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Having a Beach Wedding? Dress for the occasion

With many brides choosing to tie the knot in exotic locations such as Mauritius and The Maldives, a beach wedding dress is a vital consideration.

Beach weddings are generally less formal than a traditional church wedding and so a beach wedding dress can also be less formal. However, that does not mean that you have to compromise on your wedding dress by any means. There are so many beautiful wedding dresses suitable for a beach wedding you will still be spoilt choice.

There are a number of considerations when choosing a wedding dress suitable for wearing on a sandy beach, the most important of which is that you are comfortable in the heat.

The Fabric

Choose a light weight breathable fabric that will not make your perspire even more than is necessary in the heat. Fabrics such as georgette or crepe are ideal as Marilyn by Sarah Huston are very lightweight and do not crease easily. If you want a slight sheen to your beach wedding dress, then opt for a Duchesse satin or a Charmeuse.

Length

It is entirely up to you what length wedding dress you chose to wear on your big day, but it might be worth considering a short or mid length gown or one that just touches your ankles. It could be difficult to walk along a sandy beach in a wedding dress which trails along behind you.

A dress such as the one shown here called "Marilyn" by Sarah Houston which is made from Georgette, is an empire line and a short hemmed wedding dress is ideal for a beach wedding.

Colour

It is entirely your choice what colour you opt for. White and Ivory wedding dresses are still the top choice of a beach bride but there are some beautiful gowns in soft pastel hues and there really is nothing to stop you from marrying in whatever colour you wish and that suits your skin tone.

Shape

The same rules apply here no matter where you plan to get married! Buy a dress that will flatter your body shape. That said, beach wedding dresses typically are sleeveless and strapless such as the one featured here which is "Rochelle" by Charlotte Balbier. But there are a number of beautiful corseted dresses to suit the more full figured bride. For those girls with a little less endowment, the halter neck dress is very flattering. If you are less than happy with your tummy region, then opt for an empire line dress.

Veils

Beaches can be a little breezy, so I would personally steer clear of a cathedral length veil with your beach wedding dress! To be honest, the whole "beach wedding look" tends to be simple and contemporary and so something such as a simple beautiful big flower looks best.

Travelling

If you are flying be sure to check out the flying arrangements whoever you are flying with. Ensure your wedding dress is insured and if possible keep it with you in your hold luggage. Some airlines have special places for hanging wedding dresses but some don't so give them a call. This is another area where the material your dress is made from comes into play. Choose a wedding dress that will travel well and that any creases that may appear during the journey, will fall out of.

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that you are comfortable and you will look back on your big day with love and joy! A beach wedding dress can be everything you ever dreamt it would be!