A wedding on the Florida coast is its own kind of luxury—breezy, sun-soaked, colorful, and effortlessly chic. Whether it’s a backyard bash in your aunts 1950’s Key West home, a wedding weekend at The Colony Hotel, or a sailcloth tent on the beach at Gasparilla Inn, your wedding fashion should feel just as natural as the setting!
Coastal wedding fashion should run far away from stiff formalwear that looks great in an air-conditioned ballroom but feels like a mistake the second you step into the sun. Florida coastal weddings should embrace light, breathable fabrics, movement, and color palettes that look like they were pulled straight from a sunset!
If you’re planning a Florida wedding and wondering what to wear, take a cue from your surroundings and let your fashion and decor work together. As Florida wedding photographers, here’s how we think you can do it right!
First, Steal Your Color Palette from the Coast
Your wedding decor is already going to reflect coastal colors—so why shouldn’t all of the outfits? We’re talking parents, wedding party, the guests and yes, yourselves too!
Instead of forcing a color scheme, borrow from what’s already around you.
- Sunset shades – golden yellows, soft corals, warm oranges, and blush pinks that glow in golden hour photos
- Ocean hues – deep navy, breezy aquas, and watercolor blues that feel crisp, fresh, and coastal without being cliché
- Tropical greens – palm leaves, seagrass, and rich, deep emeralds that pop against neutral backgrounds
- Citrus brights – zesty shades of lemon yellow, blood orange, and lime green instantly add a playful, tropical vibe. Think citrus-dyed linens, papaya-colored bridesmaid dresses, and table settings that feel like a nod to a Florida farmer’s market.
- Soft fruit tones – guava pink, creamy banana, and papaya orange add warmth without feeling too bold. They work beautifully for bridesmaid dresses, floral arrangements, or even groomsmen’s ties.
A groom in a light blue linen suit, bridesmaids in sunset-inspired dresses, or guests in vibrant tropical prints – that’s how you dress for a Florida coast wedding!
Next, If It Moves in the Breeze, It Belongs in Your Outfit
You know those sailcloth tents billowing in the wind, linen table runners floating in the breeze, and sheer curtains swaying in an open-air ocean front balconies? That what we’re looking for in fabric!
- For brides: Lightweight, flowy fabrics like silk, chiffon, or organza that catch the light and move when you do
- For grooms: You could do a traditional black tux but if you’re feeling fresh, go for a cream or ocean-blue linen suit—formal, but Florida-approved!
- For guests: Breezy maxi dresses, breathable linen, and outfits that feel comfortable from ceremony to dance floor with lots of color and don’t be afraid of prints!
- For mothers: Flowy midi or maxi dresses in light, breathable fabrics like silk or crepe. Soft colors, floral prints, or subtle tropical details feel polished but relaxed. No stiff satin ball gowns here—this is a Florida wedding, not a gala.
- For Fathers: A lightweight suit (linen or cotton blends) in navy, or a soft pastel keeps things classic while still fitting the breezy coastal vibe. A printed pocket square or fun tie can add a little personality
- For bridesmaids: Flowy dresses in sunset shades, breezy pastels, or soft ocean tones. If you want a mix-and-match look, let them choose different textures—chiffon, silk, or linen blends all photograph beautifully.
- For groomsmen: A linen suit or black tux instantly makes them look put-together without the stuffy vibe. If the groom is going bold with a color, keep the groomsmen in something neutral to balance it out.
If it looks good while twirling, running barefoot on the sand, or sipping a cocktail in the breeze, you’ve nailed it.
Now, Let’s Talk Natural Textures & Playful Details
A Florida wedding is the perfect excuse to play with texture! Coastal decor often brings in rattan furniture, woven accents, and natural wood tones—so why not let that spill into fashion choices?
- A woven rattan clutch that ties in with the table settings
- Beaded or embroidered accessories featuring palm leaves, citrus, or tropical florals
- Espadrilles, woven sandals, or chic block heels instead of traditional wedding shoes
- A printed tie or pocket square with subtle tropical elements
This is how you make sure your fashion doesn’t just match the vibe—it becomes part of the overall aesthetic.
Where These Look Works Best
This effortless but intentional style fits seamlessly into anywhere with coastal charm but personally we think of:
- A Key West backyard wedding – relaxed, vibrant, and designed for barefoot dancing and golden hour cocktails
- The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach – playful prints, preppy pastels, and stylish nods to old-school glam
- Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande – polished, refined, and classic Florida elegance
- The Breakers, Palm Beach – timeless luxury, oceanfront elegance, and all the grandeur of old Palm Beach
- The Boca Raton Resort, Boca Raton – historic elegance meets modern luxury, with pink-washed architecture, palm-lined walkways, and an upscale coastal vibe
- LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, Naples – barefoot luxury, Gulf Coast sunsets, and a perfect blend of chic and relaxed
- Opal Sands Resort, Clearwater Beach – modern beachfront vibes, sweeping ocean views, and a contemporary-meets-coastal aesthetic
- The Ritz-Carlton, Naples – refined sophistication, white sand beaches, and a setting that feels effortlessly high-end
- St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, Sarasota – sleek, stylish, and a stunning mix of modern design and tropical serenity
- The Perry Hotel, Naples – rooftop pools, Gulf breezes, and a boutique hotel feel with an elevated twist
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Islamorada – A luxurious resort offering a private beach, lush gardens, and a classic Florida Keys ambiance
- The Reach, Key West – Features a private natural sand beach, modern amenities, and stunning ocean views, perfect for a stylish seaside wedding.
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami – This historic estate offers European-inspired gardens and a grand villa, providing a romantic and timeless backdrop for weddings.
- The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami – An oceanfront resort that combines luxury with tropical tranquility, offering beautiful venues for both intimate and grand celebrations.
- The Standard Spa, Miami Beach – Known for its chic and minimalist design, this venue offers waterfront spaces that are perfect for a modern wedding celebration.
- Private estates & waterfront venues – the perfect blank slate for a chic, modern coastal aesthetic
Final Tips for Effortless Coastal Wedding Fashion
Want to make sure everyone looks just as good as the setting? A little planning goes a long way.
- Hire a stylist for you (or your guests!). A wedding stylist can help curate outfits that match the vibe—whether it’s putting together a fashion mood board, personal shopping, or styling the entire wedding party.
- Create a guest dress code that actually helps. Instead of saying “beach formal” (which no one understands), send an inspiration guide with color palettes, textures, and examples. Even a Pinterest board or a few links to suggested styles can help guests nail the look.
- Where to shop or rent: If you’re going for a high-style but low-effort approach, consider rental sites like The RealReal, Rent the Runway, or By Rotation for designer dresses and suits. For fun, tropical-inspired prints and accessories, check out Zimmermann, Farm Rio, and Anthropologie.
- Don’t forget comfort. Sand-friendly footwear, breathable fabrics, and layers for breezy evenings will keep you and your guests feeling as good as you look.
Your Wedding Deserves Photos as Stylish as You
Your wedding fashion is just one part of the magic—but it’s the little details, the movement, and the way you feel in it that make the photos unforgettable. Whether it’s a breezy Key West backyard wedding, a chic Gasparilla Inn celebration, or a vibrant weekend at The Colony Hotel, we’re here to capture it all—the fashion, the fun, and every in-between moment!
So let’s get this party started! Inquire now to book your coastal Florida wedding photography with Catherine Ann Photography.
Florida wedding photographer
