41 Wedding-Guest Dresses for Every Type of Wedding (2024)

Table of Contents
For the “resort casual” wedding that’s not actually at a resort For the wedding at a Punta Cana five-star resort For the park wedding with a well-organized potluck reception For the wedding in a private dining room with only one table For your the backyard vow-renewal ceremony For the wedding on a Newport Beach yacht For the wedding that’s on the traditional side For the wedding that’s anything but traditional For your friend’s semi-spontaneous Vegas elopement For the wedding at an Atlantic City casino For the black-tie-optional wedding that’s really just black-tie For the (not optional) black-tie wedding For the Hamptons white wedding For the wedding at a greenhouse with no guaranteed air conditioning For the wedding with a jazz three-piece instead of a DJ For the wedding that’s basically a multi-day mini-Glastonbury For the wedding with more cowboy boots than high heels For the wedding that’s really a second high-school reunion For the fairycore-inspired wedding in a forest For the wedding at a Twin Peaks–style mountain lodge For the wedding with a “Studio 54 on the night of Bianca Jagger’s birthday” vibe For the family friend’s wedding your parents are hosting at home For the maximalist wedding with centerpieces up to the ceiling For wedding at a Myrtle Beach vacation home For the wedding at a Sonoma estate winery For the wedding with lighting reminiscent of an Euphoria episode For the wedding with rooftop co*cktails in Midtown For the post-city-hall brunch party For the wedding at a (possibly) haunted Victorian mansion For the wedding at a just-renovated farmhouse upstate For the wedding doubling as a grown-up kids’ party (bouncy house included) For the literal big, fat Greek wedding For the wedding at a Portuguese village church For the wedding at a Tuscan olive grove For the wedding between two equally obsessive Disney adults For the wedding in the Early Renaissance wing of an art museum For the wedding between two fashion influencers For your wedding at an oyster bar overlooking the Pacific For a wedding where you’ll dance until sunrise For the wedding at a summer camp For the wedding in a garden FAQs References
41 Wedding-Guest Dresses for Every Type of Wedding (1)

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It seems to bethesummer to get married, if celebrities are any indication: There was Kourtney Kardashian’sD&G-backed Portofino nuptials,Chloe Sevigny’s Connecticut ceremony, and Jennifer Affleck (née Lopez) going the old-fashioned route with aVegas drive-through. There’s a bona fidewedding boomhappening this year, asonce-postponedplans now have dates. You might even be sitting on a stack of invitations right now — which inevitably leads to the question of what to wear. To help, we went on the hunt forwedding-guest dressesfor almost every type of occasion we could think of. To do so, we considered factors like size range and special design details, along with venue and dress code. Here, you’ll find one for practically any event, from the semi-spontaneous Vegas elopement to the multi-day mini Glastonbury.

For the “resort casual” wedding that’s not actually at a resort

Pair this one-shouldered, cutout number (in that Schiaparelli-esque shocking pink) with a pair of strappy sandals to fit the dress code.

For the wedding at a Punta Cana five-star resort

Just remember to pack your wide-brimmed straw sun hat to get the most of the beach backdrop.

For the park wedding with a well-organized potluck reception

This charming mini has enough of a full skirt for lying on the grass.

For the wedding in a private dining room with only one table

The slip’s easy shape means you’ll be comfortable sitting through dinneranddancing on top ofsaidtable at the end of the night.

For your the backyard vow-renewal ceremony

The laid-back occasion calls for a dress that’s equally easygoing.

For the wedding on a Newport Beach yacht

Banana Republic Belay Silk Mini Dress

$250

$250

There’s something slightly nautical about the frock’s artful twists on the front and back.

$250 at Banana Republic Buy

For the wedding that’s on the traditional side

With its sheath silhouette, the dress is as classic as it gets — and comes with a tasteful slit.

For the wedding that’s anything but traditional

Frayed seams give this corseted number a slight edge.

For your friend’s semi-spontaneous Vegas elopement

Even next to a bejeweled Elvis impersonator, the rainbow-hued stars will still be a stunner.

For the wedding at an Atlantic City casino

For the black-tie-optional wedding that’s really just black-tie

The white-lined halter neckline makes this dress strikingly similar to the vintage Valentino Julia Roberts wore the night she won her Oscar.

For the (not optional) black-tie wedding

The Barbie-esque magenta will look extra playful against other guests’ muted tones.

For the Hamptons white wedding

The “no white at wedding” guideline isn’t a hard-and-fast rule anymore (at least,notaccording to theEmily Post Institute). And when the invite specifically calls for it, this littlewhitedress overlaid with opulent beading will be just the thing.

For the wedding at a greenhouse with no guaranteed air conditioning

Since it’s made completelyfrom cotton, you’ll keep cool in this airy midi.

For the wedding with a jazz three-piece instead of a DJ

Just picture how the pearls will twinkle and twist around.

For the wedding that’s basically a multi-day mini-Glastonbury

For the wedding with more cowboy boots than high heels

Or add a pair of Docs for a grungier ’fit (and to get through dirt paths).

For the wedding that’s really a second high-school reunion

A capelike neckline makes this co*cktail dress look especially sophisticated in an “I have it all together” way.

For the fairycore-inspired wedding in a forest

For the wedding at a Twin Peaks–style mountain lodge

It has the distinct energy of a secondhand Armani suit — but the “vest” is part of the blazer.

For the wedding with a “Studio 54 on the night of Bianca Jagger’s birthday” vibe

On a light-up dance floor, you’ll fit right in with this combination of Halston-like pleats and metallic threading.

For the family friend’s wedding your parents are hosting at home

The breezy mini features a bouquet’s worth of blossoms.

For the maximalist wedding with centerpieces up to the ceiling

Go all out with this ethereal organza confection.

For wedding at a Myrtle Beach vacation home

The lightweight tie-front dress won’t take up too much valuable luggage space.

For the wedding at a Sonoma estate winery

You won’t have to worry too much about red-wine stains.

For the wedding with lighting reminiscent of an Euphoria episode

This celebratory mini even features explosions of embellishments.

For the wedding with rooftop co*cktails in Midtown

Gold plissé will contrast against the silver skyline.

For the post-city-hall brunch party

It’s the exact same shade as a peach bellini.

For the wedding at a (possibly) haunted Victorian mansion

The sweet flocked dots and sheer organza keep it from being too gothic.

For the wedding at a just-renovated farmhouse upstate

From $260

Marie Antoinette would have worn this around Petit Trianon.

For the wedding doubling as a grown-up kids’ party (bouncy house included)

So you can jump around without worrying about your skirt flying up in the air.

For the literal big, fat Greek wedding

The red rose embroidery would look especially romantic against the Aegean.

For the wedding at a Portuguese village church

You can pull down the dramatic puff sleeves once the ceremony’s over.

For the wedding at a Tuscan olive grove

Imagine this tangerine color against the sunset. (FYI, Ted Baker was Shiv Roy’s label of choice for her mother’s marriage ceremony.)

For the wedding between two equally obsessive Disney adults

In a sunflower-colored brocade, the Tayla is rather regal.

For the wedding in the Early Renaissance wing of an art museum

Its dreamy, diaphanous skirt reminds us of a Botticelli painting.

For the wedding between two fashion influencers

For your wedding at an oyster bar overlooking the Pacific

The jaunty little knot on the faux wrap is the subtlest salute to all the rope décor.

For a wedding where you’ll dance until sunrise

To help pull you off the all-nighter, this dress features a stretchy spandex and cutout sides for some breathing room.

For the wedding at a summer camp

The elegant firework pattern dresses up this otherwise casual midi.

For the wedding in a garden

It’s the perfect length for frolicking through the flowers.

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41 Wedding-Guest Dresses for Every Type of Wedding (2024)

FAQs

41 Wedding-Guest Dresses for Every Type of Wedding? ›

It's best to choose darker or more vibrant hues that complement the wedding theme, and avoid anything that may appear too attention-grabbing or revealing. Don't wear anything too casual, such as jeans or sneakers. Even if the wedding is outdoors or in a more relaxed setting, it's still important to dress up!

What should a woman in her 40s wear to a wedding? ›

It's best to choose darker or more vibrant hues that complement the wedding theme, and avoid anything that may appear too attention-grabbing or revealing. Don't wear anything too casual, such as jeans or sneakers. Even if the wedding is outdoors or in a more relaxed setting, it's still important to dress up!

What type of wedding dress is most common? ›

Popular Wedding Dresses

One of the most popular silhouettes is the A-line which cinches at the natural waist before gently flaring outward. Gowns featuring simple designs and clean fabrics are also widely sought after because it creates the ultimate timeless look and allows the natural beauty of the bride to shine.

