What to Wear to a Beach Wedding as a Plus Size Guest (Ideas)

Short answer: Choose a flowy chiffon dress in a non-white color, with a wrap or empire waist, light sleeves and a hem that clears the sand. Pair it with wedges or flat sandals, a light shawl and a hat.

A beach wedding changes the rules a little. You want a dress that moves in the wind, stays comfortable in the heat and still looks dressed up. These four outfit ideas are built around Dressdune dresses that fit that brief, with shoes and extras for each.

Green Wrap Dress with Flat Sandals and a Straw Bag

This green ditsy-floral chiffon wrap maxi is an easy beach pick. It has a V-neck, short flutter sleeves, a self-tie waist, a ruffled high-low hem and a front slit. The tie lets you adjust the fit at the waist. The title mentions pockets, but none show in the photo, so don't count on them. Wear it with gold flat sandals, a woven clutch and a wide-brim hat for the ceremony. Check the size chart before you order.

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Dusty Mauve Chiffon Midi with Block Wedges

This plus size midi in dusty purple chiffon has a round neck and a layered chiffon overlay that drapes over the shoulders and arms. That gives you soft coverage without long sleeves. The cut is loose and flowing, and the asymmetrical layered hem falls to about mid-calf, which keeps it off the sand. Pair it with cork or woven block wedges, which sink less than thin heels. Add small drop earrings and a light clutch. The soft mauve looks good in daylight and at sunset.

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Lace Bodice Maxi with Bell Sleeves for an Evening Ceremony

For a dressier beach wedding, this mauve-pink maxi has a floral lace bodice, a round neck and tiered ruffle bell sleeves. The waist is fitted with lace appliqué trim, and the chiffon skirt flows below it. It is sold as plus size. Wear it with metallic flat sandals or a dressy wedge, and carry a pashmina for when the sun goes down and the breeze picks up. Keep jewelry simple, since the lace already does the work.

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Red Crossover Maxi with Pockets for a Bolder Look

If you want more color, this red dress has a speckled sparkle finish, a V-neck with a twisted crossover wrap bodice, and short slightly flared cap sleeves. The empire waist sits under the bust, and the full skirt flows. The listing shows side pockets, which are handy for tissues and a phone. It is a plus size cut, and it reads dressy enough for a sunset ceremony. Try nude or gold sandals, a small crossbody and a gold cuff. Skip a lot of other sparkle.

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Shoes and Fabric That Work on Sand

Thin heels sink into sand and grass, so go for wedges, block heels or flat sandals. If the ceremony is right on the beach, bring a dressy pair to change into for the reception. Light, flowing fabrics like chiffon handle heat better than heavy ones. Pick a hem that clears the ground, or one you can lift easily. Wind can blow skirts around, so a wrap waist or a skirt with some weight at the hem helps you feel secure.

Plan for Sun, Wind and Ordering Time

Pack a wide-brim hat, sunglasses and a light shawl, since beaches get cooler after sunset. Avoid white, ivory and cream so you don't compete with the bride. Order early. Shipping is free to the US and takes 7 to 14 business days. All sales are final for fit or change of mind, so measure yourself and compare with each size chart. If an item arrives damaged, defective or wrong, we replace or refund it within 14 days of delivery.

Want more options? Browse all wedding guest dresses.

Questions, answered

Is a maxi dress okay for a beach wedding?

Yes, as long as the hem is not so long it drags in the sand. A flowy maxi or a mid-calf midi both work well, and a wrap waist helps in the wind.

What colors should I avoid at a beach wedding?

Skip white, ivory and cream, since those are for the bride. Soft mauve, green, blue and coral all look good by the water.

How early should I order my dress?

Order at least three to four weeks before the wedding. Shipping takes 7 to 14 business days, and all sales are final, so you want time to check the fit.