No matter the venue, a man should always look his best when attending a wedding. Beach weddings are, by nature, inherently more laid back than any other type of wedding. If you have been invited to a formal beach wedding and are not in the wedding party, you still want to put your best foot forward as a guest.
Below, our custom stylists at Christian Boehm put together a great guide on wedding attire for men that will help you put together a great look and enjoy the day.
WHAT IS THE BEACH WEDDING DRESS CODE
Beach formal is very similar to resort casual. A good analogy to guide you would be this: let's say you're going on a very nice summer retreat with your company, and on the final night, you've been invited to a beach reception and dinner with all of your partners and associates. You would want to wear what you would wear to that big event with your peers to a formal beach wedding.
A beach wedding compromises the most formal attire you can wear to the beach without looking entirely out of place.
DO: WEAR SUMMER CLOTH
Some popular summer clothes are cotton, silk, linen, seersucker, and bamboo. All of these fabric options are lightweight and very breathable. Not only do these fabrics tend to be suited for warmer climates, but they are sporty casual in their nature.
DON'T: WEAR A BUSINESS SUIT
Save the business suit for the office. Beach weddings typically are more laid back than any other type of wedding. If you decide to wear a business suit as a guest, you risk looking out of place, not to mention you will definitely be sweating during the ceremony.
Instead, if you do decide to wear a suit, we recommend sticking to those in summer cloth or brighter colors to fit in more with the vibe.
DO: WEAR A LIGHTER COLORED SUIT
Since beach weddings are more formal than what you would typically wear to the beach, it is ok to wear a summer suit such as tan, pale blue, light olive, or white in cotton or linen. Not only do the fabrics listed above make great options for a wedding, but sticking to lighter colors will make you fit right in.
DON'T: WEAR SHORTS AND A BLAZER (UNLESS YOU ARE IN BERMUDA)
It might be ok in Bermuda, but for any other place in the world, it just looks awkward. It draws way too much attention to your outfit instead of the focus being on the bride and groom.
DO: TRY COLOR BELOW THE BELT
Dark colors attract light to them, whereas lighter colors reflect them. Wearing lighter colors to a wedding will make you far more comfortable and less stuffy than you would with let's say a dark navy pant, for example.
To fit in with the atmosphere of the wedding, try wearing brightly colored pants in cotton or linen. Don't be afraid to go bold with the colors here. Try a pant in a nice mint, light yellow, tan, coral, or salmon color.
Just remember, to avoid looking like an Easter egg, you want to keep the rest of your outfit neutral to let your pants be your fashion statement.
DON'T: WEAR SANDALS WITH A SUIT OR DRESS PANTS
No matter how you style it, this combination will never go together. If you do decide to wear long pants to a beach wedding we recommend sticking to a pair of close-toed loafers and no show socks instead. Loafers are less casual than other closed-toed shoes but still give you that classically stylish look.
With your shoes, don't be afraid to use color. Since beach weddings already have a tropical feel, colored shoes are a great way to incorporate the beach vibe to your outfit.
Also, if you are in the sand, don't be afraid to slip off the kicks and roll up your hem.
DO: WEAR A LIGHTWEIGHT, SOFT SHOULDER UNLINED BLAZER
Stick to blazers made from cotton, silk, linen, or bamboo. These fabrics not only fit in great with a beach wedding atmosphere, but they are very lightweight and breathable. Try pairing your blazer with brighter-colored pants such as lilac, Kelly green, or yellow. Of course, white pants are always a great option here as well.
DON'T: WEAR A CUBAN CUBAVERA SHIRT
They are too casual and loungy for a formal beach wedding. Instead, opt for a short sleeve or long sleeve open button-up in linen instead. This is a great way for you to stay cool and comfortable while looking sharp.
A white button-down shirt with the top two buttons undone is a classic beach wedding look that would be perfectly dressy enough for you to wear to a wedding but also be at the beach.
