Are you attending a beach wedding this Summer and not sure what to wear? I’ve got you covered with 40+ amazing options that work perfect for a beach-side ceremony. Here are 40+ dresses to wear to a beach wedding.
As someone who had a destination wedding in a tropical location, I have a soft spot for beach and destination weddings!
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Beach Wedding Dress Code
When it comes to a beach destination wedding, the dress code is typically casual and informal compared to traditional weddings.
It is common for beach wedding guests to wear dresses or jumpsuits, linen suits, and overall more comfortable and effortless attire.
You really won’t want to be overdressed at casual beach weddings, as the weather itself requires more breezy and comfortable attire.
Think casual beach dresses, linen suits for men, and comfortable shoes – that you can easily slip off to put your bare feet in the sand.
My number one tip to finding a dress to wear to a beach wedding is the fabric!
Look for airy fabrics, linen, cotton, or for a more formal feel something light like chiffon. Stiff satin or warm velvet dresses do not fit the bill for a beach wedding and will not be comfortable.
Where to shop for beach wedding guest dresses
Hill House Home
Known for their nap dresses (which are super comfortable dresses that you can basically nap in) you can find some great styles that are easy to wear, comfortable and would be the perfect outfit for a beach wedding!
I own three of their dresses and I can’t get enough! They are so lightweight and breathable so you will be comfortable, no matter the temperature. They come in so many colors and patterns and they even make them in kids sizes if you happen to love mommy and me outfits!
Selkie
Selkie is one of my all time favorite brands for super feminine dresses that are flatting on every body type.
They are known for their puff dress (which I own and I adore) which comes in several different colors and can be worn for a special occasion like a beach formal.
They make great dress options for a semi-formal beach wedding to a more formal affair.
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LoveShackFancy
If you love flowy, soft silhouettes and especially lace and ruffles, check out LoveShackFancy! Their dresses are so beautiful and they don’t overlook any details.
They make some of my favorite beach wedding guest dresses including this mini dress with a bow and this gorgeous high low ruffle dress.
Along with their pretty styles, they use light fabrics which are perfect for the beach or any outdoor event. They have tons of options for semi-formal dress code to beach casual. You’ll feel great in any of these dresses from the ceremony to the dance floor!
Nordstrom
Nordstrom has so many dress options for all styles. You can find everything from tea length dresses to even bridesmaid dresses! But I know that you will for sure be able to find a beach wedding guest outfit easily there.
Another thing that I love is they have a wedding guest dress looks section which shows not only the dresses to wear but the shoes and accessories to go with it! You can get so many beach wedding attire ideas.
At Nordstrom they have all the shoes and accessories. You can find the perfect chunky heels or dressy sandals and don’t forget to pick up bathing suits too! You will find your perfect outfit all in one shopping trip.
You can even get a full suit or a linen suit for your husband/partner while you are shopping there!
J Crew
If you are looking for classic beach wedding dresses, J Crew is where it’s at. A lot of great classic styles and silhouettes that are high quality for a good price point.
Look for breathable fabrics like cotton and linen and for your husband/boyfriend/partner, you can find a white shirt and linen pants there as well.
Related Post: Cute date night dresses from casual to fancy
40 Dresses to wear to a beach wedding
Here are the best wedding guest dresses to wear to a beach wedding that are sure you make you the best dressed guest.
Floral / Printed Dress
Floral prints are something that I wear all year round, but I think they are so fun for a Summer beach wedding guest dress option.
Look for a floral print that matches the location of the wedding venue, so something more tropical inspired or colorful would work great for a beach type of wedding.
The dress I am wearing above features more of a “tropical” floral print with the added palm leaves and pink Hawaiian flowers.
This is a great option for a beach wedding and definitely fits the overall destination and vibe of this type of ceremony.
I also love the idea of pairing your beach wedding guest dress with a pair of wedges! As you can see above, my neutral brown wedges paired perfectly with this dress.
