If you’ve been invited to a beach wedding, you’re in for a treat. A cool sea breeze, romantic sunset, and ceremony on the sand—it’s the perfect excuse to take a tropical vacation. But despite the picturesque setting, it can be difficult for wedding guests to know just what to wear to a destination wedding like this. Beach weddings present a number of obstacles when it comes to appropriate attire—you need shoes that can be worn on sand, and a dress that’s lightweight enough to keep you cool and easy to pack without wrinkling or taking up too much real estate in your suitcase.
To help you navigate these challenges and fully enjoy your friends’ or family member’s big day, we’ve rounded up the best beach wedding guest dresses for every type of oceanside ceremony. Whether you’re attending a large, formal affair in Mexico or headed to an intimate gathering in Sicily, these wedding guest dresses have you covered. From floral gowns to casual mini dresses and everything in between, here are our picks for the 35 best beach wedding guest dresses that will keep you comfortable all night long, whether you’re on the sand or the dance floor.
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This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
If you’re attending a formal beach wedding
Even though beach wedding attire often means a more relaxed dress code, sometimes the hosts prefer their guests to wear formal attire. While it’s unlikely to be a black tie affair, you’ll still want to find elegant styles that will look polished with a clutch and a chic pair of sandals instead of a heel. The formal dresses and gowns below are lightweight, packable, and come in bright colors that scream destination wedding by the beach.
If the dress code is more casual
Other beach weddings will have a more relaxed dress code, such as ‘casual’ or ‘tropical’—this means floral prints, linen material, and even some boho-style maxi dresses are fair game. The ultimate perk of these vacation-ready styles is that they won’t feel restrictive or dig into your skin during a long night of dancing at the reception. These beach wedding guest options, including an orange asymmetrical maxi, silky floral midi, and Hill House’s popular Nap Dress, can all be worn with a comfortable nude sandal (or even dressy flip-flops) and still look appropriate for the ceremony.
If you want to wear a short dress
If a floor-length gown isn’t your speed, the options below are perfect for the occasion. Whether you’re going for a chic satin look or a floral wrap dress, short dresses can still be appropriate at this type of wedding. Ideal for especially warm-weather destinations, these mini dresses will keep you cool throughout the event and are easier to walk in on the sand than a long dress.
If you don’t want to wear a dress
Beach wedding guests might also opt for a comfortable jumpsuit or trendy two-piece set. These styles can be worn with your most comfortable, sand-friendly pair of shoes and are easy to walk and dance in. Plus, this is an easy way to switch things up from a traditional dress and the outfits are more likely to be worn again on your next vacay.
If you want a wedding guest outfit you’ll definitely wear again
There’s a reason a classic LBD never goes out of style. When in doubt, throw either of these sleek black midi dresses in your suitcase with your favorite pair of sandals or wedges. These wardrobe essentials can be worn to any special event, whether it’s a European beach wedding or a traditional New York City soiree, and are easy to change up by swapping a shoe, heel, or jewelry. The styles below are both flattering and timeless.
For even more wedding guest outfit inspiration, check out our top picks for spring weddings and cold-weather destinations.
