Traditional weddings call for a fairly formal dress code. However, when it comes to beach wedding guest dresses, the rules change a bit. A beach wedding is far more casual and you have your guests’ comfort to consider. Conversely, it’s natural for brides to want to control the dress code to some extent in order to maintain the spirit of their wedding theme and facilitate a great photo album.
Leaving your guests to their own devices will result in drastic variations in attire. Setting a strict dress code will leave them feeling emotionally and physically uncomfortable. Full gowns, heavy fabrics, and dark colors are off the table. But, that’s not going to be a hurdle. You can still create a theme-friendly sense of cohesion with matching colors, matching silhouettes, or similar prints and patterns.
Whatever your vision, the examples and advice you will find below will help you strike that perfect balance between comfort and theme for your beach wedding guest dresses.
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Brides Often Ask
What do you wear to a beach wedding as a guest?
All variations of styles are acceptable at beach weddings. Short skirts, long dresses, and even jumpsuits have a home on the sand. Solid colors are popular, and it’s always a good idea to suggest light, breathable fabrics like khaki, linen, or the increasingly popular seersucker. It’s highly recommended that guests dress in layers to better deal with the weather as it changes throughout the day.
What should an older woman wear to a beach wedding?
Provide older guests with a framework such as a list of examples or a short description of the desired theme. This lets them know what the limitations are but still allows them to make their own decisions that fall within your ideals. Common suggestions include tea-length or cocktail dresses composed of organza, lace, or chiffon. These are all both gorgeous and comfortable.
What should you not wear to a beach wedding?
Beach wedding brides should suggest that guests not wear white or lighter hues, to avoid competing with the wedding gown. Guests should also avoid black and other dark colors so as to not absorb too many rays. Brides should also specify that, although this is a casual event, it’s still a formal occasion. Ill-fitting shorts, jeans, or ripped clothes aren’t welcome.
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Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
The best dresses for beach wedding guests usually boil down to 2 distinct options. The first is a clean-line fabric with bold, vivid patterns. The second is a single, muted hue on a modestly textured fabric. The most common color choices are pastels. However, bright colors work just as well with the right theme.
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Maxi Beach Wedding Guest Outfits
Maxi beach wedding guest dresses are tremendously popular for weddings on the beach. Flowing fabric captures the gentle beach air, and they just feel right when shoes are optional. Maxi dresses for beach wedding guests also add a little formality to balance off the casual nature of the beach.
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Short Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
Short is often the best word for summer beach wedding guest dresses. This adorably cute option is the best way to beat the heat and allows you to break from tradition in a big way. If your goal is to create a unique experience that’s full of fun and free-spiritedness, this is the way to go.
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Boho Bridal Guest Outfits
Boho brides feel very at home on the beach. It’s a very natural setting and full of old-world symbolism. Although these boho beach wedding guest gowns forego burlap, they effortlessly accommodate crystal, flower, and other iconic accessories. The cuts can be as formal or casual as you see fit.
Casual Guest Wedding Dresses
Casual beach wedding guest dresses achieve comfort and class all at once. Embrace the laissez-faire nature of your surroundings. This option opens the doors wide open for your guests and allows them to stay as comfortable as possible as they celebrate your big day.
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Plus Size Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
While finding a plus-size beach wedding guest dress may have seemed difficult in the past, today, there are plenty of size-inclusive options that will flatter any body shape. Superlight fabrics are an easy way to slip into a beach dress code. Your beach wedding guests will seem like they are walking on air.
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