Outdoor weddings in San Diego have become more popular as many couples are looking to celebrate their special day in a picturesque setting. According to the WeddingWire Newlywed Report, the number of wedding receptions that were either fully or partially held outdoors increased from 43% to 60% within a single year. However, with the beauty of an outdoor wedding comes the potential for various environmental hazards.
The sun serves as one of these hazards due to the potential eye damage it can bring, which is why protection is necessary. Even family, bridesmaids, and groomsmen are likely to put a lot of thought into wearing appropriate eyewear for the occasion, making it understandable why the bride herself would do the same. As it is not the most ideal accessory, though, it may be difficult to settle on a pair that doesn't clash with the bridal look. As such, below are several tips on how to pick the right pair for one of the most important days of your life.
Select a style and color appropriate to the theme
The first step to picking the right pair of sunglasses for your wedding day is to consider the overall theme of the wedding. This will dictate the style of the sunglasses that you should wear. For a formal wedding, you may want to opt for a classic, sophisticated pair of sunglasses, such as cat-eye or oversized frames. Brands like Celine carry these styles, with their many cat-eye frames ranging from pointed to round-edged, like the Monochroms models in black and white. For a more casual wedding, you may want to choose a more relaxed, laid-back style of sunglasses, such as aviators, round frames, or even more colorful, statement-making shades. Check out our list of recommended wedding venues in San Diego.
It’s also important to consider the color of the frames, as they should go well with the wedding’s color palette. For example, frames in brown shades would complement a rustic wedding, and you could even try going for wooden sunglasses for a more natural look. On the other hand, bright or pastel colors like pink and purple would look stunning with a garden wedding, as your frames would match the garden flowers and create a nice contrast against the lush greenery.
Ensure high-quality lens technology
Another equally important factor to consider when choosing sunglasses is construction and lens technology. Since you’ll be spending a significant amount of time outdoors, it’s essential to choose sunglasses with lenses that offer UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful sun rays. Polarized lenses can also be a beneficial feature, as they reduce glare and enhance visibility, making them ideal for an outdoor wedding ceremony and reception. The color of polarized lenses also plays a part in the amount of protection they provide, as each works differently depending on lighting conditions. If your wedding is by the seaside, blue lenses are the best option for filtering out glare from the water. In other cases of full sunlight exposure, grey or copper lenses also work well.
All things considered, you may find it more difficult to find the perfect pair when you have to consider all of these protective properties alongside style. Thankfully, many luxury sunglasses prioritize these features without sacrificing style. Brands like Burberry offer some of the most stylish and elegant frames, such as the thick, cat-eyed Daphne and the thin, gold-framed Meryl models. With guaranteed high-quality materials and exceptional technology such as 100% UVA and UVB protection and polarized lens upgrades, these sunglasses will not only provide protection for your eyes but also elevate your overall ensemble.
Prioritize overall comfort for all-day wear
When it comes to a wedding, both style and comfort are essential factors that cannot be compromised. This rings especially true when it comes to outdoor weddings, where you and your bridal party are exposed to many natural elements. While sunglasses are, physically, a small part of your ensemble, they are an accessory that will rest on your face for most of the event. As such, it is important to consider a pair meant for all-day use. The most important factor to consider for comfort is how heavy your sunglasses are, as they should be as lightweight as possible. Outdoor weddings in San Diego often involve standing for long periods of time, and the last thing that you want is to be distracted by uncomfortable sunglasses. Lightweight materials such as acetate or titanium are ideal for ensuring sunglasses are comfortable to wear throughout the day. Silhouette is known for having lightweight sunglasses models, such as their Biscayne Bay and Cape Florida models. Furthermore, the sunglasses should suit your face shape and size perfectly. Ill-fitting sunglasses can also cause discomfort by digging into your temple or nose, making the step of trying the sunglasses on yourself crucial to selecting the perfect pair.