Masako Bridal Earrings

Celebrating one's nuptials by the sea provides ample opportunity to choose from an array of effortlessly chic bridal gowns. Luckily, there are nearly as many alternatives to the traditional ball gown as there are grains of sands on the beach. More casual beach wedding dresses make use of sheer panels, openwork lace and ruffles. Simple beach wedding dresses include those with midi lengths that feel easygoing, yet sophisticated. Boho wedding dresses are another choice: romantic and dreamy like a tropical island. Meanwhile, short beach wedding dresses feel cheerily free-spirited while providing wedding-friendly frills.

Look for lightweight materials for your beachfront or destination wedding dress. Silk, cotton blends, crochet, chiffon and lace make for breezy beach dresses. While not explicitly bridal, many white or ivory cocktail dresses will work wonders in a beach wedding, plus they can be worn afterward on the honeymoon. Below, check out 15 alternatives to the heavily embellished wedding gown that instead are easy, breezy and downright gorgeous. Post-wedding, you can relax poolside, confident you were a thoroughly beachy bride.

It's the most wonderful time of the year — yep, sale time — and no store does holiday sales quite like Nordstrom. The retailer is currently offering serious discounts in every department, but if you're in the market for a special occasion dress, the Nordstrom sale is pretty much a no-brainer, whether you're a bride-to-be or just an attendee. The selection is stocked with every style, including rehearsal dinner options, engagement dresses, bridal shower dresses, wedding guest dresses and even holiday party picks — all for less. Want to check one or more of these off your shopping list? Scroll on for 10 stylish sale picks you'll want to add to your cart ASAP.