33 Stunning Wedding Guest Dresses by Season (2023)
Last Updated on February 15, 2023 by Dana Berez
Wedding Guest Dresses
Table of Contents
It’s official, wedding season is among us, which means you’re probably set to attend a few weddings. Now, no matter what the season, I’ve selected the best wedding guest dresses for your next celebration.
I’ve included things to look out for before you buy your dress at the end of this post, including what colors to avoid and practical tips! Now let’s get into the list.
Where to Buy Wedding Guest Dresses:
For an even more selection of wedding guest dresses, here are a few retailers that have plenty of variety for any type of wedding guest dress:
- Lulus: Great dress selection with most under $100
- Revolve: Plenty of options and styles available for all price ranges.
- MuMu Wedding
- Astr the Label
- Nordstrom Dresses
- Reformation
- Anthropologie
Spring Wedding Guest Dresses
If your wedding is set in spring, it’s a great time to incorporate light blush tones into your outfit. Popular spring colors include light blush tones, yellows, greens, purples, and of course florals.
Even though Miranda Priestly famously said, “Florals for spring? Groundbreaking.” Florals are still a beautiful option for spring wedding guest dresses.
Because the temperatures are still rising, you might want to go for a longer dress for extra warmth.
Here are my picks for spring wedding guest dresses:
ASTR the Label Blythe Dress
This stunning dress with a pleated skirt has the most gorgeous pattern that you can wear past the wedding! This best-selling style is perfect for a spring garden wedding and will surely turn heads!
Lulus: Bella Blush Print Floral-Print High-Low Dress
Lulus Blush Floral-Print High-Low Dress $98
Amazon Long Sleeve Wrap Dress
This Amazon wrap dress is perfect for a wedding guest dress! I own this one in black, and it looks way more expensive than it is. This dress comes in a few different colors so you could wear this beyond a spring wedding.
The tie detail over the stomach hides any concern areas and it’s just a flattering fit. Plus, the price is right at $39.99 and quick shipping.
Pink Floral Satin Dress
Lulus: Floral Satin Dress $74
Lulus: Sage Green Floral Wrap Maxi Dress
Lulus: Sage Green Floral Wrap Maxi Dress $89
Pink Floral Sleeveless Ruched Dress
Lulus: Ruched Dress $68
Amazon Square Neck Ruffle Dress
Another pretty style tried and tested from Amazon. This is a pretty and elegant wedding guest dress that is perfect for a spring or summer wedding. It also comes in black, so it could definitely double as a winter wedding guest dress.
This style runs true to size and has a flattering tie waist, tie shoulders, and a ruffle hem with slit while the back has smocking for the perfect fit. It’s a similar style to a designer brand but for a fraction of the price at $38.99!
Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
You have to love a summer wedding, right!? You can bet on sunny days and nice weather, plus there are so many different kinds of summer wedding guest dresses to choose from. For a beach wedding, you should choose a light, airy dress in a casual fabric such as cotton or linen. Avoid anything too tight or restrictive, as you want to be comfortable in the warm weather.
If the wedding is an outdoor summer wedding, it might be best to opt for a short, flowy cocktail dress and if it is indoors a sundress, maxi dress, or mid-length dress would be great options as well.
In terms of color, feel free to go with brighter solids as well as patterns. In terms of accessories, keep things simple with a pair of sandals or flats and a delicate necklace or earrings.
It’s also a good idea to consider the formality of the wedding when choosing your outfit and to make sure your dress is appropriate for the occasion.
Here are my picks for summer wedding guest dresses:
Nordstrom: Catalina Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress
Nordstrom: Catalina Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress $182
Reformation Jasen Dress
Reformation Jasen Dress $298
Revolve Ashley Midi Dress Resa
Revolve Ashley Midi Dress Resa $158
Misa Las Angeles: Iselle Dress
Misa Los Angeles: Iselle Dress $340
Mink Pink: Sun Valley Midi Dress
Mink Pink Sun Valley Midi Dress $109
Fall Wedding Guest Dresses
For a fall wedding, women should consider wearing a dress in a rich, autumnal color such as burgundy, forest green, or mustard yellow. In terms of length, a knee-length or tea-length dress is a good option for a fall wedding.
