- Wedding Guest Attire
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The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Guest Attire
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By
Chelsea Frank
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Updated on 06/29/23 11:00AM
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With wedding season in full swing, it seems like our Instagram timelines are full of wedding party photos every single weekend. And we’re here for it! It’s a season of celebration, love, and –you guessed it–wedding guest dresses. With so many dress options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. Floral prints are a popular style and safe bet, as florals are associated with romance and whimsy, and can be tailored to each season or venue. Although traditionally people think of florals for spring (we know… “groundbreaking”), you can actually wear floral wedding guest dresses all year round. With the help of personal stylist Rachel Varney, we’ve curated a list of the best floral wedding guest dresses for a variety of budgets, styles, and dress codes to help you win the best guest dress award. In This Article Our Picks What To Look For FAQ Why Trust Brides This playful mini is full of wildflower embroidery that’s vibrant, sunny, and perfect for spring and summer weddings. It features underwire cups, an empire waist seam, and a drop-waist skirt with a contoured tier. The low-cut back with scalloped edge adds a flirty flair, and the removable puff sleeves add versatility to your overall look. Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Mini | Color: Multi This 100 percent cotton mini dress features a gorgeous multi color floral print on a greenery-inspired base. It features a hidden back zipper closure, modest high neckline, puff sleeves, and a ruched asymmetric skirt with draped ruffle detailing. Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Mini | Color: Aura Blossom This pink and yellow floral-print plissé satin dress features a flattering sweetheart neckline on the bustier. It has wide straps, a removable coordinating belt, and flows into a fit and flare tiered silhouette with a midi hemline. Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Color: Pink Made from lightweight non-stretch poplin fabric, this little black floral dress features an angled scoop neck and back, short puff sleeves with elastic shoulders and cuffs, and a wraparound cutout at the waist. It has a tie at the back as well as on-seam hip pockets for added convenience. Size Range: XS-XXL | Length: Mini | Color: Folk Floral Onyx The 9 Best Timeless Little Black Dresses for Wedding Guests in 2023 Moody and sophisticated, what's not to love about this black floral little midi? Featuring a fresh palette of bright colors, this beauty is sure to be remembered. Size Range: XS-XL |Length:Midi |Colors: Black, Blue Floral, Magenta, Green, Red The 17 Best Winter Wedding Guest Dresses Under $100 in 2024 This sweet and flirty floral midi dress is figure-hugging to show off your curves. It features a one shoulder flutter strap and one spaghetti strap, with a hidden zipper closure. The pretty purple pastel hue is perfect for a spring wedding, and it’s budget-friendly at less than $100. Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Maxi | Color: Purple White Ditsy This maxi dress is easy, breezy, and beautifully boho with ruffle detailing and airy features. It comes in a lavender daisy design with cascading ruffles throughout, functional cross-back straps that leave the back open with floral details, and lace trimmings for a special touch. Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Maxi | Color: Lavender Made from a high quality polyester blend, this bright and cheery dress features a yellow and blue floral print that will pop amongst a green countryside backdrop. It features side and back cut-out details, an ankle length, and a back tie closure with a low back. It comes in sizes XS-XL. Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Ankle | Color: Yellow Floral The 21 Best Country Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Style This linen blend mini dress is fun and flirty with exaggerated puff sleeves and a subtle orange floral print. It’s fully lined with an exposed back zipper closure, and features a boned bodice that balances out the ruffle hem and oversized sleeves beautifully. Size Range: 2-12 | Length: Mini | Color: Orange Floral This bold fuchsia floral print maxi dress is budget-friendly at only $39. It features a maxi hemline, halter neckline, front cutout, and breezy silhouette. It’s also size inclusive, from XS-3XL to suit a variety of body types, and would be perfect for a beachy destination wedding. Size Range: XS-3XL | Length: Maxi | Color: Fuschia The Green Dewdrop Floral Midi Dress from Farm Rio features an open back with button closure that’s classy and elegant with a bit of sex appeal. It has a flowy skirt, round neck, and elastic waist, with an elongated ruffled edged hem to complete the look. The vivid green color screams tropical wedding. Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Midi | Color: Green This beautiful, bold, and belted dress from Oscar de la Renta is a fashion lover’s dream. Scattered with the dahlia flower print (a flower that represents love and devotion), this mini is crafted from crisp cotton-poplin and features a waist-cinching belt, long sleeves, a modest neck, and a tiered skirt. Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Mini | Color: Pink Multi The Diane von Furstenberg Alik slip dress is simple and elegant with a pop of color. It features a purple floral print, cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a sheath silhouette with a below the knee hemline that suits a semi-formal dress code. Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Color: Purple The 21 Best Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Dresses of 2024 Made from sleek satin with a mauve, red, peach, and green floral print, this maxi dress features adjustable spaghetti straps that criss cross in the back. It has a princess-seamed surplice bodice with a high, fitted waist that ties on the side with a sash. A bold side slit to show some leg completes the look. Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Maxi | Color: Emerald Green Floral Made from lightweight polyester chiffon, this feminine flowy and flirty maxi dress is budget-friendly and looks more expensive than it is. It features a pink floral print, plunge neck, ruffle details, and open back with tie fastening. People will be asking if that’s Elle Woods. Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Maxi | Color: Pink Floral Print This two piece set is perfect for a relaxed backyard wedding, but still polished enough to be presentable. Made from lightweight woven fabric, the top is a cropped tank style with adjustable straps, a V-neckline, and smocking at the back for stretch and comfort. The matching midi skirt features a wrap silhouette with a ruffled high-low hem. All for less than $70! Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Color: Rust Brown Perfect for spring or fall weddings where you may want a little more coverage, the Astrid Dress is an elegant choice. A palette of blue, orange, and pink suits all venues and looks like your favorite watercolor painting. The high neck elongates your posture while a cinched waist shows off your middle. We love the whimsy of the asymmetrical skirt. Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Mini | Color: Crista The 15 Best Long-Sleeve Wedding Guest Dresses This bohemian-style blue maxi dress features a floral hand-painted print inspired by a vintage Cuban shirt, and paisley print inspired by a vintage sari. It has blousy sleeves and tiered skirt, open back, and Georgette crinkle. Size Range: 2-16 | Length: Maxi | Color: Havana Floral Blue Mix ASOS carries a whole line for petite sizes, making it super easy to find a dress you know will fit. This blue floral dress features a V-neck, cold-shoulder style with flutter sleeves and a side cut out. It has a “midaxi” hemline, which falls somewhere between midi and maxi. You won’t have to tailor this one. Size Range: 00-12 | Length: Midaxi | Color: Blue Floral Print The Sachin & Babi Brooke sleeveless pleated gown is made in beautiful pink floral-print Mikado fabric, and is perfect for black-tie and formal weddings. It features a deep V neckline, empire waist, and on-seam pockets for added convenience. It also has a center front slit on the A-line, full length skirt. Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Full length | Color: Light Sunset HYDR This blue floral dress comes in sizes 14-32 with a flattering silhouette that feels breezy, sweet, and summery. The halter neckline serves as a necklace and you can adjust it for the ideal fit. The column skirt hits at the ankles and a slight side slit makes walking easier. Size Range: 14-32 | Length: Ankle | Color: Chalk Blue The 14 Best Plus-Size Wedding Guest Dresses This midi length dress features flowy, short sleeves and a bust-flattering V neckline. It has a smocked back bodice for a little bit of stretch, and a relaxed skirt for a comfy fit. This style also comes in several colors and prints to suit your style or venue. Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Color: Muse This stunning 100 percent silk dress from Shona Joy features a halter neckline, midi length cut on the bias, and rich hue floral print. It has a low back, adjustable tie straps, and a cross front bodice with cut out detail that adds a little something extra. Size Range: 2-12 | Length: Midi | Color: Vida Made from flowy chiffon fabric, this A-line, v-neck maxi dress features a navy blue floral print and easy silhouette for only $34. It’s size inclusive, from small to 3XL, and suits a variety of dress codes and venue styles. Note that it is super lightweight and would be best for spring and summer weddings. Size Range: S-3XL | Length: Maxi | Color: Navy Blue Meet the Expert Rachel Varney is a personal/bridal stylist in the NYC area making clients feel confident and excited for their special occasions. Prior to starting her own styling business, she worked in luxury collections at Ralph Lauren and was Head of Styling at Qatch. Before you start hunting for the perfect dress, we want to help you avoid some serious wedding guest fashion faux pas. In the US, apart from the rare occasion when a bride asks guests to wear all white, it’s a general rule of thumb that you should not show up to a wedding wearing a white dress. This can be seen as disrespectful to the bride since it’s traditionally a bridal dress color. “Aside from avoiding whites and creams, it's a good idea to find out which color the bridesmaids are wearing and nix that color to dodge any awkward mixups,” says Varney. “On that same note, it's best to be courteous and stay away from anything that could take away from the bride. Don't be afraid to go bold, but err on the side of caution and leave the bling covered gown for another occasion.” “Before you start shopping for a dress for your friend's wedding, check the preferred attire on the invitation,” says Varney. “I always say to dress a bit fancier than you think you need to. If the invitation calls for ‘black-tie optional’ I would go with a more black-tie route.” For black-tie, floor-length hemlines and more modest styles are typically appropriate. Sachin & Babi Brooke Sleeveless Pleated Floral-Print Gown is the perfect match for a black-tie wedding. For co*cktail dress codes, you can usually choose between midi or maxi lengths, or even a mini dress (that isn’t excessively short) if it’s balanced and made of more premium fabrics. OSCAR DE LA RENTA Belted Tiered Floral-Print Cotton-Poplin Mini Dress is a prime example of an elevated mini dress. For casual attire, you can opt for a floral sundress or jumpsuits in more relaxed fabrics like cotton, but you’ll still want to look presentable and cleaned up. Avoid baseball caps and sneakers, for example. “Consider the weather of the location at that time of year,” Varney says. “It might be on the chilly side for an outdoor wedding in early spring, but you can still incorporate those elements of spring with a flowy, floral dress just by adding a sleeve.” With sheer long sleeves, Elliatt Astrid Dress will prevent you from getting too hot or cold at a spring wedding. For winter weddings, go for thicker fabrics like velvet and a longer hemline to stay warm. “When styling my clients, I use the venue as a starting point to pull inspiration,” Varney explains. “It's fun to play into the scenery and aesthetics. For example, if you are attending a beachy wedding in Cabo, go for bright colors and maybe some subtle tropical details (like Farm Rio Red Neon Floral Maxi Dress). For a garden party wedding, try something floral and whimsical.” FAQ Can I wear a floral pattern to a wedding? “Absolutely! Floral dresses are an excellent choice for a wedding no matter the season or formality,” says Varney. “There are plenty of different styles that can make the perfect fit.” Can I wear a floral dress to a winter wedding? Absolutely. “Floral dresses are not strictly reserved for spring and summer,” Varney says. “Floral dresses can be worn to weddings year round. It really comes down to the design and details of the dress. For instance, instead of doing a pastel floral dress try something like a jacquard floral with a metallic thread or deep toned florals.” With its rich jewel-toned hues, Shona Joy Vida Silk Cross Front Halter Bias Midi Dress works for a warm fall wedding. How should I style my floral dress? Since floral patterns can often be busy, it's sometimes best to keep accessories minimal and to let the dress do all of the talking. “You can't go wrong styling your floral dress with neutral shoes and accessories. Another seamless way to style a floral dress is to pick out a few of the colors from the print and repeat those colors in your accessories,” says Varney. “If you're feeling daring, add a statement earring or a bold shoe.” Chelsea Frank has been a comedy and lifestyle writer for nearly 10 years. She’s contributed to dozens of online publications, researching and writing on a number of topics from clean beauty and fashion to travel and wellness. Contributing writerSophie Mooreis a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridal parties, and more. The 16 Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Kind of CeremonyBest Bodice
Self-Portrait Floral-Print Tiered Bustier Midi Dress
Best for a Winter Wedding
Lulus Make A Move Black Satin Floral Jacquard Strapless Midi Dress
Best Open Back
Farm Rio Green Dewdrop Floral Midi Dress
Best for a Semi-Formal Wedding
Diane Von Furstenberg Alik Floral-Print Cowl-Neck Midi Slip Dress
Best Short Sleeve
Reformation Baxley Dress
What to Look for in a Floral Wedding Guest Dress
Color
Dress Code
Season
Venue
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