Beach Wedding Dresses

I've been pretty enamored with the idea of a beach wedding ceremony and daytime reception lately, and while I've been exploring beach venues around California (leaning towards southern Cali because it's warmer), I think it's time to examine some beachwear, too.  While I miss the structure that comes from more traditional gowns, I love that beach gowns are easy to wear and are a lot more affordable!

This one is Style BC148 from InWeddingDress.com and is currently on sale for $238.00.

This following one is Destination Bridal Style 1034 from Dessy.com.  I ran a quick search for it, and the first online retailer that I found is selling it for $394.00.  If I could fit size 0, Dessy.com has a Sample-On-Loan for $35.00 (what the heck is "sample-on-loan"?  If that's like renting a wedding dress, I would strongly consider that).

I'm also gravitating towards a lacy, trumpet/mermaid style gown minus a train for a beach wedding.  This one was in a previous dress-related post and is the Monique Lhuillier Monet.  Unfortunately, the price point is closer to the thousands, and the used dresses on sale are about $2500 or $3000.  I suppose that's to be expected for good-quality lace.

Suggestions from the peanut gallery

These came in at my sister's suggestion.  I like that you can get them all in similar--if not the exact--same color and fabric, so my bridesmaids would have their choice of dress provided that I choose the color and fabric.  I think Dessy.com's ocean blue is the closest thing to the color I'm looking for.  (They have a teal color, but it looks too gray to be teal.)

Pretty Noms!

Just a couple of adorable cakes that (as far as I know) were not originally wedding cakes.

I think my favorite is the faux sunprint cake.  Food coloring and an airbrush gun!  I love the minimalism and elegance of the design.

Edit on 8/12/11: Adding this!

Adorbs!  I DIE.