Try to avoid tons of beading or intricate details, especially toward the hem of your beach wedding dress. Just think: A full skirt covered in crystals is going to be quite heavy on the beach, and who wants walking down a sandy aisle to be an ordeal? Save the details for your accessories or a standout bouquet.

A-line wedding dresses are universally flattering and don’t have a bunch of extra fabric that can weigh down a beach wedding dress. Think flirty, floaty, or even flimsy when it comes to fabrics. Cool silks and light chiffon are perfect choices for a beach wedding dress when combined with an ocean breeze. This is also a great opportunity to try something a little different—consider a short or ankle-length wedding dress for a modern and casual twist.

You don’t have to avoid details altogether, though—just keep it simple. Try a bridal gown with detailing at the bust or waistline instead of at the skirt. Long veils are probably a bad idea, given the locale, so try instead a fun crystal hairpiece or shorter cage veil for your beach wedding gown.

The most important thing is that you pick a beach wedding dress that flatters your figure and your wallet. If that means you end up having to hike up your dress to get down the aisle, so be it.

Click on the links below to read more about summer beach gowns:

Accessorizing a Beach Wedding Dress

Classic Beach Wedding Gown Looks

Destination and Beach Wedding Dress Trends

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Beach Wedding Gown