Life’s a Beach!
While beaches are most often associated with fun in the sun, they increasingly resound with the peal of wedding bells! Beach-bound nuptials, whether destination weddings at swanky resorts or toned-down casual celebrations, are occurring with greater regularity, so it is more and more likely that you will be invited to attend a sand-and-surf ceremony.
Beach weddings are unlike almost any other kind of wedding and can feature a range of formalities for wedding guest attire. This guide will instruct you on what types of garments to wear, colors styles, and cuts typical of beach wedding, and tips so you know what to avoid and what to emphasize to craft the perfect outfit for a beach and for a wedding.
The Beach Wedding Concept
Elevated Attire in a Laidback Setting
When a marrying couple decides to host their wedding at a beach, they have an interesting conundrum: how do you reconcile an extremely casual setting, like a beach, with the formality typical of a wedding ceremony?
The solution is “Beach Formal,” also known as “Beach Wedding Attire.”
This unique dress code is comprised of the most formal garments you can wear at the beach without looking totally out of place. It’s quite similar to resort attire in the sense that it has lots of lighter colors, open weaves, and spring or summery colors that are well suited to a tropical climate.
But then what is “Resort Attire?”
“Beach Formal” Can Be a Misnomer
According to strict Classic Style definitions, the word “formal” indicates one of several very formal dress codes, namely, Morning Wear, Black Tie, or White Tie. In the context of a “beach formal” wedding, however, the term “formal” refers only to a more formal way of dressing and not exclusively to the most formal ways of dressing.
In most cases, you will not be expected to wear true formal attire at a beach wedding, and you should not plan to bring your tuxedo unless your wedding invitation expressly identifies Black Tie as the dress code.
Instead, Beach Formal indicates a manner of dressing that is elevated and stylish, especially when compared with the extremely casual garb usually reserved for the beach, without sacrificing the carefree fun associated with the seaside.
Need help determining Formality?
See the Invite!
As this guide will illustrate, the Beach Formal dress code could encompass a relatively wide swath of formalities: can you wear a white and light blue seersucker suit, or would your hosts before dark gray linen? Oftentimes, the relative formality of the invitation holds the key: the more formal the invitation, the more formal the expected dress.
Not sure how to interpret invitation formality?
The Fundamentals of Beach Wedding Attire
Capture the Beach Lifestyle Vibe
It can be difficult to distinguish what, exactly, sets Beach Formal attire apart from similar carefree styles of dress, such as Business Casual or Resort Attire. Ultimately, there is considerable practical intersection between fabrics and colors typical of hot-weather Classic menswear.
The main distinguishing factor is that guests’ attire for Beach Formal embraces the laid back sun-and-sand lifestyle and pursuit of pleasure that is typically associated with the beach. This notion can only be described as a “Beach Vibe,” which is to say, a look and feel typical of the beach.
Employ Lightweight Fabrics
When you’re out on the sand under the blazing sun, you’ll quickly become aware that staying cool in the heat is an essential component of Beach Formal. Plan to wear lightweight, breathable fabrics, like linen, cotton, or ligher wools, with an open weave; that is to say, a weave that is loose and allows air to easily pass through to your skin. Even if you’re wearing a jacket, tucked-in shirt, and trousers, if each garment has an open weave, the air will naturally circulate to your skin and keep you warm.
Wear Beach-Appropriate Colors
While a wedding is more formal than most trips to the beach, you don’t want to lose sight of the fact that you are in a fun and frolicsome environment. The best way to convey this happy mood is with bright, vibrant colors. Common choices include any shade of blues, especially powder blue or petrol blue, lighter greens like mint or emerald, bright reds and pinks like Nantucket red or salmon, purples like lilac, any shade of yellow, and essentially any color that is bright and sunny.
Learn how to beat the heat in style!
Beach Wedding Attire FAQ
What is the Beach Formal dress code?
