Last Updated on May 15, 2023 by Eve Dawes
You’re going to want every single destination wedding guest dress on this edit!
50 best beach wedding guest dresses and destination wedding guest dresses. Dresses to wear to a beach wedding are a little different to shop for than your average church wedding. First of all there’s the weather and humidity or dryness to think of. Then how well your outfit will pack and travel. I’m all for portable steamers but there’s also the issue of space unless you’re loading up your car and driving. Most beach destination weddings tend to be hot, humid and have a slightly more casual dress code. Which means lighter fabrics, preferably breathable fabrics that won’t blow up in the air and reveal more than you want when the island winds kick in. I worked in the Caribbean for 5 years and learned how to tame my hair and clothes to deal with the climate. I’ve researched and narrowed it down to the best destination wedding guest dresses. Styles that work with both formal wedding and black tie attire to more casual dress codes as well as the climate!
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What to consider when shopping for beach guest dresses
There’s a few things to consider when choosing your destination, island or beach wedding guest dresses:
- The dress code.
- The weather and humidity.
- The best fabrics for windy or humid days.
- What color works best for the location.
- Which shoes you’re going to style it with.
- What underwear you’re able to wear with it.
Weddings are always fun events to shop for. For destination or dresses to wear to a beach wedding think whimsical, floaty styles that are normally less restrictive than your average wedding guest attire.
Feel free to bring the drama in ruffles and interesting styles. It’s a chance to wear something that you wouldn’t be able to pull off at a church wedding. Plus you don’t have to wear stiletto heels even in an evening gown. I’m sharing my top picks for beach wedding shoes below.
What shoes to wear with beach wedding guest dresses
You’re also going to have to consider the shoes you’re going to wear with your dress to a beach wedding. Skinny stiletto heels don’t do too well in the sand. However, if you’re petite like me flats don’t work the best with long dresses unless you do some major alterations to the hem. Think wedges, espadrilles, spool heels or even flats to wear with island wedding guest dresses depending on the dress code but most long gowns will require some kind of a heel.
Tips for choosing and styling dresses to wear to a beach wedding
If you’re worried your dress might be a bit on the casual side, you can easily dress it up with some gold accessories, a glam metallic clutch, suit jacket. As well as with how you style your hair and do your makeup.
If you opt for a gown be sure to pack some stain remover to spot clean the hem at the end of the night so that it doesn’t stain. Since the chances are it’ll have got grubby walking in the sand and partying on the beach or dance floor.
Long sleeves are a great option if you’re worried about getting burnt at the beach during the ceremony. Just make sure they’re loose and breezy and not fitted to avoid pit stains and overheating in the warm weather.
Shop the best destination wedding guest dresses from casual to black tie
From casual beach wedding guest dresses to cocktail attire and gowns, these are the best destination wedding guest dresses I came across during my extensive search.
There’s quite a few maxi dresses from Anthropologie as they offer standard, petite and plus in a lot of their styles. As well as a lot of coastal tones to tie in with the location. I personally don’t like black for weddings at any time (save it for funerals and black tie galas) but definitely not for the beach. I recommend sticking to pastels, bright colors, coastal colors, floral or pretty prints which are more appropriate for beach and hot destination weddings.
Pink satin mini dress
When you want something statement making and cocktail attire appropriate for a semi-formal beach wedding this is a stunning option for beach wedding guests. The vibrant colors will look stunning at sunset and the light fabric will help to keep you cool.
Elegant destination wedding guest dress
If you’re looking for something chic and in coastal colors this cocktail dress is the prettiest shade of blue and has the cutest bow details. It’s a good choice for a beach wedding guest dress you could wear for lots of different occasions. Made from 87% rayon it’s a material that won’t crease as much as a lot of others in your luggage. There’s also a similar style in pink if blue’s not your color.
Breezy beach wedding guest dress
If you’re not into brighter colors and want a floral beach wedding look this breezy maxi dress with it’s open back is perfect for a summer beach wedding guest dress or tropical wedding. The sheer semi-style and spaghetti straps make this dress equal parts sexy and sophisticated.
Black tie beach wedding guest dress
This blue gown with it’s deep v-neckline and coastal style is beachy but black tie dress code appropriate. If you’re worried about the leg slit on windy days you can always wear a pair of boy shorts underneath. The beauty of this formal gown is that it looks just as good with white slide sandals as it does with espadrilles or heels.
Floral mini dress
Floral prints are always a good option for destination wedding guest outfits. This mini has the most flattering halterneck and waistline and is made for dancing. Style it with flat white sandals, slides or spool heels for the most beautiful beach wedding guest dress for both the wedding ceremony and celebrations.
Fashionista destination wedding guest dress
Polished but sexy, beachy but sleek this yellow dress checks all of the boxes. It’s also easy to dress up with glam accessories or down with a raffia bag and flat sandals. It’s made of 49% linen, 40% cotton and 11% polyamide so it’s light and breathable fabric for a beach wedding or a hot day.
Tie long hair up for a more sophisticated look and to make sure you can see all of the details of this dress.
Casual beach wedding guest dress
If you’re looking for a casual dress to wear to a beach wedding look for more casual materials and prints. This super cute floral print mini dress is the perfect choice. You can also not use the neck straps if you’re worried about tan lines. As the fitted bodice will stay up just fine without them. You can also wear it again in the future for resort wear, over a bathing suit or as a cute summer dress.
Best dresses to wear to a beach wedding under $300 | Find your perfect dress
From under $100 to almost $300 these dresses offer the best fashion and style in this price range whatever the dress code. Whether the wedding’s a formal affair and formal attire is required or you’re looking for the best options for casual beach wedding wear. These are the best beach wedding guest dresses to wear this wedding season. The most important thing to remember is the type of wedding it is, the dress code and not to upstage the wedding party.
Best designer beach wedding guest dresses over $300
The most swoon worthy destination and beach wedding guest dresses in the prettiest prints and colors from minis to tea-length dresses and long gowns. All of these styles are head turners in their own right with no heavy fabrics in sight. Some of these styles come in different colors, not just the ones shown if you’re looking for something different to wear on your friend or family’s big day.
What to wear with beach wedding guest dress
We’ve talked about the shoes. The bags will come down to whether it’s a formal event or more casual beach wedding and the aesthetic you’re going for. A small raffia bag might look super cute for a more casual style but will look out of place with formal or semi-formal beach wedding attire. Versus a glam metallic bag which completes a formal ceremony outfit beautifully but will clash with a casual dress.
It’s always a good idea to have a pashmina or something similar to cover up if you feel like you’re either getting burnt or get too cold after sunset or in the air conditioning.
Photos courtesy Revolve and FWRD.
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For more daily fashion and style. As well as sale alerts and try-on hauls to see what I’m adding to my closet now. Have an amazing time at your wedding! Don’t forget to tag me @glamourandgains in your beach wedding guest dress photos so that I can share them in my stories to help others decide what dresses to wear to a beach wedding.
More wedding guest dresses for all seasons
If you’re looking for something besides a beach wedding guest dress or for another season, I’ve rounded up the best styles of wedding guest dresses for each season here:
