If you were invited to a beach wedding this year, consider yourself lucky. There's something about the salty air and the crashing ocean waves that feels a little extra special. As a wedding guest, though, you might feel a bit lost on what to wear. Logistically, stillettos don't work in the sand, and a sweeping formal gown might feel out of place. But at the same time, you don't want to lean too casual. The first step to figuring out what to wear as a guest is to understand the dress code. Beach weddings are typically more casual, so in most cases, wearing a fun print, a bright color, and a shorter hemline will do. If the wedding is formal, opt for a slightly longer dress or a jumpsuit and look for solid, lighter colors. To help you find the perfect outfit for your upcoming coastal event, we've researched and selected the best options with these features in mind. We made our final selection based on design, size range, materials, and overall quality. Read on for the best beach wedding guest dresses. Our Top Picks Editor's Favorite: Best for a Destination Wedding: Petal & Pup Paloma Long Midi Dress at Petalandpup.com (See Price) Best Ruffles: Best Slip Dress: Most Feminine: Best Square Neck: Best Floral Print: Best One-Shoulder: If you've been invited to a semi-formal or co*cktail beach celebration, this Cult Gaia mini is the perfect wedding guest dress option. "The Bethanie is a stunning dress that features pleated satin, a halter-style neckline, and an open back," says Corinne Pierre-Louis, Brides Senior Fashion Editor. "Style yours with a pair of platform sandals, hoop earrings, and a gold clutch for the ultimate wedding guest look." Size Range:XS–XL |Material:Polyester | Length:Mini How gorgeous would this pretty pink dress look in a tropical locale? We love the vibrant shade, gemstone details, and subtle ruching at the waist. Size Range:XS–XL |Material:Polyester | Length:Mini The unexpected fringe detailing on this V. Chapman dress is what makes it stand out. The soft ruching, tiered ruffles, and bow details also provide a romantic and chic vibe. Available in several vibrant colors, you'll be able to wear this again and again. Size Range:0–14 | Materials:Polyester, spandex |Length:Midi We love this silky slip dress, which comes in a stunning hot pink hue or pretty floral print. The spaghetti straps and the airy fabric make it the perfect piece for a warm and sunny day on the sand. Size Range:0–12 |Materials:Silk charmeuse | Length:Midi Bustier cups, delicate straps, and a gorgeous lace design make this dress both eye-catching and feminine. We love the bright lilac shade that feels on point for spring or summer. Size Range:0–10 | Materials:Polyester, nylon, cotton |Length:Midi We adore the cottage core vibe of this dress, from the puff sleeves and ruffled hemline to the square neckline and eye-catching open-back details. Plus, it comes in a variety of spring- and summer-ready shades. Size Range:XS-XL |Materials:Rayon | Length:Maxi This pretty light blue dress gives off the essence of the sea, and we love it for a black-tie event by the water. It features beautiful crepe satin fabric with a plunging V-neckline and eye-catching cutouts that will make a statement. Size Range:2-12 |Materials:Crepe satin fabric | Length:Floor-length Featuring a square neckline with intricate strappy detailing, this dress feels utterly modern yet romantic. The textured fabric makes it a little bold, while the gorgeous lilac shade makes it sweet. Size Range:XXS–XL | Materials:Polyester, spandex This flowy maxi dress is versatile enough to be dressed up for a wedding, and the stunning emerald green hue is also perfect for most seaside "I dos." We especially love the wrapped bow detail and the cascading floral patterns. Size Range:XXS–XL |Material:Polyester | Length:Floor The minimalist design of this one-shoulder dress makes it look sleek and streamlined. It comes in a wide variety of hues, so the options are limitless for a variety of formalities and venues. Size Range:0–16 |Materials:Satin charmeuse | Length:Midi The fiery red color and a subtle cutout just under the bust give this jumpsuit a little bit of sex appeal. We also love the flattering halter neckline and wide-leg shape that's both breathable and on-trend. Size Range:XS–L |Materials:Cotton, elastane | Length:Calf Between the vibrant blue and orange hues and the tropical floral print, this one-shoulder midi could not be more perfect for a semi-formal or formal beach wedding. We especially love the sexy side cutout. Pair it with an updo to show off the details. Size Range:2-14 |Materials:Polyester | Length:Maxi Feel and look like a mermaid in this seafoam green mini that features a daring asymmetrical ruffled hemline. We also love the sweeping neckline and ultra-thin straps. Pair it with simple accessories to let the dress to do the talking. Size Range:XXS-XL |Materials:Polyester | Length:Mini The peachy color makes this dress look like it was made for a summer night or day. The tulip skirt keeps the silhouette from being too simple, while the deep-V neckline and comfortable fit create a body-skimming finish. Size Range:XXS–XXL | Materials:Polyester, spandex |Length:Midi The back of this dress is the real star of the show, and the multicolor straps give this look a nautical feel. We love this dress for a casual wedding, a rehearsal dinner, or any laid-back affair. Size Range:XXS–XL |Material:Polyester | Length:Mini The electric rouge red color of this dress could not be more fitting for a spring or summer ceremony, especially when it's by the beach. We love the tight crepe fit, the flattering ruching in the front, and the subtle back slit for a bit of sexy flair. Size Range:XXS–XXL | Materials:Polyester, spandex |Length:Knee Beach weddings tend to be more casual by nature, but that doesn't mean they can't be formal. For an event that calls for a more dressed-up look, opt for this maxi. The color is beautiful, the mermaid-style skirt is glamorous, and the open back is a nice touch. Size Range:XXS–3X |Materials:Polyester, spandex | Length:Floor Simple and sophisticated, this maxi dress comes in a color appropriately called "sea glass." Between the criss-cross back, the halter neckline, and the slit, it would be a great choice for formal and semi-formal dress codes. Size Range:XS–3X |Materials:Polyester, spandex | Length:Floor If you're going for an easy-breezy vibe, look no further than LoveShackFancy. Made of 100% cotton, this pretty yellow dress is delightfully lightweight and flowy, with an open neck, fluttery sleeves, and a tiered skirt with lace and floral detailing. Size Range:00–14 |Materials:Cotton | Length:Maxi Laid-back halter necklines are ideal for beachy attire, but that's not all we love about this dress. Crafted from breathable rayon, it flaunts an open back, flirty side cutouts, a flowy skirt, and an adjustable drawstring waist to ensure a perfect fit. Size Range:XS-XL |Materials:Rayon | Length:Maxi FAQ Which fabrics are best for a beach wedding? Most beach weddings take place during the heat of the summer, so you should stick to lighter fabrics like linen and cotton. Avoid heavier options like cashmere, velvet, or satin, as you'll want something breathable and airy that won't make you feel overheated and uncomfortable. What kinds of dresses should you wear to a beach wedding? For a formal beach wedding, opt for long dresses in solid, bright hues. For semi-formal ceremonies, wear a co*cktail dress that looks sleek without being too formal. Tea-length dresses are great for almost any dress code, especially if the event takes place in the sand—but feel free to sport a mini or a maxi dress as well. Lastly, jumpsuits are another great option, and for more informal nuptials, rompers work too. What shoes should you wear to a beach wedding? If the ceremony or reception takes place on an actual beach, with a lot of sand, you'll want to avoid stiletto heels which will be really hard to walk in. Instead, wear wedges or espadrilles. Sandals will always be your best option for beach weddings, whether they're heeled or flat What should you not wear to a beach wedding? While beach weddings are typically more casual in nature, it's best to avoid flip-flops, denim, and other beachwear pieces that are too casual. It's still a wedding, after all! But most importantly, avoid fabrics that could easily get destroyed in the sand, like suede or satin. Contributing writerJessica Boothis a freelance writer and formerly served as an editor for seven years. Her work has been featured in Bustle, Insider, Redbook, and Refinery29. Additional research and product selections were done by Theresa Holland, a commerce writer specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and travel. The 16 Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Kind of CeremonyBest Ruffles
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FAQs
What do you wear to an elegant beach wedding? ›
The most common beach wedding outfits for men include a button-down shirt, slacks or chinos and a suit jacket or blazer if it's a formal ceremony. Flowy maxi and midi dresses are common beach wedding outfits for women, but jumpsuits and dressy separates are also appropriate choices.
