This post is all about the best beach wedding guest dresses.
The bride is not the only one who needs a beautiful dress for the wedding day. Okay fine . . . her dress may be a slightly bigger deal, but you still deserve to look your very best as a guest.
And, picking out the perfect dress is the first step to take. So, we have gathered all of the top beach wedding guest dresses including formal styles, tropical styles, and short dresses. Get ready to receive tons of complements on your new dress as you attend your summer weddings.
P.S. if you are planning on having a beach wedding yourself, then you may want to check out this list of 15 Lovely Beach Wedding Favors.
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What are the overall best beach wedding guest dresses?
Formal Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
1. Criss Cross Bosphorus Sage Dress
The criss cross detailing of the neckline makes this dress a stunning option. It is a more sophisticated look that still channels the classic summer sun dress style, which is the best of both worlds. And, to top it off it has an open back with an over-sized tie bow that makes the whole look even more fun.
How To Style:
- Chunky white or tan heels
- Small hand clutch
- Pulled back hairstyle
- Bold hoop earrings
2. Black Metallic One Shoulder Dress
A one shoulder dress is perfect for a formal beach wedding, it exudes glamor. The shimmery metallic adds a touch of elegance, while the one shoulder design shows some skin for the summer sun.
Typically, black dresses are not common for a beach wedding, but the gold detailing makes this one an exception. Plus, it has 50+ UPF Protection and Blocks 98% of UVA + UVB rays!
How To Style:
- Drop earrings or a slim gold bracelet
- Stylish strappy sandals in neutral or metallic shade
- Chic updo or loose waves for hair
3. Strapless Hattie Gown
Designed for a formal beach wedding guest, it seamlessly combines elegance with a breezy coastal vibe. This dress is a light green color and has padded underwire bust and Georgette fabric with tiered skirt. It has a flowy look to ensure graceful movement when you attend the wedding.
How To Style:
- Complete the look with nude or gold heels
- Accessorize with gold hoops and clasp necklace
- Pair with a clutch or gold chain purse
4. Gaia Dress
A silky dress is an undeniable beach wedding attire choice for female guests, offering a perfect blend of elegance and ocean-inspired charm. The flowing 100% polyester fabric has a draped neckline, side seam slit, and a blue hue that evokes a serene seaside ambiance.
How To Style:
- Pair with nude heels
- Choose a gold clutch
- Complete the look with pearl earrings
Tropical Wedding Guest Dresses
5. Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Baby pink is always a popular color choice, especially when it is a linen dress. The lightweight and breathable fabric of linen blend keeps you cool in the warm climate, while the off-the-shoulder design adds a touch of laid back elegance.
How To Style:
- Pair with neutral sandals
- Consider loose beach waves for your hairstyle
- Opt for wooden bangles or shell earrings
Related Post: 11 Beautiful Beach Wedding Hairstyles For Long Hair
6. Mina Midi Dress
The lively floral pattern adds a touch of freshness and tropical flair, while the side slit gives it some "spice".
A tropical dress like this one is an ideal choice whether you have a destination wedding or you are headed to your local beach, it aligns perfectly with the setting. Plus, the maxi length provides for both comfort and style.
How To Style:
- Pair with neutral sandals or strappy heels
- For hair add loose beach waves or a chic updo
- If needed a stylish lightweight shawl
- Accessorize with shell or pearl earrings
7. Tropical Maxi Dress
Dresses that have a vibrant floral print capture the lively spirit of the tropics. Also, the halter neckline adds a touch of sophistication.
Choosing a sleeveless design is a smart move for a beach setting. Definitely, a perfect choice for those attending a Caribbean beach wedding.
How To Style:
- Opt for flat or low-heeled sandals
- Accessorize with gold earrings and a delicate bracelet
- Choose a hairstyle that compliments the halter such as beachy waves or a loose braid
8. Hillary Dress
The Hillary dress is a charming choice for a tropical beach wedding. With the lovely floral pattern it gives a festive feel, while the dress’s design ensures both comfort and style.
These straps have cute trendy bow ties and the dress even has pockets! Overall, this dress is sure to be very flattering for a beachside setting.
How To Style:
- Pair it with wedges or heels
- Add stud earrings
- Style with a woven bag
9. Strapless Linen Maxi Dress
Linen dresses are ALWAYS a good idea, especially ones with a tropical inspired design. So, if you are headed to the Caribbean Islands for a destination wedding, then this laid back beachy maxi dress is a staple piece that you can dress up with a few pearls.
