35 Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses & Jumpsuits to Pack in 2023

If you’ve been invited to a beach wedding, you’re in for a treat. A cool sea breeze, romantic sunset, and ceremony on the sand—it’s the perfect excuse to take a tropical vacation. But despite the picturesque setting, it can be difficult for wedding guests to know just what to wear to a destination wedding like this. Beach weddings present a number of obstacles when it comes to appropriate attire—you need shoes that can be worn on sand, and a dress that’s lightweight enough to keep you cool and easy to pack without wrinkling or taking up too much real estate in your suitcase.

To help you navigate these challenges and fully enjoy your friends’ or family member’s big day, we’ve rounded up the best beach wedding guest dresses for every type of oceanside ceremony. Whether you’re attending a large, formal affair in Mexico or headed to an intimate gathering in Sicily, these wedding guest dresses have you covered. From floral gowns to casual mini dresses and everything in between, here are our picks for the 35 best beach wedding guest dresses that will keep you comfortable all night long, whether you’re on the sand or the dance floor. 

Find your next coastal wedding guest dress: 

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

If you’re attending a formal beach wedding 

Even though beach wedding attire often means a more relaxed dress code, sometimes the hosts prefer their guests to wear formal attire. While it’s unlikely to be a black tie affair, you’ll still want to find elegant styles that will look polished with a clutch and a chic pair of sandals instead of a heel. The formal dresses and gowns below are lightweight, packable, and come in bright colors that scream destination wedding by the beach. 

Amanda Uprichard Arial gown

Sabrina Musayec x Revolve Helena dress

Superdown Addison maxi dress

Petal & Pup Annalise tiered maxi dress

Show Me Your Mumu Greta dress

Show Me Your Mumu Mina midi dress

Lulus Still the One satin maxi dress

If the dress code is more casual 

Other beach weddings will have a more relaxed dress code, such as ‘casual’ or ‘tropical’—this means floral prints, linen material, and even some boho-style maxi dresses are fair game. The ultimate perk of these vacation-ready styles is that they won’t feel restrictive or dig into your skin during a long night of dancing at the reception. These beach wedding guest options, including an orange asymmetrical maxi, silky floral midi, and Hill House’s popular Nap Dress, can all be worn with a comfortable nude sandal (or even dressy flip-flops) and still look appropriate for the ceremony.

Show Me Your Mumu Mia midi dress

Farm Rio Asymmetrical maxi dress

Abercrombie & Fitch Satin Pleated Cutout maxi dress

Reformation Poppies silk dress

Hill House Home The Dottie Nap dress

Lulus Tea Party tiered midi dress

Asos Design scrappy knot detail maxi

Pretty Garden Bohemian maxi dress

Asos Design pleated bodice midi dress

Merokeety one shoulder midi dress

If you want to wear a short dress

If a floor-length gown isn’t your speed, the options below are perfect for the occasion. Whether you’re going for a chic satin look or a floral wrap dress, short dresses can still be appropriate at this type of wedding. Ideal for especially warm-weather destinations, these mini dresses will keep you cool throughout the event and are easier to walk in on the sand than a long dress.  

Lover and Friends Nikolina Ruched dress

Reformation Kerrigan linen dress

Show Me Your Mumu Jasmine halter mini dress

Show Me Your Mumu Lady Corset mini dress

If you don’t want to wear a dress

Beach wedding guests might also opt for a comfortable jumpsuit or trendy two-piece set. These styles can be worn with your most comfortable, sand-friendly pair of shoes and are easy to walk and dance in. Plus, this is an easy way to switch things up from a traditional dress and the outfits are more likely to be worn again on your next vacay. 

Petal & Pup Dylan wide leg jumpsuit

Anrabess one shoulder jumpsuit

Divine Muse wide-leg jumpsuit

Kiska black wide-leg jumpsuit

Bloom With a View two-piece maxi dress

If you want a wedding guest outfit you’ll definitely wear again

There’s a reason a classic LBD never goes out of style. When in doubt, throw either of these sleek black midi dresses in your suitcase with your favorite pair of sandals or wedges. These wardrobe essentials can be worn to any special event, whether it’s a European beach wedding or a traditional New York City soiree, and are easy to change up by swapping a shoe, heel, or jewelry. The styles below are both flattering and timeless.

Show Me Your Mumu Eden midi dress

Abercrombie & Fitch Satin Low Back maxi dress

For even more wedding guest outfit inspiration, check out our top picks for spring weddings and cold-weather destinations.