A beach formal dress code is a sartorial guideline for events taking place on the beach, which balances elegance with comfort and practicality. Men are typically expected to wear summer suits, linen shirts, or light blazers, often paired with dress shorts or lightweight trousers. Footwear should be appropriate for sand, but to keep with the conventions of Classic Style, opt for casual close-toed shoes instead of sandals or flip flops.
Can I wear a suit to a beach wedding?
Yes, you can wear a suit to a beach wedding, but choose fabrics like linen or lightweight wool that breathe well in warm weather. Light colors such as tan, beige, light grey, or pastels are also advisable due to their sun-reflecting properties.
Are ties required for a beach formal event?
Ties are not mandatory for a beach formal dress code, but if you choose to wear one, ensure it’s made of a light fabric like cotton or silk. You can also consider a bow tie or a casual neckerchief for a stylish touch while keeping in tone with the seaside setting.
What type of shoes are appropriate for beach formal attire?
Sand-appropriate shoes such as loafers, boat shoes, or woven-leather closed-toed shoes are suitable for a beach formal look. Flip-flops and very casual sandals are generally too informal for this dress code.
How do I choose the right accessories for a beach wedding?
Select accessories that complement the beach environment. Sunglasses, a panama hat, or a lightweight scarf can be both functional and stylish. Jewelry should be understated to maintain the balance of formal yet relaxed beach attire.
What fabrics are best for a Beach Formal outfit?
Fabrics that offer breathability and comfort in the heat are ideal choices. Linen, seersucker, and lightweight cottons are excellent options for maintaining a polished appearance without sacrificing comfort.
Elements of a Beach Formal Ensemble
Suit or Jacket and Trousers
Because even a beach wedding is more formal than regular outings at the beach, it’s okay to wear a suit. You could also consider a combination of seersucker dress pants and a lighter jacket or a blazer and slacks. Because it’s warmer outside, some may want to skip the jacket and go maybe with a vest and matching pants instead.
| Style Element | For a Beach Formal Wedding … |
|---|---|
| Colors | For color, go with something lighter colored, such as a seersucker suit or a lighter suit, perhaps in khaki or tan. Lighter colors have the advantage because they reflect the sunlight so you stay cooler. Definitely, skip navy or gray colors because they’re simply out of place at the beach. Fun colors such as lighter greens, maybe petrol are perfectly appropriate. |
| Fabrics | In terms of fabric choice, you can go with wool, especially if it’s an open weave like a tropical fabric. You can also go with cotton, a linen suit, or blends thereof. Make sure to stay clear of polyester or nylon because those fibers will just make you sweat. Likewise, your jacket should be made of a lighter material but what’s even more important is that it has an open weave and a sewn canvas. If it’s glued, which is something you usually find on less expensive suits, it’s more insulating and you’ll stay hot at the beach. |
| Details | Definitely, opt for more casual details in your jackets, which means notch lapels or patch pockets rather than peak lapels and jetted pockets. |
Shirt
The essential components of a Beach Formal button-down shirt are a light and bright color and a lightweight, breathable, open fabric. Linen breathes a little more heavily, but in any case, you want something with an open weave so you can really feel the breeze at the sea.
Skip the French cuffs and cufflinks, opting instead for buttoned barrel cuffs because it’s just one layer of fabric, and if you’re really overheating, you can even unbutton the shirt button on your cuff to increase air circulation.
What about
Silk Fabric?
You may be tempted to go with silk because it is often very lightweight and has a nice hand, but it is, in fact, quite insulating due to the tight weave: bear this in mind when selecting your fabric.
Learn the best hot-weather fabrics!
Neckwear
Casual Elegance
Knit Tie
Rich Color Depth
Shantung Ties
Dapper Charm
Bow Ties
Especially in the present today, you will usually be allowed to eschew neckwear if desired at a beach wedding. According to classical conventions, however, it is always better to wear neckwear, and if you decide after the fact that you appear too formal, you can always take it off.
To beat the heat in style, we recommend either a knit tie because it has an open weave or a bow tie because it’s lighter in weight than a necktie. These articles can appear in bolder colors or summery colors, and you could consider unique fabrics like shantung silk, which is more knobby and more casual than a traditional wedding tie or an office tie.
