4 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Picture sparkling blue water, warm golden rays of sun, the feel of the white sand tickling your toes. As you say I do, all of nature seems to agree with you when you have your wedding on the beach.

That is, of course, unless you've decided to wear a 30 pound wedding gown with a chapel-length train.

Getting married on the beach can be a beautiful and blissful experience, but not when you're suffering in a dress that's too heavy for a day spent in the sun and sand. While traditional wedding gowns can make for beautiful photos by the ocean, they won't last for too much else. Gowns with long trains will quickly become dirty, and brides who have to lug around a dress with a full skirt will most likely become tired, sweaty, and irritable (not what you want to be on your wedding day).

Not to worry. Less formal gowns can be just as romantic as traditional wedding dresses, not to mention much more affordable. Most bridal salons and major bridal designers offer "Destination" wedding dresses which are suitable for the unique challenges beach weddings present a bride. Alfred Angelo, Impression Bridal, and Jessica McClintock are just a few of the top of the line designers who offer light and airy bridal wear perfect for your wedding and reception on the beach. Ask any experienced salesperson at a bridal shoppe to direct you to the destination wedding dresses, and she will be able to show you dresses that claim elegance in their simplicity. Just because you won't be wearing a princess ball gown doesn't mean that you won't be glamorous- there are thousands of styles out there which will help you feel classy and comfortable on this monumental occasion.

Once you have your perfect dress, consider your accessories. You don't have to wear a veil, as it may be windy the day of your wedding. Consider wearing flowers or just a headpiece instead. Also, you may want to pull at least part of your hair back, in anticipation of the wind.

Shoes are also important. Do you really want to risk tripping over heels in uneven sand when you're walking down the aisle? Even low heels can be very risky, as sand is lumpy and unforgiving. Go for ballerina slippers, sandals, or dressy flip-flops instead, if you choose to wear shoes. Plenty of couples get married barefoot on the sand.

Chances are, you chose to get married by the sea because you love the outdoors, so most likely, you won't regret trading in the frilliness of long trains and poofy veils for an elegant slipdress and a pair of silk flip-flops. As long as you're aware that your venue presents a slightly different set of circumstances than a traditional church wedding, you should be able to find a style that becomes you and works with your beautiful chosen surroundings.

For additional information, check out beachcomberbride.com.

Learn more about this author, Jenny Meister.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Wedding dress ideas for a beach wedding?
We want to hear your view. Write now!