5 Rules for Choosing the Perfect Beach Wedding Dress

Post-holiday engagements are in full swing (and your social media feeds are full of the #engagementringselfies to prove it!), but our minds are already on wedding season! Warm weather, pretty peonies, and airy gowns are all headed our way and we're counting down the days.

Yes, we're already hearing the siren song of beach weddings, but we're not the only ones. BHLDN, a go-to destination for boho beach weddings, has just the thing for those chic surfer babes and beachy brides to don for their sun-drenched "I dos…"

Rule #1: Simplify the Silhouette
When the wind begins to whip up and the sun starts to beat down, trust us when we say that you don't want to be stuck in a voluminous Cinderella gown. Instead, aim to be just as effortless as your easy, breezy surroundings, like this off-the-shoulder column gown from BHLDN. Go barefoot or pair with encrusted sandals.

Rule #2: Get Sultry in the Sunshine
Since your ceremony won’t be in a church, you can show a little skin, girlfriend! We love off-the-shoulder and open back silhouettes as the most gorgeous ways to do subdued sexy. Add a piece of statement jewelry like the Lara Pendant Necklace for show-stopping elegance.

Rule #3: Lightweight Fabrics Are Your New BFF
Sure, you expect your heart to melt when your hubby-to-be says his vows, but do you really want your makeup to as well? Stick to lightweight laces and soft chiffons to keep you cool. Floaty fabrics, like this A-line stunner from BHLDN, can be your saving grace, especially if your gown is your carry-on for destination wedding travel. Don't forget your flower crown!

Rule #4: Don't Be Afraid of Separates
While two-piece swimsuits are a tropical mainstay, bridal separates are just now cropping up as major nuptial trend. And there's no place they look more at home than amongst the sand, in salt-tinged air. Laid-back yet luxe, causal yet all too cool, bridal separates are the look beach brides and fashion editors alike totally love.

Rule #5: Get Layered
You know that chic cover-up you have on hand to go from sunning on the beach to sipping rosé at a seaside café? It won't hurt to grab one for your wedding day, too! Shelter your shoulders with a bohemian capelet, in case the temperatures drop. It might just elegantly elevate your seaside ensemble so much so, you'll never want to take it off!