80+ Beach Wedding Dresses That Aren’t Boring AF

From traditional to modern to boho, with jumpsuits in between!

by Maddie Eisenhart
Photo by Haley Anne Photography

When I was shopping for a beach wedding dress for my oceanside nuptials, the internet was basically of no use. Aside from the caveat that all dresses can be beach wedding dresses if you wear them on the beach (no special rules required), the definition of beach wedding dress, as evidenced by my Google search results, felt super narrow. Everything I found was ultra casual, with no structure. (Which, if that’s your jam, go for it!) I wanted something that felt special, but would still be beach appropriate. And the internet has not changed. A cursory search of beach wedding dresses lands you results where anything beyond a simple white sundress is listed as, “Price available upon request,” aka, “You can’t afford this.”

But here is the thing. There are two general iron clad rules about beach wedding dresses. 1) You want to avoid any kind of serious train, because #sand. And 2) you can’t really wear high heels with it, because again, #sand. And while short wedding dresses are cuteAF, they often require a killer set of shoes to pull off the look. Besides, getting married on the beach basically means you have a moral obligation to get married barefoot, and a long dress is the ideal way to make sure your guests will never know. But beyond that, your pick is just your way of translating #beachvibes to your wedding.

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So with that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite beach wedding dresses. Most of these looks take the casual nature of the beach and level it up a notch or two, without looking like you’ve gone full ballroom on the sand. We’ve steered away from dresses with serious trains, but keep in mind that if the dress you pick has a small train, you still might want to pay a seamstress to remove it. Dealer’s choice, but keep that sand in mind.

Modern Beach Wedding Dresses

off the shoulder beach wedding dress

Pearson Dress from Anthropologie ($250)

Plus sized beach wedding dresses

King Crop Top ($68), Princess Di Ballgown Maxi Skirt ($122) via Show Me Your Mumu *available in plus size

corseted modern beach wedding dress

Clarissa via Lace & Liberty ($1,300) *available in plus size

Mara Jumpsuit via Anthropologie ($280) *available in sizes 0-18

A woman wears a white jumpsuit dress with a triangle top bodice

The Phoenix Jumpsuit Dress via Fame & Partners ($289) *available in sizes 0–22

A woman wears a white dress

Ocean of Elegance Ivory Maxi Dress via Lulus ($182)

A woman wears an off-white wedding dress with double spaghetti straps and a sheer embroidered flower overlay with a peekaboo v-neck

Plus Size A Line Wedding Dress with Double Straps via David’s Bridal ($1,308) *available in sizes 16W–26W

Athena Dress via Lace & Liberty ($1,100) *available in plus size

A woman wears a white dress

The Sirene Dress via Fame & Partners ($799) *available in sizes 0–22

A woman wears a white dress

Janey Gown via Tadashi Shoji Bridal ($878)

White by Vera Wang Sheath via David’s Bridal (starting at $998) *available in sizes 0–26W

A woman wears an off-the-shoulder white dress with elbow-length bell sleeves

Clancy Gown via Tadashi Shoji Bridal ($898)

Tulip Gown via Stone Cold Fox ($295)

A woman wears a white dress with lace cold-shoulder elbow-length bell sleeves

Luz Gown via Tadashi Shoji ($798)

Plunging Lace Halter via David’s Bridal ($549) *available in sizes 16W–26W

MISCHA Ball Gown Wedding Dress via Amsale ($2,395)

A woman wears a white dress with a large bow in the backChandler Bow-Back Crepe Gown via Tadashi Shoji ($648) *available in plus size

Monet Jumper via Stone Cold Fox ($350)

A woman wears a white dressOreti Lace Gown via Tadashi Shoji ($698)

a woman wears an off-white strapless a-line dress with a sleeveless sheer embroidered overlayMelissa Sweet Beaded Dress via David’s Bridal ($1,250 currently on sale for $549.99) *available in sizes 18W–26W

A woman wears a strapless lace white dress with peek-a-boo cutout sidesHimara Strapless Lace Gown via Tadashi Shoji ($998)

A woman wears a white dress with an embroidered sheer overlayAndie Gown via Heartloom ($748)

A woman wears a white dress with a high-neck halter and a large tulle skirtHazel via Amsale ($2,695)

The Athena Dress via Christy Dawn ($1,800)

Monica Gown via BHLDN ($1,550)

A woman wears a strapless white dress with a lace bodice and tulle skirtEllis via Amsale ($2,695)

A woman wears a triangle bodice white dress with spaghetti strapsSeychelles Dress via Reformation ($328)

Anastasia Down via Tadashi Shoji ($748 currently on sale for $448)

A woman wears a white pantsuit

Amber Fluid Sequin Blazer ($595), Linda Wide-Leg Fluid Sequin Pants ($395) via Rachel Zoe

a woman wears a strapless pale blush dress with a sweetheart neckline, corset style bodice, and tiered tulle skirtBridal Top, Big Celebration Skirt via Lace & Liberty ($1,100) *available in plus size

