What to Wear to a Destination Wedding

There’s a certain kind of excitement that comes with receiving an invitation to a destination wedding. It’s more than just attending someone’s special day; it’s the promise of travel, adventure, beautiful backdrops, and days filled with celebration.

One moment you’re sipping cocktails by the pool, and the next, you’re raising a glass under string lights in a Tuscan vineyard or dancing barefoot in the sand at sunset. It’s romance and fun rolled into one unforgettable experience.

But once the excitement settles, a familiar question creeps in: what exactly are you supposed to wear?

Destination weddings aren’t like traditional hometown ceremonies. These types of weddings are unpredictable in the best and most complicated ways. You’re dealing with new climates, unfamiliar dress codes, cultural considerations, and suitcase limitations.

One wedding might take place on a breezy beach in Mexico with a casual barefoot vibe, while another might call for semi-formal attire in the candlelit courtyard of a French chateau. Some ceremonies take place outdoors on rugged terrain, while others are held in sleek urban hotels with all the glitz and glamour.

So how do you strike the right balance between stylish and appropriate? How do you stay cool in the tropics without looking underdressed? How do you pack light and still have the perfect outfit for every event from the welcome party to the farewell brunch?

We’re breaking it all down based on the destination, the terrain, and the tone of the wedding. You’ll learn what fabrics work best, what silhouettes to pack, which shoes are practical but chic, and how to dress in a way that feels comfy.

Dressing for a Beach Wedding

Beach weddings are romantic. The scenery is stunning, the vibe is relaxed, and the sound of crashing waves adds a natural soundtrack. But they also come with sand, sun, and wind, so your outfit needs to be as practical as it is pretty.

You can also try an off-the-shoulder sundress or a wrap dress that allows for movement without clinging to your skin.

Footwear is key. Ditch the stilettos; heels sink right into the sand. Go for embellished flat sandals, espadrilles, or a wedge heel that can handle uneven ground. For accessories, think straw hats, seashell earrings, and a woven clutch for a beachy finish.

Style Tip: If the ceremony is scheduled to start close to sunset, consider bringing a lightweight scarf or shawl. Even tropical beaches can feel chilly once the sun dips.

Dressing for a Mountain or Forest Wedding

Mountain weddings are cozy, serene, and often come with stunning panoramic views. However, because they’re usually held in cooler or unpredictable weather, your outfit should strike a balance between warmth and elegance.

Look for dresses made from richer fabrics like velvet, brocade, metallic jacquard, or thicker lace. 

You can wear long sleeves or a midi dress with a fitted bodice in jewel tones like emerald, wine, navy, or earth tones like rust or moss green.

Shoes should be closed-toe for warmth and practicality. Block heels or boots work best on rocky or uneven ground. And don’t forget outerwear. A stylish trench, wrap, or cropped faux fur jacket will keep you warm while adding drama to your look.

Style Tip: Don’t skip on layers. Even if it’s warm during the day, temperatures can drop sharply after sunset.

Dressing for a City or Urban Wedding

City weddings are chic, modern, and often have a more polished or even formal feel. Whether the wedding is on a downtown rooftop, a museum, or an elegant restaurant, your outfit should feel current, clean, and camera-ready.

Sleek silhouettes are your friend here. A structured midi dress, a form-fitting cocktail dress, or a jumpsuit in a rich fabric (like satin, silk, or crepe) will always work.

Don’t be afraid of bold prints or metallic accents. Add high heels, a clutch bag, and statement jewelry to complete the look.

If the dress code mentions “black tie optional,” a floor-length gown in a minimalist style is a safe and stylish choice. Monochrome looks in black, navy, or blush tones are timeless.

Style Tip: City weddings are often heavily photographed. Stick to clean lines and well-fitted pieces; wrinkled or slouchy clothing will stand out more in sleek spaces.

Dressing for a Tropical Destination Wedding

Tropical weddings are vibrant, fun, and full of personality. These ceremonies tend to be a little more laid-back in dress code but a lot more bold in style. Color, print, and movement are all welcome here.

