The appropriate etiquette for a beach wedding

Wedding season is in full swing. Thanks to the generally pleasant, even warm summer weather, getting married on the beach has become considerably more popular over the past decades. It is not only a beautiful wedding venue; marrying by the sea simply has something romantic about it. Are you getting married on the beach soon, or have you just received an invitation to a beach wedding? GENTS brings you up to speed on the proper etiquette for a beach wedding!

Every year that romantic period begins again: wedding season. We have previously explained wedding season, complete with practical wedding season tips. Today's blog follows on from that. We are right in the middle of this season full of weddings, so there is a good chance you will soon have a beach wedding in your diary. Perhaps you are even considering getting married on the beach yourself. The fresh ocean air, the stunning view and the soothing sound of the waves: the beach is undeniably a beautiful wedding location, which is why marrying by the sea has become more popular. Still, not everyone knows what the dress code for a beach wedding is. What do you wear to a wedding by the sea? Which outfit is appropriate for a beach ceremony? GENTS brings you up to speed on beach wedding etiquette!

Why get married on the beach?

The Dutch weather may not seem entirely suited to a beach wedding. Yet in recent years we have more often enjoyed a lovely spring or a beautiful summer. That is why more and more couples choose to say "I do" in a unique, beautiful location rather than in a building. Why has marrying on the beach become so popular? It is a wonderful location, there is plenty of space, and in case of bad weather there is always the beach pavilion where you can hold the ceremony. Besides, there is simply something magical about a beach wedding. The atmosphere is fantastic. In short, plenty of reasons why beach weddings are becoming ever more common.

Beach wedding etiquette

As with many formal, festive occasions, a beach wedding comes with a dress code. Are you a guest at a beach wedding? Then you will of course choose an outfit in line with beach wedding etiquette. You do need to know what is appropriate, though. As a specialist in formal menswear, GENTS is naturally well versed in every dress code, and we are happy to share that knowledge with you!

Summer chic at a beach wedding

The dress style for a beach wedding is of course festive. At the same time, the atmosphere at a beach wedding is somewhat more informal than at a wedding held in a building, such as a church or town hall. Beach wedding etiquette takes this special character into account. "Summer chic" is a summery look with an elegant appeal, ideal when you attend a wedding on the beach. But what does the summer chic dress code mean for the gentlemen among us, and how do the ladies dress?

Wedding suit or a stylish outfit

Is it your beach wedding? Then, as a true gentleman, you will of course wear a magnificent wedding suit that matches your beloved's wedding dress perfectly. A wedding suit for a beach ceremony can be any colour that suits your theme. A tip from GENTS: choose a wedding suit in a breathable fabric. If it is tropically hot, you certainly don't want to keep wiping beads of sweat from your forehead.

Not getting married on the beach, but attending as a guest? Then you can simply wear a nice suit. Opt for soft shades to dress in line with the summer chic dress code. For example, wear a smart chino with a shirt and jacket in a different colour. It is not very difficult to put together a stylish outfit for a beach wedding. If you leave the T-shirts and jeans in the wardrobe, you will quickly be on the right track!

Ladies dressed in summer chic

For ladies, the options for appropriate beach wedding attire are almost countless. Are you the bride? Then you might consider an airy wedding dress, or steal the show at your beach wedding with a flowing gown. You have probably already found a beautiful one and can't wait to put it on. Is it not your beach wedding? Is a (good) friend getting married on the beach? Then we recommend buying a light dress in a soft pastel shade. With a matching clutch and stylish jewellery, you complete your beach wedding outfit.

Tip from GENTS: do bring a jacket or cardigan to the beach wedding. It can get very cool on the coast towards the evening.