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 on the Amalfi Coast, these wedding guest dresses have you covered with options for every budget. From floral maxis to linen mini dresses and everything in between, here are our picks for the 40 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 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 lightweight, packable, and come in bright colors that scream destination wedding by the beach. And if you’ve been waiting to finally have your Andie Anderson moment (à la How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days), go for one of Reformation’s gorgeous, silky yellow gowns.
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 breathable beach wedding guest options, including a vibrant pink and orange dress from Farm Rio and a crotchet-embroidered maxi from Free People, can all be worn with a comfortable nude sandal (or even dressy flip-flops) and a long statement earring and still look appropriate for the ceremony.
If you want a midi dress you’ll rewear
One of the most popular styles of wedding guest dresses right now is a midi—one that hits below the knee, making it more elevated than a mini, but a little less formal than a floor-length gown. These dresses are some of the easiest styles to rewear, working just as well for a future rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or engagement party as they do another wedding or event. We found plenty of dresses with fun details to wear to your next special occasion, from puffy sleeves and slits to bold patterns and sexy halter necklines. Bonus: You don’t have to worry about accidentally stepping on your 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 simple A-line skirt or a feminine, linen look, short dresses can still be appropriate at beach weddings. Ideal for especially warm-weather destinations, these mini dresses will keep you cool throughout the event and are easier to walk and dance 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, it’s an easy way to switch things up from a traditional dress, and you’re more likely to rewear these sets or suits again on your next vacay. Most importantly, the very best jumpsuits have pockets.