Why do you need 2 wedding dresses? ›

Versatility: Having two dresses allows the bride to wear a more traditional gown for the ceremony, followed by a fun or glamorous outfit for the reception. It's an excellent way to showcase different aspects of her style and personality without compromise.

What attire is most weddings? ›

Depending on the time of the event, choose an outfit that falls in between formal and casual. It's encouraged to wear darker, more formal hues for an evening fete, while light colors and fabrics would be appropriate for a daytime wedding.

How do you dress classy in your 40s? ›

Invest in high-quality basics like well-fitting jeans, crisp white t-shirts, and classic blazers. Experiment with bold prints, bright colors, and trendy accessories to add interest to your outfits. Try mixing and matching different textures and fabrics to create unique and personalized looks.

What type of wedding dress should a 50 year old woman wear? ›

You can't go wrong with classic tea length wedding dress for older brides, and this lacy modern design is a prime example. With a gently flared skirt and vintage touches, it may just be the icing on the cake for your bridal look.

How to figure out what kind of wedding dress you want? ›

Factors to consider when choosing your dream dress

Feeling comfortable and confident on your big day in a wedding dress that reflects your personality is the most important thing! Consider what body type you have and what styles you are comfortable wearing and find the most flattering.

What is the most popular month to get married? ›

In fact, October, often regarded as the spooky season, is trending as the most romantic month for weddings! In 2022, 20% of ALL U.S. weddings took place in October, with September to November reigning supreme annually as the busiest months to be wed!

What is a trendy wedding? ›

Modern weddings are a great option for brides and grooms who crave all things contemporary and current. For modern-themed weddings, this can mean stationery with clean lines and sans serif fonts, a graphic color scheme, unqiue wedding flowers, and a cool wedding venue like a museum.

What is the trend in 2 wedding dresses? ›

Typically the 2 wedding dress trend is split into day and evening. The first gown, for the ceremony, vows and wedding breakfast, tends to be quite classic and more traditional , while for the evening reception or afterparty brides like to switch things up with something a little more fashion-forward and fun.

Can I wear my first wedding dress in my second marriage? ›

For your second wedding, wear whatever you want. This is still your wedding day, and you should wear whatever makes you feel beautiful.

Do you wear the same dress to the wedding ceremony and reception? ›

If your gown is restricting movement or if you want to protect it from being damaged, it's a good idea to change your wedding dress for the reception, allowing you to sit and dance comfortably.

What is everyone wearing to weddings? ›

1) Do Consider the Wedding Dress Code

Black Tie: floor length gowns, black ties, tuxedos. Formal: floor length gowns, tuxedos optional, black suits acceptable. Semi-Formal: below the knee dresses, dress shirts, slacks. Casual: sundresses, collared shirts, khakis.

What color is best to wear to a wedding? ›

Great Ideas of Colors to Wear to a Wedding
  • Amber.
  • Mustard.
  • Sage green.
  • Navy.
  • Lavender.
  • Burgundry.
  • Eggplant.
  • Wine red/purple.

What color are most wedding dresses? ›

It is very traditional for brides to wear white on their wedding day. When you start looking at wedding dresses online or at a bridal shop, you will see wedding dresses labeled with many different color names, from white to ivory to off-white to diamond white to cream and many color names and shades in between.

What should a 50 year old woman wear to an evening wedding? ›

You can't go wrong with a wrap dress for a co*cktail attire wedding—they're polished and universally flattering.

What does a woman wear to a 4pm wedding? ›

Semiformal or Dressy Casual

Women should embrace wrap dresses, midi dresses or elegant jumpsuits. For men, if it's a daytime wedding, a light sport jacket, button-down shirt and relaxed chinos fit the bill. In the evening, go for darker colors, as later weddings tend to be more formal.

What to wear to a wedding as a guest female? ›

For evening events, darker, more formal colors are recommended, while light colors and airy fabrics work best for daytime affairs. Women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, a dressy skirt and top, or an elegant pantsuit (styled with heels, nice wedges, or formal flats).

Can a woman guest wear black to a wedding? ›

As long as it's not considered culturally inappropriate or against the dress code, you can wear black to a wedding. Depending on where the couple is exchanging vows, which season their special day is taking place in, and what time of day everything begins, black may or may not be your best color option.

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