When it comes to attending a beach wedding, choosing the perfect dress can be a tricky task. Unlike a formal or black-tie wedding, where elegance and poise rule the day, a beach wedding offers the unique challenge of looking stylish while ensuring you stay comfortable in the sand. Luckily, the right dress can help you strike that perfect balance between sophistication and practicality. From lightweight linens to elegant crochet, there are plenty of options that will not only help you look great but also keep you cool and comfortable as you celebrate by the sea.
So how do you dress for a sandy ceremony without looking out of place? The answer is simple: embrace breezy, breathable fabrics, vibrant colors, and playful designs that still maintain a sense of elegance. Whether you’re attending a laid-back beach ceremony at sunrise or a more formal evening celebration by the ocean, these carefully chosen dresses will make you the best-dressed guest at any seaside wedding.
The Daytime Lunch: Matteau Gathered Midi Dress – $520
If you’re attending a beach wedding that leans towards a daytime, more relaxed vibe, a gathered midi dress can be the perfect choice. The Matteau Gathered Midi Dress is a beautiful example of how less can be more. Made from soft cotton with a relaxed silhouette, it’s not only comfortable but chic enough for any beach setting. The dress features a simple, understated design with just the right amount of gathering at the waist to flatter your figure without being too tight.
The color options, including a lovely soft white or dusty pink, make this dress perfect for a daytime wedding when paired with the right accessories like dainty gold jewelry or a straw hat. The midi length ensures that the dress won’t drag in the sand, while the lightweight material is breezy enough to keep you cool under the sun.
How to Style It:
- Pair with simple flat sandals or go barefoot in the sand to keep the vibe relaxed and effortless.
- For a more refined look, wear delicate drop earrings and a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face from the sun.
Where to Buy:
The Matteau Gathered Midi Dress is available on Net-a-Porter, making it a perfect choice for anyone seeking elegance without the formal heaviness.
The Mix-and-Match: Sir Serene Slip Dress – $950
For those of you who want to incorporate a little more sophistication into your beach wedding look, the Sir Serene Slip Dress is a stunning option. This dress perfectly balances luxury with casual coolness, making it ideal for those evening beach weddings that transition from sunset to starlit celebrations. With its silk satin fabric and minimalist cut, it’s the type of dress that brings elegance to the forefront without appearing overdone.
The Sir Serene Slip Dress features an elegant, bias-cut silhouette that drapes beautifully over the body. The clean lines and slight sheen of the satin fabric reflect the light in the most stunning way, making you feel effortlessly glamorous. The slip-style dress allows for plenty of movement, and it’s designed to be worn in a neutral tone such as ivory, charcoal, or taupe, offering you plenty of versatility when it comes to pairing accessories.
How to Style It:
- Pair the slip dress with delicate gold or silver sandals to keep the outfit refined.
- For a more beach-inspired look, throw on a light linen shawl over your shoulders for added texture and comfort.
Where to Buy:
The Sir Serene Slip Dress is available at Bergdorf Goodman, where you can also explore other designer dresses that suit beach weddings.
The Statement Embellishment: Tory Burch Embellished Knot Dress – $520
If you’re looking to turn heads at a beach wedding, the Tory Burch Embellished Knot Dress is the perfect choice. This dress features playful, yet sophisticated details that make it stand out from the crowd. The knotted front and embellished detailing on the bodice give it a contemporary edge, while the flowing fabric ensures you’ll feel as comfortable as you look chic.
Made of a lightweight silk-blend fabric, the Tory Burch dress falls just below the knee, allowing you to move freely while also maintaining an air of elegance. It comes in several colors, including peachy coral and navy blue, making it a versatile option that works well for both day and evening weddings by the beach.
How to Style It:
- Pair with a pair of block-heeled sandals or espadrilles to give you a little lift while staying grounded in the sand.
- Add a touch of statement earrings or a bold necklace to highlight the dress’s detailed knotted design.
Where to Buy:
You can find the Tory Burch Embellished Knot Dress at major department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue or online at Tory Burch’s official site, where you’ll also find various other accessories that would pair perfectly with this dress.
The Vivid Pattern: Themis Z Theros Cutout Gown – $1,085
For those who prefer a bold statement, the Themis Z Theros Cutout Gown is a stunning option that will have all eyes on you. The intricate cutouts and vivid patterns add an element of intrigue, making it perfect for a beach wedding with a bit more drama. The fabric is a light, breathable material, so while it’s designed to be eye-catching, it also ensures you’re comfortable in the heat.
The cutout design around the waist and the low back of the gown provide just the right amount of allure without being too revealing. The vibrant patterns, such as floral prints or geometric shapes, add a playful yet sophisticated touch, perfect for a wedding set against the backdrop of the ocean.
How to Style It:
- Keep your accessories simple to let the dress shine—delicate gold jewelry and neutral sandals will keep the look balanced.
- For added drama, consider adding a wide-brimmed straw hat and matching sunglasses.
Where to Buy:
The Theros Cutout Gown by Themis Z can be found on Neiman Marcus or directly from the Themis Z website.
The Charming Linen: Faithfull Bessin Midi Dress – $400
If you’re after something that combines practicality with understated elegance, the Faithfull Bessin Midi Dress is the ideal option for a beach wedding. Made from soft linen fabric, this dress is perfect for keeping cool in the heat while still looking chic. The midi length ensures you won’t be dragging fabric in the sand, and the adjustable straps allow for a customizable fit.
The natural, earthy tones of the Faithfull Bessin Dress, such as terracotta or ivory, make it the perfect pairing for a relaxed beach setting. The loose-fitting design gives you freedom to move, making it ideal for walking on the sand without feeling restricted.
How to Style It:
- Pair the dress with a simple pair of flat sandals or go barefoot for a more beachy vibe.
- Keep the accessories simple with a woven straw bag and light jewelry to complement the natural tones of the dress.
Where to Buy:
The Faithfull Bessin Midi Dress is available on Net-a-Porter and other online boutiques that specialize in beach wedding attire.
Attending a beach wedding is an incredible experience, and choosing the right dress is key to ensuring that you look as good as the setting feels. From the Matteau Gathered Midi Dress that embraces a relaxed, breezy vibe to the Tory Burch Embellished Knot Dress that’s perfect for making a statement, these dresses offer a little something for every kind of beach ceremony. Be sure to embrace light, breathable fabrics and enjoy a design that moves with the wind and sea breeze.
For anyone looking to shop for their beach wedding attire, head to websites like Net-a-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Tory Burch for more options and recommendations. Whether you prefer understated elegance or something a little more adventurous, these retailers offer some of the best selections for beach-ready wedding guest dresses.
