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
Sizes: 6-20
Fabric: 100% cotton
Care: Cold hand wash
Of all the dresses I tried on, this had to be my favourite. I was wearing a leopard print version of Rixo's Eleanor dress when I got engaged myself, so perhaps I have a soft spot for this elegant halterneck shape and tiered silhouette! If you have reservations about the background being white, don't. My opinion is that if you're wearing polka dots or florals, nobody is going to mistake you for the bride. The cotton fabric feels lovely to wear, and polka dots are a big trend this summer. Very Pretty Woman.
Sizes: 4-20
Fabric: 100% silk
Care: Cool hand wash
Anyone willing to splash a bit of cash on the best dresses for wedding guests should head to The Fold. This silk dress is so elegant with its flattering crossover waist and cuffed sleeves. The floral print is handpainted in Italy, and it feels so special on. Pippa Middleton wore a dress by this British clothing brand for Meghan and Harry's wedding, so you'll be in good company. The Fold came out really well in our round-up of the best mother of the bride outfits, too.
Sizes: 4-26
Fabric: 100% viscose, lining 100% polyester
Care: Machine wash
You really can't go too far wrong with florals, and the brown and pink colour palette of this ankle-grazing dress is really pretty. There's a tie at the back of the neck, and the cowl neckline gives it a 90s feel. The size range is particularly impressive, so if you're looking for the best plus size wedding guest dresses, this should be on your list.
Sizes: 4-18
Fabric: 67％ LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose, 33％ Linen
Care: Dry clean
ME+EM is a bit more expensive than some other brands, but as this dress proves, it's worth every penny. The non-clingy linen blend fabric and orange print give it a tropical feel, which lends itself to a hot weather wedding in my opinion. I even packed this in a suitcase to test how it would travel, and all it required was a quick steam. The shirt style is so easy to wear and the embroidered detailing on the collar is beautiful.
Sizes: 4-22
Fabric: 90% Polyester 10% Elastane
Care: Delicate dry clean
Butter yellow is the colour trend of the moment, so when looking for a gown for a black tie dress code, this Needle & Thread number was a no-brainer for me. I've worn a bridesmaid dress by the brand before, and loved it, but still this sequin-embellished dress was much more lightweight than I expected. The neckline can be worn in different ways, and the ruching is really flattering. Typically, black tie implies a floor-length gown, so this luxe option is spot on.
Sizes: 8-24
Fabric: 100% Polyester
Care: Machine wash
You've probably seen this dress on social media - it sold out and caused a bit of a frenzy last summer! Between the pockets, the navy colour and the full skirt, this lived up to my high expectations. It oozes retro glamour, and is guaranteed to turn heads. I've called it the most versatile, as it would look amazing with a denim jacket and your best white trainers to a more casual event too. Get it before it sells out.
Sizes: 4-18
Fabric: 100% recycled polyester
Care: Dry clean
I don't often go for deep V-necklines, but this shape immediately felt beautiful when I tried it on. The balloon sleeves balance out the neckline nicely, and the fabric on this one feels quite princess-y, in the best way! I wore it with these metallic Reformation sandals, and also tried it with this pretty pink fascinator.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Fabric: Body: 63% linen, 37% cotton. Body lining: 100% cotton
Care: Machine wash
This one really surprised me. I've never shopped at TOAST before, but woman&home's Fashion Writer Molly Smith really recommends it. This particular style is just so easy to wear. No need for complicated underwear, nothing to zip up - just effortless. The structured fabric, and fit and flare silhouette make it so flattering, plus the painterly print looks like it should be a high-end designer. Well worth a try.
Sizes: 4-16
Fabric: 100% viscose
Care: Dry clean
I couldn't curate this list without recommending the brand I've genuinely worn to many a wedding over the years: Reformation. This blue and white floral dress fits like a dream, and whilst it's from a few years ago, you can still hire it. Sustainable, and affordable - what's not to love? Princess Beatrice wore this to the Chelsea Flower Show back in 2022. This is also a great choice if you're looking for petite options.
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 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 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.
