Seven Stylish Outfits for Your Trendy Beach 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.

Consider the climate of your wedding location

when selecting a wedding gown

It may seem obvious, but you should consider the climate of your wedding location when selecting your dress. If you're travelling somewhere warm such as Hawaii or Costa Rica, you probably shouldn't opt for a heavy wedding dress with long sleeves. Humidity creates moisture and sweat, so look for dresses that are practical, lightweight, and made from a breathable material. Tea-length and mini wedding dresses are also fantastic options for beach nuptials. 

On the flip side, if you’re having a winter wedding or chose a colder location such as British Columbia or Utah, prepare for the chill! With destination weddings becoming increasingly popular, many wedding designers offer stylish wraps, shawls, sleeves, and faux-fur coats that accommodate every winter bride's dreams. 

Here are seven recommendations for stylish wedding dresses and designers that are perfectly practical for warm and tropical destination weddings:

1. The Knot predicts that "party dresses" are on trend for brides in the coming years. The short length of these dresses allows you to wear shoes that make a statement and go big on showcasing your personality! Love the 1920's flapper style but want to stay true to the beachy feel of your venue? Opt for a short, fringe, beaded dress like this one from Anthropologie.
   
   
2. If you like the idea of a ballgown and you're getting married at the beach, look at dresses of all lengths, possibly even a mini-dress! When you don't pick a traditional floor-length gown, you have wiggle room to add more volume and layers to your skirt without adding too much extra bulk. This tulle mini-dress from Etsy seller ColourAvenue gives a fun mix of drama and summer vibes. A dress like this will wow guests and provide tons of movement so you can effortlessly dance the night away in your tropical paradise!  
   
   
3. Made with Love (MWL) is one of my favourite companies when it comes to stylish bridal dresses. Known for "its effortlessly chic, quality made and distinctly personable bridal experience," MWL advertises trendy and inclusive gowns that are, in fact, made with love. These dresses have it all, from glamour to simplicity and everything in between. A glance at their catalogue shows you the whimsical details they include in each design. Simply breathtaking!
   
   
4. Another of my go-to suggestions for destination wedding dresses is Grace Loves Lace. For brides who want to look elegant and classic, their Martini dress is guaranteed to be a hit. Combining a modern silhouette with classic touches such as button details makes this gown scream luxury. With over 2.5 million re-pins on Pinterest, Grace Loves Lace garments are high quality and ethically made, and designed for modern brides who value comfort and luxury equally.
   
   
5. Florals are back and I'm all here for it! Patterns on wedding dresses aren't all that common yet, but with more and more designers coming out with bridal gowns that balance florals and timelessness, brides aren't going to be able to stay away! If your wedding venue is in Hawaii, for example, a floral pattern would go seamlessly with the scenery. Maggie Sottero did this trend the right way with her Nerida dress. The flowers aren't distracting or overbearing, but they will certainly make heads turn (in the best way possible)!
   
   
6. Lace is beautiful, romantic, and timeless - not to mention great for the beach! With so many unique patterns and types, almost any bride can find the dress of their dreams in lace. This "sexy fit-and-flare cutout wedding dress with linear lace" has stunning, sleek cutouts in the back while the front halter and geometric pattern work together to elongate your body. I can imagine walking down the aisle on the beach in this one!
   
   
7. If you still aren't sure what style or length of dress suits you best, consider doing an outfit swap! You can go all out for your ceremony with a floor-length ensemble, then change into a fun cocktail dress or jumpsuit like this one from Lulus for the reception. This way you can dance and mingle without worrying about being too warm or picking up a train. Planning two outfits for your event allows you to showcase multiple sides of your personality and can make your photos even more exciting!