35 Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses for Oceanside ‘I Do’s’ (2024)

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.

Find your next coastal wedding guest dress:

  • The formal dress
  • The casual dress
  • The short dress
  • The jumpsuit
  • The little black dress

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.

35 Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses for Oceanside ‘I Do’s’ (1)

Elliatt Plateau dress

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Nbd Kinsley gown

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Amanda Uprichard Arial gown

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Sabrina Musayec x Revolve Helena dress

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Superdown Addison maxi dress

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Petal & Pup Annalise tiered maxi dress

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Show Me Your Mumu Greta dress

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Show Me Your Mumu Mina midi dress

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.

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Show Me Your Mumu Mia midi dress

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Farm Rio Asymmetrical maxi dress

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Abercrombie & Fitch Satin Pleated Cutout maxi dress

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Reformation Poppies silk dress

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Hill House Home The Dottie Nap dress

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Lulus Tea Party tiered midi dress

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Asos Design scrappy knot detail maxi

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Pretty Garden Bohemian maxi dress

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Lorr midi dress

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Finike dress

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Asos Design pleated bodice midi dress

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Merokeety one shoulder midi dress

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.

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Lover and Friends Nikolina Ruched dress

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Reformation Kerrigan linen dress

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Show Me Your Mumu Jasmine halter mini dress

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Show Me Your Mumu Lady Corset mini 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.

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Petal & Pup Dylan wide leg jumpsuit

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Anrabess one shoulder jumpsuit

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Divine Muse wide-leg jumpsuit

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Kiska black wide-leg jumpsuit

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Bloom With a View two-piece maxi dress

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Katia jumpsuit

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.

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Show Me Your Mumu Eden midi dress

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Abercrombie & Fitch Satin Low Back maxi dress

For even more wedding guest outfit inspiration, check out our top picks for spring weddings and cold-weather destinations.

35 Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses for Oceanside ‘I Do’s’ (2024)

FAQs

What should an older woman wear to a beach wedding? ›

A grandmother would wear a beautiful dress that most likely is more casual than what she would wear to an indoor wedding. Perhaps a sun dress with a lightweight wrap. Remember that it is often breezy on the beach, so a dress that billows a bit in the wind would be terrific.

What type of dress is best for a beach wedding? ›

A dress, suit, or jumpsuit all work for women to wear to a beach formal wedding. Opt for solid, lighter colors (avoiding black, cream, and white) and breathable fabrics. To up the elegance factor, consider sumptuous fabrics like lace and tulle, both of which are light and airy but have an upscale vibe.

What is the best fabric for a beach wedding guest dress? ›

In general, fluid, flowy dresses work best, but be careful of too much volume, as flying fabrics in coastal winds can require a lot of management. Organza, tulle, chiffon, and even silk are all perfect fabrics for beach weddings.

What do girls wear to beach weddings? ›

Flowy maxi and midi dresses are common beach wedding outfits for women, but jumpsuits and dressy separates are also appropriate choices. When it comes to accessories, feel free to have some fun. A beach wedding is a great opportunity to wear a patterned tie or colorful statement earrings.

What should a 60 year old woman wear to the beach? ›

Do wear your one-piece bathing suit as a body suit with easy, high waisted pants. Just make sure it's dry first. Don't wear a suit that doesn't have enough coverage down there. But do attempt this good-looking topknot with a bandana around it.

What a 60 year old woman should wear to a wedding? ›

Fit-and-flare Wedding Guest Dresses For Women Over 60

Fit-and-flare dresses whether knee-length or longer are chic and flattering. It has a defined waistline and fits closer to the body but is not too tight which makes it uncomfortable. This forgiving silhouette fits every body type.

What Colour is best for a beach wedding? ›

There are tons of beach wedding colors to choose from! Think cool colors that remind you of the ocean like teal, gray, sea foam, and deep blue. Then consider contrasting with warm tones like peach, dark pink, and gold that remind you of watching the sun set over the ocean!

What color wedding dress for a beach wedding? ›

Look to the area surrounding your beach wedding for your theme colors, bridesmaid dresses, or even your dress! If you are getting married on a lake or riverfront beach, you will be surrounded by deep blues, greens, and shades of straw. An oceanside wedding will see turquoise, terra cotta, and yellows.

What color dress for beach wedding? ›

For a beach wedding, you can never go wrong with yellow. This color gives you bright sunny shades and a free reign on hue choices both of which stand out beautifully in a beach wedding. Bumblebee yellow can go perfectly if you are seeking to go for a traditional yet nautical outfit.

What is beach chic dress code? ›

It captures the essence of a carefree beachside lifestyle while maintaining a sense of refinement and fashion-forwardness. The key to wearing coastal chic fashion is to strike a balance between casual and polished, embracing laid-back silhouettes, light fabrics, and a color palette inspired by the seaside.

What do you wear to a wedding in Florida? ›

Cool, comfortable, and loose fitting

Summertime is when many beach weddings will happen. Summer in Florida is hot. Therefore, you may wish to wear a sundress or wrap dress as opposed to a heavier fabric. Chiffon dresses are elegant but can be worn in a semi-formal or a casual atmosphere.

Can you wear a long dress to a beach wedding? ›

Even a formal beach wedding doesn't necessarily call for floor-length gowns; realistically, beaches and black-tie don't quite go together. But a beach wedding can still be formal, and if that's what the dress code calls for, consider ankle-length maxi hemlines or elevated fabrics.

What not to wear to a beach wedding? ›

You may not need to wear a full suit or an evening gown, but your attire should still be suitable for a wedding. No matter how laid-back the beach wedding may be, it's still a good idea to dress up a bit and avoid T-shirts and flip-flops.

What color does the mother of the bride wear to a beach wedding? ›

In my opinion, your outfit should be complementary to the wedding. For example, if the bridesmaids are wearing pink, then don't wear pink yourself unless the bride asks you to. However, it would be nice to wear something that is complementary to pink such as a light blue dress with pale pink details or accessories.

How should I wear my hair to a beach wedding? ›

Braid In a Bun With Flowers

Flowers are a common theme for bun looks. Have your hair twisted and braided to look like a bun in the back. Then, pick your favorite beach flowers or bridal accessory of your choice. Even if you are not wearing a veil, this style keeps your hair in place and ready for the beach breeze.

What do you wear to the beach at 70? ›

70s. A basic t-shirt and shorts make the perfect combination for beach weather forecasts in the 70s. On sunny days, go with a short-sleeve tee, sailboat-ready polo shirt, or a loose tank dress.

What should a woman over 50 wear to a summer wedding? ›

If you are stuck on what to wear to a summer wedding for women over 50, a wrap dress is always a fantastic choice as the wrap style will flatter your figure.

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