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Updated Oct 14, 202425 Destination Wedding Guest Dress Picks for Every Location
Serve looks at your next event.
The only thing more exciting than seeing your friend get engaged to their "person"? Receiving the invite to their dream destination wedding in Tulum or Vegas, baby. Of course, you'll want to look your best on the big day so the pressure is on to find the perfect destination wedding guest dress to pack for the festivities—plus everything else you'll need to enjoy your stay in style, like a travel adapter so you can actually do your hair or a cute coat to keep you comfortable when the sun goes down.
The good news is, most modern couples now have an entire wedding website dedicated to what to bring, wear and a breakdown of what the weather will be like while you're there. Online, you'll typically find more detailed information (and maybe even a mood board too!) unpacking the wedding dress code, which is great if the invitation left you feeling a little bit unsure of what exactly "black-tie optional" means on the Amalfi Coast.
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Generally speaking, beachy weddings call for something slightly more casual, flowy and fun—perhaps with a shorter hemline—while a luxe wedding at a historic hotel in Rome will lend itself to more formal attire: think elegant evening gowns or something chic, shimmery and modern. A quick search of the venue/locale and a text to the couple can clear up any confusion too, if you're worried about over or underdressing for the occasion.
From whimsical princess dresses for an Irish fairytale castle wedding to cool, cutout numbers for a hip Palm Springs ceremony, we've searched high and low to discover the best destination wedding guest dresses for every location and style. And if you're stumped on what to say when you inevitably post your fly 'fit to the 'gram? We've curated the best destination wedding captions too! Read on to explore your options.
What to Look for in a Destination Wedding Guest Dress
There's a lot to take into consideration when shopping for a great destination wedding guest dress—from the location and venue to the weather, season, dress code and even the time of day the ceremony starts. To make sure you say "yes" to a dress that slays for the big day, ask yourself these three important questions. And remember, have fun with it—it's your vacation too!
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Does it pass the vibe/theme check? Pay attention to the overall vibe of the location, venue and invitations, which will often give you a huge hint as to whether the wedding will be super formal or more relaxed and low-key, in which case, your dress will be too. More and more couples are also choosing to literally spell out the destination wedding dress code (think garden-party formal) for you. Of course, if there's a theme like modern industrial or boho chic, that makes it simple to narrow down the right dress too.
Is it practical? A ball gown on a beach in Bali is a hard pass. Definitely check the weather and what time of day the wedding begins (and ends) before making your dress selection. You don't want to be uncomfortable in a structured evening gown on the sand or shivering in a short cocktail dress after the sun sets.
Do you love it? A destination wedding is a great excuse to buy a fabulous dress you love and that makes you feel amazing. If you can find something that fits your personal style and the dress code, well, that's a win-win.
The Best Destination Wedding Dress Picks to Shop Now
What are you waiting for? The journey for your dream dress starts now. Browse our carefully-curated list of destination wedding guest dresses you'll fall hard for. Plus, inspo on where to wear 'em.
Luxedo Feeling Like Forever Fuchsia Floral Print Maxi Dress
Photo: Azazie
If you're heading to Hawaii, you'll look right at home in this tropical wedding guest dress featuring a playful fuschia floral print. The flowy skirt was basically made to blow in the ocean breeze and that cool criss-cross halter top is so 2023. Lightweight fabric means you'll stay cool as a cucumber all night too.
Where to Wear It: A tropical beach in Maui
Size Range: XS-3X
Norma Kamali Tara Side Drape Gown in Black Lame
Ready to channel your inner Kourtney Kardashian? This little black dress is edgy and elegant all at once, with a stylish asymmetrical hemline and ruching at the hip. Pair it with a black moto leather jacket to complete the modern punk-rock goddess look.
Where to Wear It: A goth glam castle wedding in Portofino
Size Range: XS-XL
Mac Duggal Tiered Strapless Tulle A-Line High-Low Gown in Green
This is the ultimate fairytale destination wedding guest dress. This ethereal, high-low beauty from Mac Duggal is straight up dreamy with its tiered ruffle tulle skirt and pretty pastel green color. Wear it for a whimsical late spring or summer soiree.
Where to Wear It: An enchanted castle in Ireland
Size Range: 0-16
KAHINDO Tanzania Dress in Purple
A chic, sustainable strapless dress in a vibrant purple print, perfect for a colorful destination desert wedding. The Tanzania dress has practical side pockets, a feminine ruffle up top and comes in standard, petite and plus sizes to fit every body. It's also ethically made in Kenya of Adire, which is a hand-dyed fabric from Nigeria using traditional resist-dyeing techniques.
