Beach Wedding Dress Code for Men: What the Groom and Groomsmen Should Wear
A beach wedding sounds relaxed, until you're standing in the sun at 3 p.m. in a wool suit. Sand, heat and wind change the rules, and most men's wedding advice doesn't account for any of them.
Here's a practical guide to beach wedding attire for men, for the groom, the groomsmen and the guests, from formal to laid-back.
First, read the invitation
The dress code on the invitation decides almost everything:
| Invitation says | What it usually means for men |
|---|---|
| Beach formal | Light-colored suit (no tie or a light tie), dress shirt, loafers |
| Semi-formal / cocktail | Dress trousers or chinos, a crisp shirt, optional blazer |
| Beach casual | Chinos or tailored shorts, a short-sleeve button-up, sandals or bare feet |
| Tropical / island attire | Printed short-sleeve shirts are welcome, often encouraged |
If you're not sure, ask the couple. They would much rather answer a text than see someone sweating through a three-piece suit.
Fabrics that survive the heat
- Linen and linen blends breathe well and look effortless. They wrinkle, which is fine at the beach.
- Lightweight cotton works for trousers and dress shirts.
- Breathable polyester knits are what most printed short-sleeve shirts use: light, quick-drying and they don't crease in a suitcase.
- Avoid: heavy wool, dark polyester suits and anything lined.
Colors for a beach wedding
Light colors keep you cooler and look right in daylight photos:
- Suits and trousers: tan, sand, light grey, light blue, off-white.
- Shirts: white, pale blue, soft pastels, or a print that ties in with the wedding colors.
- Groomsmen: pick one base color for everyone (for example, tan trousers), then add one accent such as a tie, pocket square or shirt print.
Avoid: all black (it soaks up heat), and anything that could upstage the bride.
What the groom should wear
The groom should stand out slightly from the groomsmen. Easy ways to do that:
- A different shade of suit or trousers (for example, groom in off-white, groomsmen in tan).
- A boutonnière or lei that only the groom wears.
- At a casual or tropical wedding: the same shirt style as the groomsmen, but in a different print or color.
What the groomsmen should wear
Matching is easy when everyone wears the same shirt. For a tropical or beach-casual wedding, more couples are choosing matching printed button-ups instead of suits. They're cooler, comfortable all evening and great in photos.
One idea that's becoming popular: groomsmen shirts printed with the couple's faces or a photo from the bachelor party. It's a guaranteed laugh at the reception and doubles as the groomsmen's gift. Hibiscus prints like Navy Hibiscus Paradise or Blue Hibiscus Breeze keep it tasteful enough for the ceremony.
Tip: for a dressier look, choose a point collar (it buttons to the neck and holds its shape) rather than a camp collar, which lies open and is more casual.
Shoes: the part everyone forgets
- Sand ceremony: leather sandals, boat shoes, or bare feet if the couple is going barefoot.
- Boardwalk or venue floor: unlined loafers or suede shoes.
- Skip: dress shoes with hard soles (they sink in the sand) and dark socks.
Accessories and practical extras
- Sunglasses for before and after the ceremony (take them off for photos).
- A light belt or no belt with tailored shorts.
- Sunscreen applied before you dress, never after.
- A spare shirt for the reception if the ceremony is in full sun.
What should guests wear?
Guests follow the same rules, one step more relaxed than the wedding party: light colors, breathable fabrics, no white suits (that's the groom's territory), and shoes you can walk on sand in.
Planning a wedding party look?
If you're coordinating shirts for a groom, groomsmen and maybe even the kids, our wedding Hawaiian shirts come in men's, women's and youth sizes. They're made to order, so allow time for production and shipping before the big day.
FAQ
Can men wear shorts to a beach wedding? Yes, if the dress code is beach casual. Choose tailored shorts in a solid color, not swim trunks.
Should groomsmen wear ties at a beach wedding? Usually not, unless the dress code is beach formal. An open collar or a light linen tie works best.
Are Hawaiian shirts appropriate for a wedding? At tropical, island or beach-casual weddings, yes. Choose a tasteful print and coordinate colors across the wedding party.
Planning the bachelor party too? Read our guide on how to make a custom Hawaiian shirt with faces.