What to Wear for a Destination Wedding — The Acqua Bonita Way

There’s something undeniably special about a destination wedding.
Maybe it’s the sunlight filtering through palm trees, the sound of waves or the scent of flowers drifting in the breeze. Whatever the setting — beach, garden, or a romantic estate under southern skies — it’s a celebration where elegance meets ease.

But between the travel, the climate, and the relaxed atmosphere, one question always arises: what do I wear?

At Acqua Bonita, we believe dressing for a destination wedding should feel joyful and intuitive — never stressful. It’s not about following a strict dress code; it’s about choosing pieces that move with you, flatter beautifully, and make you feel radiant from ceremony to last dance.

Here’s how to curate your perfect guest look, the Acqua Bonita way.

1. Dressing for the Setting

Every destination wedding has its own mood. A seaside ceremony calls for breezy silhouettes and sun-friendly fabrics, while a garden reception invites softer textures and delicate tones that blend with the scenery.

The key is harmony. Let your outfit complement the surroundings rather than compete with them.

• Beach weddings: think flowing dresses, subtle prints, espadrilles that won’t sink into the sand, and statement accessories that catch the sunset light.
• Garden or countryside weddings: embrace soft pastels, floral motifs, and slightly more structured shapes. Add a pair of elegant sandals or wedges for grass-friendly footing.

Either way, the goal is effortless sophistication — refined yet relaxed, polished but never stiff.

2. The Dress: Ease and Elegance

The heart of your look starts with the dress. It should capture the spirit of travel — light, flattering, and ready to move when the music begins.

Choose breathable fabrics like cotton voile, viscose, or soft linen blends that drape beautifully without weighing you down. A mid-length or ankle-grazing silhouette works best: long enough to feel graceful, short enough to walk freely on sand or grass.

Soft prints inspired by the sea or the tropics add charm without overpowering, while solid colours in coral, turquoise, or blush keep things fresh and timeless.

If the ceremony transitions into an evening reception, choose a dress that can adapt — something that glows at golden hour and still feels right under string lights.

Style tip: Swap flat sandals for espadrilles, add gold earrings and a woven clutch, and your daytime look instantly turns evening-ready.

3. On Wearing White (and When Not To)

Let’s address the shade that always raises questions.

White, ivory, and cream are beautiful colours, especially in warm climates — but traditionally, they belong to the bride. Unless the invitation specifically requests an all-white or neutral palette, it’s best to let her shine in that tone.

That doesn’t mean you have to avoid light colours altogether. Soft beige, pale peach, sky blue, or mint are lovely alternatives that feel summery and elegant without crossing the line.

If you adore white, include it subtly — perhaps in accessories, a printed pattern, or a jacket — rather than wearing it head to toe. The idea is to celebrate the occasion with grace, not compete with the centre of attention.

4. Accessories That Tell a Story

Accessories are where destination style truly comes alive. They add personality and polish, while staying functional for travel and outdoor settings.

Hats

A wide-brim straw or raffia hat isn’t just chic — it’s practical. It shades your face from the sun and adds an instant touch of Riviera glamour. Keep the shape simple and the details subtle so it complements rather than overwhelms your look.

Statement Jewelry

When it comes to jewelry, think impact without effort. A pair of bold earrings or a sculptural necklace can transform a minimalist dress into a head-turning ensemble. Let gold tones warm the skin for beach weddings, and opt for soft stones or pearls for garden events.

Bags

Trade evening clutches for woven textures: macramé, rattan, or handwoven totes in smaller proportions. They carry essentials — lipstick, phone, invitation — while adding authenticity to your look.

Shoes

Heels and sand rarely mix. Espadrilles or dressy flats are elegant solutions that allow you to walk comfortably and dance later. For garden venues, wedges or block heels keep you grounded while elongating your silhouette.

Accessories at a destination wedding should feel like part of the story — lighthearted, natural, and beautifully crafted.