Do you own these five essential ties?
Shoes and Socks
In any warm or hot-weather environment, you should consider perforated leather dress shoes because they keep you cooler, and they’re definitely more casual than regular leather shoes. At the same time, it’s still classically stylish. If you like it bolder, you may be able to pull off a spectator shoe but make sure that it isn’t too showy: you don’t want to accidentally upstage the footwear of the wedding party.
For the greatest versatility, we recommend a loafer either a penny loafer, maybe a tassel loafer in a light tan color: you can just wear it at the beach or at a beach wedding but also to the office on casual Fridays. Other colors that work well are tan and even white buckskin shoes because, in the tropics or a beach wedding, it’s an appropriate look.
DO I have to wear
Socks?
Over-the-calf dress socks in fun, vibrant colors and patterns are perfectly acceptable at a beach wedding. If desired, you could also wear no-show socks to achieve a more casual appearance without the discomfort of sweating into your shoes or the risk of blisters.
Learn how to combine socks, shoes, and trousers
Accessories
If possible, match any leather accessories with the leather tone of your shoes: woven or beaded belts are exceptional options at more casual weddings.
Especially if you have opted to not wear neckwear, we strongly recommend wearing a pocket square in bright and bold colors and patterns: it creates essential visual interest at your chest.
On top of that, a little boutonniere in your buttonhole can be a nice addition. However, sometimes that’s reserved just for the wedding party, so when in doubt, skip the boutonniere and go with a pocket square.
Classic accessories are still the norm at Fort Belvedere!
What if there is a
Ceremony?
In most instances, beach weddings feature both the ceremony and the reception taking place on the beach at the same time. In the event that the ceremony is held elsewhere at a different venue, be aware that you might be expected to wear more formal attire for that component. Fortunately, your wedding invitation will make that clear by stating a unique dress code for the ceremony.
What Not to Wear at a Beach Wedding
Don't Make Yourself the Center of Attention
When you are a guest at someone else’s special day, you should dress to keep them the center of attention. Therefore, unless it is stated otherwise in the invitation, avoid sartorial elements that draw excessive attention. These include monochromatic looks, with pants, jacket, shirt, and even a tie all matching in the same color, excessively novel patterns like oversized paisley, gaudy Hawaiian shirts, exposed suspenders without a waistcoat or suit jacket, or overly formal elements, like black evening shoes, a cummerbund, or black neckwear.
Don't Wear Sandals with a Suit
These two sartorial elements just don’t go together because there is such a gulf in their formalities. If you wear long pants, it is more in keeping with the beach theme just to take off your shoes, take off your socks, and roll up the hems.
Don't Wear a Suit Jacket or Blazer with Shorts
While this extremely casual look was historically worn in Bermuda, the contrast between the long sleeves of the jacket and the short legs of the shorts is just too jarring: it will draw considerable attention to you, which is something you should avoid at a wedding when the bride and groom should always be the center of attention.
Be Wary of Short-Sleeved Shirts
Long-sleeved shirts will always look better than short-sleeved shirts in formal settings, especially when worn with a jacket or blazer. If it’s quite warm, you can simply roll up your shirt sleeves. Most short-sleeved shirts have shorter hems, making them difficult to tuck in, and an untucked shirt, especially when worn with a jacket, is not typical of Classic Style. If you do opt to wear a shirt with short sleeves, ensure that it at least has a collar, as on a polo shirt.
What about true Formal Attire?
Warm-Weather Black Tie
If you are invited to a Beach Wedding and the invitation identifies the dress code as Black Tie, you will need to follow the precise guidelines typical of Warm-Weather Black Tie, which are typical of more formal wedding attire and not a casual beach wedding.
Master Black Tie in Hot Weather!
Conclusion
Armed with the information in this guide, you are now prepared to perfectly execute any Beach Formal wedding, whether on the shores of Aruba, Jamaica, or anywhere your hosts may take you! The secrets you’ve learned here will aid you whether your beach wedding is in swimming trunks by the Atlantic or in Black Tie on the shores of the Mediterranean. The only thing left to do? Have fun! And don’t let the bouquet wash away with the tide!
