Attending a beach wedding can be an unforgettable experience, with the sound of crashing waves creating the perfect backdrop for celebrating. However, deciding what to wear as a guest can often be a challenge. With the unique setting of a beach wedding in mind, it’s important to balance style and comfort, while also honoring any specific dress code requirements. Whether you’re looking for elegant yet breezy attire or seeking inspiration for incorporating coastal elements into your outfit, I’ve got you covered with this guide on what to wear to a beach wedding as a guest.

Beach Wedding Outfits

Beach wedding outfits should be chosen based on the formality of the event, just like any other wedding. However there are a few differences to consider when it comes to dress code such as time of year and location. Will it be an outdoor event or is it indoors by the water? And color is another big factor to consider. Save the little black dresses for more traditional weddings or black tie optional attire, and go for a fun color or print for beach weddings. Keep the overall feel light and fun by adding some classy beach inspired accessories like a straw clutch, and raffia heels or wedge sandals.

What to Wear to a Beach Wedding As A Guest

Floral Linen Dress

A linen dress is very appropriate for a beach destination wedding. The light and breathable fabric works well in the summer heat. The matte texture of natural linen also contrasts beautifully with other natural fabrics such as cane and raffia. Add a shimmer with simple gold jewelry. For a more casual beach wedding, swap out the heels for sandals. The result is effortless chic.

 

Light and Airy Jumpsuit

A jumpsuit is a fun alternative to a wearing dress. A beach wedding sets the perfect tone for wearing a jumpsuit since it’s not quite as formal as a dress, and leans into the more casual vibe of a beach wedding. Having said that, you can opt for a formal jumpsuit by choosing lace or silk fabric. For a more laid back wedding, a nice cotton, linen, or jacquard fabric is a classy choice when paired with statement jewelry. Add a raffia bag and wedge heels for easy summer style.

 

Beach Wedding Outfits For Men

Light and breathable fabrics like linen and cotton are key to staying comfortable at a beach wedding. Depending on the formality of the event, you can choose to wear tailored shorts or pants for the occasion. Keep in mind that shorts will be more casual than a pair of pants. Either way, it’s important to dress comfortably to stay cool.

 

 

What To Wear To A Beach Wedding: Classic Midi Dress

A midi dress is an elegant outfit idea for a beach wedding. This style will help keep your legs covered from the sun (if the festivities are outdoors), and is a great way to blend between more formal and more casual occasions. You can dress this up with statement gold earrings, neutral low-heel sandals, and a clutch bag for chic summer style. Alternatively you can add more casual accessories like raffia wedge heels (for half sizes- take the next size up in this style) and raffia earrings for more coastal vibes. Opt for a plain maxi dress for timeless minimal style, or a printed midi dress like this lemon print dress for a fun feminine look. You can never go wrong with a midi dress!

 

 

 

Chic Romper- MS

What to wear to a destination wedding in Italy? A Marta Scarampi romper of course! This pink striped romper, made from a linen and cotton blend is the epitome of chic Italian style. This one actually comes in 4 color-ways! No matter where your beach wedding is, a romper is a great outfit to wear to a daytime wedding. Style this with classic espadrilles for a true European look, and grab yourself an Aperol spritz to cheers the couple!

 

 

 

What Shoes To Wear To A Beach Wedding

Beach weddings are generally more laid back than traditional weddings. However it’s important to consider whether the wedding will be held outdoors on the beach, in a grassy field, or indoors by the water. Generally speaking, you can wear more comfortable shoes to a beach wedding and do not have to wear high heels. Choosing footwear that is comfortable and stable, yet stylish, is essential if you will be outdoors. That means wedge heels, block heels, espadrilles, flat dress shoes, and leather mules. Indoors weddings can certainly wear these as well, but heels will also be an option for you. Opt for neutral color shoes such as tan, silver, or gold shoes for the most versatile options. These patent heels pictured above are a great shoe to add to your closet. The heel height is perfect for a variety of settings and the color is neutral enough to go with everything (you can take 15% off any Inez shoe style with code TARAFHM15):

 

 

Mens Shoes- Boat Shoes or Loafers

Men will want to wear boat shoes or loafers, and leave the more formal shoes at home. These lighter and more flexible fabrics will keep him comfortable and blend more easily with the elements. Plus easy on, easy off shoes might be needed if you will be walking on sandy ground.

 

Wide-brimmed Straw Hats For Outdoors

The easiest way to look elegant while shielding yourself from the sun, is to wear a straw hat. Wide-brimmed straw hats will keep you protected while elevating your look. There are lots of hat options out there with UPF fabrics that will block the suns harmful UV rays. For more formal outdoor weddings by the beach, choose a wide-brimmed hat for extra drama. For a more reserved look, a classic boat hat or straw bucket hat is perfect!

 

Shell Jewelry

Add some coastal charm to your beach wedding outfit by wearing with some sea inspired jewelry. You can go as cute or as elegant a you like. It’s best to match your accessories to the formality of the event. To cover any and all occasions, stick with simple jewelry like these sand dollar earrings or both made from 18K gold plated brass.

 

 

Cover-Up Options

A lightweight scarf is an essential cover-up option for cooler evenings at a beach wedding. Sometimes the ocean breeze can get chilly. It’s great to have a neutral lightweight scarf or shawl on-hand for any summer evening events. Even restaurants can be cold in the summer. Choosing a neutral such as white or tan will be all you need to style with your summer wardrobe. If you have a special dress or outfit you are wearing to a wedding, you can match your cover-up to your outfit. A black wrap is fine too but just keep in mind that summer colors are generally lighter. When choosing cover-up options for summer, stick to lighter fabrics like cotton, linen, or a cashmere blend. Save your heavier wool wraps for winter.

 

 

When attending a beach wedding, it is important to strike the perfect balance between style and comfort. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics in light colors or floral patterns to stay cool while looking chic. Remember to choose appropriate footwear that can easily navigate sandy terrain if needed, while still complementing your outfit. And finally, you can dress more relaxed if the dress code calls for it. By following these tips, you can be sure that you are dressed appropriately for a beach wedding and ready to celebrate this special day in style.

You may also be interested in reading my post on How to Style a Straw Bag.