The Best Wedding Guest Dresses

So, you've been invited to a wedding. You're excited to celebrate the happy couple, enjoy great music and time with friends and family, and dance the night away. However, one thing stands between you and that celebration: a dress. As a guest, you want something that will make you feel confident, serve your needs (whether that's eating extra cake or dancing), and fit with the venue. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to find the right dress. We've done the research for you and rounded up a versatile group of wedding guest dresses. Read on to find the right one for you.

Pretty Garden Women’s Flowy Maxi Dress

Easy, breezy, iconic

You'll be floating around the dance floor in this effortlessly beautiful dress.
Best Overall

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For a dress that fits almost any venue, you can’t go wrong with this maxi dress from Pretty Garden. The high neckline gives a classy look, while the halter tie leaves your back half-exposed, which contrasts nicely with the length of the dress. The elastic waist is accentuated with a tie, letting your curves shine through. Most importantly, you’ll be able to break it down on the dance floor, as the flowy dress leaves plenty of room for your moves. With tons of patterns and colors to choose from, you can try a flirty polka dot dress, a solid orange dress for a beach wedding, or a black dress for a more formal look. Best of all, the maxi dress can also be worn for a fun brunch look or a day out on the town.

Pros

  • Dress is lined for added coverage and comfort
  • Made of chiffon fabric for an airy, effortless look
  • Pleats add volume and movement to the dress

Cons

  • Maxi dress may need to be altered for shorter women

DB Moon Women’s Casual Dress

Comfy cute

This simple, stylish dress can be used for that upcoming wedding as well as in your everyday life.
Best Casual

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Simple yet functional, this empire-waist crewneck dress is the perfect backyard wedding choice. The pleated skirt will allow for movement through the garden and on the dance floor. And this next feature will have you hooked: it has pockets. You can easily store your phone, Chapstick, or whatever else you need throughout the wedding, so you won’t have to leave things on a table on the way to the dance floor. This dress is casual enough that you’ll be able to wear it again and again beyond the wedding.

Pros

  • Lovely patterns (including floral ones) to elevate the look
  • Many color choices to fit any style
  • Stretchy, lightweight material for a comfortable, breathable fit

Cons

  • Hand-wash only

Sarin Mathews Women’s Cocktail Dress

Look unique and chic

You'll stand out from the crowd in this high-low cocktail dress.
Best Cocktail Dress

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If you’re searching for a dress that doesn’t blend into the background, this is the one for you. The high-low hem will give you a unique look that will stand out among the other guests. You can even pair the dress with a stunning pair of shoes since your feet will be visible. The A-line cut of the dress flatters any body type, and the off-the-shoulder sleeves will accentuate your collar bone area. You can add a beautiful necklace to be the focal point of your look. With colors like red, yellow, white, sky blue, and black, you’ll surely find the perfect dress for you.

Pros

  • Machine-washable
  • Inclusive sizes from extra-small to XX-large
  • Thick fabric to prevent it from being see-through

Cons

  • Thick fabric may not be suitable for warmer weather

Xxxiticat Women’s Satin Dress

Sultry satin

You'll look simply divine in this satin number.
Best Satin Dress

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This sleek and sexy dress features satin fabric that will cascade down your body, giving you a stunning look. The dress has a slit detail on the leg that adds to the look and allows for more movement. The spaghetti straps provide a simplistic look, while the cowl neck adds visual interest. Perfect for any wedding venue, this dress will make you feel comfortable and stylish. Its versatile nature will also allow you to wear it for other events aside from the wedding. With satin dresses being so in right now, we can see you wearing this on a cute picnic in the park or even out for a casual day. Just dress it down with some chunky sneakers and trendy jewelry. Wherever you wear it, you’ll be turning heads at the wedding in this phenomenal dress.

Pros

  • A ton of patterns and colors, and even varying lengths available
  • Zipper back for easy wear
  • Trendy fabric

Cons

  • Should order one size up according to manufacturer

Woosea Evening Cocktail Dress

Formal for you

This seriously good-looking dress is perfect for a serious event.
Best Formal Dress

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While formal weddings are beautiful, it can be a drag for the guests to buy a new, formal dress. However, Woosea has you covered. This floor-length dress is ideal for a formal wedding venue, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. The ruching detail will give a slimming effect, highlighting your curves. The leg slit provides visual interest and allows for movement on the dance floor. The peek-a-boo effect will also show off your shoes. Also, the V-neckline will be perfectly accented with a necklace of your choice. With colors like magenta, burgundy, purple, and royal blue, you’ll have no trouble finding the right dress for your occasion. You can’t go wrong with this classic look.

Pros

  • Cost-efficient, especially for a formal dress
  • A-line shape for a flattering look

Cons

  • Does not have a lining

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are guest wedding dress no-nos?

The most important rule to remember is this: do not wear white. It is all about the bride and groom, and wearing white would distract from the bride. Otherwise, make sure your dress is appropriate for the venue and the occasion.

How do you decide what type of dress to wear?

You can determine what dress is appropriate by looking at the venue. If it is a small backyard wedding, you might opt for a flowy, maxi dress. If it is being held in a venue, black-tie apparel may be required. Many invitations will actually have a dress code listed. If this is not true, your best bet is to ask the bride before buying your dress.

About the Author

Becca loves to keep up with the latest trends on Instagram and TikTok, and her personal style features everything from athleisure to business casual. Her goals are to provide a fresh, young perspective on fashion and to encourage everyone to be comfortable in their skin, love what they wear, and feel empowered.

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Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.