Bridesmaid Dresses For A Beach Wedding

Get ideas and tips on choosing bridesmaid dresses for beach weddings

See also unique bridesmaid bouquets, beach wedding dresses and casual bridesmaids dresses

Apparel for a beach wedding is a little different than for other types of weddings.  The beach environment is relaxed and fun, so bridesmaid dresses for a beach wedding should reflect the general feeling of the location.  With that said, sometimes it can be hard to know what to look for when choosing bridesmaid dresses for beach weddings. 

Should the bridesmaid dresses be long or short?  What kind of fabric should you choose?  What colors are best?  Read on to answer these questions and more on choosing bridesmaid dresses for a beach wedding.  If you take our advice your bridesmaids will be comfortable and look beautiful on your wedding day.
 

Tips For Beach Bridesmaid Dresses

There are lots of choices when it comes to bridesmaid dresses, but keeping in mind a few pieces of advice will help you choose the right dresses for your beach wedding.  When you select beach bridesmaid dresses, keep in mind the following:

Consider the Weather

When you start looking at bridesmaid dresses for a beach wedding, you should think about the type of environment where the wedding will take place and choose dresses that will be comfortable.  Typically the conditions that you’ll be dealing with may be warm, humid and/or windy.  You want your bridesmaids to look sweet not sweaty, so take the environment into consideration when you choose bridesmaid dresses for your beach wedding.

Since most beach weddings take place during spring, summer or early fall, you’ll want bridesmaid dresses that won’t be too confining and are made from a fabric that breathes in warm temperatures.  Long sleeved bridesmaid dresses are not a good choice.  Sleeveless dresses or dresses with short sleeves will be the most comfortable for your bridesmaids.  Halter tops or strapless tops look elegant and will keep your bridesmaids cool.

Color them Beachy

The beach is characterized by an array of colors.  From cool sea glass colors like cobalt, sea green and aqua to punchy brights like coral, yellow and turquoise, there are a lot of different shades to choose from.  Instead of choosing drab or dark colors, stick to beach inspired tones for beach wedding bridesmaid dresses. 

You can also use patterns to enhance the seaside style of your bridesmaid dresses.  Prints with stripes, tropical flowers, palm leaves or polka dots make good choices for bridesmaid dresses for a beach wedding.  


Think about Length

When you decide on a style for your beach bridesmaid dresses, the length of the dresses is very important.  A very long floor-length dress with a train will drag in the sand making the hem dirty before your bridesmaids ever get to the wedding reception. 

The best bridesmaid dresses for a beach wedding reach only to ankle length.  Knee length and shorter, ankle length or a hem that hits right at the top of the shoes will be the most practical.  Also consider that a shorter dress is going to be more comfortable and is more likely to be worn again.
 

Go for Casual Elegance

Because the beach creates such a laid back environment, you don’t want to choose bridesmaids dresses that are too formal.  Skip formal details like bows, intricate beading or sequins and stick to more casual styles that will fit the mood of the wedding.  This doesn’t mean that beach bridesmaid dresses need to be boring. 

You can choose gowns that are embellished with fabric overlay, pleating, lace, a thin row of beading or ribbon around the bodice.  These types of details will fit right in with a beach wedding while still remaining dressy and elegant.

Add Some Seaside Accessories

A good way to personalize bridesmaid dresses for a beach wedding is to add accessories that will continue the beach theme.  A necklace with a seahorse charm, a shell bracelet or a starfish brooch can add seaside charm and elegance to bridesmaid dresses.  Just don’t go overboard with beach themed accessories and instead stick to one or two.  Remember that you want your brides to look sophisticated and a shell necklace, bracelet, hair barrette and earrings will just be too much.