A Visual Guide: Wedding Dress Codes Decoded
Links to details product sources for the individual collages created by Dress for the Wedding Beach Chic: Outfit for an Outdoor Summer Wedding | Daytime: Pretty Yellow Printed Dress | Cocktail: Sequin Cocktail Dress for a Wedding Guest | Black Tie: What to Wear to a Fall Black Tie Wedding | | Formal: High Low Ball Gown | Destination: Blue Strapless Dress for a Wedding Guest | Afternoon: Coral Lace Dress | Rustic: Cold Shoulder Floral Maxi Dress
Best Belted: Sachi & Babi Zoe Gown
Courtesy of Sachi & Babi
Size: 0-22W | Length: Floor length | Care: Dry clean
A formal gown that has a belt? It exists! This unique Sachi & Babi gown features a full-length skirt and is definitely on the fancier side. We love the mix of slate and navy, a perfect color combination for a guest attending a winter wedding.
What Never To Wear To A Wedding
Jeans, Hats, Non-Collared Shirts
The standard rules of being well-dressed for a wedding still apply, so just like a restaurant or private club, the warning of ripped jeans, baseball hats, and non-collared shirts aren’t appropriate –unless it’s at the request of the couple that you dress down.
White or Off-White
Please don’t wear white or off-white dresses or anything that could perhaps photograph as white. Head- to-toe white suits or jumpsuits are also off-limits, too. Pale pastels like the palest blues, greens, yellows, grays, nudes, and blushes all have a tendency to look lighter than they are in photos. A white wrap or sweater to throw on if you get chilly is generally fine, especially if it’s after the ceremony. Prints with some white elements are ok but just be sure the colors are much more predominant than any white background. We wrote a whole post about wearing white to a wedding, but we’re sure you get it — please, just don’t!
Anything Too Revealing or Too Short
And of course, don’t wear anything too short or revealing, and don’t look unkempt or wrinkled. If you have to fight with your outfit to keep parts of your body you’d rather not show, it might not be the right choice.
Anything too Formal or Glamourous for the Requested Dress Code
The Wedding Party Colors and Styles
Head to Toe Black,
Red – in Some Cases
Affiliate links are used in the shop sections of this post.
Daytime Afternoon Evening Semi Formal Evening Formal
What to Wear to a Daytime Wedding
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Evening Wedding Guest Dresses
For a more formal wedding, explore full-length gowns with sleeveless designs or embellishments at the waist. Celebrate in style with a flattering wrap dress or look elegant in a long satin dress. Explore midi, maxi, and strapless dresses from the brands you love like Simply Vera Vera Wang and Apt.9. And of course, don’t forget the shoes and fashion jewelry needed to elevate your look to new heights. Choose from a stylish pair of sandals, women’s heels, or flats.
Amanda Uprichard X Revolve Cedar Gown
Meghan Markle sported this elegant silhouette at her wedding, so how much more convincing do you need to splurge on this pale pink maxi? The regal high neckline is super flattering, as is the belted waist that leads into high-low skirt. Wear your hair in a sleek updo, like a chignon, to show off the keyhole back.
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Best Midi: Lulus How Much I Care Off
Courtesy of Lulus
Size: XS-XL | Length: Tea length | Care: Hand wash cold, line dry
As far as midi dresses go, this one is pretty formal. It’s also sold at a great price point, making it an affordable option for anyone shopping on a budget.
Size: XXS-XL | Length: Ankle length | Care: Dry clean
Made of delicate, flowy material, this maxi dress feels feminine and romantic. The soft floral print and the watercolor shades only add to the effect.
Selecting A Wedding Guest Dress
The best wedding guest dresses must fill two simple criteria: make you look and feel GREAT while not overshadowing the bride! Other than those two simple requirements, picking a dress to wear to another persons wedding leaves a lot to an individuals choice and style, so making sure you have an outfit thats suitable to the kind of wedding youre going to attend can help you narrow the choices down a bit further.
When selecting wedding guest dresses, think about whether the wedding and reception will be held indoors, or outside. A cute little mini dress might be perfect for an indoor, cocktail-party-style reception, but if the wedding is being held somewhere with a breeze you might wind up showing off more than you meant to! Pick long dresses with more volume if weddings are being held outside, as this will help protect you from the elements as well as giving your dress motion and energy. Be careful not to be too over-the-top, though, as a long train or dramatic embellishments might wind up drawing attention away from the wedding party a serious breach of rule number two!
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For A New Year’s Eve Wedding: Asos Edition Ombre Sequin Wrap Dress
Courtesy of ASOS
Give them glitz and glam in head-to-toe sequins. This statement-making gown is perfect for a New Year’s Eve black-tie wedding. Keep accessories minimal, as this dress does all the talking.
Price at time of publish: $275
A black-tie wedding calls for gowns in rich textured fabrics with a hint of sparkle. At once elegant and sexy, this Rebecca Vallance is sure to secure your spot as the best-dressed guest.
Price at time of publish: $840
Why Follow The Wedding Dress Code
It is a sign of respect for the couple and the event to get dressed up for a wedding, and your attire should always be respectful, conservative, and appropriate. But keep in mind, the rules of etiquette were designed to help one feel more at ease and comfortable in all social situations. So simply remember your cheerful presence at the wedding is what counts here, and you’re likely to have a good time no matter what you decide to wear.
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Yas Halter Neck Jumpsuit
Reminiscent of citrusy orange sorbet, this sleek jumpsuit is an excellent choice for formal summer wedding attire. The mock high neckline gives off a mod ’60s vibe, while a satin strip across the waist will accentuate your shape. Pair this with your favorite set of heels for an upscale look that’s comfortable and fashion-forward.
Most Classic: Roland Mouret Istana Gown
Courtesy of Dia & Co
Size: UK 18-14 to 24-20 | Length: Floor length | Care: Dry clean
The trumpet silhouette of this poppy red gown makes it feel extra glamorous and a dream pick for a formal dress code. Made of red double wool crepe, it features an internal corset for extra support, and split front and back hems that make dancing a breeze.
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Best For A Spring Wedding: Reformation Frankie Silk Dress
Size: 14-24 | Length: Ankle length | Care: Dry clean
This silk dress has a tight fit with a trendy straight neckline and thin straps. The green hue and delicate floral pattern make it a lovely pick for a spring wedding, but it also comes in brown if that better suits your style.
Size: XXS-S | Length: Floor length | Care: Machine wash, line dry
Sophisticated and classic, this one-shoulder gown exudes Old Hollywood vibes. It has a side slit and a slight train for a dramatic touch, and the thick crepe fabric makes it feel comfortable.
Asos Design Pleat Cowl Neck Midi Dress
You don’t need to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks. We’re loving this bright and bold floral midi as a summer wedding guest dress, especially because it’s a budget-friendly option. If you’re not one to reach for punchy color palettes, we recommend shopping outside your comfort zone to shake things up this summer.
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Wedding Guest Cocktail Dresses And Attire
Forget what you think you know about cocktail wedding attire at Anthropologie, we offer a variety of cocktail wedding guest dresses so you can look and feel your best at every occasion. Midi dresses are a timelessly ladylike option choose one with of-the-moment puffed sleeves and a bold mix of floral prints, or consider a shoulder-baring halter neck and wrist full of gleaming bangles. Prefer shorter cocktail dresses for weddings? Our curated collection of occasion-worthy mini dresses delivers the perfect match for statement-making shoes think vibrantly hued suede platforms, strappy stilettos, or sparkling embellished flats.
Saylor Nyc Perrie Dress
You’ll look like a literal ray of sunshine in this bright yellow maxi dress, which is begging to be worn to a semi-formal summer wedding. This piece has just about every design detail in the books, from pleats and ruffles to lace and smocking. This eco-friendly frock will effortlessly carry you from spring to summer, which is why we recommend snagging it before it sells out.
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Best Wedding Guest Dresses
Anthropologie has an unforgettable collection of wedding guest dresses, from long and flowing to short and structured. Weve made it easy to find the perfect dresses to wear to as a wedding guest in our cant-miss collection. With so many colors and materials, you wont know which wedding guest dress to choose. Discover our unique jewelry to complete your wedding guest outfit.
Wedding Guest Dress Colors To Avoid
When it comes to dressing up for a wedding, you’ll likely begin searching for endless bold patterns and colors or more subtle neutral looks. But in recent years, wedding guest etiquette has changed – including colors that you shouldn’t wear. In short, you’ll want to avoid anything that could potentially upstage the bride on her special day. When figuring out what to wear to a wedding here are a few colors you should think twice about before donning:
- White/Ivory – If there is one color that you should absolutely avoid, it’s a white dress. The majority of brides wear white dresses to their wedding, so the bride must be able to stand out at her wedding – and yes, even if your dress is ivory or off-white. Basically, try to stay away from any color or pattern that could be construed as white or ivory.
- Bridal Party Colors – It can be awkward blending in with the bridesmaids if you’re not a part of the wedding party. If you’re unable to get a heads-up on what color they will be wearing, one of the best ways to find out the bridal party color is to look at the wedding invitations. For example, if the invitations have mint green accents, they will likely be wearing some variation of mint green.
- Bright Colors/Patterns – It’s important to try to blend in with everyone else. Otherwise, bright colors and patterns like sparkly metallics and shimmery dresses can be very distracting.
