What would you wear to an american wedding on the beach

[Chewbecca]

...with a formal / black tie dress code?
Totally out of my comfort zone and quite confusing with black tie in a beach resort / hot destination.
I have bags of time though and might even lose a little weight 🤣 (plus size now).
What would you wear?

It basically means something floaty with jewellery. Wear comfortable sandals that don't have heels to sink into the sand.

Here are links to the kinds of outfits I've seen at two US beach weddings (below). I don't love the bland colours and the dresses all look like bridesmaids' dresses at the first link, but you'll get a basic idea of what people might wear. In general, people in the US do tend to wear bland colours, especially on the West Coast, where anything too bright will get you labelled as trying to steal the show from the bride. If the wedding will be in Florida, you can go as bright as you like.

I burn very easily, so always cover up and wear a hat. Floaty trousers would be fine. Don't show too much boob; it's common for people to be much more judgmental in the US about that kind of thing and it's another thing that'll be seen as stealing attention from the bride.

https://www.brides.com/beach-wedding-attire-4842339
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/bridescom--52495151897892823/

Thanks - those pics wouldn't count as formal / black tie though would they? Assume DH has to wear a DJ?

Where in the US? That makes a difference. Also "beach wedding" in the US doesn't necessarily mean feet in the sand. There could be a patio, tent with a floor, etc. Also, will the reception be outside or indoors?

Actually Mexico but American bride, groom, guests
Probably not actually on the beach

My first thought was a long silk halterneck dress. You could have a look at the weddings on Vogue.com - there are lots of international and US weddings on there, might be good for ideas.

Honestly, I'd just ask the couple rather than agonising over it. If you have bags of time presumably the wedding is a while away so it's not like they'll have loads of things on their plate just now. The first thing that came to mind is a midi/maxi satin slip dress (maybe in black?), but that might not suit you. It's not a dress code I'd be familiar with either really, and there's also the location/cultural differences of it not being a British wedding or couple so they may have different definitions of formal. If I was the bride and had a vision in mind, I'd much rather a guest just asked rather than risk turning up looking out of place.

Yes, it is something we will chat about next time we see them (obviously not frequently). I wouldn’t say I am agonising, just looking for ideas, perhaps others have been to similar weddings or have seen something they thought could be perfect.

It depends on the style of the wedding. If you make the dresses longer in that first photo, you should be fine. Only worry if these are people from old East Coast families! Otherwise, I'd be comfortable betting that you'll be the most formally dressed people there (which would be fine, by the way). Beach weddings are a little more casual, so who knows if the groom will be in a black jacket. I would send them a message and ask what the style of the wedding will be.

The thing to worry about in the US is not out-shining the bride. That means don't wear white or anything close to it, don't choose a neckline that exposes too much of your breasts, and don't wear anything that's particularly eye-catching. Let us know what you pick.

Interesting, thanks. Definitely not old east coast families - they’re in Florida / Carolinas. Not much chance I’d outshine the bride either, she’s absolutely stunning!

A slinky halterneck, as suggested by a PP, would be lovely.

Anything floaty/ chiffon might work, even in black, which is perfectly acceptable at American weddings.

Fancy, heeled sandals would work well.

Jewelry would be definitely add to the dressy look. Go for gold or silver, nothing too boho.

Don't wear the sort of floral frock you'd get away with at a British sunmer wedding.

Longer styles would fit the dressy look they seem to be aiming for.

Then you'll be totally fine. If these are fashionistas, worry about obeying the rules (long dress, for example, to fit in with black tie theme), but anything that looks floaty (beachy as opposed to starched) should be fine. If these are normal people, then there are bound to be guests who have never been out of a pair of shorts and T-shirt.

"Outshine" usually means sexual. People are generally a lot more conscious of that in the US at weddings. You certainly don't have to dress modestly. Just watch out about plunging necklines. And even those are probably fine by Florida standards.

Don't wear the sort of floral frock you'd get away with at a British summer wedding.

I agree with this. Solid colors for the most part, but bright colors would be fine (considering they are from the southern US and marrying in Mexico). Black tie usually would indicate dinner jackets for the men and long dresses for the women, but black tie beach weddings are a bit unusual so I would definitely get more information from the couple.