What kind of dress should I wear to a beach wedding?

Casual beach brides may opt for shorter frocks, midi-length dresses, or high-low hemlines. If you want to wear something more formal, turn to flowing A-line silhouettes.

Do I need to wear shoes as a beach bride?

For beach brides, shoes are optional! If you envision yourself walking down the aisle barefoot in the sand, then go for it. However, if you prefer to wear shoes, consider flat sandals, sturdy wedges, or block heels.

The 30 Best Beach Wedding Dresses of 2022

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Brides-to-be who are planning seaside nuptials have so many options when it comes to finding their perfect wedding dress. The right gown can be anything from casual and laid back to elegant and voluminous—it really depends on the overall style of the wedding. While boho chic is typically the go-to style for beach ceremonies, you shouldn't feel required to stick with that look.

For a no-frills ceremony, you might want to pick a non-traditional beach wedding dress that feels simple and relaxed, like something short that won't be dragged through the sand or something more modern like a sleek jumpsuit. If you're going for a ceremony that is more formal, a ballgown or stylish A-line gown can look unexpected in just the right way. For a more feminine look, opt for gowns with embellishments like florals or beads.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the 30 best beach wedding dresses perfect for any bridal style.

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Best Lace: Rish Haleh Gown

Size Range: Standard 0-16, Plus 16W-26W | Length: Floor-length | Material: Knit graphic lace

Lace feels just right for a beach wedding, and this fit-and-flare gown offers a lovely silhouette that doesn't feel too fussy. There is some beadwork for a little added embellishment, and we love the flutter sleeves.

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Best Budget: Lulus Heavenly Hues White Maxi Dress

Size Range: XXS-3X | Length: Floor-length | Material: Georgette fabric

There's no rule that you have to spend a lot on your wedding dress. This maxi dress comes in at under $100 and has a beautiful flowy look that will look right at home against the sand.

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Best Off-the-Shoulder: Reformation Butterfly Dress

Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Ankle-length | Material: Viscose

Both casual and romantic, this off-the-shoulder dress feels simple in the best way. A fitted bodice and flared hem give this one a really nice fit for any body type.

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Best Tulle Skirt: Phase Eight Annalise Beaded Wedding Dress

Size Range: US 2-14 | Length: Maxi | Material: Polyester

Intricate beading in floral shapes makes this gown ideal for spring and summer weddings. The fluttering tulle skirt feels elegant and ballet-chic and creates a dress that is easy to walk (and dance) in.

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For a Casual Ceremony: Alexandre Vauthier Perforated Stretch-Knit Gown

Size Range: FR 34-44 | Length: Floor-length | Material: White stretch-knit

Made of a stretch-knit material, this maxi dress feels comfortable and breathable on a hot summer's day. Subtle crochet details along the neckline and hem make this dress feel perfect for a more casual ceremony.

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Best Short Sleeves: ASOS Edition Curve Embellished Bodice Wedding Dress

Size Range: US 0-26 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Mesh and chiffon

An embellished bodice and sleeves that hit at your elbows offer a little more coverage without looking like too much fabric for a beach wedding. We love the simple skirt paired with the vine-like accents.

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Best Slit Detail: DB Studio Ruched Spaghetti Strap Jersey Dress

Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Jersey

Between the thin spaghetti straps and jersey material, this maxi dress feels like it was made for an outdoor summer wedding. The lace along the slit is a pretty detail that really stands out.

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Best Cutouts: BHLDN Marina Gown

Size Range: Standard 0-16, Plus 16W-26W | Length: Floor-length | Material: Cotton silk taffeta

Off-the-shoulder puff sleeves, a full and voluminous skirt, and cotton silk taffeta come together to create a dramatic and unique gown that will certainly stand out. We love the cut-out details along the hem that give this dress a more boho feel.

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Best Sheer Look: Heartloom Della Gown

Size Range: XS-L | Length: Floor-length | Material: Lace

All-over lace and a nude slip underneath gives the appearance of a sheer look that is sexy without being over-the-top. The detailing and soft flare of the skirt are what makes this dress so special.

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Best Halter Neck: Theia Couture Maple Gown

halter dress — Courtesy of Theia Couture

Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Material: Crepe

A draped halter neck makes for a unique neckline. It doesn't feel too stuffy thanks to the keyhole detail and the sleek, elegant skirt.

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Best Long Sleeves: Willowby by Watters Cameron Gown

Size Range: Standard 0-15, Plus 16W-26W | Length: Floor-length | Material: Strech mesh

If the weather may be on the cooler side, long sleeves are a good option for an outdoor wedding. Mesh offers a breathable and airy feel, and the corseted top is a nice balance that makes this one so romantic.

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Best Wrap Dress: Reformation Winslow Dress

Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Material: Georgette fabric

When you're going for a more simple look, you really can't go wrong with a classic wrap dress. This one has a minimalist tone that is beautifully made and will feel incredibly comfortable all day and night long.

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Best Two Piece: Tadashi Shoji Tiana Pearl Embroidered Top and Skirt

Size Range: 00-16 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Embroidered tulle and pearls

It's hard to imagine a better wedding setting for a crop top and skirt than a beach. This summery and casual outfit will feel just right for seaside nuptials, and the embroidered tulle is beautiful.

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Best Midi: Show Me Your Mumu Garden Midi Dress

Size Range: XXS-XXL | Length: Ankle-length | Material: Luxe Satin

A midi dress is a less formal choice for a beach wedding because you don't have to worry about dragging the skirt through the sand. This one with a square neckline, a front slit, and a fitted bodice is effortlessly chic and comfortable.

