What to Wear to a Beach Wedding

12 outfits between black tie and bikini.

By Tanisha Pina Jun 8, 2017, 2:32pm EDT

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The reaction to landing a beach wedding invite in the mail generally goes something like this: freak out because you can (and will) make a little vacation out of it, and then freak out again because... what do you wear?

Trust that the whole ordeal becomes a lot less difficult when you consider the freedom that comes with the surroundings. You’re not going to a stuffy chapel wedding, you’re going to the beach. So sundresses with spaghetti-like straps that might normally feel too “chill” for the occasion are totally fair game, along with brighter colors and patterns, looser silhouettes, and linen jumpsuits and two-piece sets.

Still, it’s important to remember that not all beach weddings are the same. Some can be decidedly more formal, while others are totally laid-back and casual, so just be sure to keep that in mind.

Below you’ll find a dozen outfit options for any beach wedding setting, casual or cocktail, that you’ll want to wear again and again.