What to Wear to a Beach Wedding: Tips for Couples and Guests

Planning or attending a beach wedding sounds dreamy — ocean breeze, soft sand, and golden sunsets. But then the question hits:

“What do I wear to a beach wedding?”
“Are heels okay on sand?”
“Can I wear shorts if it’s hot?”

Whether you're the bride and groom, or a guest invited to a wedding by the beach, here’s your ultimate guide to dressing for the occasion — with comfort, style, and Florida’s heat in mind.

This post is packed with real advice from couples who booked our all inclusive beach wedding packages, and answers real searches like:

• Best outfits for beach wedding ceremony

• What to wear to a beach elopement

• Beach wedding guest dress code

• Micro wedding attire for bride and groom

For the Couple: What to Wear for Your Beach Wedding Ceremony

Bride Style Tips

If you're getting married at a beach wedding venue in Florida, keep the heat, humidity, and wind in mind. We recommend:

Ideal fabrics:

• Chiffon

• Tulle

• Light crepe or lace

• Organza

• Linen for boho styles

Silhouettes that work:

• A-line

• Flowy sheath

• High-low dresses

• Two-piece bridal sets

• Short dresses for elopement weddings

Avoid:

• Heavy ball gowns (too hot)

• Tight mermaid fits (hard to walk in sand)

• Thick satin or silk (retains heat)

Pro tip: Many brides go barefoot or wear barefoot sandals. If you're wearing shoes, opt for flat sandals or espadrilles. Remember — high heels don’t mix with beach sand!

If you're booking a small wedding, elopement on the beach, or all-inclusive elopement package for 2, simplicity is your best friend. Think effortless, romantic, and breathable.

Groom Style Tips

Beach grooms look best when they skip the tux and go for light, breathable styles. Some ideas:

Best beach groom looks:

• Linen or cotton shirt + dress pants

• White or beige button-up + suspenders

• Short-sleeved shirt + vest combo

• Barefoot or leather sandals for casual ceremonies

• Matching boutonnière (usually included in your wedding package)

Brighter tones like tan, light gray, or soft blue work great against the ocean backdrop.

At Wedding Day Packages, we often see grooms wear dress shorts and linen shirts for more casual beachside weddings, especially with our affordable beach wedding venues in Fort Lauderdale or Miami.

For the Guests: How to Dress for a Beach Wedding

If you're attending a small intimate wedding or micro wedding on the beach, the vibe is likely relaxed but elegant.

Guests often ask on Reddit:

“Can I wear flip-flops to a beach wedding?”
“Do I need to wear a suit to a beach wedding?”

Here’s our go-to advice:

Guest Attire for Women:

• Maxi or midi dresses (floral prints, solids, or pastel tones)

• Jumpsuits or wrap dresses

• Comfortable sandals or wedges

• A sun hat or sunglasses for earlier ceremonies

Avoid: super short dresses, heavy materials, or anything that blows up too easily in wind 🌬️

Guest Attire for Men:

• Linen shirts or light button-downs

• Rolled-up sleeves

• Khaki or linen pants

• Loafers, boat shoes, or even barefoot if allowed

No need for: jackets, ties, or dark formalwear — unless the couple has a formal dress code.

Most of our elopement weddings and beach wedding packages are casual, comfortable, and about celebration, not tradition.

Shoes: The #1 Beach Wedding Question

“What are the best shoes for a beach wedding?”
Here’s the truth:

YES:

• Flat sandals

• Barefoot sandals (with ankle jewelry)

• Espadrilles or wedges

• No shoes at all (many couples do this!)

NO:

• Heels

• Dress shoes with leather soles

• Boots (yes, someone tried once)

Sand is soft, uneven, and sometimes hot — wear something you can walk in confidently, especially for beachfront wedding venues where the ceremony happens right on the shore.

Bonus: Accessory & Comfort Tips

Even at a beautiful wedding venue Florida, the sun and wind are real. Help yourself and your guests stay comfortable:

• Bring a fan or hand fan (great photo prop!)

• Use setting spray and minimal makeup for long ceremonies

• Offer sunscreen stations or paper parasols (we can help set this up)

• Plan your hair with the wind in mind — half-up or bun styles work best

These small details make a huge difference at beachside wedding venues and micro wedding ceremonies.

Final Thoughts

Your beach wedding look doesn’t need to be over-the-top.
Whether you're planning a small wedding on a budget, booking a venue in Fort Lauderdale, or choosing one of our all inclusive wedding packages, the key is this:

Keep it simple. Keep it you. Keep it beach-friendly.

At Wedding Day Packages, we help couples plan everything — from décor and florals to outfits, guest tips, and timing.
And yes — all of our beach wedding packages include a beautiful bouquet, boutonnière, and help with aesthetic coordination.

Your perfect wedding, from wardrobe to vows — all in one place.