Best Dressed Guest: How to Dress for a Beach Wedding

Spectacular settings, low cost, easy vibe…Beach weddings were popular well before Covid-19. But now with so many indoor event options not an option, many brides are giving the great outdoors a second look. With plenty of room for social distancing and lots of fresh air, it checks many of the boxes of visiting guests. If one of these lucky guests is you, remember a few rules.

First off, your shoes…literally in many cases. Because you’ll be navigating on sand, going barefoot may be permitted, just be sure to check the B&G’s dress code first. That said, sand can get uncomfortably hot in the sun, so wearing something glamorously flat and sand-friendly may be the best way to go.

Second, we never met a beach that didn’t come with an ocean breeze. So in choosing a gown, long & flowy or tapered & tailored are your best bets (or risk the dreaded “skirt lift”).

Last, let’s talk accessories. You’re going to be outside, so take this as your inspiration! Skip the heavy jewelry and dark handbags and go for lighter and brighter. Here’s some of our favorite inspirations…

Boston Proper, Strapless Embroidered Lace Dress $169.50

Here’s a great way to wear a shorter dress. This gorgeous embroidered beauty hits just above the knee with the right amount of fit so you’re skirt shouldn’t go flying. Plus we adore the touch of lace and gold sequins that elevate the look, making it a great choice for a beachy-meets-lux vibe.

This sweet number deserves some great styling. Ankle strap sandals by Tory Burch will keep you on solid ground, while the perforated flower design echos the dress’s embroidery. Keep the flower power going with Aurate NY’s absolutely adorable 14k Gold Flower earrings (they have a longer version as well if you’re looking for a little more punch). And what’s a garden without a little green? Green handbags are heavily trending right now, along with chunky chains. This cactus green cutie by Marc Jacobs gives you both in a just-right size purse that can be worn on the shoulder or cross body style. Round out this ensemble with Linda Farrow’s large rimmed sunglasses, and keep your mask a pretty, but simple solid (we love this dusty rose one from Posh Mask).

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Boston Proper, Ombre Asymmetrical Dress $119.50

Beachy blue meets cool aqua in this amazing ombré piece. The asymmetrical side will show off a little leg but because the cut on the short side falls a little below the knee, you’ll get some billow from the breeze without the worry of showing more than you’d like. With adjustable spaghetti straps, you can easily tailor it to cover your strapless bra underneath (nice bonus). This dress is comfortable to move in while still showing off your lovely silhouette.

Styling this cool blue customer, we went for complementary sleek silver accessories. A beach-friendly Edelman thong sandal, an easy-carry wristlet by Alexander McQueen, and a statement bracelet worthy of Diana Prince. Large frame Ray-Bans help protect your peepers while Everlane’s cheeky “100% Human” mask adds some fun in blue tie dye.

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Saloni, Lana Silk V-Neck Floral Ruffled Dress $576

Ruffles and florals are a perfect complement in this long dress by Saloni. And because it’s 100% silk, you’ll be breathing easy under the outdoor sun. Extra wide straps make it super bra-friendly as well.

When styling this, we came across these equally colorful and complementary crystal embellished sandals by Yellow Box. Frosty pink cat-eye sunglasses from Zenni add pastel sun protection. Add G-Lish’s beaded clutch, a fantastic lace-over-satin face mask, and Sphera Milano’s shell necklace, and you’re ready to go!

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J. McLaughlin, Rebekka Jumpsuit in Parotta $248

Sometimes the best dress to wear to a breezy beach isn’t a dress at all. This wide leg jumpsuit with it’s bright but sophisticated tropical pattern strikes the ideal note between comfort and chic. And bonus – you’ve got generous pockets in the front!

Styling this beauty is all about enhancing the classic silhouette. Sometimes people get intimidated about accessorizing a jumpsuit. We like to say, think of what you love to wear with your favorite maxi dress and go from there. Voila! Gorgeous butterfly glasses by Miu Miu and a flowery necklace from Eye Candy Los Angeles add some flirt and pair well with an organic straw bucket bag by Aranaz. Finish things up with a bright colored mask from ShopVida and some sturdy sandals by Saint Laurent.

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Eliza J, Floral Print Halter Maxi Dress Plus $44.98

Peachy blush meets cornflower blue in this sweet halter style maxi dress from Eliza J. The built in nipped waist showcases your hourglass curves and the length is just perfect for billowing breezes.

For styling this pastel pretty, we recommend some fun, sparkly sandals, like these we found from David’s Bridal. Then add some natural pearl earrings. Baublebar has a fab pair in an eye-catching hoop. Last, we pull from the print of the dress with a lovely lavender mask from Posh Mask and some blue and pink sunnies from Fendi.

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Looking for more guest dress ideas? Check out our Editors curation of Wedding Reception Cocktail Dresses

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