Where to Wear It: High desert Joshua Tree wedding
Size Range: XXS-3X
Tuckernuck Hot Pink Daphne Dress
From the giant bow on the back to the stand-up ruffle collar, this hot pink swing-shape mini dress has Southern charm written all over it. Dress it up with strappy heels and a colorful clutch for a timeless preppy look. Bonus: it has side pockets for stashing your iPhone and lipstick. We love it in red too!
Where to Wear It: A lowcountry Charleston wedding
Size Range: XXS-XXXXL
ASTR The Label Noya Floral Cutout Maxi Dress in Light Green Floral
Honestly, no one does fabulously feminine and contemporary floral dresses better than ASTR The Label. This romantic ruffle maxi features a plunging neckline, a cross front waist, cutout details at the side and a delicate lace-up back. Just get ready for all the compliments.
Where to Wear It: An English garden party in the U.K.
Size Range: XS-XL
Reformation Ronda Silk Dress in Praline
Earthy, but make it elevated. The Ronda dress has a cool, contemporary asymmetrical neckline, low cowl neck and comes in a beautiful praline hue that looks like it was made for the mountains. Throw a fur shawl on to brave the lower temps.
Where to Wear It: A chic chalet in Aspen
Size Range: 0-12
Resa River Maxi Dress in Orchid
Slip into something sexy and slinky for a formal rooftop wedding in the big city. This simple slip dress features a draped cowl neckline, adjustable tie straps, an airy, open back and high leg slit to show off some skin. It also comes in several different colorways so you've got options.
Where to Wear It: A hotel rooftop in NYC
Size Range: XS-L
Show Me Your Mumu Christie Maxi Dress
The perfect destination wedding beach wedding guest dresses do exist! Keep it casual, colorful and easy breezy in this lightweight, flowy maxi you can dress up with wedges for the wedding and then pair with simple sandals and a barbiecore bikini for a day of fun in the sun afterward. Versatile, as we like to call it.
Where to Wear It: A casual Cabo beach wedding
Size Range: XS-3X
Bronx and Banco Hanna Gown in Multicolor
Beachy black tie is a whole vibe on the Amalfi Coast. Make a big splash in this jaw-dropping floral gown, featuring a chic one-shoulder long sleeve, a flattering side cutout and a wave of ruffles cascading down the leg.
Where to Wear It: A romantic Amalfi Coast reception
Size Range: XS-XL
Christy Lynn Isabel Dress in Rose
If you're looking for luxe, resort wedding guest dresses fit for a black-tie reception, we got you. This gorg floor-length gown from Christy Lynn will have heads turning for all the right reasons. We love the modern cross halter neck and the soft, shimmery rose hue—so pretty!
Where to Wear It: A Beverly Hills black-tie ballroom wedding
Size Range: XS-XL
Reformation Reverie Dress in Bijou
Act natural in this fitted, al fresco-ready destination wedding guest dress from, you guessed it, Reformation. It has a sweetheart neckline, bust cops and sophisticated smocking at the back. In a dreamy blue floral print, it would look stunning on so many skin tones. Pair with strappy white sandals and pearl earrings to complete the vineyard wedding look.
Where to Wear It: An al-fresco Napa vineyard wedding
Size Range: 0-12
Free People Santa Maria Maxi Dress in Mossy Gold
If you're searching for tropical destination wedding guest dresses with a breezy, boho vibe, this flowy frock—featuring a dramatic tiered skirt and crochet lace insets—from Free People is goals. While it comes in a ton of unique and equally-as-gorgeous colors, we love the earthiness of the mossy gold.
Where to Wear It: A boho beach wedding in Tulum
Size Range: XS-XL
Lulus Dreamy Date Orange Surplice Midi Dress
Get ready to bring the heat in this orange, textured stretch knit midi! As far as summer destination wedding guest dresses go, this bright Lulus number nails it. The color pairs perfectly with glowing skin and the draped tulip hem skirt is right on trend.
Where to Wear It: A waterfront Miami resort
Size Range: XS-XL
ASOS EDITION Curve Sequin Wrap Mini Dress in Teal Green
Looking for the perfect, party-ready plus size destination wedding guest dresses? Then we've found the one! This short and sparkly wrap dress is covered in sequins and comes in the most spectacular teal green color. Add some diamond drop earrings for an extra dash of dazzle.
Where to Wear It: A NYE Vegas wedding
Size Range: 12-26
Lulus Blissful Elegance Smocked Tiered Midi Dress in Navy Blue
Get nautical with it in this navy blue smocked dress perfect for a seaside summertime wedding. It's made of lightweight woven cotton to keep you cool and comfy and features floral embroidery with pierced eyelet details throughout. Wide ruffled straps and a tiered skirt add an extra romantic touch.
