How to Dress for a Casual Beach Wedding in Pismo Beach


Beach weddings are super popular, because they’re beautiful, yield amazing photos, are a fun destination for loved ones, and can save the happy couple some money depending on where they’re wed. However, if it’s your first time going to a casual beach wedding, you might be a little nervous about choosing the right outfit to wear. We get asked a lot from our couples about what their guests should wear for a Pismo Beach small wedding.


You want to wear something you feel great in that still fits the style  of the wedding. Don’t let the casual part scare you. Here’s a style guide that will help you figure out what to wear as a guest at a casual beach wedding. 


What should men wear? 

If you’re a man, it’s going to be very easy to find something great to wear for a casual beach wedding. You can’t go wrong with a pair of khaki pants. Khaki pants are nicer than jeans, but will still keep your overall look casual. For a more  relaxed look, consider wearing capri cut khakis. 


When looking for a shirt, a light button-up will go great with your khakis. Stick to summery colors and pastels. Depending on the dress code, you might be able to have a little fun by finding a Hawaiian shirt for the occasion. A Hawaiian shirt can show off some personality, while still looking beachy and casual. 


What can women wear?
 

As usual, women are faced with a lot more options than men. This is both exciting and can also be overwhelming. If you’re a gal that enjoys dresses, this is the perfect time to buy that sun dress you’ve been dreaming about. Although a dress can veer into a fancier category, the material of the sundress can make the look more casual. I like a dress for a wedding. It makes you feel like you are dressed up.


Not much of a dress kind of person? No worries at all! You can find the perfect summer romper for the beach wedding. Rompers are flirty, have pockets, and will let you bust a move at the reception. If you want to split the difference between a romper and a sundress, consider buying a
linen jumpsuit for the occasion. You get the pants and pockets, with the silhouette of a dress. 


What shoes should you wear? 

Don’t forget that you’re going to be walking on sand to and from the ceremony and maybe even dancing on the sand for the reception. As a result, you’re going to want to wear comfortable shoes that will allow you to maneuver through the sand. Some guests even kick off their shoes and go with their toes in the sand.


For men, something like Vans are a great, casual option. For women, sandals or nice flip flops that match your outfit will keep you comfortable, cool, and won’t stick in the sand, like heels. 


Should you wear a hat? 

Wearing a hat to a casual beach wedding can be an excellent accessory! For men, consider wearing a straw fedora to keep the sun off of your ears and neck. Women could wear a sunhat to keep out of the sun. Just don’t forget to remove your hat for the ceremony!


Once you have the perfect outfit, you’ll be ready to pack your beach bag for that destination wedding. Stay casual and comfortable, and don’t forget to
wear your sunscreen


Should you wear jeans?

At our beach weddings, guests have worn jeans. We may have even had a groom or 2 wearing jeans.  If you aren't ok with jeans at your wedding, just let your guests know that you want them to dress up a little bit.  Sometimes wearing jeans with a nice shirt is a nice option and can be done a little dressier. Just don't wear jeans with holes in them or dirty work jeans.  Dress things up a bit for the special day for the couple.


Themed Outfits

This wedding took place around Halloween and the couple had a more. gothic theme for their wedding day.  For most guests, it was ok for them to wear black.

Other times, the couples may have a color that they want the guests to wear. For this wedding, they asked the guests to wear pastel colors (to go with the bouquet) or floral prints.  These guests also rocked their sun glasses - because it is a beach wedding!

By Natalie Jones February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.
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