Are you a bride-to-be getting married on the beach somewhere tropical like the Riviera Maya of Mexico?
Have you started your hunt for the perfect beach wedding dress yet?
Very few moments in a woman’s life can compare to the one when she first puts on her wedding dress and realizes “WOW! This is THE ONE!”
But before you say “Yes” to the dress, especially when you plan to say “I Do” at a beach wedding in Riviera Maya (or somewhere just as tropical), there are some important things you need to consider in order to find your perfect match, and we are here to help!
See more from Neesha & Mike’s Cancun wedding
Where is the wedding ceremony location?
What kind of vibe are you going for? Will this be an elegant affair or big, fun party?
Only start your hunt for the perfect beach wedding dress after you have a clear vision for your wedding ceremony.
Your wedding theme should be a key consideration in choosing the cut and length of your gown. You will be shopping for different wedding dresses if you are getting married in a casual barefoot ceremony on the beach, versus an elegant poolside ceremony under a candlelit gazebo at sunset.
As The Knot suggests in their complete guide to beach wedding dresses, there is no one size fits all beach wedding dress, but when you get married with toes in the sand, skip the formal Cinderella wedding dress or one with a long train. Hauling your petticoats through hot sand while they pick up beach debris is NOT fun. So consider where you are getting married before you commit to what kind of beach wedding dresses you are hunting for.
What time of day is your wedding ceremony?
Are you planning to get married on a summer afternoon in the tropics?
Let me be the first to warn you that it gets crazy HOT, HOT, HOT here! Nothing can spoil the memory of your wedding day more than suffering as you overheat in your wedding dress. Choose lightweight, natural fibers that will let your skin breathe.
Or maybe you are getting married at sunset during the winter months?
Temperatures can drop very quickly at this time of year, and a sleeveless sheath wedding gown will leave you trembling less from wedding day jitters and more from feeling cold.
So consider the time of day and also the season of your wedding when you are getting married on the beach.
Get beach wedding dress inspiration from our Brides Gallery
How to choose a beach wedding dress fabric?
Are you a bride who is loving vintage lace, or maybe layers of chiffon?
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right fabric for your beach wedding dress. As I mentioned, natural fibers will breathe best in the heat. However, the catch-22 is that many natural fibers also do not travel well, and the last thing a bride wants to worry about is how to fly with a wedding dress so that it doesn’t arrive wrinkled after traveling on the airplane.
When considering the color and material of your wedding dress, remember that it may look very different in the bright Mexican sunshine than it does in the bridal shop, so take it outside in the daylight before you buy.
Also, if you want to do a Trash The Dress photography session after your wedding, be warned that many natural fibers will shrink when they get wet, and those delicate details like lace and beads can tear or pop off, leaving you with a wedding dress that truly is Trashed. Make sure to discuss all your plans with an experienced bridal consultant so that you can pick the right fabrics and materials for a beach wedding dress that meets your needs.
Download our FREE Ultimate Guide To Getting Married In The Riviera Maya
Choosing the perfect beach wedding dress
As professional Playa del Carmen wedding photographers, we have seen A LOT of beach weddings here in Mexico, so I will leave you with our top tips for what to wear to a Cancun wedding:
1. If you are having a casual affair, then a tea-length dress is very appropriate, will keep you cool in the sun, and does not pick up debris from being dragged through the sand. This gorgeous high front, low back gown is perfect!
2. If you MUST wear a big, voluminous wedding dress for your ceremony, consider changing into a cocktail dress for your reception so that you can cool down and enjoy the dancing, or better yet, choose a dress that transforms into a cocktail dress like this one!
3. There is no more appropriate setting than a beach wedding to add a splash of color to your wedding look. A brightly colored sash at your waist, or forgoing the traditional white wedding dress for one that is pale blue or mint green can look fabulous!
No matter what beach wedding dress you choose, it is most important to choose a cut that flatters your figure and plays up your assets. That way you will be a more confident and beautiful bride, and that will radiate in your wedding photos! (Trust us!)
Now get out there and get hunting! And have FUN saying ‘Yes To the Dress!’
If you are looking for the best Playa del Carmen wedding photographer for your beach wedding in Riviera Maya, Mexico, contact us here right now! We are Fun In the Sun Weddings, for the best Riviera Maya wedding photography.
What kind of beach wedding dress will you wear to your wedding? We want to hear about it in the comments below.
