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The very best beach wedding dresses to wear on your big day
From boho gowns to casual coverups, there’s a vibe for every bride
Beachy bridal looks are so much easier to nail than the traditional sort of wedding dress and are, of course, necessary for this season’s destination do’s. Whether your big day is in the Caribbean or Cornwall, there will be sea, sand and sun to contend with – so you have every excuse to just take the formality down a notch and opt for something more comfortable. Relaxed, boho-luxe looks and low-key hair styles are so much cooler anyway (hello, cute hair accessories and tousled waves).
Plus, when you take the heavy, sweaty petticoats, rigid boning and frothy layers of tulle out of the equation, you’re bound to spend less. You also have the freedom to cast the net far and wide when it comes to brands, as you don't have to just stick to bridal collections.
Don’t believe us? We’ve found 28 bridal dresses that are made for the beach – from casual cotton summer dresses and bohemian tiered styles to sequinned gowns and elegant bias-cut slips – and they start from under £40.
Check out our editor picks for the best beach wedding dresses to shop here...
Nothing says 'beachy' quite like crochet. So it’s unsurprising, really, that Parisian brand Ba&sh with crochet at its core has taken the top spot on our edit. With its open back, halter neckline and flowing maxi skirt, this style is perfect for boho brides.
Nadine Merabi’s Kyla dress is legit perfect for destination weddings – forget heaving around hot wedding dresses, this delicate number was made for beach nuptials. Check out the cool cut-outs and swimwear-inspired ring detailing.
Going for that ’90s minimalist vibe on your big day? Check out Ghost's latest slip dress. With its slender straps, deep V-neckline and gorgeous panel detailing, this number is anything but simple.
Channel ethereal goddess in this intricately beaded creation from Asos. The plunging neckline, open back and ultra wide sleeves will make you feel like the ultimate bohemian beach bride on your big day.
For size-inclusive beach wedding dresses, look to high street brand Abercrombie. This Grecian-inspired style is available in XXS to XL and comes in petite, regular and tall.
This Cos beach dress has an asymmetric skirt that sweeps the floor gracefully with every step you take down the aisle. The crew neckline adds a casual touch for bridal wear, which means you'll definitely want to wear this again after the big day.
If Reformation’s bridal collection is too out-there for your causal beach big day, don't be afraid to pick up something from the brand's ready-to-wear collection instead. Reach back into the pastoral, milkmaid vibes with Ref’s beaut Balia dress.
More boho beachy looks coming ’atcha, courtesy of high street staple Asos. This baby is a great lookalike for Kate Moss' wedding dress with its beaded details, sheer overlay and maxi silhouette.
This dress is cut like an airy kaftan, and has a beautiful natural drape to it that makes it look waaay more expensive. Its delicate pleat design and billowing sleeves give it a relaxed, boho style that is ideal for a beach wedding.
If simple slip dresses feel a lil’ too plain for your big day but you're still going for that minimalist aesthetic, Reiss’ maxi style is for you. Pair yours with a statement lip and wet-look hair for your beach wedding.
Reformation has the coolest wedding outfits for both brides and bridesmaids, so you can kit out the whole team in one go. This cute as hell puff-ball number is not only great for your big day, but you'll definitely wear it for years to come. We’re thinking Ibizan sunset wedding, then straight to Cafe Mambo.
Strapless options are literally perf for beach weddings and ideal for showing off a sun-kissed tan, too. With its corset-style boned top and voluminous lace skirt, this Reiss number is the perfect combination of summery and sophisticated.
If you’re after a modern spin on the traditional lace wedding dress check out this Reformation number. We’re obsessed with the open back, fluted sleeves and ofc, that mini hemline.
PSA: the corsage trend is still going strong in 2024. This Karen Millen beach wedding dress feels super sultry with its bodycon silhouette, thigh slit and key-hole cut-out, but the floral rosettes keeps things firmly in the ‘bridal’ category.
Ghost's dress has a vintage feel, thanks to the plunging cowl neck and dropped waist silhouette, plus the midi hemline makes it perf for sandy situs.
It doesn't get much more romantic than Reiss’ pleated puff sleeve midi dress. We’re obsessed with the ruffle details and drop waist silhouette on this piece. Wear yours with a sleek bun to really show-off that neckline.
Trust British brand Rixo to put a retro spin on the classic beach wedding dress. Crafted from pure silk, this baby features gorgeous ruffles and handy adjustable straps. Plus, the hemline finishes just at the ankle for a dramatic yet wearable look.
A beach wedding doesn’t mean you can’t go big with the dress. With its dramatic skirt, floor-sweeping hemline and cross-strap back, Whistles’ gown will look super graceful on your big day. Keep styling minimal (think subtle pearl studs or gold huggie earrings), and let the dress' silhouette do all the talking.
Linen is always a good idea when it comes to beach wedding dresses. Not only is it super lightweight, it’s also hella breathable – which trust us, is exactly what you need when you're getting married under that hot, hot sun.
Whistles bridal collection is a fashion editor’s best kept secret. Affordable yet luxurious, this Frances lace dress features a beautiful empire waistline, fluted sleeves and a simple cami lining. J'adore.
Abigail Southan is our Senior Fashion Ecommerce Editor and has five years' experience as a writer and editor in the industry. Abigail has a BA in History from the University of Bristol and an MA in Fashion Journalism from Central Saint Martins. Abigail currently covers all things style and shopping across titles including Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Esquire and Red. On a daily basis, she helps readers buy better with how-to-wear guides, first-person product reviews and deep dives into the latest trends. Previously, Abigail has worked for The Sunday Times’ Style and Fabulous magazine as their first ecommerce writer and was a founding editor of Sun Selects. She has also written for Net-a-Porter, I-D, Man About Town, Wonderland and 1 Granary, and has interviewed the likes of Paris Hilton, Dua Lipa and Christopher Bailey. You can follow Abigail on Instagram at @abigailsouthan.
Rosie Davenport is a former Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK and Red Online, covering fashion, beauty and travel reviews, as well as major sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Rosie has reviewed everything from Reformation dresses to the latest massage guns and knows the new brands to bookmark as well as the latest trends to follow. Before this role, Rosie was a Fashion Ecommerce Writer on publications including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Good Housekeeping for nearly two years, and gained a MA from Central Saint Martins in Fashion Journalism in 2021, focussing on the rise (and rise) of fashion podcasting. Rosie has also worked at The Times, been a sub editor at The Mail on Sunday’s weekly YOU magazine and produced in-depth retail reports for the trend forecasting agency WGSN. Her career highlight? Previewing Prada’s AW21 menswear show in the depths of lockdown and interviewing Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons from her bedroom. Outside of work, Rosie can be found rummaging through vintage shops or getting lost in one of London’s iconic department stores. You can follow Rosie on Instagram @rosie.davenport
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