Searching for that perfect beach wedding guest dress can often seem daunting. Finding the best wedding guest dress seems almost impossible, but finding one for the right season proves even more difficult, especially if the happy couple is swapping traditional churches for a beach nuptial ceremony.
Not only do you have to strike the right balance between smart and casual whilst accounting for all the added practical dilemmas of dressing for a beach location, but you also have to consider the hot and sweaty weather. The last thing anyone wants is to worry about getting those professional pictures back and spotting a rogue sweat patch that you didn't notice you had.
Alongside the more practical issues you have to consider and carefully plan around, you have to find the right colour for the season you are dressing for. Unlike a winter wedding, where you may have considered looking for the best green wedding guest dress, opting for a bright orange, pink or blue may be the perfect solution instead.
The Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses At A Glance:
Best floral beach wedding guest dress: Sophie + Lucie Jane Geranium Bicolour Dress (£395) - Buy on Sophie + Lucie
Best burgundy beach wedding guest dress: Anthropologie, By Anthropologie Emma Cowl-Neck Satin Mini Dress (£98) - Buy on Anthropologie
Best bandeau beach wedding guest dress: Omnes, Amdra Maxi Dress in Blue (£99) - Buy on Omnes
But fear not, dear reader, as we're one step ahead for you. We've scoured through a plethora of wedding guest dresses across the market and have rounded up our top picks so you can find the best beach wedding guest dress suitable for a Mamma Mia-inspired wedding day. All that's left to do now is browse for some wedding guest shoes and bags to complete your ensemble.
SHOP: The Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
Best burgundy beach wedding guest dress
www.anthropologie.com
A beach wedding guest dress is the perfect opportunity to wear something slightly cheeky and for it to be completely appropriate. Show a little bit of skin (and chic) with this incredible neckline design, including a glimmering gold hardware detailing.
Best floral beach wedding guest dress
www.sophieandlucie.com
Uhhming the same aura as a trip to Mallorca, this Sophie + Lucie takes a top pick for the best floral dress to wear to a beach wedding, for it is oozing summer glow and craftsmanship. The dress's unique design and contrasting floral prints is simply divine. The pleated waistline is also incredibly flattering, especially with a curvy figure.
Best bandeau beach wedding guest dress
www.omnes.com
There may be no greater excuse to throw on a silky number than for a summer or beach wedding guest dress. Not to mention, this Omnes Amdra maxi dress will keep your shoulders out for the best opportunity to tan your shoulders too. It's a win-win.
Best asymmetrical beach wedding guest dress
uk.camilla.com
If you're after a special dress for an upcoming beach wedding, look no further than Camilla's newest One Shoulder Short Kaftan. 100% silk with hem fringing detail, it's certainly a showstopper and perfect for a evening shimmy.
Best party beach wedding guest dress
roandzo.com
If you know that the wed-to-be are getting married in an iconic beach location, this Ro&Zo cowl-neck maxi dress will make you feel like you're ready to partay. With lustrous satin printed with pink, lilac and black stripes, the piece is lightweight and apt for the occasion.
Best nature-inspired beach wedding guest dress
farmrio.uk
The asymmetrical neckline on this gorgeous Farm Rio nature-inspired dress is the right amount of playful elegance for a wedding by the sea. Plus, you can never fault a yellow floral print in the summer - and now's the chance to do it. Only wear this option if you want to stand out effortlessly, though.
Best polka dot beach wedding guest dress
www.nobodyschild.com
Polka dots is the design of the summer, and so it's only appropriate that it makes a smart choice for a beach wedding. This classic Nobody's Child dress is midi cut to avoid any sandy trails and has a flattering v-neckline, making it a sleek wedding choice. And you can wear it again and again.
Best two-tone beach wedding guest dress
www.jigsaw-online.com
A draped midi dress is a perfect partner if you're looking for a beach wedding guest dress because it's light and airy and won't get ruined by the sand from the beach. This Jigsaw Draped Tie Detail dress is sophisticated and comfortable - plus, it comes in a beautiful Hockney Blue and oxblood hue.
Best easy-to-wear beach wedding guest dress
www.debenhams.com
Now, you're going to want to wear something that you're going to be comfortable in - and this Oasis soft floral midi dress will take the pick for the easiest choice. Not only can you wear it over and over, but the soft arms and midi skirt mean you won't be wriggling around in the hot weather.
What should I wear for a beach wedding guest dress?
Now, when it comes to a beach wedding, the chances are that you're going to be hot. They've selected a beach location for a reason, after all. So, to ensure you're not sweating the day away, opt for light, breathable fabrics like chiffon, cotton, or linen, and choose a dress that allows you to move comfortably on sandy terrain. Stick with lengths like mini, midi or ankle-length and definitely do not think about wearing a dress with a train. Remember, you're there to celebrate the wedding, not be brushing off sand all day.
What colours should I wear with beach wedding guest dresses?
First things first, you'll want to think about where you're going and what the colour scheme of the wedding is. If you're going somewhere tropical like Jamaica or Hawaii, then you can stick to brighter and bolder colour palettes. European destinations like Italy and Spain may be more laid-back, so you can reach for pastels and lighter colours.
If there's something you should never forget, it's that you'll never want to outshine the bride, so make sure to consider something that's not too overbearing. Think soft blues, mint greens, blush pinks, coral tones, and even floral patterns. It's always good to check in with the wedding invitation or communicate with the couple to ensure you don't clash with the wedding's colour scheme.
Emma Richardson is a Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for heat, Closer and Grazia. She covers shopping, lifestyle, celebs and anything trending.