Stay cool in the summer sun with our guide to dressing for a big day in the dunes.

It’s always a welcome change when a friend or family member holds their nuptials somewhere a little more exotic than your average local church or town hall. Yes, isn’t it all a bit more palatable when, along with all the vows and processions, you get a chance to enjoy some sun and a splash in the sea too? If you’re lucky enough to be invited to such an event, however, it’s not all plain-sailing – you need to be that bit more prepared, clothes-wise (unless, that is, the bride and groom have decided to go for a luau theme or similar, in which case… well, we give up). Staying smart, keeping cool and also being comfortable enough to stagger up and down sand dunes is no small task. Thankfully, we at MR PORTER have done some of the thinking for you. Scroll down for our beach wedding guide:

Italian tailoring expert Caruso has really outdone itself with this lightweight linen blazer, designed exclusively for MR PORTER and a very trusty all-rounder for summer. Its light brown colour will look particularly splendid against the similarly toned sand, while the partially lined interior lends it a softer shape that’s smart but also comfortable. Wear it (without a tie – don’t want that flapping around in the sea breeze) over a crisp white shirt from Caruso’s compatriot Barena.

You’re on a beach. You can wear shorts, for goodness’ sake. Just make sure to opt for a pair that is neatly tailored (as in, reasonably fitted to your thigh) to mark the occasion. Footwear-wise, we strongly recommend espadrilles. Luckily, thanks to the breadth of styles available this summer, you should be able to find a pair in a smarter, dark tone (such as the above from Dolce & Gabbana), as opposed to striped, spotted or otherwise slightly too holiday-ish varieties.

We wouldn’t recommend too many added flourishes for a beach wedding. By the sea, things have a tendency to disappear, float off or become so permanently ingrained with sand and suntan lotion that they might as well be consigned to the depths of the ocean. But a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses will, at least, enable you to watch the actual ceremony (something we understand is crucial for these kind of things) when the sun reaches its peak. And a pocket square is always a good way to add a little bit of extra colour (plus, it’s not going to make you any hotter, so, why not?).