Your marriage ceremony may be the most romantic, breath-taking and picture-perfect event of your life. Few things equal the magic of exchanging your vows on a pristine white-sand beach, accompanied by your closest friends and relatives, with an ocean breeze tugging gently at your hair. That’s the enchantment of an oceanfront wedding. Beach gowns for this blissful occasion are available in an almost limitless range of choices. Need a little guidance to help narrow the field? Read on.

A seaside ceremony is usually more casual than an indoor wedding. Beach gowns for a destination ceremony should be understated yet elegant. You will also want to consider the season. Will you have a Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter wedding? Beach temperatures can fluctuate widely from season to season. Pick lighter fabrics for warmer climates, for evening celebrations or cooler climates, choose a slightly heavier fabric and include an appropriate wrap.

Beyond these basics, here are some additional tips to help you choose a gown or dress that’s chic and captivating:

Style

A shorter dress is usually your best bet. Longer gowns, especially ones with trains can become wet, soiled or even torn by sand, water, stones and shells. Stick with ankle length or shorter. A simple tea-length A-line style will help you create a look of understated elegance. If your ceremony will take place on concrete, a boardwalk or other stationary surface, you can wear a longer sheath-style dress. You still want to avoid a train for ocean-side settings.

Shape

Here are a few tricks for matching your dress to your body shape: If you are a plus size, look for a casual wedding dress with a lightly belted style to define your waist. This will minimize the boxy look. A low-cut neckline helps serve this purpose as well. If you have a petite figure, a sash waist will give you the appearance of added height. Add elegance to a fuller figure with a curve-hugging tailored shape. For pear shapes, choose a strapless or halter style to draw the eye upward and give a more balanced look. If you decide on a skirt, go with one that doesn’t cling. Busty figures look best with a high scoop-neck and supportive straps. A one-shoulder design also works well. A fabric with smaller prints is another option for bustier figures. This gives the illusion of smaller breasts.

Fabric

Choose a breathable fabric that will allow you to feel comfortable through both the ceremony and the reception. Otherwise the heat can become stifling. Crepe, charmeuse, duchesse satin, damask, chiffon, batiste and illusion nets all work well. Stay away from brocade, embroidered or heavily sequined fabrics.

Color

White and ivory are perennial favorites for a wedding. Beach dresses however, give you more flexibility with color. Darker colors that attract and hold heat can quickly become unbearable on a hot, muggy summer day. At the same time, darker colors give a more slimming effect to plus size figures. If you want to lean more toward the casual side, go for bright, primary colors. Tropical prints can also perfectly fit the overall theme of your event.

A wedding dress should match the bride’s signature style. When narrowing down your choices, don’t be afraid to take a few risks. If you prefer to keep things more formal, fine. Otherwise, let your personality shine through. Go a little wild and crazy.