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Beach weddings are something special; between the cool sea breeze, the serene sound of crashing waves, and the romantic sunset, it's the perfect setting for a couple to say “I do.” With all its beauty, a beach wedding does present a number of obstacles when it comes to appropriate attire—for starters, you'll need a pair of low heels or comfortable sandals that can handle walking on sand and dancing for hours. And of course, you'll need a lightweight wedding guest dress that will keep you cool in a warm-weather destination. The best beach wedding guest dresses are airy, colorful, 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. From vibrant, floral maxis to elegant, silky midis, we have chic wedding guest dresses with every dress code and budget in mind. Whether you're attending a large, formal affair in the Hamptons, a fun-filled celebration in Costa Rica, or an intimate, scenic ceremony on Lake Como, there's a dress on our list for you. Read on for all of our favorite styles for tropical destinations, charming beach resorts, and laid-back, seaside weddings.
Our top picks:
- For the wedding at sunset: Meshki Amaya maxi
- For the wedding out East: Hill House Lillie dress
- For the tropical destination: Farm Rio midi dress
- For the coastal celebration: Lulus seashell maxi
- For the casual ceremony: Reformation Gaelle dress
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 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 low block heels. The formal dresses and gowns below are tasteful and sophisticated enough for a wedding ceremony, while being comfortable enough to wear all night long. Our top picks include an eye-catching light pink dress with ruffles and a sexy V-neckline; a floral gown with a high leg-slit from Amanda Uprichard; and an on-trend strapless silhouette with a matching scarf in a stunning sunset-like hue.
If the ceremony is semi-formal
Most beachside weddings fall somewhere in between a formal and casual dress code. Your invite might request ‘semi-formal’ or ‘cocktail attire’, or something more unique like ‘resort formal.’ You have some wiggle room with these in-between dress codes, but we still recommend playing it safe with classic, slightly elevated styles. A midi dress that lands below the knee is a nice option that's both dress-code appropriate and easy to walk or dance in. Loose-fitting silhouettes and breathable materials ensure you're comfortable and cool during sunny daytime ceremonies. Don't be afraid to have some fun here—sunset-themed hues like pink, orange, and yellow, as well as botanical prints, and coastal designs are well-suited for this type of affair. Plus, these versatile midi dresses are easy to rewear on any vacation or other wedding event, like the rehearsal dinner or a bridal shower.
If the dress code is more casual
Other beach weddings will have a more relaxed dress code, such as ‘casual’ or ‘tropical’—think floral prints, linen material, or boho-style maxi dresses. 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 airy beach wedding guest options, including a vibrant orange dress from Farm Rio and comfy, cute maxi from Hill House Home, can be worn with a comfortable nude sandal (or dressy flip-flops) and a long statement earring and still look appropriate for the ceremony.
If you don't want to wear a dress
Beach wedding guests might also opt for a comfortable, wide-leg jumpsuit for the big day. These styles can be worn with your most comfy, sand-friendly pair of shoes and are easy to walk and dance in. Plus, it's an easy way to switch things up from a traditional dress, and you're more likely to rewear these suits again on your next vacay. Most importantly, the very best jumpsuits have pockets.
If you need a sand-friendly shoe
When you're shopping for the perfect beach wedding guest dress, you'll also want to consider what shoes you'll be wearing. Since you'll probably be walking on sand or other uneven ground, you can safely rule out the stilettos. Instead, opt for a chunky block heel or a small, heeled sandal that will elevate your look without sacrificing comfort. Below, a few of our go-to sand-friendly shoes that will match any maxi dress, linen midi, or breezy jumpsuit you decide on.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
