUGE trends for 2023!) and even though there are many layers, this dress felt so incredibly lightweight and flowy! The layers of tulle were similar to my own wedding dress on my big day, and let me tell you it made me feel like a princess! A bonus of a dress like this? The material on the bottom is not actually touching your body - but the fit and flare flatters your figure.

Wedding Invitation Template: Tropical Palma

2. Classy + Lightweight || Martina Liana / 1453

GLAMOROUS STRAPLESS SILK SATIN SHEATH WEDDING DRESS WITH OFF-THE-SHOULDER STRAPS

This dress looks so simple on the rack, but it is so incredibly flattering! Have you ever worn Lululemon Aligns? This material is 10x softer. It honestly felt like butter against my skin! The best part of this dress is that is is one layer ONLY - so its incredible light and moves with your body. Absolutely perfect for the beach... and don't get me started on that sexy slit!

Wedding Invitation Template: Classic White Rose

3. Show off that tan! || Adore by Justin Alexander / Allegra

Strapless Sweetheart Neckline Slim Ball Gown with Exposed Boning

Yes, this is a ball gown, but it was NOT super poofy. I wore a similar style ballgown for my wedding so I'm partial to this design, but the layers are so light and fun! The organic leafy lace is such a trend in 2023, so suiting for a beachy wedding in the sand. The touch of sparkle on the lace was absolutely stunning!

Wedding Invitation Template: The Arianna

4. Sexy + Bridal || Martina Liana / 1406

LACE OFF-THE-SHOULDER WEDDING DRESS WITH DETACHABLE PUFF SLEEVES 

This dress screams "bride". Lovely, ladylike, luxurious. It was the perfect amount of sexy and unique. AND if you want an even more unique option, it comes with detachable puff sleeve to give you a different look from ceremony to reception.

Wedding Invitation Template: Modern Palms

5. Boho + Sweat Wicking || Evie Young / Rue

Chantilly lace hugs the body and beautifully accents the curves as it falls into a fit and flare design.

This dress was so much fun!! The fringe on the bottom and on the (detachable...ahem.. sensing a trend!?) sleeves are the perfect boho touch. This would be perfect for a wedding in Tulum or Costa Rica, or maybe in the desert!? Perfect for the free spirited bride looking for something lightweight. The underlayer is made from a moisture wicking fabric (ummm...amazing!) that was incredible stretchy - so you can boogie on the dance floor with no issues.

Wedding Invitation Template: Pampas in Paradise

Overall, when choosing a wedding dress, keep these little things in mind. But buy whatever makes your heart jump out of your chest, and that you want to wear on your special day.