While the bride is usually the one we focus on when it comes to dress anxiety, being a wedding guest brings its own unique stresses. No, we’re not talking about what to buy the couple or which table you’ll be seated at — we’re talking about what to wear to a wedding. If you’ve been searching for the best dresses for wedding guests, search no further. We’ve got you.
The first thing to consider if you’re a guest at a wedding is what the dress code is. Generally speaking, weddings call for cocktail attire — although you’ll definitely find weddings that require black-tie, or on the opposite end of the spectrum, casual wear.
Below you’ll find five dress styles (and some great buys!) that we feel work for casual, cocktail and smart-casual weddings, plus a few options for black-tie.
1. Maxi Dresses
We love a maxi dress for a wedding because it’s the right blend of formal and casual. You won’t feel overdressed if you pick a summery, bohemian maxi dress and find out everyone’s in linen pants, but you also won’t feel underdressed if you show up and the event is way more formal than you expected. Bonus: maxi dresses are usually super comfortable and you can forgo the heels without losing the occasion-dressing feel.
Nightshade Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress
This floaty, ethereal maxi dress by Bec + Bridge ($500) might be on the pricier end, but it’s so versatile — wear with sandals to a wedding, then team with brown boots all winter long. In summer, this dress works well for slightly dressier occasions like long lunches and work parties.
Metro Dress
For a more casual wedding (or a smart-casual wedding where you aren’t sure how dressy everyone will be), this Petal & Pup dress ($82) is perfect. If you’re unsure, team it with some heeled sandals to level it up. If you’re going to a beach or garden wedding, wear this maxi dress with sandals you can slide off to go barefoot on soft surfaces.
2. Long-Sleeve Dresses
For winter or trans-seasonal weddings, you can’t go past a long-sleeve dress for weather-appropriate fashion. Long-sleeve dresses also feel a little more formal if you’re unsure about how dressy the wedding is, and aren’t limited to cooler months. Pick a long-sleeve dress that’s sheer and floaty, if you’re worried about getting hot.
Melrose Dress
This midi dress by Palm Noosa ($340) is everything a smart-casual wedding guest dress should be. It’s modest (great if the couple is more on the traditional side), you can wear a bra and comfortable underwear (bye, shapewear!) and it’s also made of lightweight linen.
Blythe Dress
This dress is perfect for black-tie winter weddings, and you can also get away with it for a cocktail winter wedding, too. The soft, non-stretch satin elevates this piece by Chancery ($159.95), while the side split ensures you don’t look matronly (but also isn’t too sexy). It feels glamorous without the look-at-me vibes, which is exactly what you don’t want for a wedding.
3. Midi Dresses
Midi dresses have long been the wedding guest go-to because they look fantastic with heels, can easily be dressed up and down with the right accessories and hairstyle, and work for a myriad of dress codes, from casual through to cocktail.
Pirra Midi Dress
Yes, you can wear the cut-out dress trend to a wedding. Just make sure the cut-outs don’t feel too sexy. This dress by Savel ($129.95) is perfect because the bright floral pattern and summery cut tone down the flashes of skin. A great pick for a casual wedding in sandals, or a smart-casual wedding with heels.
Antoinette Wrap Dress
This gorgeous midi dress by Forever New Curve ($169.99) is practically made for winter wedding wear. The heavy velvet material will keep you warm, and while the mid-length suits cocktail dress codes best, in a pinch, you could get away with this for black-tie with some glamorous black heels and a sleek bun.
4. Slip Dresses
When in doubt, choose a slip dress. So flattering and easy to wear, a great slip dress is a perfect choice for a cocktail, formal or black-tie wedding. It’s an effortless style with a sleek updo and some heels.
Blossom Strapless Maxi Dress
This Bec + Bridge strapless slip ($260) is just so chic and wedding-appropriate. The cut-out back is toned down thanks to the additional bust closure, and the length makes the body-skimming style subtly sexy instead of overtly.
Felix Maxi Dress
Really, Bec + Bridge do some of the best slip dresses in Australia for wedding wear. This two-tone neutral maxi ($300) is perfectly understated and features a flattering bias cut through the skirt. We love that it’s strapless bra-friendly and works with both soft waves and a sleek bun.
5. Florals
There is something about floral dresses and weddings. Maybe it’s the fact that most weddings involve loads of flowers or a blend of outdoors and indoors, but whatever the case, a floral dress is almost certainly going to be appropriate for dress codes like casual, smart-casual and semi-formal.
Flower Chain Dress
This maxi dress from Alice McCall ($499) is wedding guest perfection. The column style feels dressy, even with sandals, while the tie straps add beautiful, feminine detail to the simple shape. This is also another maxi dress you can repurpose for summer parties.
Monaco Sweetheart Midi Dress
For a garden or beach wedding, you can’t go past this pretty floral dress by Showpo ($79.95). It’s affordable without skimping on feminine details like a gently ruched bodice and flirty tiered skirt. Plus, it’s available in size 4 to 20, and looks great on everyone.
What do wedding dress codes mean?
Cocktail means a level above smart casual. Heels are preferred, although you can get away with flats if you wear a long dress or pants. Dresses should be knee-length or longer — this is definitely not the time to whip out that cute mini. If the dress code is black-tie, a floor-length gown is your best choice, and if you aren’t really a dress person, you’ll need to wear a two-piece suit.
If the wedding is casual, leave the heels at home. It’s still unlikely that a mini dress will be suitable, although that depends on the bride and groom’s style. If you are sure that a mini would work, go for it — but if you’re conflicted, try a summery maxi dress and sandals.
Can you wear white to a wedding?
Generally, we advise you to steer clear of wearing white to a wedding, simply because the chance that you’re the only person wearing white besides the bride is pretty high, and no one wants that awkwardness! But some weddings — especially black-tie — will encourage guests to wear white, usually, when the bride has opted for a coloured wedding dress or is wearing something so showstopping, no one could possibly overshadow it.
Can you wear a mini dress to a wedding?
Technically, yes. But what you’ll often find is that most guests will choose knee-length or longer dress styles, which means you run the risk of being the only person in a mini. If you don’t mind that, and the couple hasn’t specified a cocktail/black-tie dress code, then go for it. There are some beautiful mini dresses around! But if you’re unsure, we reckon it’s best to stick to midi and maxi dresses.
