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Rebecca Yale
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.
Read on for the best beach wedding dresses perfect for any bridal style.
Best Mermaid
Lulus Remarkable Moment White Floral Embroidered Lace-Up Maxi Dress
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Lulus
Size Range: 0-10 | Materials: 100% Polyester | Length: Maxi | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders over $50; $5 flat rate shipping on orders under $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days; $7 fee deducted from the refund amount after 10 days of purchase
This flowing bohemian wedding gown was born to grace the beach of some gorgeous tropical locale. A flared hem creates a flattering mermaid shape while a lace-up back makes for an eye-catching and sexy look. Wear yours with delicate personal jewelry and a raffia clutch.
Price at time of publish: $229
Best Back Detail
Lulus Loving the Moment White Lace-Up Maxi Dress
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Lulus
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders over $50; $5 flat rate shipping on orders under $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days; $7 fee deducted from the refund amount after 10 days of purchase
With a plunging neckline and lace-up back, this Lulus wedding dress is anything but boring. Not only does this gown make for a showstopping look, but it's also comfortable to boot, thanks to its stretch fabric, supportive boned bodice, and breezy skirt.
Price at time of publish: $99
Best Budget
Lulus Heavenly Hues White Maxi Dress
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Lulus
Size Range: XXS-3X | Material: Polyester | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders over $50; $5 flat rate shipping on orders under $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days; $7 fee deducted from the refund amount after 10 days of purchase
There's absolutely no need to break the bank when shopping for a stylish and beach-appropriate wedding dress. This maxi dress retails for under $100 and looks just as luxurious as other pricier brands. Plus, its flowing and romantic silhouette will look stunning set against an ocean backdrop.
Price at time of publish: $89
Best Sheer Look
Heartloom Della Lace Gown
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Revolve
Size Range: XS-L | Materials: Lace (nylon, cotton, poly) | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days
For a beach wedding, you can never go wrong with a dress crafted from lightweight lace. Why? It’s romantic, timeless, and breathable. This dreamy gown in a pretty floral lace features a scoop neckline, criss-cross back, and illusion skirt making it a standout choice for seaside nuptials.
Price at time of publish: $319
Best Off-the-Shoulder
Reformation Butterfly Dress
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Reformation
Size Range: 0-12 | Material: Viscose | Length: Ankle-length | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
Effortless and endlessly romantic, Reformation’s Butterfly dress is a no-brainer for a beach wedding. The flouncy midi hemline is ideal for saying ‘I do’ with your toes in the sand, while the fitted bodice and off-the-shoulder neckline give the silhouette shape and structure. Sweep your hair up to showcase your shoulders and back.
Price at time of publish: $328
For the Minimalist Bride
Sachin & Babi Sabrina Gown
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Sachin & Babi
Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free standard domestic delivery | Return policy: Full refund within 14 days of initial receipt
For the bride-to-be whose aesthetic leans minimalist, this Sachin & Babi gown should definitely be on your radar. While clean and simple in design, this gown features plenty of eye-catching details like embroidered floral straps, a flattering empire waist, a front slit, and a diaphanous silhouette.
Price at time of publish: $1,095
Most Diaphanous
LoveShackFancy Sarabi Gown
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LoveShackFancy
Size Range: 00-14 | Materials: Cotton, silk | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders over $200; $10 flat rate shipping on orders under $200 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
Tiers of lace, a flowing skirt, and an English bustle at the backside give this gown a decidedly cottage core-meets-beach aesthetic. Wear your hair down and accessorize with delicate personal jewelry for a completely effortless look.
Price at time of publish: $681
Best Short Sleeves
ASOS EDITION Curve Embellished Bodice Wedding Dress
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ASOS
Size Range: 12-26 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free on orders $49.99+; $7 flat rate on orders less than $49.99 | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days
If you’re looking for a beach wedding dress with a little more coverage on top, this ASOS gown is your perfect match. It’s designed with an embellished mesh top with delicate flutter sleeves, to create a silhouette that looks modest but feels breezy and beachy.