What style of wedding dress is best for a beach wedding? ›A-line gowns, empire waist, and sheath style gowns are perfect for a formal beach wedding. A ball gown, mermaid, or trumpet-style gown is less suitable for a beach wedding, but ultimately, if you feel beautiful in this style, you should choose it!
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 is beach chic dress code? ›Think off-the-shoulder sleeves, asymmetric designs with one bare shoulder or even chic dresses that are sleeveless or have spaghetti straps. You can also lean into splashier prints in moderation. Shoes should still feature flat or mostly flat soles so you don't risk sinking into the sand.
What is the best color to wear to a beach wedding? ›Light blue, turquoise, coral, yellow, etc., are all fantastic colours to pair with it. There is no more stunning sight than a group of bridesmaids all dressed in the same hue. Those hues are perfect for a seaside ceremony. You're free to mix and match colours from the provided palette to find the perfect fit.
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.
What shoes to wear to a beach wedding? ›Flats are the answer to all your what-to-wear dilemmas. If you know the beach wedding is leaning towards a casual side, go for ballet flats from Kelly & Katie, or a slip-on flat or mule from Franco Sarto if you want something a little more dressy. A flat sandal can also be a key choice.
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.
Satin is one of the most common, versatile, and durable wedding dress fabrics out there. "Satin is a soft, lustrous fabric with a smooth finish. It flatters every frame and body type with its pliable and comfortable feel," says Lee.
What type of dress should the mother of the bride wear to a beach wedding? ›
Floral dresses have always been a beloved choice for mother of the bride attire, and they hold a special allure when it comes to beach weddings. Embracing the beauty of nature, floral prints exude femininity and grace, perfectly complementing the seaside ambiance.
What material is best for a summer wedding? ›Rayon. A smooth fabric similar to silk, rayon is more elastic and affordable. Since this semi-synthetic fiber is lightweight and breathable, it's perfect for a summer wedding, though can also be worn year-round.
How do you dress beachy? ›For casual beach wear, opt for outfits that are comfortable, easy to move around in and suitable for exploring. Loose-fitting T-shirts and tank tops paired with distressed denim cutoffs, shorts or lightweight cotton pants are all suitable options for both women and men.
What is beach chic decor? ›To invite more elements from nature into the mix, many choose to decorate their coastal chic homes with coral and shell. Decorative pieces many also include elements of stone or driftwood. Wicker. This includes wicker chairs with plush cushions for comfort, as well wicker baskets and other decorative items.
Can you wear black to a beach wedding? ›Consider Location And Time Of Day
For example, if you're attending a daytime wedding on the beach, it may be best to skip the black attire. Although in other circ*mstances, black is both wanted and expected.
Button-Down + Scarf + Bikini Bottoms
Never underestimate a classic button-down, especially if you're looking for something that's easy to change in and out of. It exudes simple, easy elegance. Plus, you get to spice things up with accessories—we love the retro look of the hair scarf, just tie and go.
Pick light, pretty colors but don't wear white, being mistaken for the bride is awkward. Light blue, beige, peach, sunset orange, and lavender are good colors. Wear a tuxedo or a suit, depending on how formal the wedding is. If it's a small, outdoor wedding, wear a smart suit.
Can you wear a sequin dress to a beach wedding? ›Formal Women's Beach Wedding Attire
Floor-length gowns are the standard for ladies, while a suit is the general rule for men. If the invitation indicates that you should wear beach formal attire, then a long, elegant gown is perfectly appropriate or even a sequin dress can look amazing.