DO: IF YOU ARE LEAVING YOUR JACKET AT HOME, WEAR A GREAT LINEN PANT AND SHIRT COMBINATION
Wearing head-to-toe linen is a very popular option for beach weddings. Not only is linen a good casual look, it is a smart choice for a beach wedding because it is very breathable and has natural wicking properties to draw moisture away from the body, keeping you cool all day long.
DON'T: BE AFRAID TO LOSE THE TIE
Even if you are wearing a button-up shirt, forgoing the tie is a good idea for the beach. You will be far more comfortable and don't have to worry about your tie flowing back in the wind throughout the ceremony.
Fabric Guide For Beach Wedding Attire
Choosing the right fabric for a beach wedding can make or break your comfort level. Here is a deeper look at the best options:
Linen is the undisputed king of beach wedding fabrics. It is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and has a relaxed drape that looks intentional and elegant. The slight wrinkling that linen develops throughout the day is part of its charm and adds to the effortless aesthetic.
Tropical wool is a surprisingly good option for grooms who want to wear a suit despite the heat. Tropical wool is woven loosely to allow maximum airflow while still maintaining the structure of a proper suit. Look for weights between 7-9 ounces.
Cotton blends offer a middle ground between the formality of wool and the casual nature of linen. A cotton-linen blend suit drapes better than pure linen and wrinkles less, making it a practical choice for all-day events.
Bamboo fabric is an emerging favorite for beach weddings. It is incredibly soft, naturally antimicrobial, and has a subtle sheen that looks elegant in photographs. Bamboo shirts are particularly comfortable in high humidity.
Miami Beach Wedding Specific Tips
Miami beach weddings come with their own set of considerations. The humidity in South Florida can be intense, even during the typically cooler evening hours. Schedule considerations matter: ceremonies held after 4:30 PM benefit from lower sun angles and slightly reduced temperatures.
For a Miami beach wedding, consider a tan or ivory linen suit with a soft shoulder construction. Pair it with a pale blue cotton shirt, no tie, and brown leather loafers. This look is quintessentially South Florida and will photograph beautifully against the turquoise water and white sand backdrop.
If you are the groom, consider a custom linen-blend suit from Christian Boehm. We can adjust the rise, length, and width of each piece to ensure you look sharp even in the heat. Our Miami showroom serves grooms across Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and the broader South Florida area.
For footwear, consider suede loafers in a sand or tobacco color. Suede is more forgiving on the beach than polished leather and complements the relaxed aesthetic. If the ceremony is directly on the sand, go barefoot and have your loafers waiting for the reception.
Beach Wedding Attire For Different Roles
As a groom: You want to stand out while fitting the setting. A custom linen or cotton-linen blend suit in ivory, tan, or light grey is ideal. Add a boutonniere with tropical flowers like a white orchid or plumeria to tie in the setting.
As a groomsman: Coordinate with the groom's color palette but feel free to go slightly more casual. Linen shirts with matching trousers, or a lighter linen suit, work well. The key is complementing the groom without upstaging.
As a guest: You have the most flexibility. A linen button-down with tailored chino pants and loafers is a safe and stylish choice. If you prefer a jacket, a lightweight unstructured blazer in cream or pale blue will elevate the look.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Beach Wedding Attire
Can I wear a black suit to a beach wedding?
We strongly advise against wearing a black suit to a beach wedding. Black absorbs heat and will make you uncomfortable, and it looks out of place against the natural beach setting. Stick to lighter colors like tan, ivory, pale blue, or light grey.
Do I need to wear a jacket to a beach wedding?
It depends on the dress code specified on the invitation. If the invitation says "beach formal," a jacket is expected. If it says "resort casual," a well-tailored linen shirt and trousers can suffice. When in doubt, bring a lightweight jacket and remove it if the heat is too much.
What shoes are best for a beach wedding?
Loafers in brown leather or suede are the best choice for a beach wedding. They are easy to slip off if you are walking on sand, and they pair well with both suits and more casual linen pants. Avoid heavy dress shoes, sandals, and flip flops.
