Ultimate Guide to Beach Wedding Groom Attire
Roberto Revilla London can help you find the perfect wedding suit for your big day
If you’re planning a beach wedding, congratulations. There’s nothing quite like saying “I do” with your feet in the sand, the sound of waves in the background and a warm breeze in the air. But let’s be honest, dressing for a beach ceremony isn’t the same as a city or country wedding. Heavy wools, stiff tuxedos and polished Oxfords don’t mix well with heat, sand, and salt air.
The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. With the right fabrics, fit and finishing touches you’ll look sharp, feel cool and stay comfortable all day. We have dressed grooms from Cancún to Capri and the math is straightforward: look through the all-inclusive options at Paradise Wedding (Caribbean sites typically cost roughly $5,000) and you’ll still have enough for a breathable wedding suit and lots leftover.
Here’s how to get it right.
Fabrics that work by the water
Linen
The king of beach fabrics. Lightweight, breathable and effortlessly stylish. Yes, linen creases but that’s part of the charm. In photos those “imperfections” translate into texture and character, not untidiness. Ask your tailor for a half-lined or unlined jacket to let the breeze do its job. Colours like ivory, sage, pale blue or soft pink work beautifully against the coastal backdrop.
Cotton & Seersucker
Cotton is another smart choice for a relaxed but polished look. Seersucker, with its natural puckered texture, adds a little personality while keeping you cool. A pale blue seersucker jacket with crisp white trousers always feels right at a summer wedding.
Tropical Wool
If you want something more structured - maybe you’re going for a sharper, tux-inspired look - ask about tropical wool. It’s lighter than traditional suiting cloth, holds its shape and still breathes well. Ideal for grooms who want a classic silhouette without overheating.
Fit matters more than ever
On the beach, you don’t want to feel all trussed up. A beach wedding suit should skim the body rather than grip it. Think natural shoulders, side vents and trousers with little or no break so they sit neatly above the sand. Leave room to move, dance and dip your bride for that all-important sunset photo.
Dress codes decoded
Beach formal: Think James Bond at a tropical resort. A pale dinner jacket or light-coloured suit, crisp shirt, loafers and a smart pocket square. Tie optional - slip it off straight after the vows.
Semi-formal: A linen or cotton suit in sand, stone or pastel. Searches for sage and blush linen suits surged following the 2024 runway season. Open-neck shirt, loafers or espadrilles and subtle accessories. Relaxed yet refined.
Casual: Tailored linen trousers (or even shorts, if the setting is very informal), open shirt, maybe suspenders/braces for personality and sandals or barefoot. Effortless but still deliberate.
The key is to match your level of formality to the bride’s outfit and the overall setting. You want to look like you belong together in the photos.
Colour choices
Stick to light shades that reflect the sun and photograph well: ivory, beige, light grey, pastel blue, sage, blush. These colours not only keep you cooler but also capture the relaxed elegance of a coastal wedding. If you want a pop of bold colour, keep it to an accessory like your pocket square or boutonnière.
Finishing touches
Shoes: Leather loafers, espadrilles or even barefoot if it suits the vibe. Avoid heavy lace-ups that sink in the sand.
Pocket square: Linen or cotton for texture and breathability.
Boutonnière: Hardy blooms like orchids or greenery that won’t wilt in the sun.
Hat & shades: A Panama hat or a good pair of sunglasses can look stylish while keeping you comfortable. Just remember to take them off for the key photos.
Travel smart
If you’re flying to your wedding, carry your suit with you rather than checking it in. Use a garment bag and ask the cabin crew if they can hang it up. Tell them it’s your wedding! On arrival, hang it on the back of the bathroom door and the steam from your shower will bring it back to life.
Final thoughts
A beach wedding is all about balance: looking like the groom while staying comfortable in the heat. Go for breathable fabrics, a relaxed but tailored fit and light colours that reflect the setting. Choose footwear that works on sand, keep your accessories simple and remember the golden rule: dress to complement your bride.
That way you’ll feel as good as you look, and your photos will stand the test of time. You want to look back with pride, no regrets!
