Beach Wedding Must-Haves
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It’s officially wedding season and if you’re lucky, you’ve been invited to a few that will take place on the beach. Avoid rookie mistakes (stilettos in the sand, anyone?) with our guide to everything that you need to rock beach weddings all summer long.
A Top Notch Hat
Even if the ceremony is slated to start later in the day, it’s always a good idea to be prepared to shield yourself from the sun. When planning out your wedding attire, be sure to include a wide brimmed hat in the mix. Not only will you be making a sartorial statement, you’ll also get to avoid being the guest with a bright red face in all of the photos. A lightweight straw hat is always a good idea and you’ll be hard pressed to find something that it doesn’t match.
The Perfect Sunglasses
While it may seem strange to don a pair of shades during a romantic ocean-side wedding ceremony, no one likes to spend the duration of an event squinting. Slipping on a pair of sunglasses will keep your eyes protected from the bright sun reflecting off the water and sand plus there’s the added bonus of hiding your eyes when you shed a few tears of joy. Opt for a clean, classic look like a wayfarer or aviators and save your sportier frames for beach volleyball the next day.
The Right Shoes
This is where things get messy, literally. When it comes to choosing the proper footwear for a beach wedding, you need to think in terms of practicality all while avoiding the trap of going too casual. It’s best to avoid anything with a heel (unless you want to spend the ceremony shifting to avoid sinking in the sand) as well as anything too closed. Trust us, you don’t want to have to deal with sand creeping into your brogues. A dressy sandal (no flip flops, please) or a pair of boat shoes worn sans socks are the perfect solution. They can easily be slipped on and off and manage to look polished but not too stuffy.
Something to Sip
On the day of the wedding you’re attending, be sure to keep a bottle of water with you at all times. Sip as often as you remember to and aim to consume as much h20 as possible. Spending prolonged periods of time in the sun, surrounded by the salty breeze, can leave you feeling pretty parched which isn’t ideal when you’re in a situation where you need to sit still for some time. Continue to drink water even once the sun goes down to keep yourself hydrated as the festivities unfold. You’ll thank yourself in the morning.
Appropriate Attire
Once you’ve determined the dress code (beach weddings aren’t usually black tie affairs) it’s time to start planning your outfit. It can be tricky trying to find something that will take you from outdoor ceremony to late-night celebration, so you’ll need to be strategic. First, avoid synthetics at all cost. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton are breathable and tend to be lighter. Silk is another excellent option but be forewarned: it’s unforgiving when it comes to sweat. A lightweight suit (seersucker, anyone?), a simple shift dress, or the tried-and-true linen shirt and chinos combination are all fabulous choices.
Sunscreen
Even if you’re the type of person who never burns, you need to wear sunscreen and reapply it often. If you’re attending a beach wedding in a tropical destination, the sun can be relentless and especially unforgiving, making it extra important to ensure you’re protected. Don’t forget to pick up a lip balm with SPF as the skin on your lips is delicate and often overlooked. Because it never hurts to be prepared, it’s a good idea to pack some after-sun cream or gel as well.
