Weddings are unique affairs—no two are exactly alike. What you wear to these occasions, however, does not need to be completely different every time. If you invest in a great dress, you can wear it multiple times; not just to weddings, but also to swanky dinner parties and other fêtes on your social agenda. Versatility is important when considering your options since you’ll want a wedding guest dress that can suit a variety of dress codes, from casual to formal to something in between. Also keep in mind the location, season and time of day. If you’re attending an outdoor afternoon ceremony in August versus an indoor evening gala in a hotel in January, you’ll want a different look.
The best wedding guest dresses can handle a few different party scenarios and aren’t overly trendy but have enough style and personality to stand out. That can mean a minimalist slip dress that you glitz up with diamond jewelry and glamorous heels. Or it can be an embellished strapless gown in a trailing silhouette that makes a statement all on its own. No matter your fashion preferences, go for styles that fit well and feel comfortable.
The only thing you should avoid: Shopping at the last minute. Wedding season is in full swing and during the reporting of this piece, we have noticed that styles are not staying in stock long. With that in mind, we rounded up the best wedding guest dresses in key categories—from plus-size to long-sleeve options; cocktail to formal to casual lengths—so you can focus on the good part: getting to the party.
Best Plus-Size Dresses For Weddings
Sleek And Swingy
The design of this dress is as much about style as it is comfort. It has a fitted bodice with smocking in the back to allow for easy movement and a relaxed skirt. The tie straps can be adjusted and the side slit is sexy but also lets you freely walk—and dance—for hours.
Fitted With Frills
This dress is cut from ultra-smooth and stretchy scuba-style fabric for a body-shaping fit. The silhouette is off the shoulder with a frill front, high-low hem and wrap-style skirt, which creates a flattering effect. Only limited sizes are left so it’s worthwhile to shop quickly or check out other styles from the True Violet collection.
Elegant Floral Print
This floral dress combines ruffled cap sleeves with chic midi-length wrap skirt and high waist. The print is also sophisticated enough with rich botanical tones to work for daytime as well as evening events—just pair with a cashmere wrap.
Best Long-Sleeve Dresses For Weddings
Ruched Silhouette
Long-sleeve dresses don’t need to be stuffy, as evidenced by this bold Diane Von Furstenberg midi dress. The chiffon silhouette is ruched through the center with an asymmetrical hem and abstract animal motif in vivid blue and orange tones. The sleeves, meanwhile, are crinkled and can be pushed up or down to change the look.
Pleated Wrap Style
For an affordable option that looks expensive, Mango’s pleated dress hits the mark. The silhouette is simple but refined with a crossover design, long puffed sleeves, elastic waist and removable belt. You can dress this one up or down with accessories depending on the occasion and your personal style.
Silky Maxi Design
Best Cocktail Dresses For Weddings
LBD With A Twist
It’s Hervé Léger’s iconic bandage dress (a favorite of celebrities such as Beyoncé) with cut-out shoulders and an elegant twisted fabric. The contouring design is stretchy so it hugs your body without being at all constricting, which gives you a versatile black dress that you can wear many different ways, depending on your jewelry and shoes.
Sculptural Statement
Little back dresses can be a little boring. Not this one. It features a fitted top, empire waist, flared skirt and gorgeous sculptural sleeves, which strike the right balance between drama and wearability. The elastic waist and key-hole details add comfort and the mini-length is chic with strappy heels or fashion-forward mules.
Chic And Sleeveless
ALC was founded by celebrity stylist Andrea Lieberman who is known for tailored, feminine designs and figure-flattering silhouettes. This cocktail dress features a drop waist dress, smocked high-neck, blouson body and knife-pleated skirt with an asymmetrical hem. It’s minimalist and striking no matter what you pair it with.
Formal Wedding Guest Dresses
Tiered Chiffon
Romantic and refined, this Mac Duggal satin and chiffon gown has a tiered shape, fitted bodice and full skirt. It comes in two shades—this dusty pink as well as a jewel-tone green—and is meant to sweep the floor but can be tailored for your height.
Cut-Away Front
Asymmetrical Ruffles
Bronx and Banco has a steady following among celebrities and style influencers who often wear the Australian label’s well-tailored, flattering designs. This one-shoulder gown is made from a silk blend with a cut-out waist, ruffled hem and hidden side zipper, which keeps you secure and ensures you can take this dress on and off easily.
Casual Dresses For Wedding
Floral Midi
Silky And Belted
For less than $100, this dress has a lot to love about it. It hits slightly above the knee for a flattering effect, drapes beautifully on the body with an adjustable wrap belt and is cut from a washable silk that also has a bit of stretch for even more comfort.
Garden Party Design
Self Portrait’s dresses combine beautiful prints with rich fabrics, creating pieces that you can wear day or night, in formal or casual settings. The yellow tone of this tiered dress is soft and feminine and the pleated, lightweight chiffon is great for summer but can be layered under a blazer on chilly days.
