When you’re searching for beach wedding dresses, it’s important to put practicality first. We know that sounds boring, but with silky soft sand between your toes and a sea breeze blowing in the air, a heavy wedding dress is the last thing you want.
Just because you need to avoid big wedding dresses, it doesn’t mean beach wedding dresses are any less sensational. Whether you want to go for a laid-back boho style wedding dress, or opt for something with touches of lace and kisses of sparkle, beach wedding dresses are still things of beauty.
Two piece wedding dresses are a great option for beach weddings, as they allow the breeze to tickle your midriff, while sultry thigh split wedding dresses also work well, allowing you to keep cool while looking hot.
Take the material of your wedding dress into consideration when you’re looking for a beach wedding dress; light materials like chiffon and tulle are the ones to go for, over heavier satin dresses. Open back wedding dresses and strappy wedding dresses are great for keeping cool but still embracing a special style.
Simple beach wedding gowns with wisp thin straps and gently draped skirts are a timeless choice for beach weddings, but if you can’t resist the lure of a full skirted gown, avoid wedding dresses with sleeves.
Again, if you’ve got your heart set on a sleeved wedding dress, avoid tight, form-fitting sleeves and instead opt for billowing bell sleeves or light lace sleeves for a more hot weather appropriate outfit.
Scroll down for our edit of the prettiest beach wedding dresses, from alternative wedding dresses to classic wedding dresses.
Cut Out Thigh Split Wedding Dress by Rara Avis
Channel a sultry wedding vibe in this cut out wedding dress, complete with lace panels and a gorgeous thigh split to keep you cool in even the hottest of destinations.
Halter Neck Lace Wedding Dress by Ronald Joyce
Exude elegance in this halter neck wedding dress with an alluring keyhole cut out, perfect for wearing with a chic up do hairstyle.
High Neck Lace Wedding Dress by Wendy Makin
This simple lace wedding dress is perfect for seaside weddings thanks to the lightly flowing skirt.
Floaty Wedding Dress by Valentine Avoh
Keep cool in a drop waist wedding dress with a free-flowing skirt that will billow beautifully in the breeze.
Strappy Beach Wedding Dress by Loulette Bride
Let your destination wedding surroundings do the talking in this simple beach wedding dress with thin straps and laidback textured details.
Sheer Off The Shoulder Wedding Dress by Tal Kedem
Not for the faint hearted, this sheer off the shoulder wedding dress with revealing thigh split is perfect for layering over swimwear for a beach perfect bridal look. The dramatic bow detailing at the waist makes it an extra pretty choice.
Off The Shoulder Wedding Dress with Sheer Overlay Skirt by Sankuta Shrestha
A lace overlay is the perfect way to embrace a full skirt at beach weddings; it gives the glamour of a big wedding dress, without all of the warmth.
Asymmetric Long Sleeved Wedding Dress by Yolan Cris
If you’ve got your heart set on a long sleeved wedding dress, an asymmetric gown could be a good compromise as it will keep you cool yet still allow you to embrace the wedding dress style you’ve been dreaming of. The thigh split adds another sexy element, too.
Open Back Halter Neck Wedding Dress by Kelsey Rose
This open back wedding dress is a gorgeous choice for sun-soaked weddings as the light skirt won’t cause you to overheat in the warm weather. Style your hair into a chic up do or sweep it over to one side to really show off the detailing of this pretty gown.
Crossover Back Wedding Dress by Vagabond
We adore the spaghetti thin straps on this crossover back wedding dress. The plunging detail on the back shows the perfect amount of skin for a sultry style.
Fishtail Wedding Dress with Open Back by Wendy Makin
Fishtail wedding dresses never go out of style, and while they might seem a bit of a faff for beach weddings, the fact that the gown is normally quite slinky means you can get away with the extravagant style.
Slinky Wedding Dress with Thigh Split by Paloma Blanca
Show off your carefully chosen wedding shoes with this sultry thigh split wedding dress, that allows you to show some skin, while still looking elegant. We adore how the lace detailing cascades from the top down onto the skirt.
Beach Wedding Dress with Thin Straps by Luna Willow
Keep cool at sun drenched beach weddings with this low back wedding dress with thin, delicate straps. The lace top makes it more special than a simple slip dress.
Alternative Wedding Dress with Cut Out Panels by Rara Avis
Make a statement on your wedding day with this dramatic wedding dress, complete with plunging neckline, daring thigh split and sexy cut outs. While it may be a departure from classic designs, this alternative wedding dress would look perfect at a beach wedding.
Lace Wedding Dress with Thigh Split by Savin
This lace beach wedding dress is brought right up to date for beach weddings with the discreet thigh split and sheer panels at the back. Pair with flat wedding shoes instead of stilettos to stop yourself sinking into the sand as you walk down the aisle.
Two Piece Wedding Dress by Valentine Avoh
Opt for a really modern wedding look with this two piece wedding dress; the almost cropped top will keep you cool, while the floaty skirt exudes beachside elegance.
Simple Beach Wedding Dress with Draped Skirt by Kelsey Rose
The waist detailing and draped skirt make this simple beach wedding dress a really flattering style. Lace panels at the sides draws the eye to nipped in waists for a gorgeous hourglass outline.
Modern Two Piece Wedding Dress by Marylise
Defy convention in this beautiful two piece wedding dress with free flowing lace sleeves and an alluring thigh split.
If the lace wedding dresses in this gallery have made you certain it’s the style you want to wear on your big day, check out our edit of the most beautiful lace wedding dresses this season.
