Brides getting hitched on or near a beach will want something lightweight so they don’t overheat in the sun. Lace, chiffon and similar fabrics will keep you cool both on the sand and while you party the night away. As for the silhouette, opt for something breezy such as a sheath which will blow softly in the wind. For embellishments, you may want to avoid heavy beading and embroidery, but appliqued flowers, especially ones with three-dimensional petals, will add some movement to the gown.

When accessorizing think of where you’ll be standing and which items won’t get in your way as you’re saying “I do.” For example, a floor-length veil may snag on a shell in the sand and a veil of any length may blow in the wrong direction if the wind picks up.  Shoes on the beach can be difficult to maneuver so think about decorative flip flops or going barefoot.

If your beach wedding is a destination you’ll also want to consider traveling with your dress when purchasing it. A wedding dress made of a lightweight material may be easier to carry and store on a plane than a full ball gown with heavy embellishments. Remember to let the crew know you’re carrying precious cargo and they will help you find the safest spot to store it.

Here are a few of our favorite dresses for a beach wedding that we spotted during Bridal Market:

Elizabeth Fillmore; Alyne

Jenny Packham

Francesca Miranda; Ines Di Santo