Virtual showroom
Book an appointment
Stores
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Freehold | Jackie Kocis, Jill Grow, & Nichole Alfonso
So you just received an invitation to a destination wedding on the beach, and you’re instantly thinking:
Yay!
But what should I wear?
Many assume that beach weddings are casual affairs, but that’s not always true. While some couples opt for a laidback, barefoot-in-the-sand soiree, others plan semi-formal or formal events on the coast.
If you’re heading to a summer wedding on the beach this year, here’s our guide to beach wedding attire. You’ll also find casual, semi-formal, and formal options to meet any wedding dress code.
Our Favorite Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
From versatile midi dresses to elegant floor-length gowns, here are some wedding guest dresses that might be perfect for you:
Jenny Yoo Adelaide Dress
Jenny Yoo Adelaide Dress in Peach Bellini
The Jenny Yoo Adelaide Dress is beach-chic at its finest. This slip dress is made from luxe satin fabric and features a twist bust and a cutout that adds a playful touch.
Sachin & Babi Kayla Gown
Sachin & Babi Kayla Gown Navy Venetia Petal
Available in various gorgeous floral prints, the Sachin & Babi Kayla gown is a stunner in lightweight chiffon. The A-line skirt is oh-so-flattering, and a sash tie at the neck adds some extra drama.
Amsale P355P Evening Dress
Amsale P355P Evening Dress in Fuchsia
With back tails and a chic midi length, the Amsale P355P Evening Dress is gorgeous from every angle. In vibrant fuchsia, it’s a perfect choice for the wedding guest who wants to make a bold, sophisticated statement.
Jenny Yoo Calla Dress
Jenny Yoo Calla Dress in Canyon Sunset
In luxe satin fabric, the Jenny Yoo Calla Dress features a flattering asymmetrical silhouette, one-shoulder bodice, midi length, and pleated accents.
Sachin & Babi Chelsea Gown
Sachin & Babi Chelsea Gown in Glacial Peonies
The Sachin & Babi Chelsea Gown in lightweight chiffon features a pretty allover floral print, a long, flowy skirt, and a chic bow detail on one shoulder.
Social 8219
Social 8219 in Willow Green
An open back with ruffled straps and trim makes the Social 8219 dress in lux charmeuse a gorgeous option for a formal beach wedding.
Sachin & Babi Caterina Dress
Sachin & Babi Caterina Dress
With a vibrant all-over print, the Sachin & Babi Caterina Dress features a tiered midi silhouette in stretch linen fabric, flat straps, a square neckline, and subtle ruffles.
Choose Your Outfit Based on the Dress Code
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids New York City | Jenny Yoo
When it comes to choosing wedding guest attire, there’s only one rule:
Wear an outfit that matches the dress code specified in the wedding invitation.
While many wedding dress codes exist, your invite will likely specify one of three main categories:
- • Formal (AKA: "white tie")
- • Semi-formal (AKA: "black tie")
- • Casual
A formal beach wedding might be at an indoor/outdoor venue with a beachy vibe, yet still feels elegant and chic.
A semi-formal event might include an outdoor beach ceremony with an air-conditioned reception indoors.
A casual beach wedding might take place entirely on the sand. That could include a tiki bar serving cocktails and Adirondack chairs for laidback lounging.
When choosing what to wear, dress to match the venue's level of formality. Just follow the wedding dress code on the invite, and you can’t go wrong.
Planning a beach wedding? Check out these 9 Beachy Bridesmaid Dresses for a Seaside Wedding.
Formal Beach Wedding Attire
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids New York City | David Nicholas
If the invite calls for a formal dress code, you’ll want to wear one of two things:
- • An elegant, long dress with dressy shoes
- • A suit with a jacket, tie, button-down shirt, and dress shoes
Remember that “formal” is different from “black tie.”
Formal doesn’t require beaded evening gowns or tuxedos. It simply means the couple wants you to look (and feel) like you’re going somewhere special — because you are!
Formal attire should be sophisticated, polished, and well-put-together. This is a fun opportunity for guys wearing suits to wear light colors. Think of colors like sand, light blue, or light grey rather than traditional suit colors like black, navy, and dark grey.
Check out our post, The Levels of Formal Wedding Attire, to learn more.
Semi-Formal Beach Wedding Attire
At a semi-formal event, there’s no need for a full-length gown or even a suit and tie.
A knee-length, tea-length, or midi dress is semi-formal perfection! A button-down shirt with dress pants, with or without a tie, also meets the formality of the semi-formal dress code.
Although a suit jacket isn’t required, you can pair your pants and shirt with a sport coat or blazer for a more polished look. However, if it’s a sweltering hot day in a tropical climate, we recommend leaving the jacket at home or in the hotel.
Semi-formal offers significant flexibility. Enhance your look with fun, playful touches, tropical accents, and beach-inspired accessories.
Casual Beach Wedding Attire
Unless the couple specifically asks you to wear your most casual clothes, don’t show up in:
- • A swimsuit
- • Shorts
- • A casual short-sleeved shirt or T-shirt
- • Sneakers
- • Flip-flops
Casual does not mean sloppy, so opt for a printed sundress, a breezy chiffon maxi dress, or a comfortable romper or jumpsuit instead.
Even for casual events, guys should choose a collared shirt. A button-down shirt without a tie or a short-sleeve polo shirt is a perfect option. Pair it with a nice, casual pair of chinos, and you’re good to go.
When planning outfits for a casual beach wedding, think along the lines of something you would wear to a nice dinner on a beach vacation.
You should look like you’re going somewhere special, not heading to the coast to lounge on a beach blanket or play in the water.
More Tips for Choosing the Perfect Beach Wedding Outfit
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Dallas | Meraki Weddings
Ready for some more tips on how to pick out the perfect beach wedding look?
Here are a few things to remember that’ll make shopping easier and make you one of the best-dressed guests in attendance:
Pay Attention to Colors and Fabrics
Select colors and fabrics that work with the weather, season, and location.
Lightweight fabrics such as seersucker, linen, and chiffon are best suited for warm weather.
Chiffon dresses offer lots of movement and will help keep you comfortable and cool. A linen suit or linen shirt paired with lightweight pants is more comfortable in the heat than traditional cotton or wool suits.
In addition to breathable fabrics, consider embracing fun warm-weather colors and patterns. Pastel colors, bright colors, and tropical floral prints are all beach-worthy options.
Choose the Right Footwear
Wear stilettos on the beach, and it’s a guarantee that your heels will sink into the sand. Instead of skinny heels, consider flat dressy sandals, wedges, or chunky heels for greater stability on the sand.
Guys should wear dress shoes if the event or venue is formal. For semi-formal or casual events, loafers or boat shoes are stylish alternatives.
Research the Venue in Advance
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Miami | Constantine Studio
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again:
Dress to match the venue's formality.
So before you start shopping for a beach wedding guest dress or suit, do a little research on the venue.
Review photos of the venue online to see how formal or informal it is. Also, check the couple’s wedding website to see if they’ve provided further details about their ceremony or reception space.
The more you know about where you’re going, the easier it will be to find the perfect outfit for the occasion.
You may also like: The Ultimate Beach Wedding Makeup Guide for 2024
Beach weddings range from super casual to ultra-formal, so always follow the dress code on the invitation.
Whether the celebration is on the sand with the ocean breeze or indoors with a view of the beach and ocean, you can be sure you’re in store for a lovely day with a gorgeous backdrop!
Follow us on social media for more wedding-day outfit inspiration:
