What to Pack for a Destination Wedding
Packing for a destination wedding is easy with a little planning. We’ve put together some outfit ideas and packing tips to help you prepare for your summer event. Keep reading to find out our top picks for what to include in your suitcase.
Swimwear
Depending on the duration of your trip, you may want to bring one or more swimsuits. Many destination weddings are on the beach or at a tropical resort, which are two locales where stylish swimwear is essential. There are one-piece swimsuits and tankinis you can choose, both of which are beach-wedding appropriate. Even if you plan to dress up for the ceremony in traditional wedding-guest wear, you can hit the beach or pool at some point before heading home.
Choose a chlorine-resistant swimsuit if you want one that lasts and lasts. These bathing suits are made with Lycra® Xtra Life™ spandex to deliver up to 10 times the wear of regular spandex. Plus, they’re fade-resistant for lasting vibrancy, even after swimming and plenty of UV exposure. Speaking of UV exposure, sun-protective swimwear and clothing is always a good idea. These summer wardrobe staples provide UPF 50+ for covered areas.
Beach Cover-Ups
Another must-have for destination weddings is a beach cover-up or two, depending on how many days you’re spending there. There are rash guards in many styles, and some coverups have a long dress design. There are other mid-length cover-up dresses in tank styles, along with retro-inspired kaftan cover-ups.
If you want a casual cover-up, opt for a women’s rash guard T-shirt with shorts or a swim skirt. There are even long-sleeve rash guard hoodies for maximum sun protection. You don’t have to worry about getting overheated in one of these hoodies, as they are lightweight and breathable. They are also fast-drying, so you can wear them in the water and air-dry on the beach.
Dresses
If you want a classic destination wedding look, fit-and-flare dresses with heeled sandals fit the bill. There are solid-color and print dresses with a fitted bodice and flouncy skirt, which you can wear with a cropped jacket if the ceremony is taking place in an air-conditioned indoor environment. Maxi dresses for women are another fashion option, which works well for casual weddings or those with a boho or cottagecore aesthetic.
There are sheath dresses with short sleeves for formal summer weddings at upscale resorts. You’ll find semi-dressy and formal options from which to choose. Special occasion dresses come in many styles, so you can find something that fits your body and your design preferences. Some of these dresses are simple and understated for an elegant modern style, while others have details such as lace and cap sleeves to impart fashionable flair.
Versatile Summer Tops
You can also wear separates to a destination wedding, especially if it’s on the casual side. There are plenty of women’s summer shirts that pair well with all kinds of bottoms, such as short-sleeve blouses in a silky fabric and fitted tees made from top-quality Supima cotton. You can even wear a sleeveless mock neck blouse or tank top to a destination wedding. There are ways to dress up casual outfits with accessories and shoes, which we’ll cover at the end of this article. Now let’s look at the bottoms you can pair with semi-dressy summer tops.
Skirts, Skorts, and Shorts
The most traditional option for a destination wedding would be skirts and skorts, although some weddings are laid-back enough for shorts. Skorts combine the best features of skirts and shorts, which makes them a summer favorite. If you do opt for shorts, choose women’s Bermuda shorts or chino shorts in a modest length. Although these styles are casual and cool, the longer length looks more formal. Choose shorts in a neutral hue, such as khaki, which will match well with any blouse or top you choose to wear.
Summer Shoes and Accessories
Elevate your casual destination wedding look with the right footwear. You can slip on heeled wedge sandals with any dress for an on-trend summer look or wear ballet flats if heels aren’t your preference. There are water shoes for splashing along the shore, along with flip-flops to protect your feet from the hot sand. For a destination wedding trip lasting a few days, you don’t need many pairs of shoes. One dressy pair, one casual pair, and one pair of shoes to wear while in the water are advisable.
Another way to dress up your summer wedding-guest look is with accessories. If you’ll be in the sun, avoid wearing metal jewelry—like gold and silver necklaces, for example— that may get hot against your skin. A pair of bold earrings can make a stylish statement, or you can slip on an attention-grabbing cocktail ring.
Play around with summer fashion before deciding what to pack. You may find outfit combos we didn’t cover here that work perfectly for the destination wedding you’ll be attending.