Beautiful Beach Wedding Guest Dresses for a Seaside Celebration

One of the best parts of nuptials in the sun and sand is perusing beach wedding guest dresses to wear to the big day.

Bare toes in the sand.

Warm breeze in your hair.

And love in the air.

I just adore it!

One of my gorgeous nieces recently said, “I do” at our Fox family beach week in the sand near the shore. She didn’t want a big she-bang and it was relaxed perfect and a total blast.

Attending a beach wedding offers the perfect opportunity to embrace a seaside celebration’s relaxed and romantic vibe.

Whether you’re drawn to flowing maxi dresses, chic sundresses, or elegant but breezy gowns, the right beach wedding guest dress should reflect the serene and joyful atmosphere of the occasion.

In this guide, we’ll explore versatile styles and essential tips to help you choose a stunning outfit that complements the coastal backdrop and keeps you looking fabulous from the ceremony to the reception.

Maxi dress for my niece's beautiful beach wedding in Charleston

What to consider when it comes to beach wedding guest dresses

  • Consider the time of day and formality of the wedding when selecting a beach wedding guest dress.
  • Think about the dress code and dress accordingly – a beach wedding may call for a more casual, yet still stylish, outfit.
  • Don’t forget to check the weather forecast and choose a dress that’s suitable for the conditions.
  • Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton for a comfortable and stylish look.
  • Choose a dress that complements your skin tone and personal style. I had a dress my co-workers wanted me to order because the color was dynamite but I ended up going with another one because I wanted something flowy. Ya know, beachy.Beach wedding guest dresses - love this yellow maxi dress

I actually scored the above pictured yellow dress from my local GoodWill for a couple of bucks! It came originally from Express. I think it’s a fantastic color for a beach wedding and I love how it flows.

When wedding season rolls around it's all about the comfort, style and finding the right dress to wear

We made the wedding sign pictured above the day of my niece’s seaside ceremony. The beach house nearby had demoed their beach pier and they were tossing the wood. I grabbed it from the side of the road and my relative painted it. I’ve got other fun scrapwood ideas.

Beach Wedding Guest Dress Features

  • Look for maxi dresses with bold prints or vibrant colors to make a statement at a beach wedding and the best-dressed guest
  • Consider midi dresses with floral patterns or stripes for a stylish and breathable option.
  • Shop for dresses with halter necklines or one-shoulder designs for a touch of elegance.
  • Don’t forget to check out dresses with crinkled or embroidered details for added texture and interest.Whether a destination wedding or a quaint beach celebration, finding the right dress can make all the difference.A-line dresses and fit-and-flare styles are also great options for a beach wedding.

Wedding Guest Outfits for a Beach Wedding

  • Create a stylish and cohesive look by pairing a beach wedding guest dress with sandals or wedges. I’m also a big fan of just going barefoot – it’s the beach after all!
  • Add a statement piece of jewelry, like a bold necklace or earrings, to elevate your outfit.
  • Consider a lightweight scarf or shawl to add a pop of color and texture.
  • Don’t forget to bring a clutch or small bag to carry your essentials.
  • A beachy wave hairstyle and natural makeup look complete the perfect beach wedding guest outfit.
Flowy maxi dress along the beach water

Above pictured dress from Venus.

My niece has great fashion - love the bright colors

Seasonal Beach Wedding Guest Dresses

  • For a summer beach wedding, opt for bright and bold colors like coral, turquoise, or yellow.
  • For a spring or fall beach wedding, consider softer pastel shades or rich jewel tones.
  • Winter beach weddings call for deeper, richer colors like emerald green or navy blue.
  • Don’t forget to check the dress code and dress accordingly – some beach weddings may have a more formal dress code.
  • A beach wedding guest dress with a fun and playful print, like palm trees or flamingos, is perfect for a summer wedding.
Beach wedding guest dresses  - with my girls at the beach

Beach Wedding Guest Dress Styles

  • Maxi dresses are a great option for a beach wedding, as they’re comfortable and stylish.
  • Midi dresses are another popular choice, as they’re versatile and can be dressed up or down.
  • Long dresses are perfect for a more formal beach wedding, while shorter dresses are great for a casual affair.
  • Consider a dress with a high-low hem or a flowy, bohemian style for a unique and stylish look.
  • A-line dresses and fit-and-flare styles are also great options for a beach wedding.
Beach wedding guest dresses - I like the neck on this dress and the color reminds me of the sea

The green two-toned dress pictured above came from Big Hit.

