These days, wedding season is seemingly a year-round thing (though most ceremonies take place in both fall and spring). As a guest, finding a dress that fits the occasion can be daunting — especially when considering the venue, the possible weather, fabrics, color palettes, and more — though this guide to the best wedding guest dresses for 2025 is sure to help.
The 5 best places to buy wedding guest dresses:
If you're on the hunt for a sophisticated dress fit for an upcoming wedding, a few retailers are tried-and-true destinations.
Lulus, for one, is an effortless pick that has styles for every season, venue, and mood. What's more, their dresses are seldom priced over $150, and their site is smartly organized with a "wedding guest" section that has dresses selected for each season, by color, and even for the type of event (like a beach or countryside wedding).
Azazie is yet another dress shopper's haven that tends to weddings guests, brides, bridesmaids, flower girls, and more with their elegant designs that come in just about every color imaginable. It is important to note that many dresses can take over three weeks to ship, but their stunning designs are seriously worth the wait.
When in doubt, Meshki is an Australian brand that consistently serves up fashionable pieces that are all things luxurious, chic, and with an eye on the trends. From floor-length satin gowns fit for black-tie weddings to more casual knitwear that has been spotted on influencers and celebs alike, the pieces are memorable, well-made, and suitable for shoppers sized XXS to 3XL.
For those shopping on a budget (and in need of fast shipping), Fashion Nova is an affordable retailer that offers trendy dresses and some uniquely couture-inspired silhouettes that are sure to standout in a crowd. While some items in their shop may be a bit on the revealing side, there are many gems to choose from that range from minimalistic to dramatic.
Lastly, Show Me Your Mumu is a top choice for wedding guest dresses no matter the season. They not only have designs specifically made for plus-size and pregnant guests, but their dresses are often available in different colors and materials, like satin or chiffon. As for the price range, dresses are often around $200, but the quality ensures you'll be able to wear the pieces over and over again.
Still overwhelmed? Read on for a go-to guide with wedding guest dresses depending on the season, vibe, and your price-point, as well as definitive answers to all of your wedding-related questions.
Best overall: Ramy Brook Tatiana High Neck Gown
The Tatiana High Neck Gown from Ramy Brook is the perfect wedding guest dress as it's comfortable, effortlessly elevated, and works for a wide range of venues, seasons, and dress codes.
The soft, lightweight stretch satin fabric beautifully drapes over the body, and the high neck detail adds a bit of uniqueness. The ankle-skimming tea length feels sophisticated without trying too hard, and the overall "blank canvas" vibe allows the wearer to customize their look with their bag, heels, and other accessories. I'm obsessed with this closet staple for weddings and beyond.
Best budget: Fashion Nova Untouchable Lace Maxi Dress
If you're dress shopping on a restricted budget, Fashion Nova has countless on-trend designs at a low price, speedy shipping options, as well as what seems like constant promotions happening for an even better deal.
The Untouchable Lace Maxi Dress is a style editor-approved gown that looks elevated enough for a wedding with its longer hem and modest slit in the back, yet still feels like a fun, sultry pick with the magenta color and flattering corseted bodice. Plus, the built-in bra gives extra support that lifts and cinches at the waist.
Best for warm weather: Abercrombie Dipped-Waist Bubble Hem Midi Dress
Shopping for a last minute summertime wedding? Look no further than Abercrombie — and more specifically, their Dipped-Waist Bubble Hem Midi Dress. The breezy fabric is a blend of cotton and viscose, and the cocktail length feels elegant without being too fussy. It perfectly pairs with strappy sandals, and can go from casual to more formal with the right styling.
Overall, I find the fit to be true-to-size with comfortable stretch and a bodice that creates a subtle hourglass shape, while still being wedding appropriate. Additionally, most of the brand's clothing comes in petite, regular, and tall lengths (which means you likely won't have to pay a visit to the tailor).
Best for cold weather: Showpo Rani Maxi Dress
Cold weather is often associated with thicker fabrics, longer sleeves, and richer hues — and the Showpo Rani Maxi Dress has the perfect balance of all three. The burgundy color is a standout color for both fall and winter seasons, and the off-the-shoulder neckline creates immediate glamour. The fabric is thick and warm enough for chilly evenings, though there's a good amount of stretch that fits comfortably on the body.
