If you’ve ever been a bridesmaid you know the panic that sets in as the bride is choosing dress styles and colors. Are you going to end up looking like Little Bo Peep? Or will you actually love your bridesmaid dress? Well now that you’re the bride, you have the chance to choose bridesmaid’s dresses that your girls will absolutely love!
Choosing your bridesmaid’s dresses for a beach wedding will probably not be the simplest part of your wedding planning. It’s a time-consuming process. But it can be a fun one too – if you let it!
You’ll get to choose the color and style of your girl’s dresses to make sure they’ll look and feel gorgeous standing by your side. In turn, this helps bring your whole wedding vision to life!
After all, you’re creating a full wedding aesthetic. Your bridesmaid’s dresses should fit right into your overall plan. So let’s get started with a few basic tips!
Tips to Consider When Choosing Your Bridesmaid’s Dresses for a Beach Wedding
Now there are a few things to remember here. You’re getting married in the Dominican Republic. This should always be at the forefront of your mind. Sun. Sand. Sweat. The 3 big S’s. Oh! And we can’t forget about the humidity.
Here’s what you can do to ensure your girls are comfortable in their bridesmaid’s dresses throughout your wedding day in Punta Cana.
Choose a lightweight fabric
You’ll want something breathable. Your girls will be standing outside in the sun for most of the day. Keep that in mind and try to choose a cool fabric that breathes easily.
Chiffon is your best bet. It’s soft and silky – without being clingy. The fabric is smooth so any sand will brush right off. Plus it looks great blowing in the ocean breeze. Organza and tulle (yes, I said it) are other great options. They are lightweight – which makes them easy to travel with.
Not to mention:
They’ll be easy to steam when you arrive in Punta Cana.
Avoid nylon and polyester whenever possible.
Embrace the different body types of your girls
Mix and match your bridesmaids’ dress styles to complement each of their different body types.
Your bridesmaids should feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful walking down the aisle! And that means one size does not always fit all. One style does not fit all.
Fit-and-flare dresses look great on pear-shaped or curvy bodies. Petite bridesmaids will look great in a sweetheart neckline, while bustier bridesmaids will appreciate a dress with a high neckline or thick straps. Belted waistlines can help create a more curvy shape for your athletic bridesmaids. Hourglass bridesmaids can embrace their curves with a fitted top or sweetheart neckline.
Ladies with broader shoulders will want to avoid the sweetheart neckline and rock the v-neckline instead. V-necklines look good on just about anyone! They are slimming and elongate the neck without making the shoulders look broad.
What about any pregnant bridesmaids? High waistlines and flowy skirts are the way to go! They will allow room for that beautiful belly to grow so there’s no need to stress about fitting into the dress when the big day finally comes.
Bonus Tip
Always recommend a built-in bra! No matter the dress style.
Remember that dancing in a strapless dress is not the most fun way to dance. It can be uncomfortable… Mostly because you’ll be constantly readjusting, pulling your dress up every few seconds, worried about the dress slipping down – and something else slipping out.
If you know your bridesmaids like to go hard on the dancefloor, keep this in mind when choosing their dresses.
Now that we’ve gone through a few things to keep in mind, let’s get to the really fun part: Choosing the color!
Best Color Bridesmaid’s Dresses for a Beach Wedding
One of the best things about having a seaside wedding is the color palettes you’ll get to choose from. There are so many natural hues that you can pull from. From the vibrant blue ocean, the soft, white sand, lush greenery and palm trees. Your options are endless!
You can decide to embrace these tropical colors fully with all the different shades of blue or green. Or you can choose a contrasting color like burgundy or emerald.
Here I’m going to show you 11 amazing color options for your bridesmaid’s dresses for a beach wedding.
Blue
Blue is one of the most popular colors for a beach wedding. With the vibrant colors of the ocean and the sky, blue just fits right in. Plus, it’s flattering on almost every complexion. There are so many different shades to choose from – from dark blue to royal blue to blue-gray.
Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
Light Blue
This is such a fresh and calming color palette that looks great at beach weddings. Sky blue, ice blue, and powder blue are some of your options here. Your bridesmaids will blend right in with the colors of nature all around. If it’s a cloudy day, they may blend in a little too much… Add a bright, colorful bouquet or dark greenery with white accents to add a pop of color to this look.
