The 25 Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses for Seaside Nuptials

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Beach weddings are both idyllic and tough to dress for: Your outfit needs to match the ceremony’s dress code and venue aesthetic just as at any wedding, but also stay comfortable in sand, sea spray, and hot, sticky weather. The key to finding just the right look? Skip stilettos in favor of flat sandals and go for the best beach wedding guest dresses that are wearable and refined at once.

“Look for styles that are flowy, made with lightweight fabrics like linen and viscose to help to keep you cool, and that you can dance on the beach in all night,” Suzanne Smallshaw, senior director of fashion and styling at Rent the Runway, tells Bazaar. “If you’re looking for a more form-fitting dress, opt for one with breathable stretch, so you’re comfortable from the afternoon ceremony to sunset cocktails.”

Don’t be afraid to lean into bold, bright designs. In fact, Smallshaw suggests looking to mood-boosting spring 2023 trends for inspiration. “Opt for vibrant colors, seasonal prints, and interesting details or cutouts to show off a little skin,” she says. “Playful pleats, sunset-inspired hues, and mermaid-esque silhouettes are top themes this summer that would also play wonderfully in a beach wedding setting.”

Attending a black-tie seaside ceremony? Try a floor-length slipdress in a bright graphic print. If the invite specifies semiformal or cocktail attire, go for a dreamy puff-sleeve maxi or an ornate lace mini with a slightly relaxed fit. To enhance the vibe of your beach-chic look, Smallshaw suggests adding timeless, beachy touches like straw bags, gold jewelry, and pearls.

Whether you’re staying local or traveling to faraway shores, I did the research and tapped Smallshaw’s expertise to find the 25 best beach wedding guest dresses for every kind of seaside ceremony. Now, all that’s left to do is enjoy the salty breeze on your skin and bask in the sunshine.

Alber Dress

Rhode's vivid, intricate prints are personal favorites of mine. Starring a rich jewel-toned motif, this stunning number from the brand is sure to pop against a range of skin tones. Its strappy halter neckline, keyhole detail, and tiered skirt offer extra intrigue, too.

Sizes: 0-14

Colors: Ivy Flora

Materials: 100% viscose

Alfie Dress

"The sunset hues of this SIMKHAI maxi are perfect for golden hour pictures," says Rent the Runway Senior Director of Fashion and Styling Suzanne Smallshaw. "Also, the light fabric and cutouts make this dress ideal for warm, beachy temperatures."

Sizes: XS-L

Colors: Multicolored

Materials: 100% recycled nylon

Christian Dress

If you're going to sport florals, wear them the avant-garde way with this maxi from emerging designer Christy Lynn. Drawing inspiration from Lynn's Korean heritage and love for Parisian fashion, this exquisite chiffon dress boasts custom, hand-painted blooms and, per our editors, fits beautifully. Proof: It includes an adjustable attached slip and waist tie for an ultra-flattering fit.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Blue Garden

Materials: Silk crinkle chiffon

Asymmetric Draped Jersey Dress

Going monochrome doesn't mean your look has to be basic. This punchy yellow midi from Stella McCartney's spring '23 collection expertly blends elements of fluidity and structure, featuring a fitted bodice, flowy asymmetrical skirt, and draping at the shoulders. Because it's made of a jersey material, the style should also be both stretchy and breathable.

Sizes: IT36-IT50

Colors: Yellow

Materials: 100% viscose

Angelina Dress

Smallshaw also suggests A.L.C's Angeline dress as it plays into two popular summer dressing trends and can work for a variety of semi-formal events. "This Barbiecore-pink gown from A.L.C has beautiful pleating for breezy summer nights on the beach yet looks super elevated," she notes.

Sizes: 00-14

Colors: Chateau Rose, Off White

Materials: 100% polyester

Carnation Pink and Clementine Leaf Print Dress

While Solid & Striped is best known for its cult-loved swimwear, don't sleep on the brand's newer ready-to-wear offerings. This groovy-print bodycon offers just the right amount of '70s-nostalgia with a lightweight fit and two side slits that make it ideal for traversing sandy shores.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Carnation Pink and Clementine Leaf Print

Materials: 75% rayon, 25% nylon

Isa Cotton-Silk Dress

Accesorized with some block-heeled sandals and delicate jewelry, this soft cotton-silk midi can go from weekend brunch to wedding-ready in a flash. In addition to coming in a wide range of sizes, it has adjustable straps and handy pockets.

Sizes: 0-20, including regular, tall, and petite options

Colors: Gather Floral Periwinkle

Materials: 70% cotton, 30% silk

One Shoulder Kaftan

For those ultra-toasty destinations, caftans are an airy, effortless choice that will still help keep you covered when you don't want to reveal too much skin. This kaleidoscopic version will certainly earn a spot on the best-dressed list. It's made with lightweight rayon and has a side zipper for easy on and off as well.

Sizes: 14/16-30/32

Colors: Color Wave

Materials: 100% rayon

Moniq Maxi Dress

Perhaps no dress seems more fitting for a semi-formal beach wedding than this playful Rixo piece, done in a lightweight gauze material with an embellished, aquatic-inspired print. Add on a bright handbag and pair of mules to inject some color into the cheeky look.

Sizes: UK6-UK20

Colors: Black

Materials: 100% viscose

Cutout Fringed Metallic knitted midi dress

This fabulous fringed number says you’re ready to party. The swishy cabana-like accents will sway with your every move, while the slit in the back ensures you can easily dance from sunset to sunrise. Plus, the subtly metallic fabric adds another flirty touch.

