NIC+ZOE Women's Plus Size Jackets & Coats

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.

Every bride breathes in a deep sigh of relief on her wedding day. It may not go smoothly, and that's fine. But between now and then, getting the wedding prepared is a bit of a marathon, and it can't hurt to be physically fit. Sure, there's a lot of pressure on brides to look as good as possible in that wedding gown, and many women find themselves "shedding for the wedding." Whether you're looking to drop a few pounds, simply want to stay toned or are trying to tame your inner Bridezilla with some stress-relieving yoga, we've found 20 high-tech performance leggings to wear in your pursuit of health and happiness. They'll keep you comfy and dry as you work toward your goal, and most importantly, you'll look and feel fabulous on your special day.