A beach wedding is a great way to have your ceremony, reception, and honeymoon all in one place and many brides are choosing beach destination weddings for their ease and natural beauty. You have sand, sun, water, and nature to help set the scene, so there isn’t much need for ceremonial décor. There is, however, the question of what to wear at such a wedding.

For many brides, the answer is simple- a short dress with no shoes. While this has been the norm for beach weddings for years, it is starting to change and 2017 brought us some stunning styles that changed the way we looked at bridal attire for beach weddings. Gone are the days of simple and plain, and in come looks that are “eye-poppingly” gorgeous. Let’s check out a few:

The Boho-Chic

One of the best looks for any wedding ceremony held in a natural setting is the boho-chic dress. These dresses scream earthy, and yet they are so elegant you can wear them in a hotel convention hall for your wedding reception. Johanna Johnson is known for this style, and her dresses are anything but ordinary. They are, however, perfect to add something new to the beach wedding look. The Caroline dress from this designer is perfect for your beach wedding if you want simple lines and a no-fuss dress that has an air of drama. The light-weight tulle organza sleeves will flutter in the wind as it comes off the water, and the fabric has just the right amount of shine to twinkle in the sunlight as you walk down the aisle. The leafy sash adds color and shape as the rest of the dress shifts to fit your body. You will look the epitome of a natural beauty in-tune with nature and love. Do your hair in loose curls, leave it down, and wear a flower pin in it to really give yourself the hippie, earth-mother look.

Nautical Vintage

Vintage is so modern these days, and there is nothing cuter and more fun than a nautical vintage wedding. This very vintage dress by Dolly Couture conjures up images of big bands and post-wartime celebrations. It’s perfect for any figure, and the sleeves add a look that is very different than most other wedding dresses. Pair it with a birdcage veil, some high heeled shoes in a navy blue, and exchange the off-white crinoline slip for a navy blue colored crinoline slip to give the whole look a pop of color that is sure to have people talking. Top off the look with long strands of pearls, some finger waves in your hair, and bright red lipstick to look like you just stepped off the pages of a 1950s calendar.

Some prefer vintage look to be a little more sophisticated, and Maggie Soterro knows how to dress the vintage-chic bride. Imagine it is 1922 and you are having your wedding on the beach, but it isn’t rustic. You have white tents with pretty twinkling lights set up for a romantic reception under the stars. You have paid attention to every little detail to make this affair perfect, and now you need a wedding dress that matches. You’re getting married at sunset and you need a dress that will make everyone gasp as you walk down the aisle. The Lavina Marie is that dress. Covered in a lace motif, this fit and flare (or mermaid style) dress is made of an organza that makes it easy for you to move in the sand, but the plunging neckline and open back will have all eyes glued to you. To mimic the button detail on the back of the dress, wear pearls mixed with a few diamond accents that will catch the sun’s rays as it goes down behind you and your love exchanging your vows.

The unique bride

One of the best things about a beach wedding is that pretty much anything goes, and no one does unique, romantic bridal looks better than Mariana Hardwick. If you want a look that is sure to leave an impression, this look from Les Annees Folies is still light-weight and easy enough to move effortlessly in, but it ups the drama factor on most beach weddings. You can easily go from a private affair on a secluded section of beach to an indoor reception in a ballroom. You will be the center of attention (as you should be) and all your guests will be talking about this stunning gown. A light-weight organza material is draped with an attached short-sleeved lace jacket with two this ribbons creating a delicate sash. There is no need for many accessories, but your shoes will show when you walk, so choose some heels made in black lace to really make the look chic. Large, ornate earrings and a cuff bracelet will round out the couture look. You can make this your very own beach wedding dress..

The simple look

If you still prefer the simple look, this is our favorite! As far as beach wedding dresses go…this is just gorgeous.

It’s still very popular and many weddings, especially beach weddings, are designed around the simple, but elegant. The Lamero by Pronovias is a great example of such a dress. Made in a stretch jersey material, it won’t restrict you on the beach and it fits just about any beach style. While it is simple, it is anything but boring. This beautiful dress has a short train and small lace appliqués in the same color as the dress in various spots to give it eye-catching detail. The top has a pleated look trimmed in lace that flows into a lace design right beneath the bust line. Simply put, the dress was made for a beach wedding. Pull your hair back, but not all the way up, and pin a mid-length veil to it for added effect. Pearl jewelry and sandals with a low heel will make this look complete.

If you want a short dress, those are still very much in style, too. The Sophie by Wendy Makin is perfect for the bride that still dreams of wearing a simple, short gown and no shoes as she walks down a sandy aisle. This knee-length beauty is made of a simple organza and tulle with a satin sash. The top is a high neckline of lace flowing into the rest of the gown, with a heart-shaped cut out bodice. Go barefooted or with flip-flops that feature jewels, pull your hair up high, and wear diamond earrings and a bracelet to make the look effortless and timeless.