A beach wedding is a dream—crashing waves, golden sunsets, and the perfect sea breeze. But let’s be real: weddings can get expensive and finding cheap wedding dresses for a beach wedding that look stunning and comfortable can, well, feel impossible. Luckily, it’s not!
Whether you’re going for a casual, flowy vibe or a goddess beach wedding dress look, we’ve got all the tips you need to find affordable beach wedding dresses without sacrificing style.
🏝️ Why Choose a Beach Wedding Dress?
Unlike traditional ballroom gowns, wedding dresses for a beach need to be lightweight, breathable, and easy to move in. Sand, sun, and sea breezes call for something comfortable that won’t weigh you down. Plus, since beach weddings are often more relaxed, you don’t need a $5,000 designer dress.
But cheap doesn’t mean low quality. You can find inexpensive beach wedding dresses that are elegant, stylish, and perfect for saying “I do” by the ocean.
💰 How to Find Cheap Wedding Dresses for a Beach
1. Shop Online for Affordable Options
Brick-and-mortar bridal shops often mark up dresses significantly, but online retailers can help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Check out these sites:
- Amazon – Believe it or not, Amazon has beach wedding dresses cheap, and many have amazing reviews.
- Lulus – Affordable and stylish, with many under $200.
- ASOS – Great for modern, minimal designs.
- Etsy – Handmade, custom dresses at lower prices.
- David’s Bridal – Often has huge discounts and clearance sales.
💡 Pro Tip: Check reviews and return policies before buying to ensure the quality meets your expectations.
2. Consider a Non-Traditional Dress
You don’t have to wear a traditional wedding gown. Many beach wedding dresses are boho, flowy, or even simple white maxi dresses that cost a fraction of the price.
Some great options:
- White sundresses
- Simple slip dresses
- Two-piece wedding sets
- Lace or chiffon maxi dresses
The key is choosing lightweight, breathable fabrics like:
- Chiffon
- Lace
- Organza
- Tulle
These fabrics will give you that breezy, effortless beach look without feeling heavy or restricting movement.
3. Buy a Pre-Owned or Sample Dress
Want a designer dress without the crazy price tag? Look into:
- Pre-owned wedding dresses – Websites like Stillwhite, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, and Tradesy offer discounted designer dresses.
- Sample sales – Many bridal boutiques sell floor samples at a huge discount (sometimes up to 70% off).
- Renting a dress – If you’re open to renting, sites like Rent the Runway have stunning beach wedding dresses cheap.
💡 Bonus Tip: If you buy second-hand, get it altered for a perfect fit. Minor tweaks can make any dress look custom-made!
☀️ What to Avoid When Choosing a Beach Wedding Dress
❌ Heavy Fabrics
Avoid satin and thick tulle. They trap heat and feel suffocating in humid beach weather.
❌ Too Much Volume
Ballgowns may look great in a ballroom, but they’re too heavy for sand and wind. Instead, opt for a simple silhouette.
❌ Long, Complicated Trains
While long trains are dramatic, they’re not practical for the beach. A short train or no train at all is best.
❌ Corsets & Tight Bodices
You’ll want to breathe easily—skip overly structured dresses and opt for flowy, relaxed styles.
🎀 Beach Wedding Accessories on a Budget
A cheap wedding dress for a beach doesn’t mean you have to skimp on the details. Here’s how to accessorize without overspending:
Jewelry
- Keep it minimal and delicate—think pearls, gold hoops, or dainty necklaces.
- Avoid heavy statement pieces that might feel too formal.
Shoes
- Ditch the heels – Sand and stilettos don’t mix.
- Opt for barefoot sandals, flat sandals, or wedges.
- Consider giving guests flip-flops so they don’t struggle in the sand!
Hair & Veil
- Windproof your look – Beach breezes can mess up long veils and loose curls.
- Opt for a flower crown, small hair comb, or lightweight veil.
- Use texturizing spray to keep your hair in place.
Stay Warm in the Evening
Even in summer, beach nights can be chilly. Offer guests light pashminas or shawls—they’ll appreciate it!
👗 Beach Wedding Dress Hacks to Save Even More $$$
Alter an Affordable Dress
Buy a cheap simple dress and have a tailor add lace, beading, or embellishments. This way, you get a custom look for less.
Borrow from a Friend
If you have a friend or family member who recently got married, see if they’re open to lending or selling you their dress.
Use Coupons & Discounts
- Sign up for email lists on bridal websites for discounts.
- Look for seasonal sales (January and June are great months for wedding dress discounts!).
Join Facebook Groups
Brides often resell their dresses in Facebook marketplace groups at super low prices.
🏖️ The Perfect Beach Wedding Dress for Less
A wedding on the beach dress doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With these budget-friendly tips, you can find a stunning, affordable dress that makes you feel like a goddess without draining your savings.
Quick Recap:
✅ Shop online for better deals.
✅ Think outside the box—you don’t need a traditional dress.
✅ Consider pre-owned or rental options.
✅ Choose breathable fabrics and simple silhouettes.
✅ Accessorize smartly and stay practical.
✅ Hunt for discounts and use budget hacks to save even more.
So, are you ready to find your dream cheap wedding dress for a beach? Let me know in the comments below what your favorite budget-friendly wedding or wedding dress tip is!
Now that you’re married, you’re going to need to buy those first apartment essentials on a budget! Happy (smart) shopping!
