It’s always fun when friends get married, but it’s even more fun when they do so at the beach! We just came back from a beautiful beach wedding in Roatan, Honduras and I wanted to share some suggestions for what to pack for a beach wedding if you’re going to one anytime soon. And if you don’t yet have one on your calendar, consider doing one – if Jonathan and I ever do a vow renewal I promise you right now it’ll be on the beach so we can look out into forever ?
Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
I don’t care how chill of a bride you’re dealing with, no white to a wedding – even if its on a beach! Stick with lighter colors and looser fabrics, and watch out for dress length especially due to the cool breeze from the water. You can play with daintier prints like florals that would normally not fly at an indoor wedding, but avoid casual maxi dresses.
Wait, What Is Beach Formal Attire?
Chances are if you’re attending a beach wedding, the guest dress code might be beach formal. But what does that mean? Think long flowy gowns and tea length cocktail dresses (what are now commonly referred to as midi dresses). For shoes, wedges or flats would be perfect for long dresses, and block heel sandals are a great option for a reception that’s on grass or sand.
Dresses that Double as Cover Ups
Outside of the wedding, do double duty with your travel wardrobe and pack dresses that could also double up as cover ups. Wear them to the beach in the morning, and to dinner in the afternoon. Don’t forget to roll them together with my packing method that saves tons of space in your carry on.
Comfortable Swimwear
Every body is a bikini body. Whether you prefer one or two pieces, pack swimwear that makes you feel confident. Love your shoulders? Pick an off the shoulder style and dab some highlighter on your decolletage for extra glow. Have a toned back? A low back style is the perfect way to draw attention to it. I don’t like having too much of my butt or bikini line exposed, so I gravitate towards swimsuits that aren’t high cut and have a big of extra coverage for my cheeks, like the ones from this brand.
Beach Appropriate Accessories
You’ll want to pack a tote you can bring to the beach. I like this clear one because it’s easy to find my chapstick, but woven and straw bags are still having a moment this year, and won’t get full of sand. A beach trip isn’t complete without a straw hat! I’ve been wanting one by this brand for a long time, but in the meantime, this one works perfectly fine.
Not so Full Face
While on the beach, you definitely don’t want to worry about your face sliding off if you decide to splash around, so opt for no makeup or just a light application of concealer application. I’ve been using this cult favorite for the past month now and honestly don’t know how I existed before it, it’s so natural! You can also use a tinted moisturizer with SPF (I used this one for years), or a few drops of a liquid highlighter to give your skin a sunkissed glow. This setting spray has SPF in it so you can reapply every few hours without messing up your makeup.
Don’t Forget
Sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and leisure reading for your time on the beach! I’ve been recently digging Radiant Health Magazine – it’s written by African women and features stories about women and their issues across the diaspora. My favorite section is the food section because in every issue they include interesting recipes with African ingredients, like egusi shrimp balls.
I almost always forget to do this, but remember to pack a foundation that’s darker than your current shade if you plan on spending some time in the sun before the main event!
I had a beach wedding and my dress code was Black and White, and a lot of guests were very happy to wear white. LOL
I haven’t traveled for a beach wedding before. I surely enjoyed your experience to one. I am glad that it was a joyous trip for you and Jonathan.