Price at time of publish: $168
For a Daytime Wedding
Galvan Sevilla Cotton-Blend Lace Gown
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Net-a-Porter
Size Range: FR 34-44 | Materials: Cotton-blend lace | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days
There is nothing casual about this romantic lace gown, with a high front slit, 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.
Price at time of publish: $7,250
Best Tulle Skirt
Phase Eight Annalise Beaded Wedding Dress
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Phase Eight
Size Range: US 2-14 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Maxi | Shipping: $10 flat rate shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days
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.
Price at time of publish: $810
Best Puff Sleeves
LoveShackFancy Ryan Dress
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Saks Fifth Avenue
Size Range: 00-10 | Materials: Catalina lace | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders over $200; $10 flat rate shipping on orders under $200 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
It doesn't get much more classic than a universally flattering A-line silhouette. This one features sweet puff sleeves and is crafted from sheer lace that is sure to catch the sunlight beautifully.
Price at time of publish: $795
Best Midi
Show Me Your Mumu Garden Midi Dress
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Amazon
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Ankle-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
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.
Price at time of publish: $98
Best Wrap Dress
Reformation Winslow Dress
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Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Viscose | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
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.
Price at time of publish: $328
Best Long Sleeves
Willowby by Watters Cameron Tiered-Sleeve Off-Shoulder Mesh Column Wedding Gown
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Anthropologie
Size Range: Standard 0-15, Plus 16W-26W | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
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.
Price at time of publish: $1,298
Best Two Piece
Reformation Yucca Linen Two Piece
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Reformation
Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Linen | Length: Midi-length | Material: | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
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 can easily be dressed up or down.
Price at time of publish: $298
Best Open-Back
Galina Signature Floral Applique Open Back Tulle Wedding Dress
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Size Range: Missy 0-14, Plus 16W-30W, Petite 0P-14P | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary based on order value; free shipping on orders over $120 | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days
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.
Price at time of publish: $1,699
Best Lace
Rish Haleh Lace Gown
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Anthropologie
Size Range: Standard 0-16, Plus 16W-26W | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
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.
Price at time of publish: $1,495
Most Feminine
Riki Dalal Joan Long Sleeve Lace Gown
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Anthropologie
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester, nylon, rayon | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
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.
Price at time of publish: $1,865
Best Cutouts
BHLDN Marina Gown
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Anthropologie
Size Range: Standard 0-16, Plus 16W-26W | Material: Viscose, cotton | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
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.
Price at time of publish: $1,745
Best Floral
Willowby by Watters Whitney Floral Gown
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Anthropologie
Size Range: Standard 0-15, Plus 16W-26W | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
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.
Price at time of publish: $1,595
Best Slit Detail
DB Studio Ruched Spaghetti Strap Jersey Dress with Lace Slit
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David's Bridal
Size Range: Missy 0-14, Plus 16W-30W | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary based on order value; free shipping on orders over $120 | Return policy: Full refund within 7 days
Between the pin-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.
Price at time of publish: $150
Best Halter-Neck
Theia Maple Dress
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Theia
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Crepe | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Returns accepted within 30 days with a $12 restocking fee
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.
Price at time of publish: Price upon request
For the After-Party
Markarian Bowen Bow Shoulder White Floral Appliqué Mini Dress
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Markarian
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester, silk | Length: Mini | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Final sale
Throwing an after-party 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.
Price at time of publish: $4,500
Best Added Sparkle
Jenny Yoo Martina Dress
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Jenny Yoo
Size Range: 00-32 | Materials: Dahlia sequin lace and luxe chiffon | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary based on retailer | Return policy: Made-to-order items are final sale
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.
Price at time of publish: $1,460
What to Look For in a Beach Wedding Dress
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.
Why Trust Brides
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.