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Choose These Colors Instead
Choose a dress with earth tones or a pastel color palette such as pink, light purple, or a pale blue. Not only do they look great on any skin tone but they’re soft, warm colors that look flattering without taking away the focus on the bride. Additional fresh colors and patterns include:
- Seasonal-appropriate colors
Summer Wedding Guest Dresses For Women
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Ieena For Mac Duggal Floral Tie Back Gown
Being a frequent wedding guest certainly isn’t cheap, so we know how important it is to get the most bang for your buck. When it comes to finding a great wedding guest dress for summer, consider renting instead of buyingânot only is this a more sustainable option, it may be a better fit for your budget than splurging on a gown you’d only wear once. We’re partial to this airy chiffon maxi, which has a cheerful yellow and pink floral print and of-the-moment side cutouts that lead into an open strappy back.
Lulus Still The One Floral Print Maxi Dress
When you aren’t sure what to wear to a wedding, Lulus is always a great retailer to turn to thanks to their wide array of dresses at fair price points. We’re loving this pink floral-print maxi, which has a flattering tie-waist and a sky-high leg slit. Pair it with your favorite nude sandals to make this a great formal wedding guest dress.
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Best For Fall Weddings: Astr The Label Anora Maxi Dress
Size: XS-XL | Length: Ankle length | Care: Dry clean only
Stay comfortable on chilly autumn wedding days with this long-sleeve maxi dress. The tiered skirt elevates the overall look, while the shimmering cooper hue adds to the fall aesthetic.
Size: 0-14 | Length: Tea length | Care: Dry clean only
If you’re not afraid to make a splash, opt for this bold, highlighter yellow dress. Between the color and the fringe, this look would be perfect for a formal wedding in a tropical locale. For those who love the style but want a more subtle color, opt for the black version.
Maeve Fringed Sequined Midi Skirt
You’ll be fully dressed to impress in a sparkly fringe skirt like this. Perfect for those who love to spend all night on the dance floor, this glittery design is perfect for weddings, holiday parties and everything in between. We recommend pairing it with a simple black top or bodysuit.
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Best Jewel Tone: Lulus Constantine Burgundy Satin Maxi Dress
Lulus
Nothing exudes more effortless elegance than a flowing maxi dress. This satin style in a rich burgundy is as chic as ever for fall or winter nuptials. And at an affordable price, it makes for a budget-friendly option you can wear again for any other formal occasions to come.
Price at time of publish: $70
Attending a wedding is an investment, so invest in a dress that you’ll wear again and again. This elegant strapless gown would make a timeless addition to any formal wardrobe. Plus, the structured shape and textured detail make it an oh-so-flattering frock.
Price at time of publish: $540
Womens Wedding Guest Dresses & Outfits
Forget your date and make our wedding guest dresses the plus one! Discover everything you need to rival the bridal party with this show-stopping wedding guest outfits collection. Wondering what to wear to a summer wedding? Wonder no more! Weve got enough summer wedding guest dresses to make you shine all-season long! And when it comes to outfits for a winter wedding? Think long-sleeved dresses for weddings and super-pretty stunning wedding guest dresses. Oh, and if youre looking to really stand out from the wedding crowd, weve just got the thing! Change up your look with wedding guest jumpsuits and skirts thatll guarantee you the best-dressed guest award.
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Abercrombie & Fitch Drama Ruffle Maxi Dress
Allow us to introduce you to your new favorite summer wedding guest dress. This breezy design brings the romance thanks to the dramatic ruffle trim detail. We particularly love the watercolor blue shade for summer, but you can always opt for black if your personal style aesthetic skews minimal.
Best Tiered: Lulus Molinetto Tiered Maxi Dress
Courtesy of Lulus
Size: XXS-3X | Length: Ankle length | Care: Hand wash cold, line dry
This ruffled maxi dress features a feminine tiered skirt that makes it feel more dressed up. The pretty lace design and ruffled sleeves are also flirty touches, and it comes in a few different colors for a variety of options.
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Formal Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
Not sure what to wear to a wedding with this particular dress code? Below, find our favorite formal winter wedding guest dresses, which range in style, silhouette, length and color. The only thing you have to do is choose the winter wedding outfit that feels totally you. A budget-savvy idea for getting an upscale formal gown is renting one from Rent the Runway. Or, check out affordable retailers like ASOS, Lulus or Nordstrom. Browse the best formal winter wedding guest dresses, and snag yours right on the spot.
Jcrew Linen Daydream Dress
Trust us when we say linen is a summer wedding guest’s saving grace, especially in the wake of rising temperatures. Follow the dress code and keep yourself cool by investing in this casual linen midi, which comes in a preppy zinnia-inspired floral print. The smocked bodice will provide hours of comfort as you mingle and dance.
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