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Best Open Back: Galina Signature Floral Applique Open Back Tulle Dress

Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester

The crystal-encrusted bodice of this dress will catch the light reflecting off the ocean in a beautiful way. We love the open back and flowing and delicate tulle skirt.

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For the Afterparty: Mark Arian Bowen Bow Shoulder White Floral Applique Mini Dress

Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Mini | Material: 0-16

Throwing an afterparty complete with a beach bonfire? This mini dress will complete the night. The bow details on the shoulders and the long train in the back are so unexpected in the best way.

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Most Feminine: Riki Dalal Joan Gown

Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester, nylon, rayon

Floral lace, a Swarovski crystal belt, a plunging illusion neckline, and an exposed back make this dreamy gown feel like the epitome of romance and femininity. We love the sheer long sleeves.

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Best Back Detail: Lulus Loving the Moment White Lace-Up Maxi Dress

Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester

From the front, this crepe maxi dress looks fairly simple with a slit up the leg and a pleated bodice. The back features an unexpected lace-up detail that makes this come off as more trendy and modern.

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Best Classic Fit: Jenny Yoo Dempsey Gown

Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Lolita beaded tulle

It doesn't get much more classic than a universally flattering A-line silhouette. This one features gorgeous beaded embroidery that will look so nice in the sunlight.

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For the Casual Bride: Tadashi Shoji Nisa Lace & Fringe Gown

fringe and lace dress — Courtesy of Tadashi Shoji

Size Range: 14Q-24Q | Length: Floor-length | Material: Lace

Fringe and lace come together to create a boho-chic gown that feels casual without being too laid-back. The scallop lace trim is a lovely touch, and we think this one is perfect for a beach setting.

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Best Strapless: Reformation Lorrane Dress

Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Maxi

The sleek minimalist design of this strapless gown fits in nicely with a beach setting. The flared hem makes this one appear similar to a mermaid shape, which is very on theme, but in a subtle way.

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For a Daytime Wedding: Galvan Sevilla Cotton-Blend Lace Gown

Size Range: FR 34-44 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Cotton-blend lace

There is nothing casual about this romantic lace gown, with a high front slit with a scalloped edge and a small but beautiful train. Still, the lace design and the elbow-length sleeves make this just right for a daytime ceremony.

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Best High Neck: Melissa Sweet Cap Sleeve Lace Wedding Gown

cap sleeve gown — Courtesy of David's Bridal

Size Range: 16W-30W | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester

Those who are looking for less of a plunging neckline should consider this high-neck gown. Illusion netting keeps things comfortable without being overly conservative, and we love the cap sleeves.

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Most Romantic: Tadashi Shoji Mina Lace Scallop Gown

sleeves lace — Courtesy of Tadashi Shoji

Size Range: 00-10 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Lace

There's something about the delicate lace and the flutter sleeve capelet on this gown that makes it feel incredibly soft and romantic. It's finished in the lightest blush hue with scalloped edges that make it sweet yet still chic.

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Best Jumpsuit: ML Monique Lhuillier Doutzen V-Neck Jumpsuit

Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester charmeuse

Not interested in the traditional bridal gown? This silky charmeuse jumpsuit is both modern and sophisticated, with interesting side slits and simple slim straps.

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For the Minimalist Bride: Sachin & Babi Sabrina Gown

Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester

This dress is simple and romantic, and it's in an off-white shade that will look subtly different. The floral straps and front slit make it anything but boring, but it's still ideal for that clean, minimalist look.

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Best Added Sparkle: Jenny Yoo Martina Dress

Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Dahlia sequin lace and luxe chiffon

This soft and feminine gown features a flowing chiffon skirt that will look so nice against the water, as well as a tulle illusion bodice and satin trim. The bodice is studded with clear sequins for the perfect amount of sparkle.

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For the Fashion Forward Bride: Justin Alexander Signature Tatum Jumpsuit

Length: Ankle-length | Material: Stretch crepe

A bridal jumpsuit is always going to be an unexpected and trendy look, and this crepe one takes it a step further with a matching jacket that features a long train. This is a look no guest will forget!

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Best Color: Leanne Marshall Raincloud

Size Range: 0-20 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Silk organza

No rule says you have to wear white on your wedding day, and if you want to experiment with a different color, this one is a great option. Shades of dove gray and blue will blend right in at the beach, and the flowing silk organza skirt makes this look so dreamy.

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Best Floral: Willowby by Watters Whitney Gown

Size Range: Standard 0-15, Plus 16W-26W | Length: Floor-length | Material: Swiss dot tulle

Floral appliques are dusted across the bodice and down the light tulle skirt of this romantic and feminine gown. The skirt will look so lovely in contrast to the sand.

What to Look For in a Beach Wedding Dress

Fabrics

Since beach weddings typically happen in the summer or late spring, you may want to choose fabrics that are more comfortable and breathable for warmer weather. This can include cotton, linen, lightweight silk, chiffon, or lace.

While fabrics like satin and crepe certainly aren't off the table completely, they might feel a little more restricting. You should also consider the hemline of your dress. If you are getting married in the sand, an ankle-length or shorter gown would work best.

FAQ

What kind of dress should I wear to a beach wedding?

Casual beach brides may opt for shorter frocks, midi-length dresses, or high-low hemlines. If you want to wear something more formal, turn to flowing A-line silhouettes.
Do I need to wear shoes as a beach bride?

For beach brides, shoes are optional! If you envision yourself walking down the aisle barefoot in the sand, then go for it. However, if you prefer to wear shoes, consider flat sandals, sturdy wedges, or block heels.

About the Author

Jessica Booth is a journalist with over 10 years of experience and a freelance writer whose work has appeared on sites such as Bustle, Insider, and Refinery29.

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