What To Wear To a Beach Wedding

Beach Wedding
Beach Wedding

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When it comes to wedding guest attire, the venue will always play an important role in the dress code, especially when it comes to the beach wedding. These are among our favorites to dress for: The laid-back vibe of the surf-and-sand mixed with dreamy backdrops and weather offers a unique opportunity to show off dresses that are flirty, festive, and comfortable. Whether you're in the market to buy a go-to dress for all your summer events or are looking to rent a dress for a one-time affair, we've got you covered.

On this list, you'll find some of our favorite breezy and bright looks to pack for beachside weddings. In addition to personal style, you'll want to keep the weather and elements of your destination in mind when choosing your wedding guest outfit. Here's to hoping we find an invite to a beach wedding, or two, in our mailboxes soon so we'll have an excuse to add a few of these pretty dresses to our closet.

Erika Peña Selma Belted Maxi Dress

BUY IT: $225; anthropologie.com

This dress is begging to be worn on a sunny, breezy beach. Plus, the convertible straps mean you can even wear it to more than one summer occasion. We also love that it's breezy enough to be worn on the beach and is still elegant enough for an evening reception.

Erika Pena Belted Maxi Dress
Erika Pena Belted Maxi Dress

ML Monique Lhuillier Lace Puff Sleeve Dress

RENT IT: $70 - $85; renttherunway.com

We guarantee you'll get compliments when you wear this timeless number in a hue that's reminiscent of beach skies. The puff sleeves and a soft sweetheart neckline accentuate the collarbone while the slim cut creates the illusion of an elongated figure. Keep the same tone through the rest of your look by pairing it with a loose bun and fun drop earrings.

ML Monique Lhullier Puff Sleeve Dress
ML Monique Lhullier Puff Sleeve Dress

Colorblocked Bow-Tie Maxi Dress

BUY IT: $218; anthropologie.com

The design of this dress is sweet, simple, and timeless. The bright color blocking mixed with the flowy skirt make for a fun summer dress. Finish the look with a rattan clutch and low heels for a modern beach wedding ensemble.

Anthropologie Colorblocked bow tie dress
Anthropologie Colorblocked bow tie dress

Thurley Dahlia Dress

RENT IT: $85 - $100; renttherunway.com

You can't go wrong with a classic paisley print and pop of color. The bell-shaped, long sleeves paired with the shorter skirt create a modest appearance that's still fun and flirty. Add strappy heels and a clutch bag to finish off the look.

Thurley Dahlia Dress
Thurley Dahlia Dress

Kourtney Dress

BUY IT: $248; thereformation.com

We never said that a LBD wasn't possible at a beach wedding too! The whimsical print on this dress elevates it from your typical black dress moment and makes it appropriate for a summer wedding.

Kourtney Dress
Kourtney Dress

Ronny Kobo Sallee Maxi

RENT IT: $35 - $50; renttherunway.com

Have your own Grecian-goddess moment in this floor-length, colorful maxi dress. The bright colors match the mood and location of the occasion, while the breezy skirt will keep you cool all night long.

Ronny Kobo Sallee Maxi
Ronny Kobo Sallee Maxi

Open-Back Midi Dress

BUY IT: $198; anthropologie.com

A dress doesn't have to be patterned and over-the-top to be a summer stunner. We love the silky fabric of this dress and the high neck contrasted with the cutout back.

Anthropologie Open Back Midi Dress
Anthropologie Open Back Midi Dress

Black Halo Dolan Gown

RENT IT: $95 - $110; renttherunway.com

The flowers on this dress look as if they were hand-painted on the fabric. Just formal enough for a beautiful evening wedding without feeling too stiff for the summer heat.

Black Halo Dolan Gown
Black Halo Dolan Gown

Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress

BUY IT: $168; bhldn.com

Available in over 10 colors, we love the versatility of this dress. Based on if you'll be attending a casual or formal wedding, pair with heels or sandals for a choose-your-own-adventure of wedding guest attire.

Bhldn Cali Satin Dress
Bhldn Cali Satin Dress

Trina Turk Zile Dress

RENT IT: $30; renttherunway.com

Yellow is bright and happy, just like the wedding you're attending! Feel and look like a ray of sunshine in this fitted Trina Turk dress.

Trina Turk Zile Dress
Trina Turk Zile Dress

Gianni Bini Riley Belted Long Sleeve Swing Dress

BUY IT: $129; dillards.com

This flowy swing dress comes in five colors, so there's sure to be one you'll love. It can easily be dressed up or down with accessories depending on the event's dress code.

Gianni Bini Belted Dress
Gianni Bini Belted Dress

Hunter Bell Margo Dress

RENT IT: $50 - $65; renttherunway.com

We love the garden scene on this sky blue dress. The one-shoulder puff sleeve adds an extra touch of personality.

Hunter Bell Margo Dress
Hunter Bell Margo Dress

Nightway Floral-Print Pleated Gown

BUY IT: $129; macys.com

A gathered waist and V-neck come together to make a universally flattering dress. Stand out in this tropical teal and purple dress and stay cool all evening long.

Nightway Floral Pleated Gown
Nightway Floral Pleated Gown

Donna Morgan Off-the-Shoulder Ikat Maxi Dress

BUY IT: $158; dillards.com

You'll be a seaside vision in this flowy, off-the-shoulder dress. It's playful, elegant, and comfortable all in one.

Donna Morgan Ikat Dress
Donna Morgan Ikat Dress

Jessica Howard Halter High-Low Maxi Dress

BUY IT: $79; macys.com

Peachy hues and a paisley print make this dress a dream for a beach wedding. The halter neckline and the high-low hem will make it easy to break out your best dance moves at the reception.

Jessica Howard Halter Dress
Jessica Howard Halter Dress

Fulton Dress

BUY IT: $248; thereformation.com

Excuse us while we swoon over this toile-inspired blue and white dress. Talk about a dress meant to be worn on the beach.

Fulton Dress
Fulton Dress

BCBGeneration V-Neck Side-Slit Midi Dress

BUY IT: $64.80; macys.com

We're all about dainty florals and we can't think of a better setting for this dress than a beach wedding. Pair it with a seashell shaped bag and dangly earrings for the prettiest beach wedding ensemble there ever was.

BCBGeneration Midi Dress
BCBGeneration Midi Dress

Alexia Admor Olivia Draped One-Shoulder Sheath Dress

BUY IT: $69.99; saksoff5th.com

Looking for a more modest option that still flatters? This sheath dress can take you from beachy weddings in the summer to autumn outdoor weddings. We love the one-shoulder moment and the monochromatic style.

Alexia Admor Sheath Dress
Alexia Admor Sheath Dress

Betsy & Adam Drape Back Cape Sleeveless Metallic Crinkle Mermaid Gown

BUY IT: $258; dillards.com

For a more formal beach wedding, try this elegant gold dress with cape sleeves. You'll glimmer just like the ocean waves.

Betsy & Adam Cape Gown
Betsy & Adam Cape Gown

Rococo Sand Camellia Colorblock Plaid Cotton Mini Dress

BUY IT: $74.99; saksoff5th.com

Take advantage of a more casual dress code to sport a trendy, bold look. Of course, we're obsessed with this gingham-plaid, color-blocked dress. Already added to cart!

Rococo Sand Plaid Dress
Rococo Sand Plaid Dress