5. The Beauty of Colour

Colour sets the tone of your outfit and, in many ways, your mood.

• For coastal ceremonies, lean into ocean-inspired hues: turquoise, aquamarine, coral, or sunset orange. They mirror the landscape and photograph beautifully in natural light.
• For garden settings, think soft florals, dusty rose, sage, or Mediterranean blue — shades that echo the surrounding greenery.
• For evening celebrations, jewel tones like emerald, amethyst, or deep sapphire feel sophisticated against candlelight.

Avoid overly dark colours during daytime ceremonies; they can feel heavy in the sun. And remember, colour isn’t just visual — it’s emotional. It reflects your joy, warmth, and the lightness of the moment.

6. Fabrics That Travel Beautifully

One of the challenges of destination weddings is that your outfit has to travel well. Wrinkle-resistant fabrics are your best friends — pieces that come out of the suitcase ready to wear.

Natural fibres with a touch of movement — cotton, linen blends, or silky viscose — breathe in humid weather and feel soft against the skin. If you prefer something more refined, choose a light crepe or satin finish that still looks relaxed.

At Acqua Bonita, we design our collections with travel in mind: garments that fold easily, resist creasing, and regain shape naturally. Because the last thing you should worry about on arrival is ironing your dress.

7. From Ceremony to Celebration

Destination weddings rarely end with the ceremony. There’s the cocktail hour, the dinner, the music — moments where comfort becomes as important as style.

Instead of changing outfits, plan a look that transforms with you:

• Add or remove layers depending on temperature.
• Swap delicate jewelry for bolder pieces as the sun sets.
• Drape a lightweight shawl or pareo over your shoulders when the evening breeze arrives.

Your look should evolve gracefully throughout the day, reflecting the shift from sunlight to starlight.

8. Packing the Acqua Bonita Way

You don’t need a large suitcase to look impeccable. A few well-chosen pieces go a long way:

1. One statement dress for the ceremony and dinner.
2. One breezy day dress or jumpsuit for pre-wedding brunches.
3. A versatile pareo for layering, beach time, or as a shawl.
4. Espadrilles or block-heel sandals.
5. A woven clutch and a light tote.
6. Statement earrings and a delicate necklace.
7. A wide-brim hat and a pair of chic sunglasses.

Each item should earn its place by being both beautiful and functional — easy to style, comfortable to wear, and perfectly in tune with the relaxed elegance of the occasion.

9. Confidence Is the Best Dress Code

The most memorable wedding guests aren’t necessarily the most dressed-up — they’re the ones who look comfortable in their own skin.

Choose clothes that make you feel yourself: feminine, graceful, and at ease. The right outfit will let you move freely, laugh easily, and truly enjoy the celebration.

Remember, weddings are about love — not just between the couple, but love for life, for travel, for connection. So pack light, smile often, and let your outfit tell a story of joy.

10. The Acqua Bonita Spirit of Celebration

For us, destination weddings embody everything we love: travel, sunshine, craftsmanship, and shared beauty.
That’s why our collections are designed for moments like these — effortless dresses that flatter every movement, lightweight espadrilles for dancing on terraces, woven bags that carry the essence of summer, and jewelry that catches the golden light of happiness.

Whether the celebration unfolds by the sea or in a hidden garden, your style should feel like part of the scenery: natural, feminine, and quietly striking.

In the end, the perfect wedding-guest look isn’t about following rules — it’s about expressing your joy and letting it shine through what you wear.

Because when you feel beautiful, it shows — and that’s the best gift you can bring to any celebration.

Explore More

Discover our collections designed for weddings under the sun:

• Dresses & Pareos — feminine silhouettes that travel with ease.
• Espadrilles & Accessories — effortless elegance from day to night.
• Totes & Clutches — handcrafted pieces for the modern traveler.

Celebrate love, sunshine, and style — the Acqua Bonita way.