What to Wear to a Destination Wedding: 15 Wedding Guest Dresses I’m Obsessed with

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I LOVE destination weddings. Don’t get me wrong, I love every wedding. But when you get to combine celebrating love with a vacation in an exotic tropical destination? The best.  I’m all for celebrating my favorite couples’ nuptials in tropical, exotic locales like Bali, Hawaii, The Amalfi Coast, Italy, Mexico or France. There’s only one problem – PACKING! What do you wear to a destination wedding? And what are some good destination wedding dresses for guests heading to destination weddings this year? I’m here for ya, chicas. And I even have some awesome recommendations for what your guy should wear to a destination too at the bottom of this post!

What are the best dresses for destination weddings?

Don’t be afraid of bold color, and a pretty tropical print that suits the destination. 

*Click on any of the photos to shop* 

Bec + Bridge Dusty Palms Maxi Dress in Dusty Palms

Significant Other Lapis Dress in Watercolor Floral

Poppies Silk Dress, image 1

Bardot Jamila Corset Dress in Dusty Rose I see this dress being perfect for a destination wedding in France or wine country in Napa

byTiMo Plisse Halterneck Dress in Green Garden

LIKELY Katerina Dress in Olive Oil & Pink

Alexis Lune Dress in Sapphire

only $80!

 

Norma Kamali X REVOLVE Diana Gown in Orchid Pink

Katie May x REVOLVE Tyra Gown in Jade

CAMI NYC Milan Dress in Tropics

Lovers and Friends x Jetset Christina Farrah Midi Dress in Fuchsia Pink

DANNIJO Midi Slip Dress in Neon Turquoise

Bardot x REVOLVE Eleni Midi Dress in Green

Image 1 of ROCOCO SAND Lei Maxi Dress in Bubblegum Pink & Purple

Norma Kamali Diana Mini Dress in Sos

ELLIATT Reception Dress in Fuchsia

Jennifer Behr Juliette Earring in CrystalJennifer Behr Juliette Earring in Crystal

Norma Kamali Halter Turtle Gown in Rose

ELLIATT Visitant Maxi Dress in Papaya

ELLIATT Begonia Maxi Dress in Avocado

ELLIATT Kai Maxi Dress in Avocado

I imagine either of these olive green dresses as the perfect Tuscany fall wedding guest dress

Nira Dress, zoom image 0

NICHOLAS Baylee Dress in Black olga berg Ellie Crystal Mesh Ring Handle Bag in Black

JONATHAN SIMKHAI STANDARD Eliza Cutout Slip Dress in Mahogany Jumbo Moire

Susana Monaco Strapless Hi Low Dress in Perfect Red

I love this dress for something like a Colombia wedding, or any fun, exotic affair.

LIKELY Paola Dress in Lime Sherbet

This dress is so Italy or Lake Como to me! 

I love this beachy color for a beach wedding!

 

Amanda Uprichard Kurie Maxi Dress in Sunset

Image 1 of JONATHAN SIMKHAI Laurena Midi Dress in Black

NBD Asher Midi Dress in Fuchsia

 

MISA Los Angeles X REVOLVE Micaela Dress in Sky Blue

I love this dress for a beachy destination wedding, love the coral print!

I see this yellow dress looking fuego at a Mexico wedding in Cabo or Tulum, or somewhere else South of the Border like Colombia

House of Harlow 1960 x REVOLVE Rosaline Dress in Yellow

SAYLOR Starlee Maxi Dress in Multi

ELLIATT Deserae Dress in Multi

Karina Grimaldi Pauline Dot Dress in Blush

 

Moments Of Bliss Forest Green Backless Mermaid Maxi Dress

Alice McCall Swan Lake Midi Dress in Clover

 

Katie May X REVOLVE Bambina Dress in Sky

Currently OBSESSING over this dress, which I bought for a wedding.

HEMANT AND NANDITA x REVOLVE Teien Romper in Blue

This is the ideal destination wedding welcome party outfit. Such a showstopper. 

Norma Kamali X REVOLVE Diana Gown in Orchid Pink

I love the color of this dress for a destination wedding because it pops! So cute. 

Susana Monaco Strapless Hi Low Dress in Perfect Red

You can’t go wrong with a classic red.

 

I love this dress for a tropical wedding guest.

Bayside Breeze Yellow Multi Print Halter Maxi Dress

Tricks of the Trade Forest Green Maxi Dress

 

ROCOCO SAND Aria Maxi Dress in Peach

I have this dress in another color and I am OBSESSED with it.

Michael Costello x REVOLVE Generosity Dress in Seafoam I wore this dress to a black-tie wedding in Paris and it was such a hit! it’s been sold out forever but is finally back!

What should you wear to the welcome party of a destination wedding?

What shoes should you wear to a destination wedding?

Find out what kind of ground you’ll be on (if you’re on a lawn or in the sand, you will want to stay away from stilettos), if you’re in a ballroom, anything goes. 

I love wedges for outdoor weddings because you don’t have to worry about grass or sand getting in the way of you having a great time – and they’re SO much more comfortable. These ones from Tamara Mellon are my go-tos

 I love investing in a pair of good, comfy nude heels because they go with every dress, so I can wear them wedding after wedding after wedding!

 

I always go for chunky heels when I know there will be a lot of dancing, SO much more comfortable.  

Loeffler Randall Penny High Heel Pleated Knot Slide in Gold

Tony Bianco Fiance Sandal in Skin Capretto

Dolce Vita Noles Sandal in NudeSteve Madden Camille Sandal in Clear

What should men wear to a destination wedding?

Pay close attention to what the invite states as the dress code. There’s a big difference between a ‘beach wedding’ attire and ‘tropical formal’ or ‘tropical elegant’ attire. If the wedding you’re attending leans less formal, you won’t be expected to wear a suit and tie (they should make it clear on the wedding website whether or not guys are supposed to wear suit jackets and ties), and you’re definitely not expected to go black-tie. However, with a tropical elegant or tropical formal dress code, you should assume a suit or blazer (a tan, grey, blue or cream-colored linen suit with a white shirt will keep you looking good and feeling cool), and you should refer to the dress code to see if you should wear a tie or not. 

No matter what, unless it’s strictly stated somewhere, stay away from sandals, shorts, or anything overly casual. This is a wedding, after all.

So what should a guy wear to have some fun at a destination wedding, while still looking elegant and formal enough?

I love when guys pair a Hawaiian shirt with a blazer! Kenny Flowers Hawaiians have awesome prints (that range from trendy and wild to subtle and preppy, to tropical and fun, depending on the type of guy you are or the vibe you’re going for)  They look great under a blazer and are a great way to tow the line between fun, beach wedding and elegant, formal affair. 

VINCE CAMUTO Regular Fit Sport Coat, Main, color, INDIGO HEATHER

 

BONOBOS Slim Fit Chambray Cotton Blazer, Main, color, SOLID BLUE

 

Looking for more options? Shop some of my favorites here:

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Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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