Dreaming of “I Do” in the sun?

Dreaming of “I Do” in the sun? A guide to a perfect destination wedding

There’s something undeniably magical about saying your vows with the ocean breeze in your hair, golden sunlight on your skin and your loved ones gathered somewhere far from home. Destination weddings combine romance, travel and unforgettable scenery but they also require a little extra planning to keep things as stress-free and seamless as possible.

At Dotty Bridal, we’ve helped hundreds of brides prepare for their big day abroad and gathered our top tips, including dress picks that are perfect for tying the knot under the sun!

A few starting points to kick start the planning include:

Considering a later ceremony time. If you're getting married in a hot climate, the midday sun can be intense, not to mention uncomfortable in a wedding dress. Consider scheduling your ceremony later in the afternoon when temperatures are cooler and the lighting is softer (hello, dreamy golden hour photos!). This will ensure everyone including the bride and groom feels more relaxed. Your makeup will last longer, your guests won’t be squinting and you’ll avoid that harsh overhead sunlight in your photos.

Keep Your Guests in the Know. A smooth destination wedding starts with great communication. Make sure your guests have all the details they need well in advance, including travel information, accommodation options, dress code, local customs and a rough itinerary for the day/weekend. A wedding website is a fantastic way to keep everything in one place and reduce the number of questions in your inbox.

Another sweet addition would be to consider welcome bags with essentials like sunscreen, water bottles, fans, or even local treats to help guests feel cared for from the moment they arrive.

Once your wedding plans are starting to take shape it’s time to find your dress! When it comes to a destination wedding dress, lightweight fabrics, elegant structure and effortless movement are key. These are some of our favourites that tick every box for a destination celebration:

Antiope by Pronovias. A modern goddess of a gown, Antiope features ethereal chiffon with a sleek silhouette that catches the breeze beautifully. With delicate details and a flowing train, it’s both statement-making and travel-friendly.

A woman is standing in an elegant architectural setting, wearing a sleek and sophisticated white wedding gown. The gown features thin straps, a cowl neckline, and a form-fitting silhouette that flares out slightly into a train at the bottom. The fabric is smooth and drapes beautifully, emphasizing the simple yet elegant design of the dress. She is positioned near large, classical columns made of stone, with a paved walkway and a warm-toned wall in the background. She is also wearing a headpiece that adds a touch of classic charm to her overall look. The scene conveys a sense of timeless beauty and grace. A woman is standing in an elegant architectural setting, wearing a sleek and sophisticated white wedding gown shown here the close up of the front bodice. The gown features thin straps, a cowl neckline, and a form-fitting silhouette that flares out slightly into a train at the bottom. The fabric is smooth and drapes beautifully, emphasizing the simple yet elegant design of the dress. She is positioned near large, classical columns made of stone, with a paved walkway and a warm-toned wall in the background. She is also wearing a headpiece that adds a touch of classic charm to her overall look. The scene conveys a sense of timeless beauty and grace. A woman is standing in an elegant architectural setting, wearing a sleek and sophisticated white wedding gown showing the full view of the back and the train. The gown features thin straps, a cowl neckline, and a form-fitting silhouette that flares out slightly into a train at the bottom. The fabric is smooth and drapes beautifully, emphasizing the simple yet elegant design of the dress. She is positioned near large, classical columns made of stone, with a paved walkway and a warm-toned wall in the background. She is also wearing a headpiece that adds a touch of classic charm to her overall look. The scene conveys a sense of timeless beauty and grace.

Fiona by Madison James. Romantic and timeless, Fiona is a dreamy crepe gown with a flattering A-line shape that works beautifully in warm climates. It's lightweight without compromising on structure — ideal for beach or garden ceremonies.

Nalani by Justin Alexander. Designed for the modern bride with a hint of boho spirit, Nalani is perfect for tropical settings. With its soft, floaty fabric and minimalistic elegance, it lets you move freely and feel cool while still turning heads.

Luna by Nori Ivy. Be daring and show off your legs in the brand new nori ivy luna mini gown. It's all about the feathers, featuring the dip hem on the strapless design, adorned with the pearl beading on the bodice and the pearl button back fasten. The feathers create movement in the gown. Perfect for a hot Summers day. 

After you have chosen your gown the girls at Dotty will go through all of your transport options to make sure your dress gets there safely and smoothly! 

Your destination wedding should be full of joy, not stress. With the right dress, the right timing and some thoughtful planning, you can create a celebration that feels both personal and unforgettable.

Need help finding your perfect destination dress? Get in touch or book your appointment on our website we’d love to help make your dream wedding come true.

Till then, 

Love team Dotty

xxx

COMING SOON TO 2025

We are beyond excited to FINALLY announce we are moving to a much BIGGER premises ready to take on the Dotty experience to the NEXT LEVEL. 

Watch this space for more updates coming soon!