Beach wedding guest dress ideas in 2024 that include colourful knitwear, two-piece sets, vibrant silks, and more.
Images: Shona Joy, Doen, Mon Renn, Oscar de la Renta, Runaway the Label
Beachy dress styles for wedding guests
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Vibrant silks and satins
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Patterned maxi dresses
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Formal slip dresses
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Beachy knits and crochet dresses
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Mini dresses
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Two-piece sets
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Draped silhouettes
Headed to an upcoming destination wedding? We’ve got your outfit — or many outfits, for that matter — covered.
I’ve worked in destination weddings for over 15 years and I’ve seen some gorgeous fashions along the way. Think colourful silk silhouettes on the shores of Antibes, embroidered dresses on the beaches of Tulum, bold maxi dresses in Thailand, and so much more.
One of the first things to consider when selecting a beach wedding dress is the time of day you’ll be wearing it. Are we talking a morning ceremony and brunch wedding? Or, more likely, an evening affair that’ll take you from midday to sunset and late-night dancing? You want a dress that’s going to work in all those scenarios, especially because only the couple are really entitled to that mid-reception outfit swap. The time of day also speaks to the formality of a wedding, and with that, the attire expectations.
Next up to consider? Dress code. Most beach wedding hosts will specify a dress code that’s a little more casual than your typical city wedding. Something like Tropical Attire or Beach Casual, even Beach Formal or Beach Cocktail. Decoding what’s behind these terms might require a little more research on your part. I usually take a look at the venue to decide what feels right. If the space is palatial and all indoors, I’d err on the side of a longer, more fitted sleeveless dress. Whereas, if the ceremony and reception are all on the beach with your feet in the sand, I know the outfits I’m going to see are more flowy and vibrant.
If you’re headed to a location that’s known for a particular style element, I think it’s great for guests to have a little fun playing that up. For example, traditional Fijian clothing incorporates beautiful block printed textiles. Something like Ulla Johnson’s Josefine Dress in Marigold paired with a Jo Mercer natural raffia clutch and wedge espadrilles really celebrates that local vibe.
In the options listed below, all dresses are available to be shipped to Australia or US addresses. Prices may vary depending on sales.
For more options and ideas about wedding guest attire, head to any of our formalwear suppliers across Australia.
FORMALWEARVibrant silks and satins in sunset hues
The classic choice, a midi or maxi silk or satin dress is a gorgeous wedding guest dress option for an evening reception. Opt for a dress with some kind of unique design element that keeps it from being too bridesmaid-feeling — a bold, saturated colour, interesting sleeves, a one-of-a-kind cut or unexpected silhouette.
- Aje Dusk Puff Sleeve Midi in Deep Magenta $575 AUD
- Paris Georgia Kaya Dress in Iris Blue $750 AUD
- Bec and Bridge Agathe Dress in Butter Yellow $420 AUD
- & Other Stories Slim Satin Rose Dress $129 AUD
Bold patterned maxi dresses
Who doesn’t love wearing a maxi dress by the sea? Bold patterns offer a great way to make your dress feel that much more festive at a beach wedding. I love the Shona Joy styles for a wedding that’s a little more laidback, while the Oroton gown leans a little more formal.
- Agua by Agua Bendita Infinito Perla Maxi Dress $1,250 AUD
- Shona Joy Rose Silk Plunged Double Strap Maxi Dress $460 AUD
- Oroton Posie Geranium Print Gown Sea Spray $999 AUD
- Sir the Label Frankie Slip Dress $390 AUD
- Mon Renn Losas Maxi Dress Emerald Tile $249 AUD
- Johanna Ortiz Ancient Peru Strapless Cotton Maxi Dress $1,355 AUD
Formal slip dresses
Slip dresses can easily be glammed up with the right accessories. To prevent blending in too much with the wedding party, go for interesting patterns or flourishes like lace detailing or an open-back dress. The longer, the better.
- Doen Chaire Dress in Chartreuse $720 AUD
- Shona Joy Ivana Lace Back Bias Maxi Dress $420 AUD
- BHLDN Alexia Cowl-Neck Side-Slit Printed Satin Gown $248 USD
- Leila Slip Dress by Runaway the Label in Marigold $129 AUD
Beachy knits and crochet dresses
Nothing says beach casual quite like a gorgeous knit or crochet dress paired with the right statement earrings and handbag. Highest on my list is the Oscar de la Renta off-the-shoulder rainbow midi that just screams cocktails on a secluded beach to me.
- Oscar de la Renta Striped Crocheted Cotton Midi Dress $6,125 AUD
- Eliya the Label Barbados Dress in Saffron $379 AUD
- The Wolf Gang Sleeveless Midi Dress from Anthropologie $288 USD
- Johanna Ortiz Under The Tropics Pima-Cotton Midi Dress from Moda Operandi $488 AUD
- Rebecca Vallance Giovanni Midi in Red $699 AUD
Mini dresses that are fancy enough to wear to a wedding
Can guests wear mini dresses to a wedding? Yes, but there’s a time and place. A beach wedding usually ticks those boxes, provided that you take care to choose a dress that has a structural feel that makes it a little more formal. The dresses I’ve suggested here have a very tailored look for that reason.
- Clea Kalina Mini Dress in Cashew $350 AUD
- Eliya the Label Tahiti Dress $399 AUD
- Elliatt Enchantment Dress $436.41 AUD
- Sezane Leanore Dress Gemini Print $315 AUD
Two-piece sets for wedding guest dresses
Beach wedding dresses can also come in two pieces with a mix-n-match element or perfectly pair if you’re into something more cohesive. Johanna Ortiz brings artistry to her designs, with incredible embroidery and woven patterns.
- Silvia Tcherassi Stefano Striped Sleeveless Top $1,356 AUD and Luarina Striped Maxi Skirt $2,711 AUD
- Runaway the Label Taya Maxi Skirt $89 AUD and Taya Top $79 AUD
- Johanna Ortiz El Viejo Oeste Embroidered Cotton Midi Skirt $2,395 AUD and Exploring Textures Embroidered Top $1,150 USD
- Rumer the Label Rosella Crop Yellow Floral Applique Top $199 AUD and Rosella Skirt $309 AUD
- Aje Reverb Puff Sleeve Cropped Top in Cobalt Blue $295 AUD and Gathered Midi Skirt $455 AUD
- Mon Renn Fresco Embroidered Top in Cacao $119.20 AUD and Midi Skirt $143.20 AUD
Draped silhouette dresses
Ruching, interesting pleats, cowl necks, and asymmetric necklines each create imaginative lines that can almost have a ripple effect. I love these styles for a beach wedding, as they seem to embrace the setting with that wave-like movement.
- Zimmermann Junie Asymmetric Midi Dress in Caramel Multi $850 AUD
- Pasduchas RSVP Florence Shoulder Midi $380 AUD
- Mon Renn Fresco Papaya Embroidered Midi Dress $249 AUD
- Viktoria and Woods Millenia Dress in Blue $199 AUD
- Sir the Label Antonia Beaded Midi Dress in Light Tan $320 AUD
- Bec and Bridge Louann Maxi Dress in Mint $280 AUD