A woman wears a white grecian-style one-shoulder dress Monarch Luxe Chiffon via Jenny Yoo ($850) *available in sizes 00–32

A woman wears a white dress with an asymmetrical ruffle neckLizette One-Shoulder Ruffled Fluid Sequin Gown via Rachel Zoe ($695)

A woman wears an off-white dress with a sheer embroidered bodice with high neckline and short sleevesAthens Gown via BHLDN ($680)

a woman wears an off-white dress with double spaghetti straps and a peek-a-boo neckline with an embroidered sheer overlay with pale pink flowersScalloped A-Line Dress via David’s Bridal ($1,358) *available in sizes 16W–26W

A woman wears a v-neck white column dress with cap sleeves and a large statement necklaceSawyer Gown via BHLDN ($800)

A woman wears a simple white spaghetti strap slip dressCeline Bridal Crepe via Jenny Yoo ($1,800)

a woman ears an off-white long-sleeve v-neck lace dress

White by Vera Wang via David’s Bridal (starting at $1,198) *available in sizes 0–26W

a woman wears a white dress with off-the-shoulder cap sleeves and a cross-front bodice

Bridal Top, Muse Skirt ($700) via Lace & Liberty *available in plus size

Traditional Beach Wedding Dresses

A woman wears an off-white dress with white lace overlay, lace straps, and a mermaid skirtAbbie Lynette Wedding Dress via Maggie Sottero *available in sizes 0–28

Fallon Lace & Chiffon A-Line Gown via Nordstrom ($1,100) *available in sizes 0-18

A woman wears a high scoop-neck sleeveless white dress with white appliqué on the shoulders and mermaid skirt with small trainBridal Top, Mermaid Skirt ($800) via Lace & Liberty *available in plus size

Carrington Gown Ivory via BHLDN ($1,050) *available in sizes 0-18

A woman wearing a white dress with a cross front ruched bodice and spaghetti straps with a flowing a-line skirtRuched Bodice Chiffon via David’s Bridal ($399) *available in sizes 16W–26W

Reid Lace & Crepe Trumpet Gown via Nordstrom ($1,400) *available in sizes 2–16

Special Occasion Lace Off Shoulder Gown via Torrid ($128 currently on sale for $90.23)

Lace and Tulle A-Line Gown via Nordstrom ($995)

Gwyneth Gown via Tadashi Shoji ($678 currently on sale for $406.80)

Eden Lace Maternity Gown via Nordstrom ($425–$460)

A woman wears a white dress with a triangle top bodice with spaghetti straps and a lace "modesty panel" across the plunge with a full a-line skirtEsther via Amsale ($2,475)

Gatsby Gown via Stone Cold Fox ($600)

Katie May Rosie Open Back Scoop Neck Gown via Nordstrom ($315)

A woman wears a strapless white dress with a straight but full tulle skirt and tulle bow on the front side waist

Hathaway Tulle Overlay Organza via Jenny Yoo ($1,495) *available in sizes 00–32

A woman wears a white column dress with high slit and beaded empire bodice

Morgan & Co. Beaded Sheer Gown via Nordstrom ($139) *available in sizes 14W–22W

Oleg Cassini via David’s Bridal ($1,508) *available in sizes 16W–26W

A woman wears a deep v-neck sleeveless white dress with high front side slit

Iris Slit Crepe Gown via Nordstrom ($288) *available in plus size

Plunging A-Line Gown via Nordstrom ($995) *available in sizes 2–18

Estelle Gown Ivory via BHLDN ($950)

BOho Beach Wedding Dresses

A woman wears a white lace dress with a deep v-neck, short sleeves, and a large floral lace motif

Eleanor Maxi Dress via Show Me Your Mumu ($278) *available in plus size

A woman wears a short spaghetti strap under dress covered with a sheer and lace short-sleeved, button-down full-length overlay

Ivory Lace Maxi Dress via Torrid ($88.90) *available in sizes 12–30

A woman wears a white lace sleeveless dress with deep v-neck and a large fern lace motifBoutique All Lace Plunge Neck via Boohoo (regular price $90, on sale for $45)

A woman wears a white dress with a sleeveless lace bodice with a plunge v-neck and a ruffle accented skirt

Pronovias Elbet Boho V-Neck Lace & Chiffon Gown via Nordstrom ($1,850)

A woman wears a white sheer lace dress with a nude underdress, with a deep v-neck and short spaghetti straps

Melina White Lace Maxi Dress via Lulus ($217)

A woman wears a cream dress with a ruffle bodice and deep off-the-shoulder sleeves and a high front side slit

