You hear that? Those are the wedding bells in the not-so-distant future signifying it’s time to grab your guest dress for the occasion.
A spring or summer wedding could mean an outdoor occasion, perfect for breezy, beautiful dresses and decor. Or, it could be an indoor soirée for winter with twinkle lights and a dance floor.
If you’re not one of the lucky few who have their outfits already pre-determined, you’ll need to start looking for the perfect dress to wear to the reception that makes you look and feel amazing — while not upstaging the bride, of course.
From well-known brands like Reformation and FWRD, to boutique newcomers like PinkBlush and Simple Retro, here are our favorite places to shop for dresses for weddings in 2024.
Best Places to Buy Wedding Guest Dresses
Pros:
- Sustainable and ethically crafted
- Large, seasonally rotating selection of styles
- Offers sizes 0-12
Cons:
- Sizes larger than 12 not offered
Elevate your wedding guest ensemble with Reformation, renowned for its of-the-moment silhouettes and commitment to sustainable fashion. Their ethically crafted dresses, like the sleek Aurelio Knit Dress, exude timeless elegance but also contribute to a greener future, making them the perfect choice for conscious consumers. From romantic florals to sleek silhouettes, Reformation offers a diverse range of options to suit every style and venue, ensuring you look and feel your best while celebrating love and sustainability.
Pros:
- Largely affordable
- Large selection of styles
- Sizes XXS-3L offered
Cons:
- Quality may vary on the style
Discover the perfect blend of affordability and style with Lulu’s extensive collection of wedding guest dresses like the Classic Elegance Wine Satin Sleeveless Mock Neck Maxi Dress. Whether you’re attending a beachside ceremony or a formal soirée, Lulu’s offers an array of on-trend designs to suit any budget and taste, proving that you don’t have to break the bank to look fabulous.
Pros:
- Fast, reliable shipping
- Large selection of styles
- Large, seasonally rotating sale section
Cons:
- Designer prices are often high
- Designer size ranges are often limited
Indulge in the epitome of luxury and sophistication with Net-a-Porter’s exquisite selection of designer dresses like this Solace London Zaya one-sleeve belted crepe gown. From renowned fashion houses to emerging designers, Net-a-Porter curates a meticulously curated collection of high-end pieces that are sure to turn heads at any wedding.
Pros:
- Large, seasonally rotating selection of styles
- Typically shorter lengths across the range
- Sizes XXS to XL offered
Cons:
- Larger sizes tend to sell out quickly
- Lingerie-inspired styles may not suit all tastes
Petite wedding guests rejoice in the flattering designs of For Love and Lemons, like the Leighton Maxi Dress, which are practically tailored to complement smaller frames. Embracing femininity and romance, their dresses feature delicate lace, whimsical details, and tailored silhouettes that accentuate your curves in all the right places.
Best for Plus Size Options: ASOS
Pros:
- Large selection of styles
- Sizes 12-26 offered in plus size section
Cons:
- Quality may vary across the brands
Celebrate diversity and inclusivity with ASOS’s extensive range of plus-size options, including the ASOS DESIGN Curve long sleeve lace insert mini skater dress in green floral print, ensuring every wedding guest feels confident and beautiful. From trendy styles to classic silhouettes, ASOS offers a selection of dresses designed to flatter and accentuate curves, allowing guests to embrace their individuality with fashion-forward looks.
Pros:
- Fast and reliable shipping
- Designer brands carried
- Styles tend to be of high quality
Cons:
- Size ranges tend to be limited
Make a lasting impression at formal or black-tie weddings with Revolve’s glamorous and fashion-forward dresses. Featuring sleek silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and intricate details, much like this Bec & Bridge Ren Maxi Dress, Revolve offers an unparalleled selection of dresses that exude sophistication and allure.
Best for Maternity: PinkBlush
Pros:
- Large selection of maternity styles
- Use the code YAY30 for 30% off your order
- Carries plus-size styles
Cons:
- New styles only a couple of times a year
Embrace motherhood in style with PinkBlush’s elegant and comfortable maternity dresses, like the Royal Satin Belted Waist Maternity Midi Dress, for example, tailored to accommodate your growing bump with flair. From flowing maxi dresses to chic cocktail options, PinkBlush offers a range of designs that prioritize both style and comfort, allowing expectant mothers to feel beautiful and confident on special occasions.
Best for Cocktail Dresses: Adrianna Papell
Pros:
- Large selection of wedding guest dress-specific styles
- Higher quality than fast fashion labels
- Sizes 0-20 offered
Cons:
- Prices are slightly higher than competitors
Elevate your wedding guest look with Arianna Papell’s chic cocktail dresses, like this floral sequin beaded dress, designed to make a statement with sophisticated silhouettes and intricate details. Whether you prefer timeless classics or contemporary trends, Arianna Papell offers a range of options to suit every style and occasion, ensuring you exude elegance and charm.
Best for Casual Dresses: Free People
Pros:
- Fast and reliable shipping
- Easy to find and shop in person
- New styles many times a year
Cons:
- Sizes vary by style
- Typically shorter lengths may not suit all shoppers
Embrace bohemian flair and laid-back elegance with Free People’s collection of casual dresses, like the A New Way Maxi, ideal for a relaxed and effortless wedding vibe. From flowy maxi dresses to breezy sundresses, Free People offers a range of effortless styles that capture the spirit of carefree romance.
Best Trendy Dresses: FWRD
Pros:
- Fast, reliable shipping
- Large selection of styles
- Large, seasonally rotating sale section
Cons:
- Designer prices are often high
- Designer size ranges are often limited
Stay ahead of the curve with FWRD’s trendy dresses, showcasing the latest in fashion-forward designs for the style-savvy wedding guest. From bold prints to statement silhouettes, like with the Norma Kamali Long Sleeve Deep V Gown, FWRD offers an eclectic mix of dresses that capture the essence of contemporary chic.
Best on Amazon: BTFBM
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Fast shipping
- Sizes XS to XXL offered
Cons:
- Quality may vary by style and size
Explore affordable and stylish options with BTFBM’s collection of dresses, including this chic Sleeveless Cocktail Dress, conveniently available on Amazon for easy shopping and accessibility. Whether you’re searching for a classic silhouette or a trendy statement piece, BTFBM offers a diverse range of options to suit any wedding style or theme.
Best for Modest Dresses: Simple Retro
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Often has a sale (save 30% now with the code SR30)
- High quality for the price
Cons:
- Size options very limited
- Shipping can take up to 20 days
Embrace understated elegance with Simple Retro’s collection of modest dresses, perfect for guests seeking refined and demure attire for any wedding occasion. From timeless classics to contemporary interpretations, such as the Juniper Guipure Lace Trim Ruffle Hem Velvet Dress, Simple Retro offers a range of dresses that prioritize modesty without sacrificing style.
Best Rental: Rent the Runway
Pros:
- Designer options available at little cost
- Ability to purchase styles at a discount as a member
- Can exchange styles an unlimited amount of times
- Fast and reliable shipping
Cons:
- Can only rent for certain amount of time (depending on your subscription)
- Particularly used styles may show mild wear and tear
Enjoy the ultimate flexibility and variety with Rent the Runway’s rental service, offering access to designer dresses for a fraction of the price (like this Badgley Mischka Royal Blue Draped Gown). Whether you’re attending multiple weddings or simply seeking a one-time statement piece, Rent the Runway allows guests to experiment with different styles and trends without the commitment of purchasing.
Best for Black Tie: Nordstrom
Pros:
- Designer options
- Plus-size friendly
- Tailoring options for Nordy members
Cons:
- Not every item has reviews, so it’s difficult to know how something will fit
Has Nordstrom ever given us anything that wasn’t upscale or chic? We don’t think so, and did you know the retailer also has a wedding shop? It’s true, and it’s filled with options for wedding guests. From gowns to lacy maxis, even the sundress options feel luxe. Best of all, they’re affordable, especially considering the designer picks and higher-quality options.
