I'm Attending My First Beach Wedding This Year—These 6 Tips Will Help Me Dress for the Occasion

With two hen dos and one wedding to attend abroad this year, it's safe to say my summer wardrobe will be getting a workout. But having never been to a beach wedding before, I wanted to find the perfect wedding guest outfit that would fit the sunny destination. While a classic wedding guest dress is of course an obvious choice, I wanted to find a look that'll be different to, say, a city or countryside ceremony.

The thing is, when you add sand, sea and sun into finding the right occasion wear outfit, it makes it all the more challenging. But, that being said, a beach wedding tends to have a more casual and playful dress code, simply because gowns and stilettos just don't mix with sand. And it's also an occasion where you can experiment with joyous colours, bold prints and fun accessories. But best of all, beach weddings tend to be the most comfortable because you can wear flats—hallelujah.

After getting some inspiration from some of my favourite women on Instagram, I found out that there are 6 easy style tips to follow to create a beach wedding guest outfit. And they'll all look so chic against that seaside backdrop. Scroll on to see the tips and shop my favourite pieces to help you nail the look.

What to Wear to a Beach Wedding: 6 Tips That Will Help You Nail the Look

1. Embrace Sunshine Shades

Style Notes: The beauty of a beach wedding is that you can pretty much wear any colour you want—steer clear of white, however, it is still a wedding. While butter yellow and blush pink will be popular this year, take inspiration from the sunny scenery and go for zesty shades of bright yellow and orange.

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2. Yes, You Can Wear A Mini Dress

Style Notes: While wearing a mini dress to a wedding in the UK is rarely seen (midi or maxis are often favoured), a beach setting is the perfect place to go short. Easy to wear, cool during a balmy weather ceremony and perfect with flat shoes, they'll also avoid any trip hazards with a long dress in the sand.

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3. Wear Sensible (But Elegant) Flats

Style Notes: Don't even think about wearing heels to a beach wedding, unless you know you won't be trudging through the sand, that is. That said, you don't want to wear scruffy flip flops, either. The best option is a pair of chic minimal sandals or ballet flats as they'll go with any outfit. Just take a look at Renia's outfit for further proof.

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4. Embrace the Beach Theme With Seashell Accessories

Style Notes: Whether you add a seashell belt like Dawn, or go for full statement earrings, play up to the setting by having fun with this season's shell-jewellery trend. I'll take any opportunity to get dressed up and go OTT with accessories, and what better excuse than a beachside wedding?

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5. Make Your Sun Hat Part of Your Look

Style Notes: If the ceremony is taking place in a hot climate, it's a wise idea to take a sun hat. Not just a practical accessory, it also has the ability to elevate any look. It's not often that fashion meets function, so take full advantage of this opportunity.

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6. Opt For A Cool Co-ord

Style Notes: While a dress is always an clear choice for any wedding, I love the idea of a sleek co-ord instead. I'm not talking beach-ready shorts and a shirt, I'm thinking more crochet textures (like Abisola, above) and satin styles in cuts that still look sophisticated. You'll also be able to break up the set and wear them throughout the rest of the trip, too.

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