If you’re lucky enough to have received an invitation to a beach wedding this year, you might be wondering what to wear. Get it wrong, and you might end up with an uncomfortable day. Do you wear a suit? Do you wear shorts and a shirt? Are sandals ok?

Here’s everything you need to think about when it comes to a beach wedding, and what to wear for one.

For beach weddings, it's all about the planning

A beach wedding is normally more relaxed. The bride and groom might decide on more traditional outfits or dress code, but usually it's all a bit more casual. This means balancing the look and comfort level on the day (and probably checking the weather on an hourly basis). Check the invitation as it might help steer you in the right direction.

The other thing to consider is where you’re heading. Not all beaches are created equally. There’s a big difference in what to wear if you’re jetting off to a destination wedding in a tropical location vs a beach wedding in the UK or somewhere cooler and breezier.

If you’re travelling further afield to head to a beach wedding, you also need to think about packing your outfit and taking it with you. Some fabrics and fits travel better than others. Choosing to take something like an non-iron shirt or a fabric that’s meant to look a little more lived-in, like linen, can go a long way.

Check the weather forecast before you travel and then ahead of the wedding or event. It might make sense to take a couple of different options if it looks like the weather could change while you’re out there.

What to wear to a beach wedding

If you’re heading to a warm-weather beach wedding, go lightweight. Choose a light, breathable fabric like linen or cotton for your suit and stick to a 2-piece suit instead. Seersucker is also a great summer fabric for beach weddings – the traditionally puckered surface adds a bit of interest and offsets a smooth linen shirt and soft suede loafers. Lose the tie and keep the collar open for a breezy look.

You might even be able to relax the look even further by choosing a suit that’s more of an oversized or less structured fit, wearing a T-shirt underneath instead of a shirt or going without the jacket completely. Read our guide on what to wear to a summer wedding for more warm-weather styling ideas.

Check the dress code with the couple and the wedding organisers so you know what you’ve got to work with. Some beach weddings are even more relaxed, with chino shorts or wide leg trousers and short sleeved shirts (with or without a bow tie) being a great option. Pleated trousers cut from linen are an light and airy option that still has you looking put together. Our takes come in a range of neutral tones that offers a nice contrast to a white linen shirt.

Either way, it’s unlikely that you’ll be expected to wear a full 3-piece suit in something like tweed if you’re in a warmer climate.

As for footwear, ditch the formal leather shoes and go for more casual footwear like loafers, boat shoes or sandals. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and suitable for sandy or uneven terrain too, as you don’t want to end up feeling uncomfortable throughout the day.

Colour is also important for a beach wedding. Again, check in with the wedding party but often lighter, more relaxed colours look great if you’re a guest at a wedding on the beach. Think beige, tan, light grey and subtle additions of muted colours like light blue or pale pink. Go a little more relaxed than you would at a traditional wedding.