Best for Beach Weddings: Mango
Pros:
- Minimalist but elegant designs
- Looks under $200
So, you’ve been invited to a beachside wedding? Lucky! Also, maybe shop for your dress at Mango? It has a variety of pretty options in lightweight fabrics, which is what you want for ceremonies in a warmer climate. None of the styles are over the top, so you’ll be able to wear whatever you choose again for another fancy occasion, even if that occasion is a hot date!
Best for Bohemian Dresses: Anthropologie
Pros:
- Filter by wedding type option
- A variety of styles, skirt length and prints
Cons:
- Not every item has plus size options
Weddings are meant to be fun, so we like the idea of wearing a fun and flirty frock. Anthropologie has plenty of those, and then some! While many of the items in the retailer’s dress catalogue may work, we strongly suggest checking out the wedding guest section. There you have the choice to filter by wedding type and style, making the whole shopping process a touch easier.
Best Under $100: H&M
Pros:
- Sizes up to XXL
- Simple pieces that are easy to dress up with accessories and shoes
Cons:
- Items may not be as durable or long-lasting as those from other retailers
Maybe you’re someone’s date. Or, maybe you have other things to spend your money on besides a new dress. If so, H&M has your back. It has plenty of choices that won’t break your wallet. Although none are as extravagance as several other retailers on our list, they’re still nice, and can also be worn to things like graduation, dates or other events where you want to look your best.
What is the best dress code for attending a wedding?
You’ve been invited to a wedding — hooray! Now it’s time to figure out what to wear.
Many couples include the dress code in the invitation. However, if it’s not mentioned, most wedding attire falls into one of five categories:
- Formal or Black Tie: These types of weddings typically call for women to wear floor-length gowns or fancier style cocktail dresses, such as ones with sequins or embroidery detail. Men wear dark suits or tuxedos.
- Semi-Formal/Cocktail Attire: While black ties are not required at these types of weddings, guests are still expected to wear elevated clothing. Traditionally, men wear dark suits, while women opt for longer or midi-length dresses. Accessories and colors will be dependent on the season, time of the wedding, and what the bridal party is wearing.
- Theme Specific: Based off someone’s cultural background, the dress code may require guests to wear or avoid a specific type of clothing or color. At Indian weddings, for example, it’s discouraged for women to wear red, because that is the color the bride wears.
- Destination: The season and location matter. Although it’s best to defer to whatever dress requirements the bridal party has declared, it’s generally acceptable to allow the weather and venue to influence what outfit you choose. For a beach wedding, for example, it’s appropriate to wear a maxi or sundress. Men can choose lighter fabrics for their suits, such as linen, and ties may be optional.
- Dressy-Casual: This type of wedding attire is exactly what it sounds like. Although no one is expected to wear a tux or sequin gown, jeans or shorts are not appropriate. It’s important that your clothing signal you’re still attending a special event. For men, chinos or dress slacks paired with a button-down work well. For women, sundresses, flowy skirts or even pants or jumpsuits can do.
While the above guidelines will steer you to the right retailers to find the best wedding guest dress for you, it’s always wise to check with the bride or a member of their party if you’re truly not sure.
Is it okay to wear black to a wedding?
It’s absolutely okay to wear black to a wedding. The color is universally flattering and no longer solely associated with mourning. As long as you keep in mind any bridal requests, as well as the wedding venue and dress code, you should be good to go.
If you’re going to a formal wedding, we suggest considering this slinky but sophisticated number from Net-A-Porter. The KHAITE Nonya Crepe Maxi Dress ($4,400) is perfect to dance the night away in, and you can definitely wear it more than once!
Another LBD we like (especially since it’s an affordable dupe to the above) is the Lovers and Friends Odessa Gown ($190). It has a similar side split and neckline but also has some ruching for extra detail.
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