Say yes to the beach wedding dress
How to choose the best dress for your Bahamas destination beach wedding

Photo Credit Christina Ysaguirre Photography

White chiffon flowing to the rhythm of the Bahamian breeze as you walk down the aisle towards the love of your life; it’s the picture that countless destination brides-to-be fantasize about. Beach weddings in The Bahamas are simply dreamy, from the perfect idyllic turquoise backdrop down to the powdery white sand; there really is nothing like it. One item that is absolutely indispensable for any destination beach bride? The beach wedding dress. The questions is, how do you go about choosing the perfect dress for your big day? Here are three tips that can help you along the way.

Tip 1: Keep it light

Beach wedding dresses are meant to be easy-to-wear, airy and effortless. From low-back styles to flowy boho-inspired gowns. Choosing a beach wedding dress definitely doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style. One thing is for sure, keeping it light, both when it comes to material and color, are essential when considering your all-day comfort. Focus on light colors such as white, blush, and ivory. These colors help to ward off the sun and heat and keep you cool. When it comes to materials, focus on dresses made out of chiffon, organza, tulle and jersey cotton. Not only are these fabrics lightweight, but they are also easier to carry on the plane and steam once you’ve taken it out of your suitcase. Another fun option is choosing a dress with a short or tea-length hemline, which will also avoid your dress trailing in the sand.

Another aspect of keeping your attire light weight is your footwear. Beach brides frequently opt to go barefoot, wear pretty sandals or flats, or embellish their feet with jewelry. However, if wearing heels is the most comfortable option for you, definitely go for it! Just make sure you practice walking in the sand prior to the big day to avoid any accidents down the aisle.

Photo Credit: Braxton Gardiner Photography

Tip 2: Keep the elements in mind

Sun, wind, sand, sea and possibly rain; these are all elements you’ll need to consider when choosing your destination wedding dress. As with any piece of clothing, keeping the occasion in mind while shopping will help determine what kind of style you’ll go with, when selecting your attire. The time of day, your ceremony and reception setup and the length of your wedding festivities might also play a role. If you get sunburned easily, it might be worth considering a dress with shoulder caps to protect your skin. If your heart is set on an open-back gown or a dress with a sweetheart neckline, for example, you might have to slather on the sunscreen or choose a sun covering such as wedding parasols or canopy. Another must do when it comes to beach weddings: talk to your wedding planner about having a back-up plan in place. This will

give you peace of mind, knowing that there is a plan B just in case it happens to rain on your parade (fingers crossed it won’t!).

Photo Credit: Braxton Gardiner Photography

Tip 3: Don’t compromise

A Bahamas destination wedding is a dream of a lifetime, so making sure you wear the dream dress that looks, feels and fits just right, is definitely important. With so many options available, it's essential to choose the style that fits your body type, blends in with your theme and makes you feel like the most beautiful bride to ever exist. Before heading to the store, make a list of all your must-haves when it comes to your dress. This will help your dress consultant pick out select pieces that fit your wants. Make sure to go with an open mind; what you think won’t suit you, often might surprise you! Remember that your wedding theme can always be adjusted to fit your dress, if you have something very specific in mind. A larger budget or willingness to split your wedding dress budget can also allow for getting a second dress, especially if your reception will be held indoors or has a slightly different look and feel than your ceremony. In the end, you have to feel beautiful and be able to look back at your wedding photos in awe of how everything came together.

Saying “yes” to your beach wedding dress is such an exciting part of wedding planning. Remember to keep it light; keep the elements in mind and most importantly, go with what you love. Happy shopping!