When planning a destination wedding, there’s no shortage of exciting decisions—choosing the perfect location, curating your guest list, and dreaming up the details that make your day feel uniquely you. But one element that often sneaks up on couples? What your wedding party should wear, especially when you’re navigating different climates and cultural expectations.

From tropical breezes to chilly mountaintops, your destination influences everything from fabrics to footwear. And don’t forget about local customs—your wedding party’s attire is also an opportunity to honor the culture of your destination in a respectful, stylish way.

Whether you’re saying “I do” under the Caribbean sun or inside a centuries-old European chapel, this guide will help you determine what your wedding party should wear without sacrificing comfort or style. Because looking and feeling good should always go together, regardless of where you’re celebrating!

Photo by Lucy Struve Photography

Bring extra clothes

Packing light is great, but not at the expense of being prepared. Having backup outfits for your wedding party can be a game-changer, especially when you’re dealing with unpredictable weather or multi-event weekends.

• Secondary Outfits: Encourage your wedding party to pack a second look for events like the welcome dinner, rehearsal, or even the reception. A new outfit can help them feel refreshed and photo-ready.
• Weather Backups: If you’re tying the knot somewhere tropical, a sudden downpour or heat wave could strike without warning. Having a change of clothes (or even just an extra pair of shoes!) can go a long way. “If you think you and your wedding party will be uncomfortable if you’re wearing a certain outfit for too long on your wedding day, I suggest a change of clothes. When you get hot, change into something more comfortable and continue enjoying your adventurous afternoon,” recommends McKenzi Taylor of Electric Sugar Elopements.
• Fashion Emergencies: Spills, sweat, or suitcase mishaps happen! A spare outfit can be a low-stress solution when things don’t go exactly as planned.

It doesn’t take much to be prepared, but it makes all the difference when you’re trying to keep your crew comfortable, confident, and ready to celebrate.

Photo by Colton Simmons

Do research beforehand

When you’re jetting off for a destination wedding, understanding local customs and traditions can help your wedding party show up with style and respect. Every region has its own cultural touchpoints, and incorporating them can make your celebration feel even more meaningful.

• Dress Codes + Traditions: In some places, there are unspoken (or very spoken!) dress rules. Dee Lee of Dee Lee Designs, notes, “Every country has different customs and expectations for tourists or visitors. Do your research and make sure your outfits are not offensive to where you are traveling. For instance, if you are traveling to Thailand, modest clothing is highly respected in their culture. Entering a temple wearing a bare midriff, cut-off jeans, short skirts, or dresses above the knees is considered disrespectful.”
• Cultural Colors: Depending on where you’re getting married, it might be considered inappropriate (or even offensive) to wear certain styles or accessories. For example, red may symbolize joy in one country, but mourning in another.
• Vendor + Local Insights: Lean on your local vendor team or venue contact to provide insight. They’ll know what’s appropriate and stylish based on their experience and what past couples have done.

Doing your homework ahead of time not only avoids missteps—it also shows respect to your destination and helps your wedding party feel confident they’re dressed appropriately for every event.

Photo by Colton Simmons

Understand the climate

It’s not just about the weather forecast, but how the climate feels and how your wedding party can dress to stay comfortable all day. Heat, humidity, and elevation can all sneak up on you if you’re not prepared.

• Hot + Humid Locales: Lightweight, breathable fabrics are a must in tropical or desert climates. “Solving the problem of comfort and style in hot, humid locales is as easy as picking the right fabrics. Cottons, linens, and silks will be your friends because they are lightweight and breathable,” says Wedding Fashion Stylist Kati Kons of Portrait of a Bride on Fire. “Many sheer or lightweight fabrics are confusingly inept at dealing with hot, humid weather because they are plastic-based fabrics that don’t allow for breathability or moisture-wicking, two very important things for maintaining comfort in that weather.”
• Chillier Destinations: For weddings in the mountains or off-season spots, consider layered looks—think stylish shawls, wraps, or tailored jackets. It keeps your party warm and polished for photos.
• Altitude or Coastal Breezes: Wind is a silent wardrobe saboteur. Long veils, flowy skirts, or unsecured accessories may not play nice with breezy conditions, so think strategically when finalizing outfits.

Climate-appropriate attire means your wedding party can enjoy the day without constantly fidgeting, overheating, or freezing. Comfort and confidence go hand in hand!

Be strategic when packing

Your wedding party might be traveling far to celebrate with you, so a little guidance on packing can go a long way. Strategic packing keeps everyone’s outfits in great shape, no matter how many time zones they cross.

• Carry-Ons Are King: Remind your party to pack their formalwear in a carry-on bag just in case of delays or lost luggage. Preeti Vasudeva of Preeti Exclusive Events, shares, “Be mindful of the weight and keep your wedding outfit, if you can, in your carry-on. Pack the vacuum and a portable steamer with you for the way back so you do not have to use the hotel’s iron on such delicate and intricate garments.”
• Wrinkle-Free Wins: Use garment bags or packing cubes to keep dresses, suits, and accessories organized and looking fresh. Rolling items instead of folding can also help minimize creases and keep outfits looking their best upon arrival.
• Accessories & Extras: Don’t forget the small things—shoes, undergarments, jewelry, and any themed or culturally significant additions. Having a checklist can prevent any last-minute shopping stress.

When everyone’s packed with intention, it’s one less thing to worry about and one more reason the day goes off without a hitch!

Photo by Anastasiia Photography

Let your destination shine

One of the best parts about a destination wedding? The incredible setting. That’s why many couples try using the natural beauty and culture of their location as their inspiration.

• Cultural Details: Incorporate local design elements into accessories, like embroidered shawls, hand-crafted jewelry, or prints that nod to your destination’s culture. These small touches add meaning without taking over the look.
• Scenic Color Palettes: Choose color schemes that complement the destination. Sophia Tanner of The Bridal Finery, suggests, “Couples can respectfully include elements of the destination’s local culture, such as choosing colors, fabrics, or patterns that reflect the area! Working with local vendors can also add a special touch as they are most familiar with the destination. It’s important to approach these cultural elements carefully, making sure they honor the culture without using it in the wrong way.”
• Venue Vibe: Think about the setting—cobblestone streets, sandy beaches, or historic halls—and dress accordingly. Shoes and fabric choices should work with (not against) the environment.

One standout option this season? Birdy Grey’s newest Spring/Summer ‘25 collection, which blends trend-forward colorways with lightweight, breathable fabrics designed for warm-weather destinations. “We wanted to create a collection that felt effortless yet elevated—something your wedding party can wear while strolling cobblestone streets in Italy or standing under a Hawaiian sunset,” shared founder Grace Lee Chen at the launch event. “It’s all about giving couples and their crews options that are stylish, inclusive, and ready to travel.”

Letting your destination shine through your style choices adds another layer of storytelling to your special day. It’s a great way to celebrate not just your love, but the place that’s hosting it.

Ultimately, the key is to remember to have an open mind, especially to ensure that every member of the wedding, regardless of gender identify or body type, feels seen and celebrated no matter the climate.  “While the industry is trending away from strict wedding party uniformity and attire requirements, it is still important that if we are going to have a wedding party, we maintain a level of coordination,” explains Kons. “This is not only to maintain a consistent style, but more importantly, to make sure there is a diversity of attire to the point where each wedding party member feels comfortable doing what is best for them.”

What your wedding party wears should reflect not only personal style but also the spirit of your destination. With a little forethought and flexibility, their outfits can complement the setting, respect local traditions, and keep everyone feeling their best. 

Thoughtful touches like these are what make a destination wedding feel both intentional and unforgettable!