Warm island weather calls for flowy, strapless dresses!
How To Style:
- Pair it with wedges or heels
- Add subtle jewelry pieces
- Style with a woven bag
Short Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
10. Off the Shoulder Dress
If you are looking for a striking short beach wedding guest dress option, then this vibrant coral color and geometric pattern is a must. It adds a modern touch, while the off-the-shoulder design brings an element of elegance.
The tassels at the bottom make it fun, just do a little spin! Also, this material blocks up to 98% of the sun's rays with UPF 50+ sun protective material.
How To Style:
- Accessorize with dainty jewelry
- Add a simple clutch
- Pair with strappy nude sandals
11. Sky Blue Smocked Bodice Dress
Sometimes going with a more casual and comfy dress is the right choice. So, this sweet and whimsical dress may be the perfect short beach wedding guest dress for you.
Overall, the sky blue hue makes for a nice beachy vibe, while the smocked bodice adds a touch of texture. We love the flutter sleeve detailing, which brings a playful element to the ensemble making this a charming and beach-appropriate outfit.
How To Style:
- Pair with heels or nude sandals
- Accessorize with gold hoops
- Add a dainty necklace
- Style with a straw clutch bag
12. Best Bow Dress
If you have a Caribbean destination wedding this is a perfect option. The dainty floral pattern adds a playful and tropical touch, while the oversized bow creates a charming focal point.
We LOVE the light pink pumps paired with this outfit!
How To Style:
- Add loose curls for a beachy look
- Accessorize with dainty jewelry
- Light pink pumps
13. Jennie Ann Dress
Fun, casual, but still fancy - exactly what this dress is. The orange and pink color palette of this dress captures the essence of a beach celebration.
Sometimes going with a shorter length dress can add a playful touch. Plus, the tiered ruffles are so fun, which makes this a great short beach wedding guest dress!
How To Style:
- Complete the look with a woven bag
- Style with gold hoops and necklace
- Pair with neutral sandals or heels
14. Mikaela Floral Mini Dress
Going with a colorful mini dress is a festive and cheerful choice for a beach wedding guest. The bright hues and fun floral pattern evoke a sense of celebration, perfectly suited for the seaside setting.
How To Style:
- Pair with strappy heels
- Style with a mini basket bag
- Accessorize with drop earring and gold jewelry
15. Mini Baby Blue Floral Dress
Bonus: The light and airy design of this dress makes it ideal for summer weather!
How To Style:
- Pair with heels or wedges
- Accessorize with simple jewelry
- Style your hair in a slicked back bun
What are beach wedding guest dresses?
Exactly what it sounds like . . . dresses that female guests can wear when attending a beach wedding. Typically, a beach wedding takes place in the summer months, so these dresses are normally strapless, sleeveless, light-weight, and colorful. Depending on the wedding, you may choose to go with a more formal, yet tropical dress or if it is a laid-back scene you may choose to go with a shorter dress option.
What should you look for in a beach wedding guest dress?
Most importantly you should always go with the dress option that you feel most comfortable in. Weddings are long events and the last thing you want to be is uncomfortable.
Once you check that box, then I always recommend going with a fun, bright dress design that makes you wander out of your typical style choices. After all, summertime calls for bright and bold designs that make you feel good!
FAQ
Can you wear black to a beach wedding as a guest?
Typically, you should avoid black attire for a beach wedding. However, if it takes place later in the evening and everyone is asked to dress formally, then there can potentially be an exception. For example, the one shoulder black metallic dress listed above is ideal for a more sophisticated evening look.
What is the best color to wear to a beach wedding?
When in doubt always go for a bright, colorful attire option. Beach weddings typically take place in the summer months, so embracing the summer color palette and tropical prints is always best. For example, you can go with floral prints and tropical colors including pinks, oranges, blues, yellows, and reds. If you are looking for a more in depth break down of colors to wear, then check out this article - The Best Colors to Wear to A Beach Wedding.
How should I wear my hair to a beach wedding?
Styling your hair comes second to choosing your attire because it depends on the style of your dress. If you are wearing a flowy loose dress you may want to go with loose beach waves. But, if you are wearing a more formal, form fitting dress, then a slick back bun or ponytail is more appropriate. If you are looking for a beach braid hairstyle, then check out this list of 17 Stunning Beach Braid Hairstyles 2024.
This post is all about the best beach wedding guest dresses.
Co-Writer: Camryn Marks
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