Don't RSVP until you've read our fashion editor's guide to the best wedding guest dresses of 2025

I don't know about you, but I tend to find wedding invitations are a bit like buses. One year, you have five all lined up, and the next, none. Whether your summer is looking super busy or very calm, my advice is to snap up the best wedding guest dresses whenever you find them - because you never know when a save the date might land on your doormat!

Whether it's a beach wedding or a black tie dress code, you want an outfit that's comfortable, timeless and versatile, so you can maximise the cost-per-wear. And don’t forget accessories. You might opt for a fascinator, and you also want to ensure you find a pair of comfortable wedding guest shoes to complement your dress that will keep you on that dance floor all night long.

“A great wedding guest dress should strike the perfect balance between elegance, comfort, and a touch of personal style. You want to look and feel your best while ensuring your outfit aligns with the formality of the occasion. Flowy fabrics, flattering silhouettes, and statement details like puff sleeves, romantic draping, or subtle embellishments can all elevate your look without overshadowing the bride,” says Megan Watkins, Head Stylist at online fashion destination SilkFred.

From stylish dresses to hide a tummy to floor-sweeping gowns, the best wedding guest dresses come in a variety of shapes and designs to match every taste and body type. In general, a midi or maxi length dress is most appropriate for wedding guests as the longer hem will avoid any wardrobe malfunctions. For a dress alternative that’s just as versatile, the best jumpsuits are well worth considering, too.

Whether you’re heading to a stately home in the countryside, to a registry office in the city, or even jetting off somewhere exotic for a beach wedding, ensure you’re the best-dressed guest with my top picks. I've done all the hard work for you - who wants to traipse from shop to shop, trying multiple dresses on? Nobody. Shop these showstoppers from the comfort of your own home now.

9 best wedding guest dresses

What we looked for

When drawing up my shortlist of the best wedding guest dresses, I considered several factors. Firstly, you have to remember that weddings can be long days, so the dream scenario is a lightweight dress that will take you from morning to evening, and can cope easily with a change of shoes.

I thought about the different types of weddings - from church to beach, and everything in between. I also considered how well the dresses travelled. The last thing you want is to have to get up at 5am to start steaming your occasionwear!

As I said earlier, midi length dresses are a popular choice, so I focused on below-the-knee and longer. I also considered affordability, as well as how to care for each dress - it's always a plus when you can chuck them in the washing machine after a big day!

Pockets were a plus for me personally, and I also really leaned into prints, as I think people gravitate towards florals and polka dots for joyous celebrations such as weddings.

I also took Megan's advice when it comes to body shape and dress code:

“For plus-size guests, don’t shy away from bold colours or prints because of your size or stature - strategic ruching and waist-cinching details can highlight your best features,” she says.

I definitely prefer styles with longer sleeves, as I like some arm coverage. It's practical too - even if you're attending a summer wedding, the weather in the UK offers no guarantees. Think voluminous balloon sleeves or a flouncy flare to make them the focal point of the look. A longer sleeve can also offer balance a lower neck or hemline, whilst mesh fabric will give gentle coverage, without feeling too heavy.

Summer is the season for weddings, so I took note of the spring/summer 2025 fashion trends and tried butter yellow and bold florals.

“Floaty midi and maxi dresses in chiffon, organza, or linen blends will keep you cool while looking your best. Colour-wise, butter yellow and 24k gold are trending this season, along with soft pastels and romantic floral prints. A strappy heel and delicate gold jewellery will add the perfect finishing touch,” adds Megan.

Ones that just missed the list

I had hoped to find a dress on Amazon for anyone looking for last-minute options, but in the end, I stuck to tried and tested high street brands.

I tried on lots of great dresses from stores like Phase Eight, Hobbs, Reiss and Mint Velvet too, but the nine I narrowed it down to were the ones that really impressed me the most.

I loved this Nobody's Child dress, but it's almost all sold out, and whilst the strapless style of this M&S polka dot dress didn't quite work for me, I do think it could still work well for a wedding guest.

FAQs

Can I wear a sparkly dress to a wedding?

In general, it is fine to wear sequins to a wedding, although you should consider the colour of the sequins, the time of year and the style of the wedding before choosing your dress.

If the wedding includes an evening black tie party or a cocktail hour, then sequins are expected, however, if you're going to a wedding that involves an afternoon tea, or a beach ceremony, sequins might be seen as 'over-the-top' for the event.

You will want to avoid sequins that are too light - ie. too white or a very light silver, as you don't want to upstage the bride. Equally if you can find out the colour of the bridesmaid dresses, you might want to avoid that colour sequin too. If you're still unsure, ask the bride for her thoughts, she'll appreciate the thought and can put your mind at ease.

Can wedding guests wear the same colour dress as bridesmaids?

It's best to avoid wearing the same colour as the bridesmaids where possible, as you don't want to look like you're part of the bridal party if that's not the case. While this isn't a massive faux pas, in order to avoid this, ask the bride if she can give you a heads-up on the colour theme of the wedding, so you can avoid accidentally matching.

What is the best outfit for a wedding?

Stylist and freelance Fashion Editor Julie Player offers this advice: "There are so many flattering dress styles to choose from when you are deciding what to wear for a wedding, and it’s important that you feel comfortable, weddings are usually long days!

"If you have a favourite everyday dress shape, for example, if you always feel great in a shirtdress or love how you look in a fit and flare style, I advise that you stick to this tried and trusted shape and try to find a similar style in a more distinctive fabrication. Look out for fabrics like silk or satin that will look extra special. Weddings are joyous affairs, and they are a great excuse to wear gorgeous colours or bold patterns.

"This season, you’ll find lots of statement spots or large-scale floral prints that are perfect for a daytime celebration. If dresses aren’t your thing, you could opt for a softly tailored trousers suit or jumpsuit. I would avoid anything too dark and instead go for a sorbet pastel shade that has a more romantic vibe.

"Alternatively, if you have a classic navy trouser suit in your capsule wardrobe, you could consider investing in a silk blouse in a softer shade and add glamorous accessories to elevate the look."

Megan Watkins

Megan Watkins is the Head Stylist and Shoot Coordinator at online destination for independent fashion brands, SilkFred. Megan has nearly 10 years experience in styling and has shot ecommerce campaigns for the likes of Never Fully Dressed, Dancing Leopard and Pretty Lavish.Prior to her role at SilkFred, Megan worked as an assistant stylist to Karl Willett whose clients include the likes of Amanda Holden, Kylie Minogue and Nicole Scherzinger.

Julie Player

Julie has over 30 years experience in the fashion industry and is a regular contributor to Woman & Home, Woman’s Weekly and Chat magazines, creating engaging fashion and lifestyle content for woman of all ages. She also works in the wardrobe department at ITV, dressing the presenters for Good Morning Britain. In her late fifties, Julie understands what women want when it comes to figure flattering fashion. She’s a qualified sustainable fashion expert with a wealth of knowledge of planet-friendly fashion brands and ways to shop more ethically.