Destination weddings can be incredible experiences filled with dream location, small ceremony & unforgettable memories. You may marry on a romantic sunny beach, at a gorgeous mountain hideaway or in a quaint European villa; however, what’s going to tie your whole experience together is the attire you wear. Therefore, it is important to choose the right destination wedding dress (or outfit) so that you feel comfortable while also looking great and expressing who you are according to the ambiance of the location you chose.
This guide will provide examples of both bride & groom destination wedding dresses/outfits as well as offer advice on how to achieve a mix of elegance, functionality & personal taste while achieving both.
Understanding the Style of Destination Weddings
While traditional weddings offer a level of formality, having a destination wedding allows for a more casual atmosphere that reflects the location. Your clothing should match the climate, culture, and location of your wedding.
For example:
- At a beach wedding, you may want to wear something light and flowy.
- When getting married in the mountains, you may choose to wear multiple layers of clothing.
- If you are getting married in a city or cultural area, you may opt for more formal, structured garments.
By taking the above into consideration, your garment will create a great experience from the time you put it on until you take it off, rather than be an impediment.
Destination Wedding Attire for the Bride
Destination weddings highlight the bride’s attire; therefore, it is important for the bride to consider how practical her gown will be, as well as how beautiful it will appear.
1) Fabrics
Choose fabrics that breathe, such as:
- Chiffon
- Organza
- Linen blends
- Lightweight silk
These fabrics will keep you feeling cool and comfortable throughout the ceremony and reception, especially if you are in a tropical or warm climate.
2) Silhouette
Choose a silhouette (style) that is very easy to wear.
Even though some ball gown-style dresses are breathtakingly gorgeous, they can be a burden to travel and wear outdoors. Instead of choosing a ballgown-style wedding dress, consider:
- A-line style dresses
- Sheath style dresses
- Bohemian-style dresses
- Tea length & midi-style dresses
These silhouettes are more easily maneuverable and perfectly complement the laid-back atmosphere of a destination wedding.
3) Minimalism
Destination wedding decorations usually embody a sense of understated beauty and elegance. The bride’s attire should also follow the motto of “less is more.” The bride’s garment should feature minimal embellishments, relatively subtle embroidery, or fine lace details to convey sophistication without being overpowering.
Attire for a Groom’s Destination Wedding
The groom must also dress appropriately for the setting, while still looking tidy.
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Fabrics That Breathe
Like the bride, comfort is key for the groom, and the best fabric choices for the groom include:
- Linen
- Cotton
- Lightweight Wool
- Seersucker
These fabrics can also help to keep the groom pleasantly cool.
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Skip the Layers
A traditional three-piece suit could be too formal or uncomfortable for a warm-weather wedding; more appropriate options are:
- Linen Suit
- Two-Piece Suit
- Shirt with Suspenders
- Waistcoat Without Jacket
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Color Choice Matters
Destination weddings typically have many other color options in addition to those of a traditional wedding dress:
- Beach Wedding – beige, ivory, light blue, and pastel colors work well;
- Tropical Setting – some softer greens and tans or muted prints of some kind would work well;
- Evening Event – Navy, charcoal, and deep jewel tones would look beautiful.
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Balance of Casual and Elegant
The groom’s attire should balance casual and elegant, for example:
- Rolled-up sleeves for beach ceremonies
- No tie with an open collar
- Loafers or espadrilles instead of dress shoes.
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Accessories
A few simple accessories can turn an otherwise basic outfit into something that looks great:
- Pocket Square
- Lightweight Tie / Bow Tie
- Sunglasses (if outdoors)
- Minimal Jewelry
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Shoe Options
Shoe choices will vary based on the wedding location; the following are some examples:
- Loafers
- Boat Shoes
- Sandals (very casual for outdoor beach weddings)
- Dress Shoes (for more formal locations).
Coordinating Bride And Groom Attire
The couples attire is often what will capture the most attention at a destination wedding. An additional area of beauty to look at after one of the couple has made the decision to get married is how well their outfits match one another.
1. Follow The Theme
Make sure your outfits fit the general theme and style of the wedding and are also influenced by the location. As a few examples:
- Bohemian bride with linen groom
- Formal gown with a tuxedo
2. Color Coordination
Although you don’t necessarily have to match your colors exactly, your colors should still all look like they belong together. For example:
- Soft ivory dress with beige color suit
- Pastel bridesmaids dress with light gray men’s suit
3. Match Formality
If one partner is very dressy and formal, while the other is very casual it may appear that they don’t go together. You will want to make sure that both partners are wearing clothing that is similar in formality to prevent them from looking out of place together.
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Seasonal Factors
Even for destination weddings, the time of year can affect your choice of clothing to wear.
Summer Weddings-
- Use lightweight materials
- Use light colors
- Limit layering
Winter Destination Weddings-
- Use heavier fabrics (such as velvet)
- Layered clothing
- Closed toe dress shoes
Monsoon/Tropical Weather –
- Use fast-drying materials
- Do not choose clothing styles that have long trailing hems
- Use waterproof type footwear
How to choose a stress free outfit for a destination wedding
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Planning
Planning ahead is essential for destination weddings because determining what to wear will take extra preparation time.
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Fitting
Trying outfits before traveling will offer confidence when packing for your trip.
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Packing
Using a garment bag and/or wrinkle-resistant fabric will ensure safe packing and no wrinkles when you arrive.
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Backups
Carry additional outfits or essentials in case of an unforeseen event, such as changing weather conditions or food spills.
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Culture
Check to see whether the culture of your destination has specific dress codes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What fabric is best for wearing to a destination wedding?
Lightweight and breathable fabrics such as silk, cotton, linen and chiffon will keep you cool and are easy to transport.
Am I allowed to wear a traditional wedding outfit to a destination wedding?
Yes, however, you may want to modify your traditional outfit for comfort by making it lighter, adding fewer layers and choosing breathable fabrics that suit your destination’s climate.
How do I pack my destination wedding dress/suit?
Use higher-quality garment bags, select wrinkle-resistant fabrics, and consider utilizing a professional packing service if your outfit is delicate.
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, the right choice for a destination wedding will combine flair with function! Whether you are attending a beach wedding or a mountain wedding, your wedding attire should embody both your personal style and the sentiment of your destination.
As for brides, finding a wedding dress that combines the best qualities of effortless style and comfort is the goal.
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