Guest dressed: What to wear to a beach wedding

Being a wedding guest is exciting, and the best excuse to get a new outfit! But there are some weddings where the dress code or location is a little hard to interpret. We look at the best dresses to wear to a beach wedding.

Sunshine, sea breeze, and love in the air – nothing quite like a beach wedding. But the invite might say “beach formal” or “coastal chic”, which can be a bit confusing. The key? A beach wedding is about relaxed glamour with a splash of colour and fabrics that move with you and the ocean breeze.

So whether this beachside wedding means sipping cocktails on the Amalfi Coast, dancing under fairy lights at the shores of Byron Bay, or kicking off your shoes and enjoying the Fijian sand under your feet, we’ve put together what to wear to a beach wedding. Nine guest-worthy looks to whisk you from ceremony to sunset.

Colour-soaked and strapless

Bring the drama, in the best way possible, with a colourful Alemais strapless gown that feels like you’re wearing something straight from a gallery wall. With a floor length hem and a silhouette that flows like a dream (and is unrestrictive for the meal ahead), this dress is just made for twirling through golden hour photos.

 

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Cling cowl neck brings day-to-night glam

A Gorman dress is always going to bring the colour. This ones flirty and fun print but with a retro cowl neckline for something a bit different. It’s a winner for a day ceremony that turns into a night celebration.

 

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Fiji-inspired fun in polka dots

If you’re attending the ultimate casual wedding on a Fijian beach which promises that shoes will be kicked off at some point, then this Dream Sister Jane red polka dot dress with ruching detail and a playful hem really hits the spot. The ⅞ length lets you go shoe-free if you want, because nothing feels better than sand between your toes and a glass of rosé in hand.

 

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Amafli Coast in bold blue

Say ciao bella to the Lisa Says Gah bright blue dress, complete with a playful caviar print all over. This look just screams Italian seaside glam, and wouldn’t look out of place at The White Lotus. Style it with cat-eye sunnies and a red lip to bring your Roman Holiday to life.

 

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Goddess energy in Spell Ode to Aphrodite dress

Giving total Greek Islands energy, the Spell Ode to Aphrodite dress is a clash of prints, with strappy detailing, a light ruffle, and the floaty fabric that makes you feel like you’ve stepped out of a myth. There are no accessories necessary; this dress does all the heavy lifting.

 

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Golden hour glam in Reformation

When the beach wedding calls for formal, the Reformation gold floral halter dress his the mark. Silky fabrics and a bold yet beautiful flower print make it luxe. Pairing it with gold statement earrings will bring the evening style. Dress it down with a straw clutch or level it up for the night with a heel and your beach holiday tan.

 

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Blush and bold in Rat & Boa

The soft pink Rat & Boa dress is simple at first, but look again. The two-strap detail on one side adds an unexpected element. Pairing this sexy number with chunky rings, statement earrings, and your favourite shades will complement it perfectly.

 

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Art you can dance in

Make your entrance and your dance floor debut, in the Alemais fringe dress, a wearable art piece packed with bold colours and movement. The fringe adds texture and fun, while the easy shape means you can pair it with flat sandals or a wedge, whatever your beach terrain requires.

 

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Beach weddings might seem like a casual affair, with no shoes and a swimsuit underneath your attire. But as European coastal towns pick up popularity for wedding locations, or the allure of an incredible Thai and Bali wedding gains momentum, beach weddings aren’t always low-key. Explore your destination wedding options if a bougie beach wedding is your style.

Start planning your destination wedding on the beach today!