What to Wear to a Beach Wedding

Article published at: May 23, 2025 Article tag: Bridal
What to Wear to a Beach Wedding
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Weddings are typically held at sophisticated venues and call for a black-tie dress code. However, a beach wedding throws this tradition out to sea (literally). Instead of ironing your suit and polishing your loafers, you’ll need to bring out sunscreen and sunglasses.

A beach wedding is a romantic way for the couple to let their wild and convention-defying personalities shine through. However, there’s no denying that knowing what to wear to a beach wedding can be tricky. If you’re wondering “What is dressy casual for a beach wedding?” or need some styling tips, we have your back.

Today, we’ll share our favorite beach wedding outfit ideas below to help you style the perfect beach-ready look. We’ve made sure to include outfit ideas for both ladies and gents, and we’ll also share some styling tips that’ll ensure you look (and feel) your best. 

Are Beach Weddings More Casual Ceremonies?

While the dress code for a beach wedding tends to be dressy casual (or regular-casual), some beach weddings can still be elaborate ceremonies that just happen to take place on the beach. You may see very extravagant wedding dresses, sophisticated decor, luxurious meals, and floor-length bridesmaid dresses despite the beach backdrop. 

Some beach weddings may even take place at a venue on the beach, so you get the elegance of a formal wedding dinner with the laid-back vibe of a beach wedding.

What to Wear to a Beach Wedding: Beach Wedding Attire for Women

Beach wedding women’s attire typically allows more room for flexibility than other ceremonies. Most beach weddings stick to dressy casual or semi-casual wear, sometimes going with a summer cocktail attire dress code. With this in mind, here are some great beach wedding outfit ideas for guests:

Maxi-Length Dress

A breezy maxi dress won’t just keep you comfortable and cool under the hot summer sun; it’ll also accentuate your natural features and perfectly capture that boho, relaxed feel a beach wedding is all about. 

Maxi-length dresses come in a wide array of styles, though you generally want to opt for breathable materials such as linen, rayon, and chiffon. You should also pick a dress color that suits the wedding theme and flatters your skin undertones. Below, we’ll provide more insight into how to pick the perfect color for a beach wedding, so don’t fret if you’re still struggling with the nuances. 

As well as the material and color, you should also consider the dress’s neckline and silhouette. Different necklines and silhouettes suit different body shapes, but you can’t go wrong with an A-line silhouette and a V-neckline. This combo is universally flattering and is perfect for a beach occasion. 

If you want to add a touch more sophistication, elevate your look with a halter maxi dress; Sherri Hill’s latest collection has plenty of options. Pair with a luxurious matching clutch bag. 

Midi-Length Dress 

If the dress code leans more casual, you can definitely get away with a midi-length dress! Midi dresses are slightly shorter than maxi-length dresses, with most falling just below (or in line with) the knee. This length flatters all body types and conveys a feminine, fun vibe — apt for a beach wedding.

Just like maxi dresses, midi dresses come in a wide array of designs, so you’re sure to find an option that suits the occasion and your features

Don’t be afraid to play around with textures here, too. For example, a midi dress with ruffled sleeves is totally gorgeous and adds dimension to your outfit. And a fun perk? Textures like ruffles can even help capture the ebbing and flowing feel of waves!

Jumpsuit

Many guests choose to wear dresses to beach weddings. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t defy conventions (provided the dress code allows it). A jumpsuit is a stunning statement piece that’ll convey your rebellious side without taking the spotlight away from the bride.

A jumpsuit with an open back will help keep you cool at the beach, and it even has a chic, modern vibe. You can dress the look up effortlessly with a clutch bag or keep it casual with sunglasses and your favorite strappy sandals. 

If the beach wedding leans formal, stick to neutral colors and consider a jumpsuit with sophisticated beaded embellishments. Check out our guide for more ideas on what to wear to formal weddings; you can easily add beachy twists to most of our ideas!

Blouse and Skirt Combo

A breathable blouse paired with a flowy skirt is a gorgeous (and practical) combo for a beach wedding. While you’ll no doubt look effortless and sophisticated in any skirt you wear, stick to knee-length or below to keep it wedding-appropriate.  

A patterned, floral skirt can work perfectly for a laid-back summer beach wedding, but just make sure to avoid the color white. You should also ensure the skirt’s color palette doesn’t clash with the wedding party colors.