Sizes: 0-12

Colors: Beige

Materials: 92% polyamide, 4% elastane, 4% polyester

Red Heliconia Midi Dress

A wedding in paradise calls for a joyous, statement-making dress. Rio de Janeiro-based label Farm Rio is an expert at them, including this vibrant tropical-print midi complete with billowing puff sleeves and front-to-back cutouts.

Sizes: XXS-XL

Colors: Red/multi

Materials: 60% cotton, 40% viscose

Radley Dress

With its elegant striped print, crisscross halter neck, and drop waist silhouette, this classic Veronica Beard dress feels just right for a dreamy coastal European wedding. Tie the look together with some low braided wedges for stability on the sand to the cliffside villa where you'll enjoy post-ceremony drinks.

Sizes: 00-16

Colors: Off White Multi

Materials: 65% viscose, 35% elastomultiester

One-shoulder bouclé mini dress

Here, an adorable pineapple-print mini to match the piña colada that will inevitably make its way into your hands. Although the dress's boucle-style fabric is a bit heartier than lighter weight alternatives, its high cotton content still makes it breathable.

Sizes: XXS-XL

Colors: Yellow

Materials: 98% cotton, 2% elastane

Neira Dress

ASTR the label is a great source for contemporary, affordable occasionwear, and I'm currently eyeing this charming maxi from the brand for sun-soaked nuptials. My favorite part? The subtly plunging neckline and feminine open back detail. For added coverage, make sure to pair this dress with some of the best nipple covers.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Green Multi

Materials: 100% polyester

Mambo Maxi Dress

The mermaid aesthetic is set to be everywhere this summer. Channel your inner Ariel with this strapless number from sustainable resortwear and swimwear brand Baboab. "This sleek maxi is practically made for a beach wedding, showcasing a beautiful sheen and ombré color palette that’s perfect for the season," says Smallshaw. "Additionally, the silhouette has breathable cutouts and a beautiful hourglass shape that's comfortable enough to wear all night long."

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Cosmo

Materials: 100% polyester

Inku Cascade Dress

Packing for a destination wedding with only one carry-on? Save space in your suitcase with this breezy cotton midi that can double as a beach coverup. Like the rest of the brand's ethical offerings, this piece is also sustainably-made and responsibly crafted by artisans in Ethiopia.

Sizes: XS-L

Colors: Blue

Materials: 100% cotton

Selia Linen Dress

Simple yet elegant, this linen, plunge-back maxi will keep you cool at the hottest beachfront weddings. The simple cut and color can be styled in different ways for multiple weddings on your calendar.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Avocado, Black, Giverny

Materials: 100% linen

Puff-Sleeve Eyelet Dress

It can be difficult for petite women to find long wedding guest dresses that don't need to be altered, but Anthropologie has some gorgeous boho-leaning options. Offered in six petite sizes (as well as plus sizes!), this eyelet style is the perfect companion to your favorite espadrille flatforms and a woven handbag.

Sizes: XXS-3X, including plus sizes

Colors: Ivory

Materials: Cotton, polyester

Ruffled Dress

Ruffles have been experiencing a renaissance lately, and this polished Mango maxi gives them a decidedly modern spin. With an array of sheer, spindly accents, this gauzy purple gown is giving ethereal jellyfish vibes in the absolute best way possible.

Sizes: 2-10

Colors: Light/Pastel Purple

Materials: 100% polyester

Blue Jacquard Mini Dress

Silk wrap dresses are easy to dress up or down and complement basically every body type. I'm loving this ocean blue, jacquard print version, which will easily become a staple in a summer wardrobe even after the ceremony is over.

Sizes: UK6-UK26

Colors: Blue

Materials: 58% viscose, 42% polyester

Vedette Maxi Dress

Can't decide exactly which color to land on? Wear every hue in the rainbow with this eye-catching chevron print dress. Its lightweight knit material hugs your every curve and its soft neck ties also provide a more custom fit.

Sizes: XS-L

Colors: Sunrise Knit

Materials: 100% viscose

Mercy Circle Lace Mini Dress

Another standout style from SIMKHAI, this architectural lace mini offers a slightly relaxed silhouette for enhanced freedom of movement.

Sizes: 0-10

Colors: Hydrangea

Materials: Polyester

Printed Silk Maxi Dress

This colorful SIR style takes the classic silk maxi up a notch with an arty, high-impact print, unique tailoring, and a large side slit to let the breeze in. Choose neutral-toned accessories or play up the colors of the dress by opting for matching yellow and orange adornments.

Sizes: XXS-L

Colors: Orange/yellow

Materials: 100% silk

Cenit Cut-Out Maxi Dress

As someone who adores peak 2000s Carrie Bradshaw fashion, I couldn't be happier about the return of the rosette. For more formal beachside ceremonies, swim and beachwear designer Maya Coronel offers a stunning way to incorporate the detail into your look. Similar to a favorite bikini or one-piece, this dress is made with a blend of smoothing elastane and polyamide to enhance your figure (and keep you comfortable).

Sizes: Petite, standard, plus

Colors: Shiva Pink

Materials: 80% polyamide/20% elastane

Whitney One-Shoulder Tie-Dye Dress

Tie-dye and tassels are perfect for a beach wedding, especially when they're done as tastefully as they are in this captivating floor-length dress. It's a surefire pick for black-tie dress codes.

Sizes: XS-L

Colors: Multi Hazy Stripe

Materials: 94% silk, 6% elastane

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