We went to a wedding where the ceremony was on the beach and I wore a Lilly sundress and wrap, and sandals.
The reception was at a country club, so we swung around to where we were staying and I changed into a summer cocktail dress for the reception.
Just about every guest did this clothing change.
My husband wore khakis and a very nice shirt and tie to the beach ceremony and a suit to the reception.
Is your wedding reception on the beach also? If so, your Lilly dress is probably fine.
@soozievt you are good! So many nice choices. I think the original dress posted is jersey which I see as more casual and also think would be warm.
I am a big fan of (especially silk) lightweight jersey fabrics, but long sleeves will probably make the dress too warm for wearing on the beach.
My guess is with a description like “beach formal” you’ll see fellow guests wearing a whole range of things.
For the beach, in addition to Lily Pulitzer, I would look at Tommy Bahama and Tori Richard. These brands stand for “beach formal” IMO.
https://www.toririchard.com/womens/strut-your-stuff-karley-mid-length-dress
https://www.toririchard.com/womens/paper-roses-brooklyn-maxi-length-dress
https://www.toririchard.com/womens/crazy-in-love-fiona-mid-length-dress
https://www.toririchard.com/womens/royal-palm-adele-short-dress
Even ?!!!
https://www.toririchard.com/womens/pinial-adeline-short-dress
Thanks all! I plan on taking two dresses to the wedding and will decide which one to wear when I get there: the original Lily dress (which is rayon, not jersey, and has 3/4 sleeves, not long sleeves) and an Eliza J halter neck “floaty” floral blue/lavender chiffon swing dress (not a maxi, but definitely more formal than the original dress) that I bought from Nordstrom for another wedding last summer and have yet to wear (long story). I’ll see what my sister-in-laws are wearing (one is mom of the groom) and make a decision then. My silver sandals and silver clutch on a chain will go with either dress so no problem there.
I think rayon is like wearing a plastic bag. I’d go with a more breathable fabric in a hot climate…but that’s my opinion.
I was going to suggest Eliza J. They have some beautiful, summery dresses.
I think a knit maxi dress like the one attached would be suitable for a beach formal wedding.
I’ve had my eye on this one, and another 20% off this weekend.
I think flowy styles look pretty for the beach… but remember that beaches are often breezy - for modestly sake, avoid short styles that will catch the wind.
@soozievt, thanks for posting those dress links. I actually ending up ordering two of them to check out in person (I really like the midis). I’m happy with both of my current dresses, but will keep looking in case something “better” turns up. I have another 6-7 weeks so all is good. I spoke with my sister-in-laws and have discovered that “beach formal” absolutely does cover a wide range of wear and most dresses (of any length) would suffice just fine.
@Southmom, glad you were inspired to try some of the dresses out, even though you are happy with what you already have. Which two did you like?
By the way, I don’t think the length matters much.
@soozievt, the dress that came from your link is the Adrianna Papell
Tea Time Floral Print Midi Dress from Bloomingdales. I really love the coral color (I’m tired of pastels right now) and I also love the flowy skirt. I think that I would get more wear out of something like that than I would a maxi dress. And I have some gold sandals that I think would work really well with the dress.
@Southmom…oh, that dress is very pretty. It’s a reasonable price too.