They are sand friendly, ultra comfortable and also have somewhat of an effortless vibe that will pair well with your dress.
Bright Colored
Bright colors and lighter colors are always a great option for beach weddings! They fit the occasion, feel festive and are the best options for warmer weather as dark colors attract the sun.
I tend to wear more color in general during the summer months, and there is no better time than a beach wedding to have fun with color! You could pick a multi-colored dress or just a solid dress in a bright hue.
My dress shown above features multi-colored tiers and something like this would be a great option for a beach wedding!
The cotton fabric and maxi silhouette is breezy and comfortable, and the fun colors would feel right at home near the ocean.
Here are some more great colorful dress options I love:
Wrap Dress
Wrap dresses are ultra flattering and always a go to option for me when it comes to finding a wedding guest dress!
I love wrap dresses for a beach wedding or outdoor weddings as they are easy and breezy to wear.
Plus you can find them in all different options from strappy dresses to short sleeve dresses, the wrap silhouette is flattering on all body types.
Cocktail Dress
A cocktail dress is always a good option for a wedding guest dress, and I love a pretty cocktail dress on the beach! When it comes to finding the perfect cocktail dress for a beach wedding, I like to look for pretty feminine details and luxe fabrics. I love pairing cocktail dresses with fun accessories and shoes to add to the look.
Here are some gorgeous cocktail dresses that would work great for beach wedding looks:
Maxi Dress
My #1 go to for what to wear to a beach wedding is a maxi dress! Depending on how casual the ceremony is, you can even wear a classic maxi sun dress and dress it up with some strappy heeled sandals and gold jewelry and you will be on point for the occasion.
There are so many cute maxi dress options, and I love the longer length to complete the effortless feel.
Check out some of my favorite maxi dresses below!
Open Back
The perfect detail for a warm beach wedding guest dress – an open back! I absolutely love how flattering the low back look is, and it really fits the destination to have the sun bounce off of your skin. There are all kinds of dress styles and lengths that feature an open back detail, so the options are truly endless!
*Style Tip* wear your hair back in a loose messy bun or down but pulled over to one side to really show off the open back detail!
Mini Dress
Perfect for warm beachy weather, a mini dress is a great option for a beach ceremony and very weather appropriate. I am on the shorter side, so I love mini dresses as I typically don’t need to alter them and they always hit at a flattering spot.
You can go as casual or as formal as you’d like as there are so many different mini dress styles out there. just like to keep in mind the weight of the fabric (look for lighter fabrics) and the color/print to make it beach wedding appropriate!
My mini dress shown above is an Amazon find and I absolutely love the details!
The v-neck silhouette is flattering, the blush pink color and chiffon fabric makes it suitable for hot and humid temps, and the mini length hits perfect just above the knee.
This is a great and affordable option for a beach wedding guest dress. It’s also a great option if you are looking for long sleeves or short sleeves.
Tiered Dress
Tiered dresses are one of my favorite styles of dresses! They are one of t he best beach wedding outfits!
These dresses are so flattering and the tiered detail feels so feminine and festive, especially for a beach wedding.
You can find all different styles of this kind of dresses like tiered maxi dresses or tiered mini dresses that come to a flattering a-line shape.
(This is a great option for a beach wedding as they are flowy and ultra-comfortable with the access fabric towards the bottom.
This tiered mini dress that I am wearing above is a favorite of mine! I love with paired with nude heels, and it would also be great with strappy heeled sandals or wedges for the beach.
The fabric is nice and lightweight on this dress also which makes it perfect to wear to a beach wedding!
When it comes to finding a dress to wear to a beach wedding, remember to stick to your personal style!
Finding a dress that feels comfortable on and makes you feel confident is key, no matter what style/length/color/print etc. it is!
Be sure to save this post for future reference when you are shopping for your next beach wedding destination dress.
Looking for more wedding style inspiration? Check out the below!
