The 20 Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses of 2024

If you were invited to a beach wedding this year, consider yourself lucky. There’s something about the salty air and the crashing ocean waves that feels a little extra special. As a wedding guest, you might feel a bit lost on what to wear. Logistically, stilettos don’t work in the sand, and a sweeping formal gown might feel out of place. But at the same time, you don’t want to lean too casual.

The first step to deciding what to wear as a guest is to know the dress code. Beach weddings are typically more casual, so wearing a fun print, a bright color, and a shorter hemline will do. If you’re looking for a formal dress, opt for a slightly longer dress or a jumpsuit and look for solid, lighter colors. To help you find the perfect outfit for your upcoming coastal event, we’ve researched and selected the best options with these features in mind. We made our final selection based on design, size range, materials, and overall quality.

Our Top Picks

If you’ve been invited to a semi-formal or cocktail beach celebration, this Cult Gaia mini is the perfect wedding guest dress option. “The Bethanie is a stunning dress that features pleated satin, a halter-style neckline, and an open back,” says Corinne Pierre-Louis, Brides Senior Fashion Editor. “Style yours with a pair of platform sandals, hoop earrings, and a gold clutch for the ultimate wedding guest look.”

Size Range: XS–XL | Material: Polyester | Length: Mini

How gorgeous would this pretty pink dress look in a tropical destination wedding locale? We love the vibrant shade, gemstone details, and subtle ruching at the waist.

Size Range: XS–XL | Material: Polyester | Length: Midi

The unexpected fringe detailing on this V. Chapman dress is what makes it stand out. The soft ruching, tiered ruffles, and bow details also provide a romantic and chic vibe. Available in several vibrant colors, you’ll be able to wear this again and again.

Size Range: 0–14 | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Length: Midi

We love this silky slip dress, which comes in a stunning hot pink hue or pretty floral print. The spaghetti straps and the airy fabric make it the perfect piece for a warm and sunny day on the sand.

Size Range: 0–12 | Materials: Silk charmeuse | Length: Midi

Bustier cups, delicate straps, and a gorgeous lace design make this dress both eye-catching and feminine. We love the bright lilac shade that feels ideal for a spring or summer wedding.

Size Range: 0–10 | Materials: Polyester, nylon, cotton | Length: Midi

This pretty light blue dress gives off the essence of the sea, and we love it for a black-tie event by the water. It features beautiful crepe satin fabric with a plunging V-neckline and jaw-dropping cutouts that will make a statement.

Size Range: 2-12 | Materials: Crepe satin fabric | Length: Floor-length

Featuring a square neckline with intricate strappy detailing, this dress feels utterly modern yet romantic. The textured fabric makes it a little bold, while the gorgeous lilac shade makes it sweet.

Size Range: XXS–XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Length: Maxi

This flowy maxi dress is versatile enough to be dressed up for a wedding, and the stunning emerald green hue is also perfect for most seaside “I dos.” We especially love the wrapped bow detail and the cascading floral patterns.

Size Range: XXS–XL | Material: Polyester | Length: Floor

The minimalist design of this one-shoulder dress makes it look sleek and streamlined. It comes in a wide variety of hues, so the options are limitless for a variety of formalities and venues.

Size Range: 0–16 | Materials: Satin charmeuse | Length: Midi

The fiery red color and a subtle cutout just under the bust give this jumpsuit a little bit of sex appeal. We also love the flattering halter neckline and wide-leg shape that’s both breathable and fashion-forward.

Size Range: XS–L | Materials: Cotton, elastane | Length: Calf

Between the vibrant blue and orange hues and the tropical floral print, this one-shoulder midi could not be more perfect for a semi-formal or formal beach wedding. We especially love the sexy side cutout. Pair it with an updo to show off the details.

Size Range: 2-14 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi

Feel and look like a mermaid in this seafoam green mini that features a daring asymmetrical ruffled hemline. We also love the sweeping neckline and ultrathin straps. Pair it with simple accessories to let the dress do the talking.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini

The peachy color makes this dress look like it was made for a summer night or day. The tulip skirt keeps the silhouette from being too simple, while the deep-V neckline and comfortable fit create a body-skimming finish.

Size Range: XXS–XXL | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Length: Midi

The back of this dress is the real star of the show, and the multicolor straps give this look a nautical feel. We love this dress for a casual wedding, a rehearsal dinner, or any laid-back affair.

Size Range: XXS–XL | Material: Polyester | Length: Mini

The electric rouge red color of this dress could not be more fitting for a spring or summer ceremony, especially when it’s by the beach. We love the tight crepe fit, the flattering ruching in the front, and the subtle back slit for a bit of sexy flair.

Size Range: XXS–XXL | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Length: Knee

Beach weddings tend to be more casual by nature, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be formal. For an event that calls for a more dressed-up look, opt for this maxi. The color is beautiful, the mermaid-style skirt is glamorous, and the open back is a nice touch.

Size Range: XXS–3X | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Length: Floor

Simple and sophisticated, this maxi dress comes in a color appropriately called “sea glass.” Between the crisscross back, the halter neckline, and the slit, it would be a great choice for formal and semi-formal dress codes.

Size Range: XS–3X | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Length: Floor

Laid-back halter necklines are ideal for beachy attire, but that’s not all we love about this dress. Crafted from breathable rayon, it flaunts an open back, flirty side cutouts, a flowy skirt, and an adjustable drawstring waist to ensure a perfect fit.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Rayon | Length: Maxi

Stand out from the crowd with this vibrant, eye-catching dress from Farm Rio. The color-blocked dress has knot details at the shoulders, a deep V at the neck and back, and a ruffled hem. The tiered skirt gives this colorful sleeveless dress an effortless feel. It’s finished with a concealed zipper at the side for a polished look that’s perfect for the beach.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Cotton | Length: Midi

Available in two floral prints as well as bright red, this romantic dress from Reformation was made for the beach. It’s fitted throughout and features simple tie straps, a bustier bodice, and a sweetheart neckline. Finish the look with strappy sandals and chunky hoops.

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Viscose | Length: Midi

What to Look for in a Beach Wedding Guest Dress

• Fit and Comfort: When searching for the perfect wedding guest dress to wear to a beach wedding, find a look that feels a bit more casual than what you might wear to a formal or semi-formal affair. If the beach wedding is taking place during extra warm temperatures, opt for a dress that’s light, airy, and comfortable, especially if the ceremony and reception are outside. While you can go for a more casual look, keep the wedding’s dress code in mind (if you’re not sure, ask!).
• Color and Material: For a more formal beach wedding, choose wedding guest dresses in solid bright colors, and for something less formal, feel free to look for patterns or even a jumpsuit. Flowy maxi dresses, bright cocktail dresses, and even a fun mini dress can be great wedding guest dresses for beach nuptials. While black might be a guest dress color staple for most weddings, try to avoid it for seaside nuptials. Instead, go for vibrant colors like coral, turquoise, purple, or pink. In terms of fabric, look for wedding guest pieces that are breathable and light, especially if it’s a hot summer day. Lightweight, breathable fabrics, like linen and cotton, are great options.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Jessica Booth is a freelance writer and formerly served as an editor for seven years. Her work has been featured in Bustle, Insider, Redbook, and Refinery29. Theresa Holland, a commerce writer specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and travel, did additional research and product selections.