We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
The 43 best wedding guest dresses to shop for upcoming nuptials
It's time to get organised for wedding szn 💐💞
Ah, the ever-perplexing question: what to wear to a wedding when you are a guest? We know, you don’t wanna risk upstaging the bride, but you’re still keen to look FAB. Understandable. Our tips are as follows: don’t wear white (obvs), and don’t leave it until the last minute – or you’ll risk turning up in your dodgy old prom dress.
Throw today’s smart/casual climate into the mix and things get even more confusing. Depending on when the event is, it could be an intimate guest list, or a serious 100-people-plus knees up. It’s also worth thinking about longevity; you don’t want a one-hit-wonder hanging in your wardrobe for the next decade. It’s a waste of money, and not great for the environment either. So, go on, play it safe dress code-wise and be a sustainable sister by shopping for outfits you know you’ll wear again (and again, and again...).
The good news is, fashion’s current penchant for flowing midi dresses means you’re bound to find a hero piece that will look just as good with strappy stilettos as it will with knee-high boots. Don’t know where to begin? We’re on-hand with 45 different wedding guest dresses that are both beautiful and oh-so-versatile.
If you love a slip dress but you’re afraid to go braless, Omnes has got you sorted: the wider straps on this jacquard gown offer a touch more coverage. We’ll be wearing ours with denim jackets or cropped knits post wedding-day.
If you’re looking for a last minute wedding guest dress for the current season, check out Reiss’ velvet style. We love the delicately draped high neck and that flattering asymmetric hemline.
This is not a drill: Damson Madder has just released a whole load of amaze dresses just in time for wedding szn. You’ll probs remember the iconic long-sleeved, bow-adorned maxis from last year, but for 2024, it’s all about this corset-style midi.
Looking to dip your toe into the rental market this wedding szn? Rites is a great place to start. Choose to pop into the London Studio or scroll online, and pick up designer pieces like this tiered Self Portrait gown, at a fraction of their usual RPP!
Skin-tight silhouettes may seem like a bad idea for prospective wedding guests (you know there is a lot of sitting, standing around and dancing to be done at these events, ppl), but we promise Abercrombie’s signature stretch-enhanced satin is a safe choice.
You can always rely on Sister Jane’s summer collections to provide a gorge wedding guest ‘fit with a unique twist. We’re going crazy for all things puff-sleeved at the moment, including this candy pink jacquard dress.
Sick of pastels? Go bold this wedding guest szn with Warehouse’s statement floral dress. We’re in love with the pops of orange and bright pink, as well as the v chic halter neckline.
For really formal occasions, opt for Mango’s special edition collection. The classy high neckline and suuuper long maxi hem keeps it elegant, but the daring open-back makes it modern. You’ll be needing a stick-on bra with this number – be sure to check out our review of all the options available here.
Tap into the viral bow trend with Sister Jane’s floral jacquard mini dress. The oversized caped sleeves are bound to get you a compliment or two at your next wedding.
New from & Other Stories’ Savoir collection, this tiered dress is bound to get you a compliment or two at your next big Do. We particularly like how the lightweight organza swishes with your every move.
Omnes’ slip dress has a chic cowl neckline, delicate spaghetti straps and is cut to create a more relaxed fit – perfect if you love the slip trend, but not clingy styles. The cool fluro print feels super appropriate for a destination wedding, too.
If you haven’t already started renting wedding guest dresses what are you playing at, gals? Seriously, this is THE way to save money when you have multiple big days a year. Top of our to rent list is this Needle & Thread ruffled maxi – it retails at £450 but can be yours for four days for just £61. Genius.
Channel your inner Andie from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days in Reformation’s stunning silk dress. We’re obsessed with the elegantly draped neckline and luxurious bias-cut skirt. Plus, buttermilk yellow is bang on-trend for SS24.
Crafted from deep red satin, Reiss’ Esme style features a gorgeous cowl neckline, sexy side slit and delicate ruched detailing for a truly flattering fit.
More silky goodness coming atcha courtesy of Reformation. We’re in love with the midnight blue hue and retro necktie on this slinky number.
A darker take on traditional wedding guest floral print, this Karen Millen maxi featured a flattering plunging neckline and unique tie-back detailing.
Trust us, linen is always a good idea when it comes to high-summer or destination weddings. This gorgeous maxi dress from high street hero Reiss is simple yet effective, with a ruched halter neckline and delicately draped skirt.
It’s no secret red is a *huge* colour trend this season. Paired with the romantic tiered ruffles on this Rat & Boa design, we’re sold. Plus, calling all tall gals, did you know the brand makes their dresses intentionally long to suit all heights? Those on the petite side worry not, the designs are easily shortened.
Florals are always a good idea when it comes to wedding guest dresses. Mango’s pink maxi dress has a real romantic feel thanks to the printed rose design and delicately draped cowl neckline.
The beauty of this & Other Stories slip is its versatility: dress it up for weddings with lashings of jewellery and playful platforms, or keep it casual with boots and knits for weekend drinks.
Rosie Davenport is an Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK and Red Online, covering fashion, beauty and travel reviews, as well as major sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Rosie has reviewed everything from Reformation dresses to the latest massage guns and knows the new brands to bookmark as well as the latest trends to follow. Before this role, Rosie was a Fashion Ecommerce Writer on publications including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Good Housekeeping for nearly two years, and gained a MA from Central Saint Martins in Fashion Journalism in 2021, focussing on the rise (and rise) of fashion podcasting. Rosie has also worked at The Times, been a sub editor at The Mail on Sunday’s weekly YOU magazine and produced in-depth retail reports for the trend forecasting agency WGSN. Her career highlight? Previewing Prada’s AW21 menswear show in the depths of lockdown and interviewing Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons from her bedroom. Outside of work, Rosie can be found rummaging through vintage shops or getting lost in one of London’s iconic department stores. You can follow Rosie on Instagram @rosie.davenport
Watch Next
Best high street wedding dresses to shop
This bride designed her custom wedding shoes
Real vs lab-grown diamonds: What's the difference?
Alex Cooper wows in three gorge wedding dresses
