How to Find a Dress for a Beach Wedding

Women who attend a beach wedding have several factors to consider before selecting a dress. The season the wedding is scheduled, the formality of the marriage, potential weather issues, bridal color schemes and accessories all figure into the choice of dresses. The following ideas will help you choose a dress for a beach wedding in which you'll feel both comfortable and elegant.

Dressing for a Beach Wedding:

1. Ask about the wedding style. The type of wedding you're attending will affect not only your dress but also your accessories, from shoes to jewelry. A formal wedding demands a different dress than a casual wedding. You might prefer a more elegant design or a longer style with sleeves for a formal wedding. A casual wedding allows you more flexibility in styles, from snug to loose-fitting. Chiffon is an appropriate fabric for both formal and casual weddings, so try different styles in chiffon or a similar fabric for a guaranteed knockout dress.

2. Consider the season. For a summer wedding, a sleeveless or strapless dress that's loose, flowing and relaxed might be both appropriate and comfortable. A dress with an empire waist won't cling in humidity. A cowl neckline or V-neck allows skin to show, making sunscreen advisable. Avoid wearing filmy or sheer fabrics on a sunny day. If the wedding is in a cooler season, choose long sleeves to protect against wind. With a short-sleeved dress, you might need a shawl. Make sure you try on a shawl or wrap with your dress before the wedding to see how it looks.

3. Consider bridal colors or themes. You might want to choose a different shade than what the bridesmaids are wearing. If the theme is old-fashioned, you might choose a dress with ruffles and top it off with a straw hat and ribbon in a matching color. For a Renaissance-themed wedding, a dress with flowing sleeves, a Basque waistline and long, full skirt is appropriate. For a nature theme, a floral-patterned dress might be suitable.

4. Consider the weather. As with any outdoor event, you need a backup plan for the unexpected. Use sunscreen in sunshine, especially with sleeveless dresses or with loose cap sleeves that blow in the breeze. A longer dress with a double layer or fabric in a thicker material offers advantages in a driving rain or strong wind. If the day is damp, choose a dress that will look good under your raincoat or that will keep you warm and dry.

5. Consider accessories to wear with the dress. You'll have fewer limitations in dress color and style if you plan to buy sandals to match than if you wear a pair you already own. If, on the other hand, you have jewelry you feel would be perfect for a beach wedding, you might want to find a dress that suits the pieces you already own.

Tip:

1. Check in advance to see what type of wedding the bride has in mind. Casual dress is more likely to be in style at a beach wedding, but if the ceremony is to be brief, formal dress might be more suitable.