Where to Wear It: Nantucket yacht club wedding
Size Range: XS-XL
Show Me Your Mumu Jasmine Halter Mini Dress in Tropicana Burst Luxe Satin
Tropic like it's hot in one of our favorite beachy dresses for island wedding guests. This bestselling halter mini is bursting with color and is sure to impress at a tropical beach wedding. The open back and loose fit ensures you'll stay sweat-free as you dance the night away. Style with metallic sandals and statement earrings for a resort-ready look.
Where to Wear It: A Turks and Caicos beachfront resort
Size Range: XS-XXL
Shona Joy Oliviera Twist Front Midi Dress in Black
A glam, mid-century modern destination wedding calls for an equally hip dress and this Shona Joy Twist Front Midi certainly fits the bill. It's interesting without being overwhelming and the cutout makes it cool without really trying. It's also super versatile so you're destined to wear it again.
Where to Wear It: The Ace Hotel in Palm Springs
Size Range: 0-10
Cult Gaia Gosia Gown in Amanita
Move over Emily in Paris! For an utterly elegant and over-the-top romantic red dress, look no further than this one-of-a-kind strapless gown with an asymmetrical ruffle hemline that's seriously swoon-worthy. The dramatic puffed hem is adorned with delicate feathers that move gracefully in the wind with every step. Dare we say, best-dressed wedding guest ever?
Where to Wear It: A French chateau wedding in Paris
Size Range: 0-12
Eloquii One-Shoulder Fringe Dress in Pink Peacock
A pop of pink color and some fun fringe make this bold destination wedding guest dress the perfect choice for a summer wedding down south. It's cute, comfy and we dig the one-shoulder puff sleeve and festive fringe combo.
Where to Wear It: A rustic-chic Nashville barn wedding
Size Range: 14-28
Reiss Livvy Open Back Midi Dress in Teal
Something royal for her big day. We can totally envision Kate Middleton donning this sophisticated midi dress from one of her fave British brands, Reiss. It features a refined high neck and an elegant open back that fastens with a bow. Simple yet so chic.
Where to Wear It: A historic London palace
Size Range: 2-12
Milly Lilliana Floating Cosmos Dress in Chartreuse Multi
The future looks bright in this luxe satin stretch dress in a totally tropical floral print. It has ultra-thin spaghetti straps and features a flattering waist seam, plus ruching detail to help elongate those gorgeous gams. What's not to love?
Where to Wear It: A Costa Rican rainforest
Size Range: 0-12
Selkie The Pink Porcelain Puff Dress
Puff sleeves are back in a big way, and if you've been dying to own a whimsical Bridgerton-inspired dress, well this fairytale gown is one for the ages. Perfect for a vintage-inspired black-tie wedding, it has a full circle skirt with three organza layers and an empire waist for a soft, feminine look.
Where to Wear It: A Gilded Age mansion in Newport, RI
Size Range: XXS-6X
Reformation Shayla Dress Es in Seafoam
A little bit boho, a little bit glam and totally rewearable after the big day. This effortless maxi features flowy short sleeves, a fitted bodice and a breezy skirt to keep you comfortable for a long night of festivities.
Where to Wear It: A modern boho Moroccan wedding
Size Range: 14-24
Nasty Gal O Ring Lace up Maxi Dress in Orange
Bring the sunshine in this tropical wedding guest dress that's flirty, fun and ideal for an evening beach reception. It has a unique O-ring halter neck with a sexy lace-up chest and more O-ring cutouts at the sides and back. Style it with simple strappy sandals you can easily remove in the sand.
Where to Wear It: A casual Bahamas beach wedding
Size Range: 0-14
Where to Buy Destination Wedding Guest Dresses
Still keeping your options open? If nothing strikes your fancy above, you'll definitely want to bookmark these digital destinations for the best wedding guest dresses to suit every style and location.
Show Me Your Mumu: This is our go-to if you're headed to a casual, beachy boho or tropical destination wedding. There's an entire section devoted to finding the perfect dresses for destination wedding guests, including a dedicated plus-size shopping section, which we love. The prices are pretty reasonable too, especially considering these are pieces you'll rewear.
Reformation: Reformation is the "it girl" wedding guest dress destination. Everything on the site is sustainable, chic and effortlessly cool for the modern woman. Think tons of sleek, silky slip dresses in solids and floral prints, cool cutout gowns and contemporary classics that'll have you swooning.
Revolve: If you don't have your heart set on a single designer, Revolve is a great place to start for stylish destination wedding guest dress picks—and endless inspiration. The popular online boutique carries a ton of wedding-worthy brands, ranging in price from affordable to high-end. But there's always something on sale so if you're patient you can usually snag a luxe dress for less!
Lulus: Luxe-looking destination wedding guest dresses that won't blow your travel budget. Lulus is a goldmine of trendy dresses, with the option to narrow your search down based on the season (winter, spring, etc.), dress code (black tie) or destination (beach). Almost everything is under $100 too.