Choose dresses in bold prints; palm leaves, florals, bright solids, or watercolor patterns. Off-the-shoulder cuts, halter necklines, or cut-out details feel perfect in this kind of setting. Fabrics should be breathable: go for cotton blends, rayon, or chiffon.

You can play with accessories here. Statement earrings, headbands, floral crowns, or shell necklaces add charm. Footwear-wise, stick with strappy sandals or low wedges; easy to dance in and suited for warm climates.

Style Tip: Tropical locations are often humid, so avoid heavy makeup or thick clothing layers. Stay cool and stylish with breathable fabrics and a fresh, natural look.

Dressing for a European Destination Wedding

There’s something timeless about weddings in France, Italy, Greece, or the UK. European destination weddings tend to lean more classic than trendy, so your outfit should follow suit.

Aim for elegance with a refined silhouette. A midi dress in satin, silk, or crepe is perfect. Think muted pastels, navy, dusty pink, or cream. Pair it with a low heel or kitten heel and a classic bag.

If you’ll be out late, bring a shawl or lightweight coat; European evenings can get chilly, even in summer.

Add simple jewelry, a neat hairstyle, and polished makeup. You’ll blend right in with the understated style often seen at these weddings.

Style Tip: European weddings are usually more formal than they appear. Avoid overly casual pieces like T-shirts, shorts, or flip-flops unless specifically allowed.

What About the Dress Code?

Location matters, but so does the couple’s chosen dress code. Even in casual settings, a formal dress code means you need to step it up. Here’s a quick overview to help you match their vibe:

• Casual: Breezy sundresses, maxi skirts, or relaxed jumpsuits. 
• Semi-formal/Dressy Casual: Cocktail dresses or midi skirts.
• Formal/Black Tie Optional: Floor-length gowns, elegant dresses, or upscale jumpsuits.
  
• Black Tie: Women wear full-length gowns. Men wear tuxedos or dark suits with bow ties.

When in doubt, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than too casual. Bring a blazer or statement accessory that can easily be removed if you feel overdone.

Color, Fabric, and Footwear Tips

Choosing the right color and fabric depends on both the location and time of year. For example:

• Hot climates: Stick with linen, cotton, rayon, and chiffon. Avoid anything too thick or dark unless it’s an evening event.
• Cool or cold locations: Choose heavier fabrics like velvet, wool blends, thicker lace, or satin. Layer when necessary.
  
  

• Avoid white, ivory, or champagne: These are traditionally reserved for the bride.
• Avoid dark, moody colors at daytime beach or tropical weddings: They can look heavy under sunlight.

Footwear should be chosen based on the terrain. For grass or sand, skip stilettos. If you’ll be walking on cobblestones or uneven paths, pick sturdy heels or stylish flats.

What to Pack Besides Your Outfit

Since you’re traveling for the wedding, think beyond just the ceremony outfit. You’ll likely have welcome dinners, sightseeing days, or poolside brunches.

Here’s a quick list of extras to pack:

• One casual outfit for arrival day
• A beach or poolside look
• Evening wear for rehearsal dinner or after-party
• A small travel steamer or wrinkle-release spray
• Comfy shoes for walking or dancing
• Sunscreen, especially for beach or tropical weddings
• A lightweight scarf or shawl
• An umbrella or rain poncho, depending on the season

Destination weddings are special. These weddings give you the chance to experience new places, bond with people, and witness a love story unfold in a beautiful setting. Dressing for one shouldn’t be stressful; it should be an extension of the celebration.

All you need to do is dress for the location, respect the dress code, and choose pieces that are stylish yet comfortable. From sunny beaches to snowy mountains, there’s always a perfect outfit waiting to be packed. 

Think about your look early, shop smart, and you’ll be ready to show up as the best-dressed guest no matter where in the world the destination wedding takes you.

Photo: Instagram/kevinweddingplanner