When you envision your wedding day, you picture you and your future spouse standing on a beach with the waves crashing behind you as you exchange your vows. You see the ocean as the backdrop for your wedding day, and dancing on the sand while the sun sinks into the sea.

If a beach wedding is your dream wedding, you are going to want to choose a dress that reflects with the laidback, relaxed vibe that the beach is so highly regarded for. How do you choose the best gown for a beach wedding? Here are some tips that will make you look like a goddess of the beach on your wedding day.

Keep the Venue in Mind

A wedding on a beach can vary from formal to super laidback. You want to choose a dress that works well with the venue, as well as the beach. For example, your beach wedding reception could take place in a swanky ballroom overlooking the beach, or it could take place directly on the shore.  In the latter example, a flowing A-line gown may look out of place, while a form-fitted mermaid gown may look a little too formal while you are dancing on the sand.

Think About the Color

You should give careful consideration to the color of your gown. Keep in mind that some fabrics can look like very different colors in different lights; it lace gown could look stark white in a bridal salon, while it may look more cream in the sunlight. To be sure that you are purchasing a gown that is really the color you want it to be on your wedding day, make sure you take it out into the natural sunlight before you buy it.

The Fabric is Very Important

No matter where you get married, the fabric of your wedding gown is always an important consideration; even more so if you are getting married on the beach. The last thing you want is to be sweating and uncomfortable while you’re exchanging your vows and dancing the night away on the beach.

Avoid synthetic fabrics, as they tend to be heavy and don’t breathe well. Natural materials, like organza, chiffon and gazar are excellent options for the beach, as they breathe well and will keep you cooler on the beach.

Pay Attention to the Volume of Your Gown

The volume of your gown impacts how much you can move, which directly impacts how comfortable you are.

If you want to get your dance on while you’re on the sand, a streamlined silhouette with a shorter train is a good option, as it will be loose and move with you. The bigger your dress is, and the longer the train, the heavier it will be, and the more difficult it will be for you to move.

If you do dream of wearing a ball gown, wear it for the ceremony and switch into a cocktail-length gown for the reception.

Make Sure It Travels Well

If you are having a destination wedding, you want to make sure that your gown will transport well on a plan or a long car ride. Some fabrics are more likely to wrinkle than others. Discuss your concern with the sales associate at the bridal salon and ask her to recommend which fabrics will travel the best. Lace is an excellent option because it tends not to wrinkle, and if it does wrinkle, it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb; however, do keep in mind that while lace does travel well, it may pick up sand on the beach.