- Yachting
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by Arabian Yacht Company
A wedding invitation that says “on board” raises questions a ballroom invitation never does. Can I wear heels? Will my outfit survive the wind? Is it going to be hot or cold on the water? And what does “yacht formal” actually mean?
This guide answers all of it: what to wear for every common dress code, which shoes are allowed on deck, how to dress for Dubai’s winter and summer seasons, and practical tips for brides, grooms and couples writing the dress code on their invitations.
Planning your own yacht wedding? See our yacht wedding Dubai packages.
The Quick Answer
- Wear: light, breathable fabrics in colours that look good against the sea and the sunset
- Shoes: flat or soft-soled shoes such as sandals, espadrilles, loafers or boat shoes. No stilettos.
- Bring: a light wrap, shawl or jacket for the evening breeze
- Hair: styles that can handle the wind, like updos, braids or sleek ponytails
- Avoid: long trailing hems, loose wide hats, black-soled shoes and anything you can’t move or sit in comfortably
Why Yacht Weddings Need a Different Outfit
A yacht isn’t a ballroom on water. Three things change how you should dress:
- The deck: most yachts have teak or non-slip decks. Stilettos can damage them, and they’re unstable when the yacht moves.
- The wind: even on a calm evening, there’s a steady breeze on the open water. Light skirts, loose hats and long veils need planning.
- Indoors and outdoors: guests move between an air-conditioned salon and the open deck, so layers work best.
Yacht Wedding Dress Codes Explained
Yacht Formal / Black Tie Optional
The most elegant dress code for yacht weddings, often used for evening receptions on larger yachts.
Women: a midi or floor-length gown in chiffon, silk or crepe. Choose a fitted or flowing silhouette that doesn’t trail on the deck. Elegant flat sandals or low block heels.
Men: a lightweight suit in navy, light grey or beige, or a tuxedo in a breathable fabric. Loafers or leather shoes with soft soles. A tie is optional unless the invitation says black tie.
Cocktail Attire
The most common dress code for sunset yacht weddings.
Women: a knee-length or midi cocktail dress, an elegant jumpsuit, or a co-ord set. Wedges, espadrilles or block heels under 5 cm.
Men: a linen or cotton blazer with chinos or tailored trousers, and a crisp shirt. Loafers or suede shoes. No tie needed.
Nautical Chic / Smart Casual
Often used for daytime yacht weddings, engagement parties and welcome cruises.
Women: a sundress, a linen co-ord, or wide-leg trousers with a silk top. Flat sandals or espadrilles.
Men: a linen shirt with chinos or tailored shorts if the couple allows it. Boat shoes or loafers.
Colour palette: navy, white, soft blue, sand and coral.
All-White Dress Code
Popular for sunset receptions. It looks remarkable in photos against the blue water.
Women: white or ivory maxi dresses, jumpsuits or linen sets. Add gold or pearl accessories.
Men: a white or cream linen suit, or a white shirt with beige or white trousers.
Note: wear white only if the invitation asks for it. Otherwise, white is traditionally reserved for the bride.
Cultural & Traditional Outfits
Dubai yacht weddings bring together many cultures, and traditional wear looks beautiful on the water with a few adjustments.
- Sarees and lehengas: choose lighter fabrics such as georgette, chiffon or organza, and pin the pallu or dupatta securely. Skip long trains. Pair with flat juttis or embellished flat sandals.
- Kurtas and sherwanis: choose lighter fabrics, and wear mojaris or loafers rather than hard-soled shoes.
- Abayas and kaftans: flowing styles work well. Lighter fabrics and secure scarf pins help in the wind.
Planning a sangeet or mehndi on board? See our yacht wedding party ideas.
Shoes: The Most Important Decision
Shoes cause more yacht wedding outfit problems than anything else. Here’s what works:
| ✅ Wear | ❌ Avoid |
|---|---|
| Flat sandals | Stilettos and pin heels |
| Espadrilles and wedges | Black or hard rubber soles that mark the deck |
| Block heels (low) | Platform shoes with hard soles |
| Loafers and boat shoes | New shoes you haven’t broken in |
| Juttis and mojaris | Shoes without a back strap that can slip off |
Tip: some yachts ask guests to remove their shoes on certain decks. Bring a pair you’re comfortable taking off, and a pedicure never hurts.
Dressing for Dubai’s Seasons
Winter (November – March)
This is peak yacht wedding season. Days are about 20–26°C, but evenings on the water get noticeably cooler and breezy.
- Bring a pashmina, shawl, light blazer or cardigan.
