If you feel like your social calendar is filling up with weddings, it’s not just you — 2022 was predicted to be the biggest year for weddings since 1984. And while we love celebrating love, finding the dress that’s *just* right for the occasion can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you have more than one type of wedding to go to. First things first: Look for the dress code in the invite. Beyond the dress code, you should also consider weather and location: A wrap dress might be perfectly alright for a museum wedding, but not so great for a mountainside outdoor elopement. Secondly, try and purchase your dress with plenty of time for exchanges or tailoring if needed. And thirdly, use this wedding guest dress guide to help you find your ideal dress, no matter the destination or price point.
We have options for beach weddings, semi-formal weddings, on-trend dresses, and budget picks, all ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Best For: Destination Wedding
Size Range: 10-28
Chances are, if it’s a destination wedding, you’ll want something lightweight and versatile. This blush pink bias cut slip dress would be the perfect dress to toss in your luggage. The simple yet sexy dress is sustainably made in Los Angeles, and can easily be dressed down to explore the sights before and after the nuptials.
Shop Baacal
BAACAL The Cabaret Bias Slip Dress in Rose Pink, $, available at BAACAL
Best For: Elopement Ceremony
Size Range: 14-28
Elopement ceremonies are more casual, intimate affairs. Opt for something a bit understated, but still fun and festive. This pleated dress can be your new workwear staple post-nuptials, but easily dressed up with heels and jewelry for watching your loved ones say “I Do”
Shop Eloquii
Eloquii Knot Front Pleated Skirt Dress, $, available at Eloquii
Best For: Beach Wedding
Size Range: 1X-3X
Bring sunshine to the beach with this ethereal number. This drapey dress comes with extra length (to allow for easy customization) and can be worn off the shoulder or with spaghetti straps. The double-layered tiered skirt allows for gorgeous movement as well; overall, it’s such a dreamy dress.
Shop Zelie For She
Zelie for She Sweet Dreams Dress, $, available at Zelie for She
Best For: Beach Wedding
Size Range: 12-26
Another easy, breezy beach wedding option is this rusty coral off-the-shoulder dress. The tie waist lets you wear the dress as loose or as fitted as you like. We suggest wearing your hair in an updo to show off your beautiful back and shoulders that the dress highlights.
Shop ASOS
Zelie for She Sweet Dreams Dress, $, available at Zelie for She
Best For: Black Tie Wedding
Size Range: 14-32
If it’s a black-tie affair, why not choose some elegant drama and sparkle? We love this curve-hugging floor-length gown, draped in multi-dimensional copper-colored sequins. Pair it with some cute shoes, because you’ll be showing off those legs on the dance floor.
Shop Sydney’s Closet
Sydney’s Closet Oscar Worthy Evening Dress, $, available at Sydney’s Closet
Best For: Budget Pick
Size Range: 18-24
Looking for the perfect dress to wear to a wedding can be expensive — but it doesn’t have to be. This chiffon dress comes in four colors and is under $100. Dress it up with fancy earrings and a statement clutch, and you’re good to go.
Shop Marina
Marina Chiffon Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Best For: Budget Pick
Size Range: 12-24
So much va va voom for such an affordable price. The deep green velvet gives this dress a subtle elegance, while the gathered waist hugs your curves just right. It has plenty of classic glam appeal but would also look amazing with a cropped leather jacket for a more edgy wedding look.
Shop Cider
cider Solid Velvet Slit Cami Dress, $, available at Cider
Best For: Semi-formal/ Cocktail
Size Range: 10-32
This black lace dress will quickly become your go-to. The A-line skirt of the dress features a fun tiered ruffle detail that will show off your dancing skills as well as a flutter sleeve that’s great for all seasons. Also worth noting: the dress has lots of stretch (90% Nylon, 10% Spandex), so you will be super comfortable all night long.
Shop Kiyonna
Kiyonna Lace Affair Cocktail Dress, $, available at Kiyonna
Best For: Semi-formal/ Cocktail
Size Range: XXS-10XL
When the dress code is cocktail attire, feel free to have a little more fun with your outfit choice. We love this Sofia mini dress by sustainable, ethical brand Loud Bodies, not only because of its incredibly inclusive size range (it goes up to sizes 10XL, and you can request custom sizing free of charge) but also because of its beautiful details. You can request the organic cotton dress with or without pockets, for example. The large pink bow coupled with the sweetheart neckline makes this such a feminine, romantic dress.
Shop Loud Bodies
Loud Bodies Sofia Dress, $, available at Loud Bodies
Best For: On Trend
Size Range: 2-32
Want to venture away from the typical maxi dress? Try a blazer dress! Blazer dresses are having their moment right now, and this fuschia double-breasted blazer dress takes it to another level with its sheer, bedazzled sleeves.
Shop Rebdolls
Rebdolls Bringing It Back Mesh Sleeve Mini Blazer Dress, $, available at Rebdolls
Best For: Barnyard Wedding
Size Range: 00-26W
The elegant black motif of this Maeve maxi dress is perfect for an elegant, rustic wedding. You can never go wrong with a floral print. If you’re going to be outside, opt for block heels or boots, or lean into the setting with a pair of cool vintage cowboy boots.
Shop Maeve
Maeve Deep-V Printed Maxi Dress, $, available at Anthropolgie
Best For: LBWGD – Little Black Wedding Guest Dress
Size Range: XL- 4X
You can never, ever go wrong with a classic little black dress. We love this version from Fashion to Figure because of its long sleeves, midi length, and bodycon silhouette. It truly is a closet staple and incredibly easy to dress up or down. It also comes in a handful of other colors, making it one that’s easy to stock up on as well.
Shop Fashion To Figure
Fashion to Figure Signature Long Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at Fashion to Figure
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