Turquoise Bridesmaid’s Dresses for a Beach Wedding
Turquoise is the color of the sea so you’ll have a beautiful natural backdrop, no matter what. This bright and vibrant color just shouts beach wedding. Turquoise is a flattering choice since its cool undertones look great on almost everyone. Plus, it goes with almost every other color and works for any time of the year in Punta Cana.
Seafoam Green
Doesn’t that name alone sound perfect for a beach wedding? That’s because it is! Seafoam green bridesmaid dresses give off a soft, fresh look and convey a sense of tranquility for your beach wedding. Don’t believe me? Check out these ladies:
Gold, Beige, and Tan
If you’re looking for a more regal, elegant look for your bridesmaids, gold hues are the way to go. This color is classic. Timeless. And it creates an air of royalty. If you’re having a more formal event, this is a great option for your girls.
Pink Bridesmaid’s Dresses for a Beach Wedding
Why not use this romantic color as the main color scheme for your wedding day? It’s another one of the most popular colors for bridesmaid’s dresses. And rightfully so! Pink is delicate and romantic.
It complements almost any other color that you put alongside it, which is ideal for a beach wedding where you have so many naturally bright colors to compete with. It’s easy for this color to blend in with the sand so be sure to pair it with a dark bouquet so your girls stand out.
Blush
This color perfectly complements the colors of the glittering sand and the sun-kissed shore. Mismatch pink and blush bridesmaid’s dresses for a fun, romantic look.
Lilac Bridesmaid’s Dresses for a Beach Wedding
Lilac is one of those colors that adapt to every style and season. It can be classic and serene or carefree and whimsical. This heavenly hue looks great in the gardens or by the beach. Add white accents to your bridesmaid’s bouquets and create balance throughout your venue with white, pink, and green touches. Or try creating an ombre effect by combining different shades of lilac, lavender, and dark purple.
Light Orange
Want to do something different? Light orange or tangerine bridesmaid’s dresses are the color for you! This bright and vibrant hue will add a touch of fun to any destination wedding.
Burgundy
You may think burgundy is a fall or winter color, but it actually looks great in a tropical destination like Punta Cana. It’s classic. Romantic. And oh so elegant. If you’re worried about your wedding feeling too dark, add in an accent color like pink or white. Greenery looks great with this color as well.
Emerald Green
This color isn’t quite as popular, but I absolutely love it! It’s sophisticated and modern. Plus, it looks good all year round. The dark color creates a beautiful contrast between the lighter colors of the sea. If you’re getting married in the gardens, this color fits right in as well. Bring lots of greenery into your wedding decor, and you’ll complete this look quite easily.
Mix & Match Your Bridesmaid’s Dresses for a Beach Wedding
While you can mix and match dress styles, you can also mix and match your dress colors. Make sure they stay within the same color family but feel free to get creative here!
For example:
If you want to use the colors of the ocean in your wedding, each bridesmaid can choose a different shade of blue or green. Aqua, turquoise, and teal complement each other quite nicely.
Now beware:
Even though I love the way this looks in photos, as a bride, it felt like way too much work for me. Instead of choosing one dress, you have to choose 3, 4, or 5 different dresses depending on the number of bridesmaids you have. Do you have 8 bridesmaids? You’re looking at 8 different dresses, instead of just one.
You can always give your ladies some freedom and allow them to find their own dresses, but be prepared to accept that responsibility when they choose a dress that doesn’t quite match as you expected.
Don’t Forget About the Accessories
Keep accessories simple. Jewelry for your bridesmaids should be minimal. Nothing too flashy. Think a simple necklace, drop earrings, and a dainty bracelet.
A pair of sandals, dressy flip-flops, or barefoot sandals will look cute too! Plus, these are all great options for your bridesmaid’s gifts.
Final Thoughts
There are so many other colors to choose from, but these are some of my favorites. Which did you connect with most? Are you more into the light pastels? Or are you feeling bold and want to choose a color with a little more edge?
Talk to your fiance about it. Talk to your bridesmaids. You don’t have to make this decision all on your own.
Remember, wedding planning is supposed to be fun! Choose bridesmaid’s dresses that you and your girls can be excited about! That they can feel beautiful in. And that you can be proud of when you look back on your wedding photos in the years to come.
