Of course, not all beach weddings are made equal. Some are small and casual, while others may be formal and indoors simply overlooking the water. No matter the type of ceremony, there’s a beach wedding guest dress on this list for every style, budget, and wedding type.
And, since you’re probably spending a lot on flights, hotels, and gifts, you’ll be happy to hear that most of the dresses on this list are under $100. Read on for the 26 best beach wedding guest dresses of 2023.
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1
Best Beach Wedding Guest Dress Overall
II Inin Plunge Floral Maxi Dress
Consider this your do-it-all dress—wear it at night with your fave jewelry and some heels for a formal wedding or some bangles and sandals for a more casual vibe. It’s so versatile that you could even pair it with a light denim jacket (or your bikini) for brunch the next day.
Sizes: S-2X
Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
Length: Maxi
2
Most Affordable Beach Wedding Guest Dress
Floerns Ruffle Hem Flutter Dress
Now 33% Off
The ruffle sleeves and hemline give this a more playful vibe than your classic A-line dress, and even though it looks like there’s a sleeve, it doesn’t wrap around the armpit. Translation? You’re guaranteed to be pit stain-free.
For under $40, thousands of reviewers say they can’t believe how great the fabric feels despite the low cost.
Sizes: XS-XL
Material: 100% polyester
Length: Mini
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3
Best Off-Shoulder Beach Wedding Guest Dress
Dearlove Off-Shoulder High-Slit Dress
Now 27% Off
This dress doesn’t just look great—reviewers love how comfy the stretchy fabric is, too. Just note that while a lot of items on Amazon can run small, this one runs true to size, so you’ll want to order your regular fit.
Sizes: S-2X
Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
Length: Midi
4
Most Comfortable Beach Wedding Guest Dress
PrettyGarden One-Shoulder Bohemian Maxi Dress
Now 20% Off
This one’s been dubbed the most comfortable option on our list for three reasons—the super airy fit, lightweight fabric, and stretch-fit waist. The best part is that it’s so cute (and available in nine other pattern options) that nobody will ever know that you feel like you’re in your fave nightgown.
Sizes: S-XL
Material: 97% polyester, 3% elastane
Length: Maxi
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5
Best Short Formal Beach Wedding Guest Dress
Merokeety Lace Floral Dress
Ok, so maybe your friends are having a wedding that’s more beach-adjacent than actually on the literal sand. For a more formal feel that still has a bit of a beachy vibe, this pink lacy floral dress is super versatile to dress up or down for a day or nighttime affair.
Sizes: S-XL
Material: 65% rayon, 35% polyester
Length: Mini
6
Most Formal Maternity Beach Wedding Guest Dress
Ever-Pretty Off-Shoulder Maternity Maxi Dress
Life doesn’t offer many opportunities to wear a lot of long, formal gowns, so if you have the chance, I say take it. This classic off-shoulder maxi dress with beautiful ruffle details works great as a bridesmaid gown, too.
Sizes: 4-16
Material: 95% polyester, 5% elastane
Length: Maxi
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7
Best Black Beach Wedding Guest Dress
Amanda Uprichard Tia Mesh Accent Sheath Minidress
Between the mesh puff sleeves and plunging neckline, this dress will keep you totally ventilated even if you’re headed close to the equator. Sure, you may get this for the wedding you’re going to, but don’t be surprised if you catch yourself wearing this versatile dress on a fun night out.
Sizes: XS-XL
Material: 100% polyester
Length: Mini
8
Best Floral Print Beach Wedding Guest Dress
Macvorsmic Floral Print Ruffle Midi Dress
This dress has the cutest blue and white floral design. You can easily dress it up or down to match the occasion—with heels for a more formal look or cute sandals for a more casual look. Plus, the straps are adjustable for a customized fit.
Sizes: S-L
Material: 100% rayon
Length: Midi
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9
Best Halter Neck Beach Wedding Guest Dress
PrettyGarden Halter Backless Maxi Dress
Red polka dots aren’t just a bikini thing anymore thanks to the classic beachy print on this belted maxi dress. It does come in several different prints and colors, but no matter what, you’ll want to get a good strapless bra since the dress is backless (or, go au naturale).
A halter neck like this one is great for hot weather if you want neck/chest coverage without actually having to deal with sleeves, and the belted waist adds a nice level of customization depending on how tight you want it to be on your waist.
Sizes: XS-4X
Material: 100% viscose
Length: Maxi
10
Most Size-Inclusive Beach Wedding Guest Dress
Good American Spaghetti Scuba Midi Dress
It’s no secret that fashion has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to size inclusivity, especially when it comes to formalwear. This scuba dress from Good American is made with the most buttery soft fabric and goes up to size 4x. Plus, it’s super easy to dress up or down—I wouldn’t blame you if you bought one in each of the three neutral shades it comes in.
