AisleDash

I used to live in a seaside city and spent a lot of time on the beach. I even attended a few beach weddings. They are, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most fun ways to celebrate a marriage. In the late afternoon, the sand is still deliciously warm and the light over the ocean is spectacular. The atmosphere is relaxed yet exhilirating. And it's terribly romantic too. All of this is fantastic and it's something to look forward to, if you've been invited to a beach wedding, but it does beg the question..."What do I wear?"

First thing to think about is this: just because it's being held on a beach does not mean you can dress like a beach bum. It is, after all, a wedding. However, neither are you going to don a fabulous evening gown or a -2piece suit. You'll look more than a bit ridiculous, prancing over the sand in your jewel-encrusted Jimmy Choo's and slinky, sexy long dress.

The thing to do is to keep it light yet still elegant. Think soft, floaty fabrics, shoulder straps, uneven mid-calf or knee-length hemlines and a light cardigan or shoulder wrap (for any teasing sea breeze that might suddenly spring up).

Abandon any thought of closed shoes or even high-heeled sandals. Flat strappy foot wear is your answer. Something trendy and funky and easy enough to slip off as you walk across the sand. A hat might be a good idea, especially if it's a very hot, sunny day. (Don't forget the sunscreen either.)

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that guys can actually wear jeans. Not a scruffy, ripped pair (this is not a surfing competition, dude - so no shorts either) but a good, smart pair of well cut jeans would be more than acceptable. What wuld be absoutely perfect is a pair of light linen trousers and a pastel coloured or white shirt. Now that's a very sexy look!