Ah, the beach wedding. One of the dreamiest locations to say your ‘I dos’ whether you’re planning for destination nuptials or live near the ocean. While the vibe of a seaside ceremony can certainly range, most brides and grooms-to-be select such a setting for the laid-back atmosphere that comes with having your toes in the sand. Sure, you can go formal, but that would take away from the inherent casualness, wouldn’t you agree? For those taking a relaxed approach, there is one big challenge that comes with such a mood: the perfect wedding gown.
If you’ve embarked upon your search, you’ve surely come to realize that finding a wedding dress that’s at once relaxed yet special enough for such a momentous occasion is no easy feat. While some beach-side brides tend bohemian, others might be the exact opposites—a minimal bride with an affinity for the sea. If the latter is you, the search might become harder. But don’t despair.
The first thing to do is figure out where on the beach bride spectrum you fall. Are you the super laid-back bride day bride? A cotton sundress could fit the bill. Perhaps you’re planning a sunset ceremony with hopes of wearing a gown. The challenge here is sourcing options that don’t feel overly ornate or princess-y—not exactly a prime for the beach, right? You might just be somewhere between where you know simplicity will be key, but can’t quite figure out the details that will make you feel your beach bride best.
Well, look no further. We’ve curated an edit of 45 gowns that are beyond fitting for a laid-back beach wedding no matter your style preference. Think modest gowns with special detail, casual dresses with whimsical elements, or super simple (we’re talking striking sans fuss), but of course, extremely elegant. With options starting at under $500, we’re certain there’s a gown for you. Discover your perfect dress ahead.
See more: 20 Champagne Wedding Dresses for the Bride Who Wants Subtle Color
6851 Maybelle Wedding Dress, $698, Mori Lee available at Madame Bridal
6883 Karlotta Cold-Shoulder Fitted Gown, $699, Mori Lee available at Madame Bridal
Allover Lace V-Neck Plus Size Sheath Wedding Dress, $199.95, DB Studio available at David's Bridal
Antipolis Dress, $650, Place Nationale available at BHLDN
Welles Dress, Price Upon Request, Laure de Sagazan
Azalea Lace Gown, $1,595.–$1,894, Dreamers & Lovers
F115-Lily lace nude dress, $899, Wilderly Bride by Allure Bridals
Bali Sunset Dress, $575, Lace & Liberty
Blythe Gown, $850, Tadashi Shoji available at BHLDN
Carolyn Open Back Lace Gown, $495, Rachel Zoe
Catherine in Bridal Crepe, $2,395, Jenny Yoo
Celine in Bridal Crepe, $1,800, Jenny Yoo
Dulcina One-Shoulder Gown, $695, Cinq à Sept available at Saks Fifth Avenue
El Lenguaje De Las Flores Guipure Lace Dress, $6,000, Johanna Ortiz available exclusively at Moda Operandi
Embroidered Chiffon Dress with Plunging Neckline, $289,95, The Jetset Diaries available at David's Bridal
Felix Gown, $630, Heartloom
Fiori Gown in White Lace, $750, Stone Cold Fox
Florence Embellished Bridal Maxi Dress, $908, Monsoon
Frankie V-Neck Crepe Gown, $2,200, Nouvelle Amsale available at Nordstrom
Hayley Gown, $290, Theia available at Shopbop
Julia Lace Gown, $1,895–$2,194, Dreamer & Lovers
Kir Dress, $580, Merlette
Lisa Backless Lace Gown, $1,465–$1,764, Dreamers & Lovers
Long Tassel Fringed Silk-Crepe Gown, $2,650, Temperly London available exclusively to Net-A-Porter
Louise Herringbone Silk-Jacquard Gown, $3,495, Gabriela Hearst available at Net-A-Porter
Misty Dress, $830, Rime Arodaky available at Shopbop
Mixed Lace Sheath Midi Dress with Fishtail Hem, $465, Nicole Miller available at David's Bridal
Nihoa Dress, $665, Temptation Positano available at BHLDN
Noel and Jean by Katie May Constance Gown, $1,525, Katie May available at Shopbop
Octon Off-The-Shoulder Crepe Gown, $3,845, Roland Mouret available at MatchesFashion.com
Off The Shoulder Popover Gown, $828, Tadashi Shoji available at Nordstrom
Off-The-Shoulder Pleated Guipure Lace-Trimmed Chiffon Gown, $391.16, Self-Portrait available exclusively at Net-A-Porter
Paige in Ibiza Lace, $1,500, Jenny Yoo
Penelope Tiered Crepon-Trimmed Guipure Lace Gown, $918.37, Self-Portrait available at Net-A-Porter
Placid Gown, $650, Tadashi Shoji available at BHLDN
Rori Gown, $1,437, Daughters Of Simone x Revolve
Rose Wedding Dress, $1,199, Whistles
Short Sleeve Cotton Lace Gown, $3,910, Costarellos available at Moda Operandi
Soft Floaty Ruffle Cami Maxi Dress, $151, ASOS BRIDAL
Sorrento Dress, $328, Reformation
Te Amo Gown in White Silk, $315, Stone Cold Fox
The Willow, $3,960, Elizabeth Fillmore available at Moda Operandi
Udara Flutter Sleeve Lace Faux Wrap Gown, $1,530, Willowby available at Nordstrom
V-Neck Sleeveless Lace Dress with Mermaid Skirt, $220, Adrianna Papell
Vanowen Off-the-Shoulder Lace Dress, $625, Shoshanna available at Neiman Marcus
Verdelle 2.0, $1,350, Grace Loves Lace
Winslow Dress, $268, Reformation