Sizes: XS-4X
Material: 80% nylon, 20% elastane
Length: Midi
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11
Best Maxi Beach Wedding Guest Dress
Lulus Maxi Floral Gown
The floral print, bright colors, and gorgeous fabric on this gown are practically begging to be on a beach. Considering the strappy back and plunge neck, you’ll want to grab some boob tape if you have a larger bust.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Material: 100% polyester
Length: Maxi
12
Best Ruffle Beach Wedding Guest Dress
Lulus Tiers To My Heart Mini Dress
Fashion lovers will find a lot to admire about this vibrant off-shoulder ruffled mini dress and with good reason. It’s affordable, making it a great option if you have a budget. Throw on some of your favorite gold earrings, a matching clutch bag, heels, and you’re good to go.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Material: 100% polyester
Length: Mini
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13
Best Bodycon Beach Wedding Guest Dress
EcoWish Ruffle Bodycon Slit Dress
Now 72% Off
Made with a soft, stretchy, and breathable fabric, this sexy bodycon dress is great for your super fun friend’s wedding that you know will involve a lot of partying and dancing. The ruffle detail adds a bold, elegant flare.
Sizes: XS-XL
Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
Length: Midi
14
Best High-Low Beach Wedding Guest Dress
Ever-Pretty Lace Chiffon High-Low Gown
The high-low trend isn’t going anywhere, and thank goodness for that. The silhouette really puts a spotlight on your legs, and this elegant gown ups the style ante with a fabulously chic blend of breezy chiffon and lace, separated by a beautiful silk ribbon at the waist.
Sizes: XS-XL
Material: 100% polyester
Length: Midi/Maxi
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15
Best Indian Beach Wedding Guest Gown
Sani Designs Raz Lehenga
Your Indian friend is getting married, and while that’s super exciting, you may be unsure of where to start with your lehenga (traditional Indian wedding guest garb) search. Sister-owned brand Sani makes this beautiful lehenga that’s totally customizable to your size, desired sleeve length, and even what color you might like.
If you think this might be your last time wearing it, you can even snag one of the brand’s designs from Rent The Runway.
Sizes: XS-3XL
Material: georgette, satin
Length: Maxi
16
Best Beach Wedding Guest Jumpsuit
Asos Pleated Wide Leg Jumpsuit
Consider this the “you can have your cake and eat it, too” of jumpsuits. It has the elegant silhouette of a jumpsuit but the airy, breezy feel of a maxi dress (stand with your legs together and people may actually think you’re wearing a dress). You’ll love the sleeveless halter neck on an especially hot day, too.
Sizes: 0-8
Material: 100% polyester
Length: Maxi
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17
Best Ombre Beach Wedding Guest Dress
Iwemek Ombre Deep V-Neck Multi-Way Dress
I don’t know about you, but the ombre colors alone on this one are giving me serious sunset beachy vibes. Dress it down with flip flops or pair it with some heels, a gold belt, and your fave jewels for a more formal look.
Sizes: S-2X
Material: chiffon
Length: Maxi
18
Best Slip Beach Wedding Guest Dress
Lulus All About You Satin Midi Dress
Slip dresses are a true modern-day essential for minimalist fashion lovers. For the beach, throw on some strappy sandals and a light throw over in case it gets chilly in the evening. This festive blue color also makes it easy to wear in the winter over a turtleneck and booties.
Sizes: XS-XL
Material: 53% rayon, 47% viscose
Length: Midi
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19
Best Printed Slip Beach Wedding Guest Dress
Topshop Tall Cowl Neck Maxi Slip Dress
Maybe you want to experiment with something a bit less classic. Patterns are super in right now—paired with the elegant silk fabric, it gets a fun upgrade in this gorgeous dress that’s super versatile, too.
Sizes: 8-18
Material: 100% polyester
Length: Maxi
20
Best High-Coverage Beach Wedding Guest Dress
Ramy Brook Lulu Long Sleeve Metallic Mesh Dress
Hey, beach wedding guest dresses don’t always have to be all about the cutouts and strappy necklines. For those wanting something more high-coverage, you’ll appreciate that the sleeves and high neckline are totally mesh and breathable so you won’t be sweltering while you cover up.
Sizes: 0-14
Material: 90% polyester, 10% spandex
Length: Maxi
Neha Tandon is the former senior commerce editor of Women’s Health. She has written for New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, BRIDES, Harper’s Bazaar, Business Insider, Byrdie, and Well+Good.
Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.
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