Summer beach weddings just have something relaxing, intimate, and beautiful about them. And your beach wedding dress should be no exception to the relaxation, intimacy, and beauty of the day! So let’s talk dresses! Now consider a wedding dress store. And imagine, for a minute, all the dresses are applicants, vying for your purchase. You announce, “Now accepting wedding dresses to wear on the beach resumes!” And just like a job search, you can quickly eliminate those which aren’t even in the same field. Royally heavy-weighted thick gowns- goodbye! Hello light, breathable fabrics. But just how do you narrow down the choices and find a stunning, yet practical beach wedding dress? Read on summer bride, read on!
Choosing the Perfect Summer Beach Wedding Dress
1.Your Style
Whether the thermometer reads 56 or 86, you don’t have to sacrifice your own personal style when choosing a dress. So even though breezy, flowing, bohemian wedding vibes may be the beach’s love language, you can still rock your girly girl sparkle, rhinestone, or otherwise lavish style. Think about if you gravitate towards a boho driftwood beach wedding, or mermaid, or classic and elegant…or maybe you just don’t really have a “style,” you just want to look good! At least have an idea of what you like. Browse photos to eliminate some definite no-go’s. Then when you walk into a bridal gown store, you have a great starting point. You can also check out our Facebook page to view photos from previous seaside weddings to get some style inspiration!
2. Fabrics
Choosing the right fabric is absolutely key to finding the perfect beach wedding dress. Remember when you are in the store, it’s nice and air conditioned. The beach, even if there is a breeze it may not so cool! The best fabric options for a breathable summer wedding are chiffon (shown below from Amazon for $105), cotton blends, tulle, or organza. Silk and satin are very heavy and hot. Charmeuse looks lovely in the magazine, but be aware that every flaw will be revealed. Remember the sea breeze we mentioned? Remember this to avoid a wardrobe malfunction with your dress blowing up and revealing too much, so choose your fabric carefully.
3. Budget
Check out local wedding stores and don’t be afraid to buy off the rack. You can save hundreds buying a sale dress and even if the size isn’t a perfect match, a professional seamstress can fix that seamlessly! Other money saving tips include checking out local swip swap Facebook groups, Craigslist, and there’s a great selection of non-traditional type wedding dresses at Rent the Runway. If you’ve saved some money on a cheap beach wedding package then you can decide to spend more on your wedding dress, or for bridal jewelry to complete your look like Kenya, below, who had her wedding on the beach in St. Augustine.
4. Trial
Sometime between purchasing your dress and walking the aisle, try your dress on and go outside. The natural sunlight may EXPOSE some otherwise unseen features when inside. Don’t skimp on skivvies! Invest in some nice no show, nude, seamless undergarments and make sure you can move about freely without anything shifting, sliding, or falling! You may have decided to go for a long dress, and end up with a shorter one…or vice versa. Does the dress enhance your skin tone or do you want something with color in it? Your dress does NOT have to be white: see our bride Liliana below. You have chosen an outdoor wedding in the sand and sea, so it is critical to see your look outside the artificial store lighting.
5. I Do!
You’ve said yes to the proposal, yes to the dress, now it’s time to say “I do!” Make sure you have packed your wedding dress for travel with a steam iron for your special day. Click here to check out our affordable package and location options. Maybe you’ve got your dress and you’re ready to pack your bags and elope! Read our post to see if a beach elopement is right for you! It was perfect for Deborah and Richard in St. Augustine below.
Find out more about our beach wedding packages. We travel to your chosen location.
Our Beach Wedding Company is now preparing to resume beach wedding ceremonies this summer! So time to get ready to be married in the sun and sea! Florida basically has two seasons. 1.Summer 2. The rest of the year! Most of the year the weather is beautiful for an outdoor wedding and the tropical sea breeze makes it even more comfortable. There isn’t much to complain about however, if you aren’t a Florida native, you may need a few tips on staying cool in the heat during your seaside Florida wedding ceremony.
5 Tips on How to Beat the Heat
Summer is a beautiful time of year to get married no matter where you are, but in Florida we need to take extra care when the sun is highest in the sky. If you decide summer is the best time of year for your beach wedding, our Florida Beach Weddings specialist will help you schedule your ceremony at the best time of day for your comfort. We want to ensure that you have a pretty beach wedding filled with joy! Here are some tips for your marriage ceremony:
1. Stay Hydrated
It’s important to drink a lot of water in preparation for, during, and after your outdoor beach wedding. Don’t wait until right before you walk the aisle to grab a bottle of water. Also don’t wait until you get thirsty to start drinking; 64 ounces is a starting point to get you through the day. Wake up with a glass of H2o and drink continuously throughout the day. If you add coffee or alcohol to the beverage mix you’ll need to up your water intake. Choosing a complete beach wedding package that includes a chilled water station is also an option (your guests will love this!) Staying hydrated will keep you energized, looking fresh, and ready to face the summer sun!
This Teal Distinctive Design includes chilled water station for your guests
2. Avoid Too Much Alcohol
Well, save it for the indoor after party anyways! Drinking too much alcohol can lead to dehydration and increased drowsiness. And there’s something about a hot summer day that speeds up the “buzz” effect. So be a Snow White Bride, not a Dopey, Sleepy, Grumpy, Drunky (okay that last one wasn’t a Disney original) dwarf and save the celebratory piña colada for the A/C.
Fort Meyers Matanzas on the Bay for post-wedding dinner
3. Keep Inside
Stay inside as much as possible. This also applies to the day/night before. Too much sun can exhaust your body and nobody wants to be hot and cranky on their wedding day. Stay in your A/C car or beachfront hotel until you it’s time to walk down the aisle. Keeping cooler longer will allow you to really enjoy the sunny, breezy beach atmosphere.
Convenient Daytona Beach Shores hotel keeps you cool before your wedding
4. Made in the Shades
Sun shades. Umbrella shades. Whatever the shade, find it. Use it. Make it. It not realistic find shade directly ON the beach during your ceremony. However, the moments leading up to your ceremony or after you tie the knot, keep your sunglasses on and find a cool, shady spot to relax. And discuss ahead of time if the bridal party will be rocking sunglasses. Pass off the shades to a front row guest so you don’t ruin pictures with an unwanted accessory.
Shady Anastasia Park Wedding Pavilion ready for reception guests
5. Cool Off
We love these personal mister fans and if you’re extra sensitive to the sun, check out these fun parasols with UV ray blocking features. These are also great for beach days before and after your summer beach wedding day too – why go anywhere else for your honeymoon! There are many nice beaches to get married on that offer shady pavilions and picnic areas including Sand Key Park, Siesta Key in Sarasota, Venice Beach and Cocoa Beach to relax under (see photo above from one of our St. Augustine Beach weddings).
Cool shady area in Fort DeSoto Beach in St. Pete, Florida
Dreaming of cold drinks, warm Florida sand, and saying, “I do” hand in hand? We have plenty of options in the Sunshine State. Book your Summer Beach Wedding today!
