All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
You weren’t in the audience when Cindy Crawford married Rande Gerber in the Bahamas, way back in 1998. You didn’t make it to the nuptials of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, a glamorous affair in a private Mediterranean cove. When Matt Damon and Luciana Barroso renewed their vows in 2013 on the island of St. Lucia, your invitation got lost in the mail.
But that doesn’t mean you are always missing in action at sandy ceremonies! The desire to tie the knot inches from a roaring surf, or at least a few lapping waves, shows no signs of drifting out to sea, as more and more of your friends request your presence on far-flung shores. (And by the way, what is it with all the weddings lately? It’s out of control.)
Things could be worse. Is it really so bad to hop on a plane, your carry-on stuffed with bathing suits and cover-ups, along with one beautiful outfit for you to flaunt while your buddies pledge their troth? But what should this stunning ensemble be? Beach-wedding dressing is trickier than it sounds: slithery gowns that require stilettos can look ridiculous sinking into dunes; inky black frocks are perhaps not the best choice under a broiling subequatorial sun.
Instead, why not consider something like a slinky pale rose–printed Paco Rabanne midi-dress, or a jaunty multi-hued silk chiffon Versace caftan, or a one-shouldered Johanna Ortiz number in a shade once known as Nile green? Stick a pair of Anita Berisha pearl-and-shell earrings on your ears, slide your feet into metallic Hekla sandals, and sling a gold Vanda pouch over your shoulder. It’s big enough to hold your sunscreen—and the rice.
