Dressing for a Destination Wedding

All couples want to look perfect on their wedding day – and not just cookie-cutter perfect. Brides and grooms want to show off their personal style, look prettier and dapper than they ever have before, yet also be incredibly comfortable. And guests know that this affair will be full of Instagram-able moments, so they want to look their absolute best too!

Regardless if you’re the bride, groom, or guest, dressing for a destination wedding requires careful consideration. Location, climate, and event style play a huge factor in how you’ll feel in your selected apparel, and feeling comfortable – especially when you’re supposed to be relaxing and celebrating – means you might have to edit your wardrobe to really work for the occasion.

Today, I’m breaking down all the factors that could affect your look so that you can plan (and pack!) accordingly.

What impacts your look?

Location

You know you’ll be in Mexico, but we have a lot more to offer than just weddings on the beach. When considering the physical location of your affair, it’s important to think about your surroundings. Will you be wading through sand? Or does your jungle-affair require a bit of a walk through the lush vegetation to the ceremony site? At a villa or boutique hotel, you’re usually fortunate to have well-kept pathways and even air conditioning, but being aware of what you will face in regard to location can help you feel prepared.

Photography by: Quetzal Photography

Weather

There’s no getting around it – Mexico is hot, especially from April to November. And it’s not just the heat to consider. Beach weddings are windy, jungle weddings are humid, and even the most well-appointed resort isn’t immune to 100+ degree days. When you’re thinking about what you’ll wear, choosing fabric and clothing cut to stand up to the climate can make or break your wedding experience.

Style and Vibe

Knowing the style and vibe of the day can also make a big impact on how you choose to dress. Formal affairs don’t allow for more beach-friendly casual attire – how can you strike the balance of fitting the vibe of the event while still feeling your most comfortable best?

So, what should I wear?

For the Bride

Especially as a bride, you want to look stunning and feel like you’ve never looked better. Choosing your full ensemble takes careful consideration of all the environmental factors that will impact you on your day.

For your gown, choose light, airy fabrics that won’t weigh you down when it’s humid and hot. Since breathability is key, chiffon, charmeuse, and even cotton gowns are perfect for all-day wear. If you’re dying over a heavily-adorned gown or a cathedral-length train, consider a change of dress for your reception, opting for a cool slip dress or chic jumpsuit so you can dance the night away in comfort.

Photography by: Moni and Adri Photography

I like to recommend the following styles for brides as they search for the perfect dress:

• Sheath – Slender in shape and flattering for any body type, sheath-style gowns feature simple lines which work perfectly against a dynamic beach backdrop (and they do great on warm, windy days!) Choose a delicate lace overlay, open back, or simple, flowing sash to really accentuate your personal style.
• A-Line or Modified A-Line – A classic choice, A-line gowns feature flowing skirts that are feminine without being overly showy. A gorgeous tulle or chiffon A-line looks stunning when it’s blowing in beach breezes or drifting through the Mexican jungle.
• Modern – Definitely fitting for those looking to show off their personal style, modern gowns can vary in length and level of formality. Two-piece modern gowns allow the bride to replace a full skirt with a flirty, shorter one, or ditch a long train for a great pair of palazzos, all while keeping the same top (and the continuity of your look). Still, others will go totally modern and opt for a great modern jumpsuit (a new favorite trend of mine!).
• Bohemian Chic – Not just fitting for weddings that feature tons of macramé, the boho-chic style gives off a fun and light-hearted feel which can perfectly compliment even the most formal destination wedding. Made from non-traditional fabrics that tend to have extra give (like cotton, polyester, and knits), they’re comfortable for all-day wear and hold up well to humidity.

Shoe choices are also a careful consideration for brides. While you may have your eye on the perfect pair of six-inch Badgley Mischkas, take a few minutes to really evaluate where you’ll be walking on your wedding day. Pretty flats or intricate barefoot sandals can keep you comfortable and allow you to traverse an uneven aisle gracefully.

Photography by: Quetzal Photography

Accessories, hairstyles, and makeup can also all be affected by the Mexican heat and wind, so be mindful of the styles you choose. Long veils make great photos, but they can be cumbersome to manage. If you’re wanting to wear your hair down, keep in mind how the wind and humidity will affect your curls, and maybe plan on an alternate hairstyle or build in time for a touch up for the reception. And remember – the heat and humidity in Mexico can take a toll on even the most expertly applied makeup, so aim for a fresh, natural, and light look!

Photography by: Quetzal Photography

For the Groom

Men (even more than women) must consider the heat level when marrying in Mexico. The traditional three-piece suit looks great as long as you’re not sweating buckets and constantly needing to wipe your brow. Some destination weddings take a more casual air, giving the groom the opportunity to wear a light-weight linen suit or even slacks and a fresh oxford. In the most casual of situations, I’ve seen shorts, flip flops, and untucked, short-sleeved button downs.

Photography by: Jorge Rodriguez

If you want to uphold tradition and keep things ultra-classy, a great way to manage the heat in three-piece is to plan for the removal of a few layers as your day wears on. Many grooms will wear a jacket only for the ceremony and formal portraits, then remove their jacket and freshen up before entering the reception in just their vest. Once dancing starts, they’ll then sneak away to remove their vest, roll-up their sleeves, and boogie down.

As a Guest

One of the most common questions guests ask as they prepare to attend a destination wedding is “what should we wear?” They want to look their best and be dressed appropriately for the level of formality while still being comfortable.

Just as they’re considering what will keep them most comfortable, many couples make it their priority to guide their guests in the same way. It is not uncommon for couples to include dress code information with their wedding invitations so that guests clearly understand what is expected for the event. This information can be detailed as the couple likes, encouraging proper footwear (or providing a shoe-drop area for your beach ceremony), outlining the desire for cocktail-appropriate garb, or any other details that will help guests pack accordingly!

Photography by: Moni and Adri Photography

Lastly, as with all weddings, it’s important for guests to remember the general rules of wedding attendance. If specified, don’t overdress for the degree of formality. If you show up black-tie ready but the bride and groom have opted for a casual ceremony, it can come off as an attempt to outshine the newly-weds! (which is never the intention, but could happen nonetheless.) Additionally, ladies should choose a shade for their dress that isn’t overly flashy, and certainly is far from white (unless the bride has made it abundantly clear that she is ok with another woman in white at her wedding).

Appropriate apparel for weddings can be a difficult thing to nail down. Make it something you consider early in your planning phase and be sure to clearly communicate expectations and seek answers for questions as they arise. Overall, remember to consider your comfort first – it’s the best way to ensure you’ll really feel your best on the big day!