What to Wear to a Beach Wedding

Attending a beach wedding can be an unforgettable experience. There’s nothing like gathering with friends and family with the ocean as your backdrop and that relaxed, coastal vibe in the air. But figuring out what to wear to a beach wedding as a guest isn’t always easy. You want something that feels stylish, appropriate, and comfortable, all at the same time. I’ve been there, and I know how easy it is to second-guess your outfit, especially when the dress code isn’t totally clear. That’s exactly why I put together this guide on what to wear to a beach wedding as a guest. These outfit ideas work for every level of formality, whether you’re heading to a casual ceremony on the sand or a more polished celebration by the coast.

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. Here a few beautiful linen dresses that are perfect for a beach wedding:

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 (similar here) 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.

 

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 the one I’m wearing above for a fun feminine look. You can never go wrong with a midi dress!

 

Chic Romper

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!

Formal Beach Wedding Outfit

For a more formal beach wedding, you can still keep things relaxed while leaning into a dressier look. I love the idea of a cotton dress with dramatic ruffles. It’s breathable and easy to wear in warm weather, but the ruffles give it that little extra something that makes it feel special.

Style it with a simple heeled sandal or a dressy flat (depending on where the wedding is), a pretty clutch, and some statement earrings. Soft colors or sun-washed tones work beautifully for the setting and still feel elevated.

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. Here are some great shoes to wear to a beach wedding:

• Wedge Heels – Perfect for adding height while staying stable on sandy or uneven surfaces. I love these wedges for their comfort and style..
• Block Heels – A great alternative to stilettos, providing comfort without sacrificing elegance. I have two favorite block heels I wear all the time. This pair is a bit more casual because of the chunkier heel, and this pair of block heels feels a little more elevated (you can take 15% off with SF-TARA-15 -I have them in Sand and Gold- ).
• Espadrilles – These are perfect for the beach vibe, with their light and breathable design. These classic espadrilles are my most worn pair, but I also love this crochet style for something a bit dressier.
• Flat Dress Shoes – Opt for elegant flats if you’re looking for a comfortable, chic alternative to heels. This neutral pair has a gold strap which makes it a bit dressier.
• Leather Mules – A polished and comfortable option for an indoor beach wedding or a more formal coastal celebration. These mules have a nice low heel and come in several color options.

For indoor beach weddings, heels are also an option. Just be sure to choose something with a stable base like a block heel or heels with an ankle strap. Opt for neutral color shoes such as tan, silver, or gold for versatility. These 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 TARA15SPRING25):

 

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.

When dressing for a beach wedding, comfort and breathability are just as important as looking polished. Lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton, or cotton-linen blends are ideal, as they will help you stay cool in the heat while still looking appropriate for the occasion.

The formality of the wedding will determine whether tailored shorts or lightweight trousers are more suitable.

• For a casual or semi-formal beach wedding, a crisp pair of tailored shorts paired with a button-down shirt (rolled sleeves optional) can look effortlessly stylish.
• For a more formal ceremony, opt for linen or lightweight cotton trousers and a relaxed sport coat or unstructured blazer.
• Stick to light or neutral colors like beige, soft blue, white, or pale gray, which not only feel beachy but also reflect heat. And don’t forget to tuck in your shirt if the dress code leans dressier. It’s a small touch that instantly elevates the look.

Mens Wedding Shoes- Boat Shoes or Loafers

For a beach wedding, men can skip the overly formal shoes and go for something more comfortable and versatile. Boat shoes and loafers are great options that blend style with practicality.

• Boat Shoes – These shoes are perfect for outdoor beach weddings. The flexible material and non-slip soles make them ideal for walking on sandy ground or grassy areas, and they still give off a polished, put-together look.

• Loafers – A classic loafer, especially in lighter fabrics like suede or linen, can elevate a look without feeling too formal. They’re a great choice for both outdoor and indoor beach weddings, offering comfort with a touch of sophistication.

These easy-on, easy-off shoes are perfect if you want to kick them off and walk barefoot in the sand for photos or during the ceremony. Stick with neutral shades like navy, tan, or grey for the most versatility. Pair them with linen pants or a light suit to keep the vibe relaxed but refined.

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!

I’m wearing this straw bucket hat that’s versatile enough for both casual and dressy summer occasions (plus you can take 10% off sitewide with TaraT10).

 

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 this shell charm.

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.