Best for a black-tie wedding: Azazie Debby Maxi Dress
Black-tie weddings are the perfect time to show up and show out with your look, and the Debby Maxi Dress from Azazie is an appropriate choice that balances sheer sophistication with a timeless silhouette. The corseted bodice adds a sensual intrigue, while the draped, stretchy satin skirt creates a sleekness that's incredibly flattering. What's more, you can easily take the fancy dress code even further towards black-tie by styling with a simple black satin neck scarf or some statement-making jewelry that looks like it'd be found in Elizabeth Taylor's wardrobe.
Best for a beach wedding: Rumored Sao Paulo Maxi Dress
Beach weddings allow you to be a bit more playful with vibrant colors and flowing fabrics, and the Rumored Sao Paulo Maxi Dress in the eye-catching coral-red hue is a stunning example of just that. The double lining makes this pick fancy enough for romantic nuptials, yet the top viscose fabric itself creates a whimsical breeziness fit for celebrating in the sand. Plus, the subtle mermaid hem adds a gorgeous beachy touch, which can be even more emphasized by adding seashell-encrusted jewelry or a pearly clutch.
Best colorful dress: Show Me Your Mumu Garden Midi Dress
Show Me Your Mumu is not only the perfect shopping destination to find gorgeous bridesmaids dresses if you're the bride, but their site is also filled with stunning gowns of every hue for guests. If you're on the hunt for something colorful, the Garden Midi Dress has a vibrant floral pattern that looks sophisticated, yet playful, on its satin midi-length silhouette. The adjustable ribbons at the waist and shoulders add undeniable charm, while the thigh-high slit is a bit of flirtatious nod (and also ideal for warmer weather).
Best for an outdoor or garden wedding: Marie Oliver Dixon Dress
Garden weddings are spent celebrating outside for much of the event, so it's important for guests to feel comfortable, breezy, and just as colorful as the flowers around them — which is where the Marie Oliver Dixon Dress comes in. This cotton and linen sundress is elevated with its long midi length, and the pleated details add a bit of intrigue that's feminine and flowy. Be sure to pair the look with timelessly minimal jewels to not overwhelm the overall vibe.
Best for a destination wedding: Zandra Stone Rivi Neck Scarf Maxi Dress
Traveling for a destination wedding? The Zandra Stone Rivi Neck Scarf Maxi Dress is a must-have in your luggage, whether you're headed off to Europe, the Carribean, or elsewhere. Made from a flowing, lightweight blend of super-soft cotton and viscose, the airy silhouette is made all the more luxe with its scarf tie that can be tied at the waist or worn over your shoulders. The pastel-hued print is subtle, yet still artful, and is perfect for events that range from formal to casual, depending on how it's styled.
Best on Amazon: Dokotoo V-Neck Lace Empire Waist Formal Dress
When in doubt, Amazon is the perfect place to find last-minute wedding guest dresses with fast shipping — and there so happens to be countless highly-rated gowns on the site. This V-Neck Lace Empire Waist Formal Dress from Dokotoo comes in a number of colors (including emerald green, dove gray, sapphire, and black), and features a wrap style that cinches the waist and flatters different body shapes. The lace shoulders add a feminine detail that feels expensive, and the slit adds gorgeous movement when dancing on the dance floor. Reviewers agree that the material feels comfortable, yet still looks elegant enough for fancy occasions.
For another affordable option, see our review of a velvet Amazon wedding guest dress.
Best plus-size wedding guest dress: Eloquii Satin Puff Sleeve Pleated Dress
Eloquii is a fashion-forward plus-size clothing brand with a size range that runs from 14 to 32. Their Satin Puff Sleeve Pleated Dress in particular is the ideal option for a wedding as the smooth satin material feels luxurious, and the midi cut is perfect for showing off a stunning pair of heels. This dress also has pleated details at the belly, which beautifully contours curves, as well as a few different colors to choose from depending on your vision for the night.
See our guide to the best plus-size formal dresses for more.
Best dress to rent: Badgley Mischka Mikado Bow Shoulder Gown
Sometimes, dropping a few hundred dollars on a dress to wear for one night only seems ridiculous — which is when retailers like Rent The Runway come into play. This site not only offers high-end designer gowns at a fraction of the cost to rent for your special event, but it allows you to be incredibly bold with a statement-making dress that looks stylish enough for Carrie Bradshaw's closet. The Badgley Mischka Mikado Bow Shoulder Gown checks all the boxes as its vibrant purple color and oversized ribbon detail on the shoulder will surely turn heads.
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