Beach wedding dress - ideas/time to buy?

I would say you need something floaty and not to heavy as it will be very hot. Maybe Google beach wedding dresses as there will be lots of styles that are traditional wedding dresses but suites to a beach. In terms of looking, now would be a good time as is the same season so you should find some styles relevant to when you are getting married.

I’m having a summer beach wedding! I chose my dress very early (almost a year and a half) but would recommend this if you’re going through a traditional boutiques as lead times can be as long as a year atm.


I went with a Madi Lane dress - I’m not local to you but they have retailers all over the country. I loved the look as a lot are quite floaty or lacey so look very beachy, and also they typically felt lighter and more breathable than some of the other dresses I tried on from different designers so I’m hoping I won’t melt too much in mine!

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Hello Charlotte,

I am so sorry for the delay in response, I only just saw a notification that I'd had a response to my question.

Thank you for the advice, I'm hoping to find something that gives me a little bit of shape and definitely with sleeves. I must admit I'm a bit nervous at the prospect of looking for it!

Wish me luck

Kim

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Hello Chloe,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and my apologies for the long delay in replying. I just saw the notification.

Thank you so much for the advice, I wasn't too sure what wait times might be like so that is really useful. I had thought about going to look for a dress in September, do you think that's mega late?

Thank you also for the reccomendation of Madi Lane dresses. I've had a quick look on their site and they have some lovely designs. They also do plus sizes, which is a huge bonus. I'm hoping I can find one that gives my waist a little definition and sleeves to cover up my arms a little.

If you have any other tips for what to wear on a beach feel free to share!

Kim

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I think September dress shopping for an April wedding is cutting it fairly close in the wedding dress shop world - if you're going via a traditional boutique at least. I'd phone up a few that are local to you and ask them how far in advance they'd recommend (all the ones in my area strongly encouraged me to be at least a year in advance!). It's better to go early and be able to take your time making a decision, rather than feeling stressed and pressured into choosing something just because it's the one that will arrive in time rather than the one you actually love.

It feels very weird choosing a dress so early, but the consultants know what they're doing and most dresses can be altered a couple of sizes down and have extra fabric if it needs to be let out, so you don't have to stress too much about maintaining exactly the same size. You typically order the dress very early and then have two fittings with a seamstress about 7-8 and 3-4 weeks ahead of your wedding date.

In terms of my other beachy thoughts... I'm erring against a veil because of the wind! Also planning on some fancyish sandals rather than heels so I can actually walk! I might get my make up professionally done, but I'm planning on testing out lots of products this summer to see what holds up best in the heat without the need to reapply so that I'm prepared if I do decide to do my own - and I'm also on a mission to find the best anti perspirant haha because I don't want to be a sweaty mess if it's a hot day!!