What to Wear to a Beach Wedding: Beach Wedding Attire for Men 

Next up are some stunning beach wedding outfits for men! While you can’t go wrong with these outfits, don’t be afraid to bring in your own personal flair, whether through accessories or colors. This will let you feel your best and be confident in what you’re wearing!

  • Button-down shirt with slacks and a pair of smart chinos

  • Buttoned linen shirt with a lightweight suit blazer 

  • Cotton short-sleeved shirt with tailored shorts; neutral hues 

  • Linen oxford shirt with a patterned bow tie

  • A light-colored, breathable three-piece suit for formal occasions 

When going over ideas for what to wear to a beach wedding for men, keep the dress code and comfort for the day in mind for the best results.

Beach Wedding Styling Considerations 

There are a few factors to consider when styling your beach wedding attire, including:

  • Dress Code: As a wedding guest, you should familiarize yourself with the wedding dress code. Most beach weddings have a semi-casual dress code in place, but there are always exceptions, and some lean more formal. The dress code should be detailed in your wedding invitation. 

  • Comfort: Always prioritize comfort when styling your outfit. Feeling relaxed and at ease in what you’re wearing will allow your confidence to shine. 

  • Weather: Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather — check the weather forecast in advance! If you’ll be out under the sun for the whole event, pack SPF and use protective gear like sunglasses. 

  • Shoes: While casual sandals are typically a no-go, dressy sandals or block heels work well for most beach wedding events.

Accessorizing for a Beach Wedding

Great accessories that are protective and stylish include sunglasses, sun hats, linen blazers, and sun-blocking, elbow-length gloves. However, be mindful of the wedding dress code. A sunhat works great at a beach wedding with a semi-casual feel, but if the wedding still has a formal dress code, you’ll want to give the sunhat a miss and pack on the SPF instead.

Another accessory that’s sure to help complete your look is a sophisticated clutch bag. A straw-woven clutch is a beach staple that can withstand sand, heat, and sea salt. You can even find straw clutch bags that feature gorgeous patterns, which can help elevate your look for a formal beach wedding.

Jewelry, such as pendant necklaces, can also help finish off your outfit. However, leave your finest pieces at home. A beach wedding means a whole lot of wind and abrasive sand, all of which may damage jewelry or make it impossible to find if you accidentally drop it.

What to Wear to a Formal Beach Wedding

While most beach wedding dress codes tend to run more casual, a formal beach wedding isn’t unheard of, and luckily, the above tips can be adapted for more formal beach wedding attire. You’ll want to go with longer skirts, more muted prints, minimalist accessories, and don’t forget the sunscreen. 

Are There Colors to Avoid at Beach Weddings?

Like with any wedding, you’ll want to avoid colors worn by the couple getting married, and if you’re a guest, you may want to avoid wedding party colors as well. You should also be mindful of light pastel hues since these can get washed out and appear as white in photography.

When thinking about what to wear for a beach wedding, specifically, black may appear a little severe against the soft backdrop.  

Consider choosing colors that flatter your natural skin undertones since you’ll be in the natural light. If you have warm undertones, opt for earthy hues like amber or beige, while if you have cool undertones, pink and blue will flatter you beautifully.

When in doubt, make sure to reach out to the couple with any queries or concerns about the dress code. Just be mindful to ask in advance and not the day before the wedding!

What to Wear to a Winter Beach Wedding

Winter beach weddings that take place in cold-weather climates tend to be pretty rare, but they’re not impossible. For this type of beach wedding, you’ll want to match breezy fabrics with layers that keep you warm and move with you. Details like long sleeves, tights, or opera gloves can help you maximize warmth. 

What to wear to a fall beach wedding is similar; layer appropriately and consider a color palette appropriate for the fall season if it’s not already claimed by the wedding party.

Sun, Sand, and Wedding Bells: Understanding What to Wear at a Beach Wedding

A beach wedding is buckets of fun, but don’t get too swept away by the laidback vibes. Be mindful of the dress code, familiarize yourself with wedding etiquette, and take measures to protect yourself from the heat.

Most importantly, make sure the outfit you pick brings out your confidence and complements your features. Check out Sherri Hill’s 2026 collection for beach wedding guest look inspo!