When you picture your dream wedding, what do you see? A beautiful location with white sand beaches, majestic palm trees, and crystal-clear waters? If you’re planning for a destination wedding in Turks & Caicos or another tropical paradise, you may be wondering what attire is appropriate. The good news is there are plenty of options for both men and women that will keep you and your guests cool and comfortable in the tropical heat.

Here are seven tips to help you choose the right island wedding attire:

Wear Light-colored Clothing For a Daytime Wedding

As any wedding planner will tell you, guest comfort should be a top priority when organizing a summertime wedding. One of the best ways to keep guests cool and comfortable is to encourage them to wear light-colored clothing. Light colors help keep you cool by reflecting the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them. In addition, light colors can help to create a feeling of airiness and spaciousness, which is ideal for an outdoor wedding. And since island weddings are often associated with relaxation and fun, light-colored clothing can help set the tone for the event. 

But guests don’t have to risk upstaging the bride by wearing white or cream. They can also choose from on-trend light colors such as:

• Soft Lilac
• Mellow Yellow
• Salted Caramel
• Sky Blue

If it’s a night-time wedding, encourage brighter summer-themed colors like:

• Hot Pink
• Blood Orange
• Canary Yellow
• Kiwi Green

Choose Natural Fabrics

When planning an island wedding, it’s important to choose fabrics that will help keep you cool in the heat. Linen, cotton, and silk are all great options. They’re lightweight and breathable, which will help keep you cool even in the hottest weather. Silk is the most formal of the three fabrics, so it’s a good choice if you’re having a traditional wedding. Cotton is more casual, making it ideal for a beach ceremony. And linen is somewhere in between, making it a versatile choice for any island wedding. Whatever fabric you choose, make sure it’s something that you’ll be comfortable in on your big day.

Pack a Hat

As you begin to plan your island wedding, don’t forget to pack a wide-brimmed hat. The sun is much stronger in tropical climates, and you’ll want to protect your face and make-up from its harmful rays. Whatever style you choose, make sure it’s comfortable and won’t blow away in the wind.

Wear Sandals or Low Heels

When it comes to island weddings, comfort is key. And one of the best ways to ensure a relaxing wedding day is to choose the right footwear. Avoid closed leather shoes, which can be hot and uncomfortable in the tropical sun. Men can wear boat shoes, loafers, or dress sandals. And women have a variety of options, including flats, wedges, and low heels. Just make sure your shoes are comfortable and won’t sink into the sand. If you want to wear heels, make sure they’re not too high – two inches or less is usually best in this case. The last thing you want is to be wobbling around in your shoes all day – or worse, taking a tumble. So save the stilettos for another occasion and opt for a more beach-friendly footwear option.

Choose Island-Inspired Accessories

When it comes to accessories, island weddings offer a wide range of possibilities. From shells and starfish to palm fronds and flower garlands, there are endless ways to incorporate the natural surroundings into your wedding day look. If you’re looking for something a little more subtle, consider opting for a statement piece like a shell necklace or a brightly-colored scarf. And don’t forget about your wedding party! They can also wear island-inspired accessories such as flower leis or starfish boutonnieres.

Splurge on a Non-sticky Sunscreen

Anyone who has ever been to a tropical island can attest that the sun is no joke. The intense heat and bright light can quickly turn a fun day in the sun into a painful experience. And while there are plenty of sunscreens on the market that claim to be non-sticky, most of them fail to deliver on this promise. However, a few brands do live up to their claims, and they are definitely worth the splurge for an island wedding. Not only do they provide reliable protection against the sun’s harmful rays, but they also won’t leave your skin feeling greasy or sticky.

Go Casual

An island wedding is a perfect opportunity to go for less formal attire. Encourage male guests to leave their ties and jackets at home and opt for a more relaxed look with open-collared linen shirts. Shorts are also an excellent option for daytime weddings. Women can wear sundresses, long, flowy skirts, or caftans. Just because the dress code is casual doesn’t mean it can be stylish. Some of the best-dressed guests at island weddings are those who embrace the casual dress code and put their own spin on it.

Want more destination wedding tips? Read The Ultimate Guide To Planning A Destination Wedding.