Congratulations, you've set the date and decided on a beach wedding. Now you need to find the perfect beach wedding dress. It's important to make sure you give yourself enough time to find a dress. You won't need the time consuming fittings or alterations a traditional gown requires, but there's a chance you'll need some sort of tailoring. So don't wait until the week before the wedding to run out and find the dress of your dreams. Finding the perfect beach wedding dress may be a little more challenging than you first thought, but here are some tips to help you find one.
A casual and relaxed ceremony in a tropical location calls for a cool and casual dress. Look for something that doesn't have to contend with the natural setting, not to mention the warm weather! You don't want to be sweating bullets out there under the sun in yards of heavy material, or dragging all that through the sand as you walk down the aisle. Cool and comfortable attire is going to be the key for you and your wedding party.
The best thing about a casual beach wedding dress, other than comfort, is the price. An informal dress costs a fraction of what you'd pay for a traditional gown. The good news is that you don't have to give up the glamour of a traditional gown if you don't want to. You can still find a casual style dress with all the beads, sequins and bling you might want. Or, you can choose a simple cotton design and dress it up with some attractive jewelry or hair accessories.
A beach bride might even want to wear a sarong. These are wonderful for the bride and the bridesmaids. Some weddings have the entire wedding party in sarongs, including the guys. The great thing about sarongs is they can be worn again, especially if it's a destination wedding where you'll be spending time there after the ceremony. Of course, the ultimate casual attire would simply be a white bikini, but don't forget the sunscreen!
The length of your beach wedding dress is up to you. It can be long, mid-length, or short above the knee. Any light, airy dress that flatters your figure is perfect for the beach, even a crinkle cotton, eyelet, or crochet sundress. Just keep in mind that it might be a little breezy, so choose a longer style if you want a full skirt. Chiffon, georgette, satin, charmeuse, silk, rayon, cotton, gauze and even light-weight jersey are great choices for the fabric.
An ideal tropical wedding dress is a simple, light-weight design that's easy to pack and travels well. A casual dress can probably go in your carry on luggage and then you won't have to worry about it getting too wrinkled or lost in transport. The last thing you want is to lose your wedding dress just before your big day.
Try to envision the styles that look good on you before you go shopping. Do you want spaghetti straps, strapless, or a halter dress? Do you see yourself in a princess style with a sweetheart neckline or maybe an empire or backless design? Are you looking for something short and flirty or long and flowing? You have to decide what style dress fits your body type, your personality and your budget.
Now, where do you look for a casual beach wedding dress? Finding something for a tropical location that's comfortable, cool and enchanting can be elusive. Typically, the big department stores don't carry a wide variety of light-weight white or ivory dresses year round. But you could find something at a boutique that specializes in evening or special occasion wear. Another option is to look at prom or bridesmaids dresses, which are usually less formal and less expensive. Shopping online can also yield some great results.
If you're shopping online, make sure you know your exact measurements before ordering. Ideally, there should be a size chart posted and a way to contact someone who can help with any questions or concerns you might have. And, it's very important to be able to exchange or return the dress if it doesn't fit or meet your expectations. Shopping online can be a great time saver and you might just find what you are looking for with a little research.
So what kind of dress should you wear for a beach wedding? Basically, anything you want! It's your special day, so wear something that truly reflects you and makes you feel beautiful. Just keep in mind, you're going to be out in the sun dealing with sand, wind and sea spray, so make sure the dress you select will be comfortable as well as beautiful.
Author Resource:
Terri Burt is the owner of Beach Bride, an online bridal boutique specializing in destination wedding dresses made for a tropical setting. To find the perfect dress for your wedding or vow renewal, visit Beach Bride at =>
http://www.beachbrides.net
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Author Resource:-> Terri Burt is the owner of Beach Bride, an online bridal boutique specializing in destination wedding dresses made for a tropical setting. To find the perfect dress for your wedding or vow renewal, visit Beach Bride at =>
http://www.beachbrides.net