- Long sleeves and heavier fabrics such as crepe and satin work well.
- Sunset is around 5:30–6:00 pm, so plan for an evening outfit.
Summer (May – September)
Hot and humid. Yacht weddings in summer are usually held in the evening.
- Choose linen, cotton, chiffon and silk, and avoid heavy fabrics.
- Pick light colours, which stay cooler.
- Use long-lasting, sweat-resistant makeup and setting spray.
- The air-conditioned salon gives a break from the heat.
Shoulder Season (April & October)
Warm days and pleasant evenings. Choose light fabrics, and bring a thin wrap just in case.
Hair, Makeup & Accessories
Hair: the wind decides. Updos, low buns, braids and sleek ponytails hold up best. If you wear your hair down, bring clips and a scarf.
Makeup: go waterproof and long-wear, with a setting spray. Sunlight reflected off the water is strong, so use SPF under makeup for daytime events.
Accessories:
- Sunglasses: essential for daytime and sunset ceremonies
- Small clutch or crossbody bag: keeps your hands free on the stairs between decks
- Secure jewellery: avoid dangling pieces that can catch, and leave valuable heirlooms at home
- Hats: fitted styles only. Wide-brimmed hats blow away.
What to Bring to a Yacht Wedding
- A light wrap, shawl or jacket
- Spare flat shoes (if you’re wearing low heels)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (for daytime)
- Seasickness tablets, if you’re prone to it
- Your original passport or Emirates ID, as marinas often require it for boarding
- A small power bank for your phone (you’ll take a lot of photos)
For Brides & Grooms: Wedding Attire on a Yacht
Brides:
- Choose a lighter fabric such as chiffon, silk, organza or crepe rather than heavy satin or layered tulle.
- Choose a short train or a bustle. A long cathedral train is hard to manage on deck.
- Use a shorter veil, or one that’s securely pinned. Ask your stylist to plan for the wind.
- Bring two pairs of shoes: elegant flats for the ceremony and photos, and comfortable ones for dancing.
- Consider an outfit change for the reception, which is popular and practical.
Grooms:
- A lightweight suit in linen or a wool blend, in navy, cream, light grey or sand
- Loafers with non-marking soles
- An open collar or a light tie, depending on formality
For the full timeline, read how to plan the perfect yacht wedding reception.
For Couples: How to Write the Dress Code on Your Invitation
Clear guidance means comfortable guests and better photos. Here’s sample wording you can adapt:
Dress code: Yacht Cocktail Light, elegant attire. Please wear flat or soft-soled shoes, as heels aren’t suitable on deck. Evenings on the water can be breezy, so bring a light wrap. Please carry your original passport or Emirates ID for boarding.
Dress code: All White Join us in white or ivory for a sunset celebration on the water. Flat shoes recommended. A light layer for the evening breeze is a good idea.
Planning an intimate celebration? See our small yacht wedding guide, or check yacht wedding costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should guests wear to a yacht wedding in Dubai?
Light, breathable, elegant outfits that suit the dress code, such as cocktail dresses, midi gowns, linen suits or traditional wear in lighter fabrics. Most importantly, wear flat or soft-soled shoes and bring a light layer for the evening breeze.
Can I wear heels to a yacht wedding?
Stilettos aren’t suitable because they can damage the deck and are unstable on a moving yacht. Low block heels, wedges and espadrilles are usually fine, but check with the couple. Flats are always the safest choice.
What does “yacht formal” mean?
Yacht formal is an elegant evening dress code. For women it means a midi or floor-length gown in a light fabric with flat or low-heeled sandals. For men it means a lightweight suit or tuxedo with soft-soled loafers.
Is it cold on a yacht in Dubai at night?
From November to March, evenings on the water can feel cool and breezy even when the day was warm. Bring a shawl, pashmina or light jacket.
Can I wear a saree or lehenga to a yacht wedding?
Yes. Choose lighter fabrics such as georgette, chiffon or organza, pin your pallu or dupatta securely, avoid long trains, and wear flat juttis or sandals.
Can guests wear white to a yacht wedding?
Only if the invitation asks for an all-white dress code. Otherwise, white is traditionally reserved for the bride.
Planning a Yacht Wedding in Dubai?
From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, Arabian Yacht Dubai hosts weddings on the Arabian Gulf with professional crew, flexible packages and the Dubai skyline as your backdrop.
WhatsApp Us for a Free Quote · +971 55 650 5184
Explore our yacht wedding packages in Dubai.
More style tips: what to wear on a yacht party.
