These 18 Destination Wedding Dresses Will Give You Major Wanderlust
Wherever your destination wedding takes you—whether you're walking down the aisle on a sunny tropical isle or in a more traditionally nautical East Coast locale—choosing a destination wedding dress that works for your "I dos" should be top of mind.
Before we get into the casual gowns we're loving, here are a few editor-approved tips about picking the right destionation wedding dress in general: First, less is more. While voluminous silhouettes like ball gowns and mermaids are stunning, they also add a lot of extra weight and feel inherently more formal. Instead, opt for a streamlined dress that will be easy to pack—and will look right at home in a more laid-back environment. Also, take the fabric of your destination wedding dress into consideration. Breezy materials like cotton, linen and chiffon are ideal, espeically if you're tying the knot in warmer temps. Finally, don't be afraid to show some personality. Just because destination wedding dresses tend to be on the simpler side, that doesn't mean you have to skimp on details you really love. So if you're feeling fashion-forward fringe or an illusion back, go for it. Your venue should provide guidelines for your dress, but ultimately, your gown should represent your personal style.
Below, we've rounded up our top casual dresses—including beach wedding dresses and plus size destination wedding dresses— you can shop right now.
We love this fun and flirty number for a couple of reasons: the off-the-shoulder neckline is universally flattering, and a bodice with a smocked back gives added comfort.
Reformation Gimlet dress, $328, TheReformation.com
Make an exit that's just as striking as your entrance with this dreamy dress with a sheer, floral lace back.
ASOS EDITION lace halter neck maxi wedding dress, $190, ASOS.com
This beaded and fringed cocktail-length destination wedding dress is short on hemline—but big on personality.
DB Studio Spaghetti Strap Beaded Mini Dress with Fringe, $200, DavidsBridal.com
Flutter sleeves, a plunging neckline and a ruffled high-low hemline add some destination wedding-worthy flair to a classic wrap dress silhouette. Bonus: This stunner is also available in sizes up to 3X.
Lulus Eternal Bond White Satin Ruffled Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress, $85, Lulus.com
Throw it back to the minimalism of the '90s with a lacy slip dress that's easy to slip on but still looks polished.
Amsale Connie Lace Slip Dress $345, BHLDN.com
This gauzy dress with a high halter neckline and plus a sultry slit is the perfect combo of sophisticated and laidback.
Lulus Truly Delightful White Halter Maxi Dress, $95, Lulus.com
Take a cue from the fashion set of the '50s with this vintage-inspired shirt dress, featuring pretty lace insets for added airflow.
LoveShackFancy Edie midi shirt dress, $325, Nordstrom.com
Seaside nuptials are your chance to show some skin, and this style checks all of the beach destination wedding dress boxes: flowy fabric, slinky straps and a relaxed silhouette.
Charo Ruiz Ibiza Imagen maxi dress, $472, Bloomingdales.com
Bring the drama—without any extra fabric or heft—with this modified mermaid dress in breathable paisley lace.
Sachin & Babi Deena dress, $550, SachinandBabi.com
Long sleeves may not be the first things that come to mind when you think of destination wedding dresses, but you actually don't have to forgo them if you choose wisely. Airy, swiss dot blouson sleeves won't leave you feeling overheated, but will give your look a more romantic vibe.
LoveShackFancy Donnie Dress, $995, LoveShackFancy.com
Yes, casual sequins are a thing. A slip dress embellished with allover monochromatic sequins has just the right amount of shimmer.
Retrofete Violet asymmetric lace-up sequined stretch-tulle gown, $690, NET-A-PORTER.com
Calling all bridechillas. It does not get more chic and low-maintenance than this unstructured, crepe dress with a high neckline and center front seam for added movement.
La Vie de Soph x BHLDN Grazie Gown, $895, BHLDN.com
You don't have to sacrifice a major fashion moment just because you're opting for a ceremony in unfussy surroundings. This curve-skimming sheath with off-the-shoulder sleeves, beaded details and scalloped train is sure to turn heads.
Grace Loves Lace Paloma dress, $1,890, GraceLovesLace.com
A low-key wedding is an opportunity to toss tradition altogether: skip a veil, kick off your shoes and opt for a short hemline. This strapless dress with a flutter hem is all about easygoing glamour.
Halston Strapless asymmetric chiffon-trimmed crepe midi dress, $375, NET-A-PORTER.com
Looking to channel your inner mermaid? Look no further than this dazzling tulle dress with sequin panels, inspired by the sparkling waters of the Italian island of Sardinia.
Galvan Sardinia dress, $2,800, GalvanLondon.com
If you're on the hunt for a full-length dress that travels well, this one's it. Stretch lace creates a dramatic effect but isn't as precious (read: easily wrinkled or delicate) as other traditionally bridal fabrics.
DB Studio Strapless Stretch Lace Wedding Dress with Trim, $500, DavidsBridal.com
Simple—but still stunning—this cotton midi dress with a bustier and adjustable straps is all about showing off your curves.
Reformation Noa dress, $278, TheReformation.com
Fashionistas, this one's for you. Equal parts structured and breezy, this corseted strapless gown with an asymmetrical skirt is made for the bride looking for a beach wedding dress with some avant-garde appeal.
Danielle Frankel Delphine strapless belted corded lace gown $3,990, NET-A-PORTER.com