A Bride’s Guide to an Island Wedding Dress

You’ve been dreaming about this day since you were a little girl. After searching far and wide for the perfect match, you’re finally ready to ‘say yes’ - a decision you’ll cherish forever. We’re talking about your choice of wedding dress of course!

With the storybook setting of Bald Head Island already in place for your big day - it’s only fitting that your wedding dress embody the same charm and jaw-dropping response evoked by the Island’s scenery. 

Here are our top tips and wedding dress picks, perfect for destination wedding brides who want to be super-romantic without all of the fuss.

Tip #1 Light and airy

Light and airy fabrics such as silk chiffon or organza are perfect for moving with the sea breeze during a beachside celebration. This wedding dress by Sarah Seven leans toward a soft, flowy style that gives off a casual yet look-at-me gorgeous silhouette, sure to catch eyes on the sand of East Beach on your big day.

Tip #2 Minimalistic beading

Heavy beading can weigh down a dress, and its bride, on the big day - which is less than ideal for a ceremonial beach walk or night of dancing on the Shoal’s Club deck. With just the right amount of beading, this strapless dress by Marchesa emulates sophistication and beauty in one show-stopping pleated gown. Perfect for either a Shoal’s Club wedding or a ceremony at the Chapel, you’ll feel elegant and comfortable as you sparkle in the sun all day long.   

Tip #3 Goddess draping 

Halter necklines and draped silhouettes give off an Island goddess vibe that exemplifies the fun and casual atmosphere of a destination wedding. This show-stopping superfine jersey gown by Donna Karan forgoes a long train (sure to accumulate a lot of sand) and opts instead for a flattering, hip-hugging style that’ sure to move along with you all night long. 

Tip #4 Delicate lace 

Delicate lace is a great way to combine Island simplicity and traditionalism in one. This dress by Monique Ihuillier gives off a fairy tale look with its stunning attention to detail and form-fitting silhouette. The romantic sweetheart neckline, manageable length train, and knee-high slit make this dress a universal fit for both a ceremony in the historic Bald Head Island Chapel and a reception in the sand. 

Tip #5 ¾ Length Dress 

Some aspects of a traditional wedding gown aren’t as practical for brides dreaming to get married along the beach. (Think cathedral-length wedding veils in a strong ocean breeze, or heavy long trains being dragged through the sand.) A great alternative for a Bald Head Island bride can be a ¾ length dress that incorporates a ball-room style fit with a fuss-free length. This dress by London designer, Stephanie Allin, incorporates voluminous body and an elegant cut to leave you feeling like a princess no matter what’s beneath your feet.

For more tips on planning your Bald Head Island dream wedding, please contact our Island wedding experts here. 

Published on Saturday, April 23, 2016