How to Dress for a Beach Wedding

When invited to a special event, seeing the dress code on the invite not only informs guests on what to wear, but also gives them a sense of the overall theme and vibe of the occasion. From super formal attire like white and black tie to the less stuffy cocktail and festive, there are so many dress code options out there—and new ones seem to be popping up every year.

One dress code wedding guests might see more is beach formal. After all, beach weddings are on the rise, with a recent survey by David's Bridal finding that 55 percent of couples plan to pull off an out-of-town affair in the near future instead of staying local. And when it comes to planning a destination wedding, many couples opt for a tropical locale.

But what if you’re not sure what beach formal attire entails? Don’t panic—Generation Tux is here to guide you in the right direction.

What is beach formal attire?

Beach wedding attire is typically pretty relaxed, with guys donning anything from khaki pants and linen shirts to khaki shorts and flip flops. But formal beach wedding attire requires you to take your look to the next level—while still keeping the fact that you will be spending most or all of the event outside (and most likely in the heat and humidity) in mind. That means you want to be fashionable, but still comfortable.

And FYI: The dress code doesn’t have to just pertain to beach weddings. It can also work with any outdoor venue, such as a garden, a vineyard or even someone’s backyard. The one thing you can definitely skip: a tuxedo. While there is “formal” included in this dress code, no one is expecting you to show up in black tie. A suit will do just fine.

What should you keep in mind?

Although you want to step up your fashion game for a beach formal wedding, there are specific things to keep in mind when preparing to pull off this dress code. Most importantly, the weather. Since you will most likely be outside in the sun, you want to be mindful of the fabrics you choose for your suit. Luckily, all of Generation Tux’s suits are made with Super 130’s and 140’s Merino Wool, with some boasting features like Coolmax Moisture Wicking and hidden Flex-fit waistband, so you’re guaranteed to be comfortable from day to night.

Another way to stay cool is to choose a suit in a lighter color since they reflect sunlight better than darker ones. Think tan, light gray or light blue.

What should you wear?

No matter what the dress code of an event may be, Generation Tux has everything you need to create the perfect look. Here are some of our recommendations for putting together some casual beach wedding outfits that will stand out for all the right reasons.

Choose your Suit

As we mentioned above, it’s best to choose a lighter-colored suit in order to ward off the hot sun. With Generation Tux, you won’t be limited when it comes to style because our suits come in a variety of colors to fit any occasion. Take note: All of these suits have a matching vest available. This might be a good option if you plan to take your jacket off during the reception but still want to maintain a more polished look.

Love the look of gray? Of course—it’s the new neutral! Look seriously stylish with our Cement Gray and Gray Sharkskin suits, which offer up a classic look that can be easily personalized with accessories to fit your own style.

If you want to stand out a bit, take a look at our Light Gray Plaid suit. The design is so subtle that you can easily add some colorful accessories without looking over-the-top, while the wool crepe creates a flattering drape, so you’ll look and feel your best.

The Allure Gray Suit is the epitome of comfort. This textured, woven light gray suit is made with Coolmax moisture wicking breathable fabric and Sorona stretch fiber construction, so you can mix and mingle throughout the entire event without missing a beat.

Another fab neutral look is our British Tan suit, which also has a matching vest option. This notch lapel suit is a great base if you want to show off a tie and/or pocket square in a bold color or fun print while keeping a casual look.

Beige is anything but boring with our Allure Beige Suit. Like the Allure Gray, this suit was also created with Coolmax moisture wicking breathable fabric and Sorona stretch fiber construction. This—along with the light color—will keep you cool and comfortable all day long.

And blue is a beautiful color to wear to an outdoor wedding—especially if it’s held near the ocean. The Postman Blue suit is the perfect mix of modern flair with traditional style, while the Indigo Blue suit is a bolder hue with a lightweight wool, silk and linen blend.

Not sure about your fit? Don’t worry—Generation Tux’s innovative technology will determine your perfect fit based on a few simple questions. And if at any time you’re not 100 percent satisfied with your look, we’ll ship out an immediate replacement.

Select a Shirt

When it comes to choosing a shirt for your suit, you simply can’t go wrong with a crisp, white option. Generation Tux offers a white Twill Spread Collar and Wingtip Collar shirt (the Twill Spread also comes in ivory). And if you’d like something different from the traditional white shirt, try the Ivory Microfiber Point Collar shirt, which pairs perfectly with every color suit.

Finalize Your Look

Unless the invitation specifies otherwise, you should wear a tie, whether it’s a bowtie or necktie—the choice is up to you. However, since a bowtie is seen by many as being ultra-formal, you might want to opt for a necktie. Since many of the above suit options are neutral and light in color, your accessories are the perfect way to customize your look and show off your own personal style.

With that in mind, feel free to get as bold and bright with your choice of color when it comes to your tie. Feeling adventurous? Try a bold print such as paisley—perfect for an outdoor affair. And if you’re a wedding guest, be sure to stay away from the same colors as the wedding party.

If you’re on a beach, wearing socks can definitely be annoying. If you’re at another outdoor venue—or just need to have socks on to be comfortable—Generation Tux also offers pairs in a variety of colors and fun designs.

And of course, you’ll need the right shoes. If you’re in a garden or backyard, then dress shoes are perfectly fine. But if you’re on an actual beach, footwear can get tricky. Unfortunately, you’ll have to leave the sandals or flip-flops at home. Instead, opt for loafers or boat shoes.

Ready to start putting together your beach formal dress code look? Start browsing through our selection of suits, shirts, ties and other accessories for an ensemble that will have you looking and feeling your best.