How will you put together the perfect beach formal outfit? Comment below!
Outfit Rundown
Today’s outfit consists of an off-white or cream-colored jacket. It’s single-breasted to keep Raphael cool. It also reflects the sunlight. Raphael is wearing it with a light-colored, light blue shirt with an open weave. He combines it with a pair of seersucker trousers, which are very lightweight and perfect for summer.
On Raphael’s feet are tan woven leather wingtips, which are more casual. He is wearing it with a matching leather belt, and his pocket square picks up the brown tones of the shoes and the belts as well as the blue of the shirt and the seersucker pants.
The bowtie, on the other hand, is a little bolder. It’s a green Shantung silk stripe tie with a dark purple stripe. It is paired with a pair of dark green socks, so everything is harmonious.
Some very useful guidelines. But the cuffs on those Nantucket Reds seem a bit high.
Thanks, I thought so too. A sales clerk at Brooks did note that some young men are sporting either deeper cuffs o no cuffs and , what some of us older men would refer to as “high water” cuffs. Fortunately, i am too old to feel the need to follow either “innovation”…
It’s a style that was popular in the 60s and I went with it.
I worked in mens’ clothing in the ’60s and I never saw such cuffs in either the mid-west to the Ivy League. How popular were they?
I have attended a few beach celebrations on warm California days. My white bucks have been perfect for these occasions (with long pants, of course).
Thanks for sharing!
I would wear a guayabera with contrasting slacks not pants. Guayaberas are considered formal wear in many tropical countries. A white linen or cotton one would be appropriate.
Just a note on guayaberas. My spouse is from a very prominent Nicaraguan family. When someone showed up at a function wearing one, the family was quietly horrified, and that was for an occasion much less formal than a beach wedding. Naturally, no one said a word at the time, a guest’s comfort is paramount. Afterward however, a gentle suggestion was made by one of the younger male family members to the friend, who has never worn one since, except to the most casual of gatherings.
I’m VERY curious about this – supposedly long-sleeved guayaberas are wedding shirts in Mexico. There are apparently considerable variations in quality, but you see them worn as a kind of business casual by public officials at official functions in some countries. Look at pictures from the sixth Summit of the Americas in Colombia and something like half the heads of state are wearing one. Thoughts?
There are guayaberas for $19.99 made of polyester that look and are cheap, and to be avoided. Mine is 100% linen in it’s natural beige, and looks great, for $160!
But I do not know about social customs in Nicaragua, so I defer to Quatorze’s expertise.
I would bring a formal Pre-Nup to the beach wedding.
Thank you for this segment. In early October, I will be attending a late afternoon wedding at the Nantucket Yacht Club. The weather is typically warm/hot during the day and cool/cold in the evening. Would your suggestions in the video/article change based on this time of the Year? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
My two cents: A tropical weight wool blazer and ivory linen trousers might be perfect for a yacht club setting, especially on the more formal Northeast coast. A tie is a definite must – a yacht club is not the same as a beach.
As a clergyman, I also always advise those who have beach weddings outside of their own country, to make sure that the paperwork has been correctly completed and your marriage has been registered at home. I know people who have tried to get marriage certificates after a “destination” wedding only to find out that their marriages have not been properly documented.
Why not go with a nice guayabera
Shirt in white or light color with white pants and penny loafers.you will fit in and stay cool at the same time and you will not look out of place, after all it is a beach wedding !!
I have put the idea to Harry and he would have gone along with it but Meghan has her heart set on Windsor Castle. Talking of that, when I was a young man there was a popular song which began “They’re changing guard at Windsor Castle. Christopher Robin went down with . . . ” and I just can’t remember the girl’s name. Perhaps you could remind me.
They’re changing guard at Buckingham Palace
Christopher Robin went down with Alice.
Thanks for doing the video. I’ve got a beach wedding to go to early next year and I wasn’t sure what to wear. This video answered all my questions. Great stuff.
Glad we could help!