Beach wedding guest dresses: what to wear and what to avoid
What to wear to a beach wedding as a guest: fabrics, colors, shoes that do not sink in sand, wind-proof tips and what to avoid.
The short answer
Wear a lined, flowy midi or maxi in a color that is not white, ivory or cream. Choose flat sandals, wedges or block heels, and bring a wrap for the evening breeze.
- Avoid stilettos, heavy fabrics and long trains that drag in the sand.
For a beach wedding, wear a flowy midi or maxi dress in a light fabric and a color that is not white, with flat sandals, wedges or block heels that will not sink into sand. Bring a wrap, because the sea breeze gets cool in the evening.
Fabrics and cuts
- Chiffon, georgette and cotton voile: light, flowing and cool
- Lined fabrics: the wind and sunlight can make thin fabric sheer
- Wrap, A-line and maxi cuts: comfortable and elegant in the wind
- Midi hems: long enough to look dressy, short enough to stay out of the sand
Colors for the beach
- Coral, melon, tangerine and bright pink
- Turquoise, aqua and sea-glass green
- Soft florals and tropical prints
- Pastels such as lavender, sage and powder blue
Avoid white, ivory and cream, even if the couple is wearing a short dress on the sand.
Shoes
- Flat sandals or dressy slides
- Wedges or a block heel for boardwalks
- Barefoot sandals for the ceremony, if the couple encourages it
- Avoid stilettos, which sink in sand
Practical tips
- Wear sunscreen and bring sunglasses
- Choose a hairstyle that survives wind, like a low bun, a braid or a loose knot
- Bring a wrap or light jacket for the evening
- Pack a small bag with blotting papers, a lip balm and a spare pair of flats
- Choose jewelry that will not tarnish in salt air or snag in the wind
What to avoid
- White, ivory and cream
- Long trains that drag in the sand
- Very short dresses that blow around in the wind
- Heavy fabrics in the heat
For more, see summer wedding guest dresses, what to wear to a wedding and wedding guest dresses. The Wedding Guest Edit includes a destination-weekend packing list and formulas for every dress code.
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Questions people ask about this
What should I wear to a beach wedding as a guest?
A flowy, lined midi or maxi dress in a color that is not white, with flat sandals, wedges or block heels, and a wrap for the evening.
Can I wear a short dress to a beach wedding?
A knee-length dress is fine if the dress code allows it, but the wind can blow short skirts around, so a midi is often easier.
What shoes are best for a beach wedding?
Flat sandals, wedges or block heels. Avoid stilettos, which sink in sand, and consider carrying dressy flats for the reception.
What colors should I avoid at a beach wedding?
White, ivory and cream, which can look bridal against the sand. Bright and pastel shades look great against the sea.