Rio Dress via Fame & Partners ($249) *available in sizes 0–22

A woman wears a strapless white column dress with a high-neck sleeveless 20s-inspired lace overlayCaye Racer Neck Gown via Tadashi Shoji ($588) *available in sizes 0–16

a woman wears an off-white dress with a lace bodice, illusion neckline, and lace "off-the-shoulder" sleevesPlus Size Wedding Dress with Lace Sleeves via David’s Bridal ($549 currently on sale for $499) *available in sizes 16W–26W

a woman wearing a white lace dress with a fitted bodice, plunging neckline, and shoulder tie spaghetti strapsCharlie Gown via Heartloom ($748)

A woman wears a white lace dress with off-the-shoulder ruffle bodiceSawyer Off-The-Shoulder Gown via Tadashi Shoji ($998) *available in sizes 00–16

A woman wears a white two-piece dress with bare upper midriff and lace overlay

Mattie Gown via Heartloom ($658)

A woman wears an off-white crochet-style lace dress with long sleeves, a plunging neckline that fastens at the bust, and a trainAbbott via Daughters of Simone ($2,357)

A woman wears a one-shoulder white dress with a large vertical ruffle descending from the shoulder and a high front side slitSienna Gown via Revolve ($378)

A woman wears a white lace dress with a low off-the-shoulder cut and a ruffle bodiceWinnie via Daughters of Simone ($1,437) *available in plus size

A woman wears a cream wrap-style dress with a plunging v, loose ruffle accents on the neckline and a high slitPeppermint Dress via Reformation ($388)

Sophia Crochet Lace Mermaid Gown via Nordstrom ($320) *available in sizes 00–12

Aurora Lace Gown via Dreams & Lovers (starting at $1,795) *available in sizes 2–14

A woman wears a white wrap-style dress with a plunging neckline, flutter short sleeves and a full, flowing skirtRosey Dress via Reformation ($388)

Beaded & Tulle Gown via Nordstrom ($229) *available in sizes 14W–24W

Violet Fil Coupe Gown via Rachel Zoe ($695)

A woman wears a white dress with a low off-the-shoulder ruffle bodice and flowing skirtVerbena Dress via Reformation ($328)

A woman wears a loose-fitting white lace dress with large bell sleevesAnnabel Lace Caftan Dress via Dreamers & Lovers (starting at $785)

Kenna Gown via BHLDN ($800)

Lela Abbey Floral Embroidered Tulle via Jenny Yoo ($1,800 currently on sale for $1,440)

A woman wears a white lace dress with a high neckline, billowing sleeves and a tiered skirt

Norma Tier Lace Dress via Dreams & Lovers ($1,295) *available in sizes 2–14

A woman wears a white lace column dress with a short white strapless underdressEstelle Open-Back Lace Gown via Rachel Zoe ($495)

A woman wears a white eyelet dress with spaghetti strapsLilly Pulitzer Melody Maxi Dress via Nordstrom ($248)

a woman wears a white column dress with lace and fringe accents and four spaghetti strapsGiovanni Fringe Dress via David’s Bridal ($578) *available in sizes 0–16

A woman wears a white dress with spaghetti strap halter, plunging v-neck, crocheted lace accents, and flowing skirtEndless Summer by Free People Can’t Wait to Swim Maxi Dress via Nordstrom ($128) *available in sizes 0–14

A woman wears a white lace dress with high halter-style neckline and lightly gathered two-tiered ruffle skirtEliza J Front Slit Lace Dress via Nordstrom ($288) *available in sizes 0–18

A woman wears a white lace appliqué sleeveless dress with nude underdress, deep v-neck, and high center slit

Cortex Gown via BHLDN ($750) *available in sizes 00–16

A woman wears a white lace dress with a sweetheart neckline on the underdress, body-con side waist cutouts, and a high-low under skirt (with neck high and floor-length sleeveless lace overlay)

Sioux Sleeveless Slit Gown via Tadashi Shoji Bridal ($788) *available in sizes 00–16

A woman wears a blush trumpet-style sleeveless dress with v-neck and lace bodice extending below hips with tulle skirt belowBeaded Trumpet via David’s Bridal ($1,158 currently on sale for $1,058) * available in sizes 16W–26W

A woman wears a white ruffle-bodice crocheted lace dress with peek-a-boo tiered skirtAlexia Tiered Lace Off-the-Shoulder via David’s Bridal ($588) *available in sizes 0–16

Kieran Gown via BHLDN ($800) *available in sizes 00–16

A woman wears an ankle-length white lace dress with short sleeves and a high center slit

Primrose via Lace & Liberty ($1,400) *available in plus size

Maddie Eisenhart

Chief Revenue Officer

Before joining the team at A Practical Wedding, Maddie was a sought after wedding photographer and an entertainment industry dropout with stints at the Academy Award-winning independent film house Focus Features, The Montel Williams Show, and Rosie O’Donnell’s documentary production company. She’s been with the APW team going on eight years, and now spends a significant amount of time thinking about internet trends and the future of feminist television. A Maine native, she lives on a pony farm in the Bay Area with her husband and their toddler.

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