You’re going to want every single destination wedding guest dress on this edit!
Destination wedding guest dresses are a little different to shop for than your average church wedding. First of all there’s the weather and humidity or dryness to think of and then how well your outfit will pack and travel. I’m all for portable steamers but there’s also the issue of space unless you’re loading up your car and driving. Most beach destination weddings tend to be hot, humid and have a slightly more casual dress code. Which means lighter fabrics, preferably ones that breath and that won’t blow up in the air and reveal more than you want when the island winds kick in. I worked in the Caribbean for 5 years and learned how to tame my hair and clothes to deal with the climate. I’ve researched and narrowed to the best destination wedding guest dresses, that work with both the dress code and climate!
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What to consider when shopping for a destination weeding guest dress
There’s a few things to consider when choosing your destination wedding guest dress:
- The dress code.
- The weather and humidity.
- The best fabrics for windy or humid days.
- What color works best for the location.
- Which shoes you’re going to style it with.
- What underwear you’re able to wear with it.
Weddings are always fun events to shop for. For destination or beach wedding guest dresses think whimsical, floaty styles that are normally less restrictive than your average wedding guest attire. Feel free to bring the drama in ruffles and interesting styles that you wouldn’t be able to pull off at a church wedding. Plus you don’t have to wear stiletto heels!
You’re also going to have to consider the shoes. Skinny stiletto heels don’t do too well in the sand but if you’re petite like me flats don’t work the best with maxi dress unless you do some major alterations to the hem. Think wedges, espadrilles, spool heels or even flats depending on the dress code.
If you’re worried your dress might be a bit on the casual side, you can easily dress it up with some gold accessories and a glam metallic clutch.
If you opt for a gown be sure to pack some stain remover to spot clean the hem at the end of the night so that it doesn’t stain. Since the chances are it’ll have got grubby walking in the sand and partying on the beach.
Long sleeves are a great option if you’re worried about getting burnt at the beach during the ceremony. Just make sure they’re loose and breezy and not fitted to avoid pit stains and overheating.
Shop the best destination wedding guest dresses from casual to black tie
From casual beach wedding guest dresses to cocktail attire and gowns, these are the best destination wedding guest dresses I came across during my extensive search.
There’s quite a few maxi dresses from Anthropologie as they offer standard, petite and plus in a lot of their styles. As well as a lot of coastal tones to tie in with the location. I personally don’t like black for weddings at any time (save it for funerals and black tie galas) but definitely not for the beach. I recommend sticking to pastels, bright colors, coastal colors, floral or pretty prints which are more appropriate for beach and hot destination weddings.
Pink satin mini dress
When you want something statement making and cocktail attire appropriate this is a stunning option.
Elegant destination wedding guest dress
If you’re looking for something chic and in coastal colors this dress is the prettiest shade of blue and has the cutest bow details. It’s a dress you could wear for lots of different occasions. Made from 87% rayon it’s a material that won’t crease as much as a lot of others in your luggage. There’s also a similar style in pink if blue’s not your color.
Breezy beach wedding guest dress
Equal parts sexy and sophisticated, this breezy maxi dress is perfect for a beach wedding guest dress.
Black tie destination wedding guest dress
This blue gown is beachy but black tie dress code appropriate. If you’re worried about the leg slit on windy days you can always wear a pair of boy shorts underneath. The beauty of this dress is that it looks just as good with white slide sandals as it does with espadrilles or heels.
Floral mini dress
Floral prints are always a good option for destination wedding guest outfits. This mini has the most flattering halterneck and waistline and is made for dancing. Style it with flat white sandals or slides or spool heels.
Fashionista destination wedding guest dress
Polished but sexy, beachy but sleek this yellow dress checks all of the boxes and it easy to dress up with glam accessories or down with a raffia bag and flat sandals. It’s made of 49% linen, 40% cotton and 11% polyamide so it’s light and breathable fabric for a beach wedding or a hot day.
Casual beach wedding guest dress
If you’re looking for a more casual destination wedding guest dress this super cute mini dress is it. You can also not use the neck straps if you’re worried about tan lines.
Destination wedding guest dresses under $300
From under $100 to almost $300 these dresses offer the best fashion and style in this price range whatever the dress code.
Designer destination wedding guest dresses over $300
The most swoon worthy destination wedding guest dresses in the prettiest prints and colors. All of these styles are head turners in their own right.
Photos courtesy Revolve and FWRD.
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More wedding guest dresses for all seasons
If you’re looking for something besides a beach wedding guest dress or for another season, I’ve rounded up the best styles for each season: