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What to Wear to a Beach Wedding as a Guest | Beach House Gift Boutique

What to Wear to a Beach Wedding as a Guest | Beach House Gift Boutique

Jun 27th 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Consider the dress code specified on your wedding invitation to make sure you’re dressed appropriately. The ceremony and reception location will also help you determine what to wear to a beach wedding as a guest.
  • Opt for lightweight fabrics and colors that complement the beach setting.
  • Maxi dresses, bright midi dresses, and flowy separates are a few chic outfit ideas.

Between the salty air, warm sunshine, and dreamy sunset, there’s a lot to look forward to as a beach wedding guest. However, there’s also a lot to stress over. For starters, what to wear to an island wedding. Flip-flops and swimsuit cover-ups are cute, but not exactly appropriate wedding attire. But a formal dress and stilettos don’t quite suit the occasion, either. So, what do you wear? Here’s everything you need to know about what to wear to a tropical beach wedding as a guest!

Flowy Maxi Dresses

a woman in a blue maxi dress

Perfect for both casual and formal beach weddings, maxi dresses provide just the right amount of sophistication for wedding ceremonies without feeling overdressed. They’re also comfortable enough to wear all night long, from dinner to dancing! Lean into the beach setting by wearing breathable materials like cotton and linen. And don’t shy away from color! Vibrant colors and prints are exactly what you want to wear to an island wedding.

Avoid wearing pumps and stilettos though. They sink into the sand and make it difficult to navigate uneven terrain. Women’s beach sandals with flat soles or a wedge heel strike the perfect balance between style and practicality here.

Playful Midi Dresses

woman in white midi dress and heels

Wondering what to wear to a semi-formal or cocktail beach wedding as a guest? Midi-length women’s resort dresses are beach chic and dress code appropriate! Have fun with your colors and prints to capture the lively spirit of a beach wedding. Think botanical prints, coastal colors, and sunset hues like pink, orange, and yellow.

Pair your dress with elegant beach sand jewelry and a tropical purse to complete your look.

Wide-Leg Jumpsuits

woman in embroidered stripe jumpsuit

For a casual wedding, jumpsuits are the perfect alternative to dresses! Jumpsuits are women’s resort wear with a stylish, modern vibe, yet still provide the lightweight comfort you want as a beach wedding guest. Let your outfit shine by pairing it with simple beach earrings, women’s eyewear, and chunky heels.

Beach Wedding Do’s and Don’ts

beach wedding celebration

Don’t know what to wear to a tropical beach wedding? Check your invitation to see if there’s a dress code.

If there’s not, make sure to avoid wearing anything too casual, informal or impractical, like:

  • Swimsuit cover-ups
  • Shorts
  • Flip-flops
  • Stiletto heels
  • Hats
  • Jeans

Consider the weather, time of day, and venue to choose your perfect outfit!