Words: Nicole Deuble
Just because you’re flipping the script on a traditional wedding (hello, holiday vibes!) doesn’t mean your dream wedding dress is out of the picture. We’ve chosen ten gorgeous beach wedding dresses, plus a bonus idea at the end, that will work for an oceanfront ceremony, island soirée or a slightly more formal seaside celebration. From simple slip dresses to showstopping ballgowns, these beauties will skim the sand in style.
Fabric tip: When choosing a beach wedding dress, look to lightweight, natural or stretch fabrics that allow comfortable ease of movement and won’t overcook you in the coastal sunshine.
Dream a little dream
Float into forever with a super lightweight bridal gown that still delivers on impact. With its A-line skirt, luxe lace fabric and romantic off-shoulder sleeves, Miss Chloe’s Teresa gown (main image) aces the brief. Available from Cherished Bridal.
Catch the light
Picturing a stepped-from-the-sea feel? Add a splash of shimmer to your beach wedding dress. Ella Moda’s Raphael captures the mood with silver beading artfully overlaid on delicate tulle. For a hit of extra sparkle, slip on the matching beaded sleeves. Beautiful in the sunshine and beneath the stars.
Chic simplicity
A slip of a dress in a swathe of fresh white or ivory-pearl is perfect for the no-fuss beach bride. Elevate the look with statement earrings, a crown or a headband that will do double-duty shielding your locks from that mischievous sea breeze. Bo & Luca’s Greta bias-cut slip gown is a vision with the label’s handcrafted Olympia crown.
Effortless & elegant
Floaty sleeves and a cinched waist will make even the simplest beach wedding dress feel oh-so romantic. Jelena from french collection by Wendy Makin offers a perfect blend of movement, softness and shape.
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Modern love
Ready to bare a little summer skin? Look for a plunging neckline, dramatic side split, strategic cutouts or an open back. Crafted in luxe stretch crepe by Erin Clare Bridal, Chloe is sleek, modern and boldly beautiful with the option of a veil, tulle gloves or detachable sleeves for extra coverage.
Sea nymph
Lustrous silk-satin delivers a soft fluidity that works so well for beach photos. Elegant yet playful, Anna Campbell’s free-spirited Lila is case in point.
All in the details
For a modern boho beach feel, look to delicate fabrics overlaid with intricate embellishments. Bo & Luca’s Jasmine evokes an exotic love story, finished with exquisite beading and raw-edged ruffles.
Modern mermaid
A beach wedding dress doesn’t have to skimp on the details. The exquisite pearl beading of Anna Campbell’s Cameron speaks to the sea while a body-hugging silhouette brings the glamour. Take it up a notch with optional tassel sleeves.
Ocean eyes
Channel the spirit of the waves with a cascading silhouette and delicate volume. Crafted in organza, tulle and hand-placed floral lace, Ella Moda’s Donatella pairs feminine details with an irresistibly frothy skirt.
To top it off
A lightweight topper or overlay can transform a minimalist look or even offer coverage when the temperature drops. Simply stunning Renee gets a whimsical glow-up with a matching overlay, both french collection by Wendy Makin.
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BONUS: Mix & match
Not sold on a beach wedding dress? Consider bridal separates. Brands including Anna Campbell, Bo & Luca and KYHA do luxurious two-piece outfits that can be worn together (or not!) and have major wear-again potential.
For example, Anna Campbell’s floaty and feminine Nova wrap topper looks stunning paired with a billowing Rory skirt. Or the glistening hand-beaded ivory sequins of the Luna topper matched with the dazzling Bowie skirt.
Shoe tip: When deciding whether to wear shoes for a beach wedding, it really depends on you and your preferred dress code. Many brides opt a true toes-in-the-sand ceremony but keep a pair of jewelled flats or heels on hand for the other portions of the day.
Alexia Honeymoon Sandal, HARLO Australia.