Beach Wedding Guest Dress Etiquette

  • Make sure to dress according to the dress code and formality of the wedding.
  • Avoid upstaging the bride – choose a dress that’s stylish, yet not too flashy.
  • Consider the time of day and location of the wedding when selecting a dress.
  • Don’t forget to bring a gift for the happy couple – a thoughtful and personalized gift is always appreciated.
  • Be respectful of the wedding party and other guests – avoid loud or distracting behavior.
Beach wedding guest dresses

Beach Wedding Guest Dress Shopping Tips

  • Start shopping early to ensure you find the perfect dress.
  • Consider shopping online or in-store – both options have their advantages.
  • Don’t be afraid to try on different styles and sizes to find the perfect fit.
  • Read reviews and check the return policy before making a purchase.
  • Shop during sales or use coupons to get the best deal.
Beach wedding guest dresses  - this dress color makes me think of the sea

Beach Wedding Guest Dress Budget

  • Set a budget before starting your dress search – this will help you narrow your options.
  • Consider the cost of alterations, accessories, and shoes when calculating your budget.
  • Look for affordable options like high-street brands or second-hand stores.
  • Don’t forget to factor in the cost of travel and accommodations, if necessary.
  • A beach wedding guest dress can range from under $100 to over $1,000 – set a budget that works for you.
Maxi dress fashion - love it when I can find the right dress

Light blue dress I’m wearing in the pic above came from Lulu’s.

Beach Wedding Guest Dress Brands

  • Lilly Pulitzer is a popular choice for beach wedding guest dresses, offering a range of stylish and elegant options.
  • Other great brands include Reformation, Madewell, and J.Crew.
  • Consider shopping at local boutiques or specialty stores for unique and one-of-a-kind options.
  • Don’t forget to check out online retailers like ASOS and Net-a-Porter.
  • A beach wedding guest dress can be found at a range of price points – from affordable to luxury.
Maxi dress - with my sweet girl as the sun goes down walking along the sand

Wedding Guest Dresses: Tips for Different Body Types

  • For petite frames, consider a dress that creates a longer line, like a maxi dress or a dress with a high-low hem.
  • For curvy frames, look for a dress that accentuates your waist, like a fit-and-flare style or a dress with a defined waistline.
  • For tall frames, consider a dress that creates a balanced look, like a midi dress or a flowy skirt.
  • For hourglass frames, look for a dress that accentuates your curves, like a bodycon dress or a dress with a flared skirt.
  • A beach wedding guest dress should be comfortable and flattering – choose a style that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
The pink dress was a runner up to my niece's wedding but I decided to keep it anyway

Above pictured pink dress from Woosea online.

Love the neck on this with the one shoulder look. Also the bright blue and below the knee hem is classic

Beach Wedding Guest Dress Hair and Makeup

  • A beachy wave hairstyle is perfect for a beach wedding – use a texturizing spray and a curling iron to achieve the look.
  • Consider a natural makeup look, with a focus on enhancing your features rather than covering them up.
  • A bold lip color or a statement piece of jewelry can add a pop of color to your outfit.
  • Don’t forget to bring a hair tie or bobby pins to keep your hair out of your face.
  • A beach wedding guest dress is the perfect opportunity to try out a new hairstyle or makeup look – have fun and experiment!
The bright pink on this style is totally feminine and is designed to be as flattering as possible.

Here’s another pink one. This one would actually be a great dress for The Kentucky Derby.

Wedding season fun - With my favorite people in the sand after my niece's gorgeous wedding in Charleston

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect beach wedding guest dress is all about blending your style with the relaxed charm of a seaside celebration.

By selecting a dress that embraces the laid-back elegance of the beach setting—whether it’s a flowing maxi, a chic sundress, or an effortlessly sophisticated gown—you’ll not only look stunning but also feel comfortable and confident as you celebrate with the happy couple.

Remember to consider breathable fabrics, light colors, and versatile accessories that complement the natural beauty of the beach. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea while making a fashionable statement at the wedding.

With that, I hope you enjoy the celebration you’re attending and wish the lucky couple all the best!

Be the best dressed guest at the next wedding you attend with a dress that looks designed for you

Above pictured blue dress is a Betsey and Adam gown.

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