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: French Connection, Cosette Elani Faron Keyhole Midi Dress (£60) - Buy on French Connection
Best green beach wedding guest dress: Omnes, Iris Midi Dress in Ecovero Viscose Pistachio Green (£79) - Buy on Omnes
Best bandeau beach wedding guest dress: Baobab, Ariel Maxi Dress (£227) - Buy on Revolve
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 floral beach wedding guest dress
www.frenchconnection.com
Description
Uhhming the same aura as a trip to Santorini, this French Connection Cosette Elani Dress takes a top pick for the best floral dress to wear to a beach wedding, for it is oozing summer glow.
Best green beach wedding guest dress
www.omnes.com
Description
Pistachio green is the colour of the summer, and so it's only appropriate that it makes a smart choice for a beach wedding. This Omnes Iris dress is midi cut to avoid any sandy trails and has a light leopard print sheen, making it a sleek wedding choice. And you can wear it again and again.
Best bandeau beach wedding guest dress
www.revolve.com
Description
There may be no greater excuse to throw on a bold orange number than for a summer or beach wedding guest dress. Not to mention, this Baobab Ariel maxi dress will keep your shoulders out for the best opportunity to tan your shoulders too. It's a win-win.
Best embellished beach wedding guest dress
www.monsoon.co.uk
Description
Look radiant in this Monsoon Heidi midi dress featuring embellishments and floral patterns. You'll feel light as a feather dancing the night away in this choice, whilst the mesh gives you room to breathe.
Best linen beach wedding guest dress
www.jigsaw-online.com
Description
Linen is the 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 Abstract Zebra dress is sophisticated and comfortable - plus, it won't drag along the floor.
Best ocean-view beach wedding guest dress
roandzo.com
Description
If you know that the wed-to-be are getting married right by the ocean, this Ro&Zo high-neck maxi dress will make you feel like you're part of the landscape. With blue and turquoise printed chiffon, it's lightweight and apt for the occasion.
Best slit beach wedding guest dress
www.reiss.com
Description
The cut-out detailing on this Reiss Kasia slit dress is the right amount of sultry 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.
Best easy-to-wear beach wedding guest dress
www.debenhams.com
Description
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.
Best flowy beach wedding guest dress
www.freepeople.com
Description
If you're going to be sitting on a beach all day, you're going to want something that's comfortable and flowy. Look to the Free People Seraina Maxi with a skirt of ruffles and layers to float around in the hot weather.
Best purple beach wedding guest dress
www.laredoute.co.uk
Description
A beach wedding guest dress is the perfect opportunity to wear a garment with cutouts to a wedding and for it to be completely appropriate. Show a little bit of skin with the strappy neckline of this Morgan Maxi Dress for a light but bold choice.
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.