It seems more and more people are heading off to destination weddings. For a few reasons. I think a lot of people use it as a great way to have a smaller more intimate wedding. Easily make that guest list much smaller when people have to buy a plane ticket and book hotels. You’re less likely to have a ton of people when travel comes into play. Plus, it’s a great way to spend some more quality time with the guests that do make the trip.
If you do end up attending a destination wedding, you may be thinking what on earth do you pack for a weekend of wedding festivities? You have to keep in mind the destination, the itinerary and the vibe of the event. Plus, is the couple traditional? More casual and relaxed? Does the invite say beach formal or beach casual? These are all things to think about when beginning to pack for your destination wedding getaway.
Destination wedding attire can be a tricky one. Today I want to talk all about what to wear and what to pack for it. You’ll be spending days with family and friends with several events to attend. You’ll probably want to pack a great suitcase of fabulous outfits from a lazy morning around the resort, to rehearsal dinners and a great look for the actual wedding.
Here are all the things you’ll need to check off your packing list for a destination wedding trip whether it’s beach formal or beach casual.
What To Pack To A Destination Wedding
What’s The Dress Code?
Beach Casual, Informal, Semi-Casual
If you see any of these on your invitation, you’re going to be pretty casual for this wedding. Think pretty sundresses, linen dresses, maxi dresses and so on. You should still try to wear your nicer spring and summer dresses, but you can leave the tafetta, sequins and ballgowns at home.
Cocktail, Semi-Formal, Black Tie
It’s probably going to be rare to see black tie and maybe even semi-formal on a destination wedding invite. Beach weddings are just inherently more casual. But if you see cocktail attire, you’ll definitely want to choose a nicer cocktail dress or fabulous jumpsuit. Think night out on the weekend with friends at a nice restaurant, and maybe a notch above that as well.
Semi-formal and black tie destination weddings should follow your typical wedding etiqutte with formal gowns. Avoid velvet and heavier fabrics, and instead choose chiffon, silk or satin and lighter colors or floral prints.
Wedding Guest Dresses & Jumpsuits For Rehearsal Dinners & The Wedding
Whether you’re in the wedding and have to attend the rehearsal dinner or just need a great outfit for the wedding itself, having a few options for more nice dresses and jumpsuits are great. For warm weather destination weddings you’ll want to consider things like eyelet, cut outs, flowy fabrics and so on.
For formal events, opt for maxi dresses or a jumpsuit. Keep your accessories more dressy as well. You can reach for darker colors to satisfy that formal feeling. You can see more of my favorite spring summer wedding guest dresses here that would work for any dress code for a warm weather destination wedding.
Statement earrings and a beautiful straw clutch make for easy accessories that you’ll wear at home as well. This helps to make your outfit feel more interesting and complete.
Wedding Guest Accessories For A Destination Wedding
No matter what you choose to wear, always look for lightweight fabrics as typically destination weddings are in warm climates. And keep in mind your footwear. Most weddings at the beach happen ON the beach.
Swap out the heels for a flat sandal to make sure you can walk easily. Or choose a wedge or espadrille. You can always swap them out for a heel for dinner and hit the dance floor if you like.
Swimwear & Coverups – for the beach if it’s in a tropical or beachy location
Most destination weddings are somewhere beachy or tropical so your suitcase will definitely need some cute swimsuits and coverups. I always recommend finding a great coverup that can easily take you from the pool to lunch so you don’t feel overexposed while dining.
Casual Day Dresses & Sets – if the wedding is less formal or for daytime events
Even if the invite says beach casual, it’s nice to be dressed up. You don’t want to be showing up to the wedding in a cover-up. Great casual day dresses and sundresses are exactly what you’ll want to wear for a beach casual wedding. Or even linen trousers or matching sets are great.
These pieces also work for the day after brunches and just out and about at the resort. Since these weddings tend to be more intimate, you’ll likely be running into family and friends throughout your time at the resort. Instead of walking around in your pajamas, it’s nice to be a bit together with your style.
You can also wear a great matching set that is styled nicely. These can work double duty for wearing to the pool and to lunches or casual dinners. Even a short suit set can be a great alternative to a dress!
Workout Clothes – for the hotel gym, if the couple has you doing anything active like hiking, site seeing, etc.
If you’re active, or the couple is active, activities may be a part of the itinerary. I also just always recommend packing one workout outfit whenever I travel. It’s one of my go-to travel tips. It acts as an extra emergency outfit and also in case you find yourself with the opportunity to go do something physical. I’ve never regretted bringing a workout outfit, only regretted forgetting one.
My Favorite Destination Wedding Attire Ideas
For Beach Formal Dress Code
Beautiful flowy fabrics and pretty floral prints are exactly what a beach wedding calls for. These can work for beach formal but NOT for black tie. Again, I don’t think you’ll see black tie unless the cuople is planning on a ballroom wedding at a destination. You can also totally wear these for beach casual since they’re a maxi. It’s always best to be a little overdressed at a wedding, versus underdressed.
For Beach Casual Dress Code
When I think beach casual I think about the dresses and jumpsuits I’d wear in my day to day summer life. Casual yet put-together dresses. It’s also all about the styling. Adding in metallic sandals, pretty jewelry and a nicer clutch will make your casual sundress feel a bit more elevated.
For Around The Resort
You’ll want to have great dresses or shorts and top combos to grab for lunches and dinners with friends. Keep it casual, but put together. You want to feel a little more elevated than your everyday beach vacation. Silky floral shorts with a blouse are a great way to elevate your shorts and a tank without sacrificing comfort.
At the end of the day, the best thing to keep in mind when packing for your destination wedding as a guest, keep it elevated while still a bit beachy. Make sure you have great accessories that make your casual outfits feel more complete. And be mindful of the dress code for the wedding itself. It’s always best to be a bit more overdressed, than not in my opinion.