If the weather is cool, you may want to consider wearing a sweater or jacket over your dress or pairing your dress with tights or stockings. In terms of accessories, a pair of closed-toe pumps or boots in a complementary color can add a touch of sophistication to your outfit.
Here are my selects for fall wedding guest dresses:
Lulus Reinette Mauve Purple Midi Dress
Lulus Reinette Mauve Purple Midi Dress $68
Lulus Washed Olive Greene Wrap Maxi Dress
Lulus Washed Olive Greene Wrap Maxi Dress $68
Emerald Green Midi Dress
Dresses Under $100: Lulus Emerald Green Midi Dress $64 Simple and classic silhouette, however, if you have a larger chest- this one is a bit low cut and revealing.
Wine Satin Sleeveless Mock Neck Fall Wedding Guest Dress
Under $100 Dress. This wine color is perfect for a fall wedding- the high neck gives a sophisticated feel to this dress.
Show Me Your Mumu Claire Midi Dress
Show Me Your Mumu Claire Midi Dress $178
Burgundy Lace Fall Wedding Guest Dress
Under $100 Dress: This burgundy lace dress gives all the fall feels, plus the midi length is great for warmer fall days.
Lulu’s Burgundy Floral Maxi Dress
Dresses under $100: This floral maxi dress has all the autumnal hues- perfect for any fall wedding.
Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
What to wear to a winter wedding? Take a look at fabrics and colors. Deep jewel tones, rich fabrics, and long sleeves. Plus, with a winter wedding, why not add some shine and sparkle to your look.
Don’t forget because it’s winter, a long dress plus a cute shawl might be your go-to accessory to stay warm.
Here are my selects for winter wedding guest dresses:
Amazon Velvet Ruched Dress
This velvet dress is so stunning in person, and is a great deal for the price under $70! This dress fits true to size and really adds a glam feel to your look. Plus the velvet long sleeves will keep you warm in winter. Pair this dress with some pumps and you’re ready for that winter wedding!
Jenny Yoo: Elis Velvet Dress
Jenny Yoo: Elis Velvet Dress $295
Lulus Navy Blue Floral Print Tiered Maxi Dress $88
Revolve Stacey Dress Lovers + Friends
Revolve Stacey Dress Lovers + Friends $198
One Shoulder Black Maxi Dress
Dresses under $100: This sexy one-shoulder black dress is a steal at $68! This is an elegant black tie dress- comes in a few dark hues.
Lulus Lovely Navy Blue Dress $88
Formal Wedding Guest Dresses
Time to get dressed up! Formal and Black-Tie weddings call for floor-length evening gowns or a formal cocktail-length dress in a neutral color such as black, navy, or beige. Formal weddings are usually evening events, so even if the wedding is in spring or summer, you can still wear darker shades. If the invitation doesn’t specify a dress code, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and choose a more formal option.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the season and the weather when choosing a dress for a formal wedding. In general, it’s a good idea to avoid wearing white or off-white, as these colors are traditionally reserved for the bride.
Here are my selects for Formal Wedding Guest Dresses:
Revolve India Midi Dress Michael Costello
Revolve India Midi Dress Michael Costello $178
Norma Kamali: Tara Dress in Black
Norma Kamali: Tara Dress in Black $175
Revolve Sugar Stick Gown Katie May
Revolve Sugar Stick Gown Katie May $245
Lulus Backless Black Wedding Guest Dress
Lulu’s: $59
Dresses Under $100: This backless black wedding guest dress brings the party to the back. The front of this dress is modest, while the back is showstopping. Plus it’s a find for under $100!
Revolve Lust One-Shoulder Gown Nookie
Revolve Lust One-Shoulder Gown Nookie $289
The cut of this dress is stunning, this is appropriate for any black tie wedding or gala.
Revolve: Braxton Dress
This sexy and sophisticated wedding guest dress is perfect for a black tie event. Shop the dress at Revolve $198.
Anthropologie: Cali Satin Midi-Dress
Anthropologie: Cali Satin Midi-Dress $168
Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
If you are invited to a Beach wedding, well congrats! Celebrate and enjoy the warm weather and beach setting with the wedding party. But you might be wondering what to wear.
Beach weddings can be tricky because they are outside, and you’ll have to consider the elements. Expect the beach to have some kind of wind, and you’ll have to consider your footwear. Heels will not work in the sand, so a comfortable espadrille or flat will do the trick.
Beach weddings tend to be more relaxed and casual, so you can dress for the occasion by incorporating laid-back, but elegant looks. Plus, depending on the beach wedding, a boho wedding guest dress might be what you’re looking for.
Here are my beach wedding guest dress selects:
Lulus Rose Swiss Dot Smocked Cutout Tiered Maxi Dress
Reformation Kourtney Dress
Reformation Kourtney Dress $248
Lulus Sunshine Yellow Floral Print Smocked Tie-Strap Maxi Dress
Lulus Sunshine Yellow Floral Print Smocked Tie-Strap Maxi Dress $68
ASTR The Label Heiress Floral Ruched Mini Dress
ASTR The Label Heiress Floral Ruched Mini Dress $138
Revolve River Dress Indah
Revolve River Dress Indah $172
Nordstrom Elan Off the Shoulder Ruffle Cover-Up Maxi Dress
Nordstrom Elan Off the Shoulder Ruffle Cover-Up Maxi Dress $72
Wedding Guest Dresses Before You Buy:
But before you pick your dress, here are a few things to look out for.
Timing: Take a look at when the wedding is going to take place. Depending on the season of the wedding, you might want to opt for a long or short dress depending on the weather. (Look over at the dress code before you make the decision)
Theme: When you receive the wedding invitation, look over the colors used on the invitation. Here you can gauge the color theme of the wedding and possibly spot out which color the bridesmaid dresses will be. Whether or not you’d like to be mistaken for a bridesmaid, perhaps avoid those exact colors, or wear a printed dress to avoid any confusion.
Dress Code: Did the invite have a dress code? Formal, Black-Tie, Cocktail, Casual. These are a few wedding guest dress codes popular on invitations. For formal and black-tie weddings, dresses should be floor-length. Whereas cocktail and casual dress you can opt for a shorter dress length.
Color: Wearing black at a wedding was once a faux pas, but in modern times, wearing a black dress is totally acceptable. However, the colors white or ivory is still reserved for the bride. So don’t show up to the wedding wearing white.
Accessories: Don’t forget the power of accessories. With some statement jewelry and cute shoes, you can totally change up the look of your dress (and perhaps wear it again with new accessories)
Wedding Guest Accessories
Jewelry: Once you’ve picked your dress, it’s time to add your accessories! Don’t miss out on jewelry to compliment your dress. A statement earring or necklace can do the trick.
Shoes: For shoes, a comfortable pair is a must! No matter if you’re a star on the dance floor, or like to watch from a distance, a comfortable shoe is a must. You can opt for a low kitten heel, which looks elegant and won’t be too hard to walk in. Or a classic pair of flats.
Bags: A small sensible clutch is a perfect bag for a wedding. Leave your large weekend bag at home or the hotel. You won’t need much at the wedding and reception. Plus, a small clutch looks great in photos with evening wear.
Related Fashion Posts:
10 Best Strapless Bras for Big Boobs that Actually Stay Up (2022)
Have a new look for your wedding? Let me know in the comments below, & save this post to your Pinterest Boards:
