Wedding Guest Dresses For Every Style
The right wedding guest dress is bound to make a statement, made from gorgeous fabrics and colors that make you feel your absolute best. Find your perfect guest dress that’s sleek, unique, and beautiful.
When you shop for wedding guest dresses at David’s Bridal, you can browse our selection by size, silhouette, length, occasion, fabric, and more. Or, find your ideal dress when you choose to search by color. With many unforgettable and beautiful hues to choose from, you’ll find the perfect dress to match the wedding venue, season, dress code, and theme.
What to consider when picking your wedding guest dress
When shopping for a wedding guest dress, there are several factors to keep in mind:
- Time. If the wedding is in the morning or middle of the day, a light-colored dress might be a better choice. At night, darker colors or prints may be a more fitting option.
- Venue. Where is the wedding taking place? If it’s on a beach, wearing a long, flowy floral dresses is a great fit. Whereas if it’s at a country club, something more formal such as a midi or floor-length gown would be appropriate.
- Dress code. Some wedding invitations will mention a dress code for guests to follow. This code can be anything from black tie to a specific color scheme. Be sure to read that over before you go shopping!
- Weather. Is the wedding outside or inside? What’s the weather supposed to be? For cooler weather, opt for a floor-length gown or long-sleeve dress (or try a cape or a wrap over a sleeveless dress). If it’s warmer out, a mini dress or flowy, lightweight maxi dress would be best.
What color dress do you wear to a wedding as a guest?
While there is no specific color you have to wear as a wedding guest, there are a few things you should consider when choosing your garment.
First, look to the seasons. This serves as a great inspiration for the right outfit. In fall, you might want to opt for colors that complement the season like olive or cinnamon, whereas in spring you can go lighter with a pink or light blue.
You also should pay attention to the wedding invitations since the color scheme is typically the colors the wedding party will wear. Ideally, you want to choose a color that doesn’t match the bridesmaids. And it goes without saying: In many cultures, wearing white when the bride wears white is a social faux pas!
How to accessorize a wedding guest dress
Once you’ve found the perfect guest dress, it’s time to accessorize. Here are a few great go-to accessories that will complete your look.
- Strappy heels. This kind of wedding guest dress shoe is a classic accessory that adds elegance to any outfit, whether it’s a maxi dress or a shorter number. If you plan on hitting the dance floor all night, bring a pair of sandals or flats just in case.
- A small clutch. The right handbag can add a pop of color or texture to your outfit while keeping all your essentials such as your phone and keys in a safe place.
- Earrings or a bracelet. Spice up your dress a bit with some dangle earrings or a few simple bracelets. These small accessories add a bit of sparkle to your outfit, instantly making it a bit more formal.
Find your perfect wedding guest dress at David's Bridal
From the beautiful flower bouquets to the gorgeous decor and twinkling lights, there’s something magical about witnessing a beautiful union between two loved ones. Whether getting married on a beach, at a catering hall, or in a rustic barn, the right wedding guest dress matches the occasion while making its own statement. Here’s how to find your dream guest dress:
- Fabric. You’ll find a variety of fabrics when you shop at David’s Bridal. From a silky satin to a smooth velvet or sparkles, the options are endless – and each one makes its own statement.
- Length. Choose between a mini, midi, or maxi dress for the wedding. For a black tie event you may want to opt for a maxi, whereas you can wear a mini or midi to a more casual venue.
- Silhouette. David’s Bridal offers plenty of options in A-line silhouettes, ball gowns, jumpsuits, mermaid, sheath, and separates. Pick the silhouette that makes you feel your best!
Shop guest to wedding dresses in sizes 0-30
David’s Bridal offers a variety of sizes to ensure you find the perfect fit. You can select your fit from junior dresses, to missy, plus, and petite. Our adult sizes range from 0 to 30, or XS to 5X.
David’s Bridal guest to wedding dress shipping options
When you’re ready to order your wedding guest dress at David’s Bridal, any order that’s over $175 comes with free standard shipping throughout the U.S. (except Alaska and Hawaii). Any of our wedding guest dresses can ship standard, expedited, and express to anywhere in the U.S. so you’ll be sure to get your dress on time. Head to the David’s Bridal Order FAQ page to learn more.
Guest to wedding dress tips and FAQs
How much do I spend on a wedding guest dress?
There is no specified amount for how much you should spend on a guest dress, except to buy the dress you want! On average, wedding guests spend roughly $80 on a new outfit for a wedding, but you may spend a little more or a little less depending on what you like.How do I know which size dress to get?
To find the perfect size for you, start with your undergarments. Put on whatever you plan to wear under your dress and grab a tape measure. Then, make sure that your measuring tape is not too tight or too loose around your body, and that it’s parallel to the floor. Measure the fullest part of your breast, smallest part of your waist, the widest part of your hips, and the length from the back of your neck to the floor. Once you have exact measurements, look at the dress’s specific size chart to find the best option.FAQs
Women wedding guests should wear full-length dresses, be it a ballgown, a sheath or an A-line dress. High heels are strongly recommended. Feel free to accessorize with opulent jewelry and even elbow-length white silk gloves.
What is the dress code for a guest at a wedding? ›
1) Do Consider the Wedding Dress Code
Black Tie: floor length gowns, black ties, tuxedos. Formal: floor length gowns, tuxedos optional, black suits acceptable. Semi-Formal: below the knee dresses, dress shirts, slacks. Casual: sundresses, collared shirts, khakis.
Can you wear black to a wedding? ›
If you're worried about being disrespectful, don't sweat it in the 21st century. “Yes, it's absolutely okay to wear black to a wedding,” says wedding planner Matthew Oliver. “If you're not sure, most invitations will actually mention the dress code, but you can never go wrong with a classic black tux and a white shirt.
What is traditional wedding guest attire? ›
A white tie and black tie wedding are the most traditional, so it's usually expected to wear a floor-length elegant wedding guest dress. If it's not black or white tie but still has a formal feel, then there's wiggle room to branch out from long evening gowns.
What is the best color to wear as a guest to a wedding? ›
Neutral shades are timeless options that won't detract from the wedding's formal atmosphere. For a more colorful look, consider wearing shades of blue, lavender, or pink to show that you're in the celebratory spirit. If the wedding is in a tropical destination, opt for colors like yellow, orange, and green.
What can a 50 year old woman wear to a wedding? ›
At some weddings, even a skirt and blouse or dressy evening pants worn with a dressy top are acceptable options. A dressy jumpsuit can be appropriate too. However, for most weddings, a dress is a perfect choice.
What should a female guest wear to a summer wedding? ›
When it comes to comfort on a hot summer day (especially if the celebration is outside), a casual dress code is ideal. But don't forget this is an important event. Showing up in shorts and a T-shirt is not a good idea. Pretty, flowy dresses paired with sandals works for women.
Is it OK to wear wedding colors as a guest? ›
The colour scheme, when it comes to what to wear, is designed for the bridal party i.e. the groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, pageboys etc. Unless you're in that bridal party, you'd be best to steer clear of trying to match them. Think of it a bit like a stage show.
What to wear to a June wedding 2024? ›
WEDDING GUEST
When it comes to colors, traditionally, white, black or red is a faux pas! To be prudent, opt for soft or bold shades of pink, green, yellow or blue. Think print too. Florals and polka dots will capture the joyful tone of the occasion.
What is the average cash gift for a wedding? ›
On average the typical cash gift is around $150, she says. Still, though, Hill says there are some exceptions. “Some people don't think that's [giving money] a great idea,” Hill said. And Hill has also seen a “relaxing of the rules.” “Brides and grooms understand that some guests are financially-strapped,” she said.
"Tradition dictates guests avoid wearing red out of fear that it could take attention away from the happy couple,” explains Hurwitz. “Visually, it's quite bold. In a photo, your eye is immediately drawn to the color, especially if it's next to neutrals like white, black, gray, or beige.”
How much cash should you give at a wedding? ›
Bottom line: There's no hard-and-fast rule on how much cash to give as a wedding gift. Wedding experts do, however, advise starting at $100. From there, you may want to adjust up to $500 based on factors such as your relationship with the couple, your budget and the cost of your attendance at the wedding.
What does a woman wear to a 5pm wedding? ›
The staff suggests that if a wedding is taking place at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night; any ceremony after 6 p.m. should be strictly co*cktail.
What should a 60 year old woman wear to a wedding? ›
Midi length is the preferred length for many women who want dresses to attend formal or semi-formal events. Maxi Length – Maxi dresses can be flattering if you are over 60 because it makes sure that everything is safely covered. It is elegant and suitable for fancier occasions.
What is a good casual outfit to wear to a wedding? ›
"When it says casual, men could show up in pants and a blazer with no tie—or maybe not a jacket at all—but just a nice shirt and a pair of slacks. Women can wear a nice sundress or dress, a jumpsuit or even a two-piece set," says Julie Sabatino, bridal stylist and founder of The Stylish Bride.
What is elegant dress code for ladies? ›
A midi or mini party dress styled with heeled sandals, a clutch bag can create an elegant look. If the occasion is slightly more formal, a long party dress would be appropriate too paired with silver or gold jewellery. Received an invite in the warmer months?
What is elegant casual dress code? ›
Elegant casual is also known as “ casual elegance” and is typically similar to something you would wear to a country club or upscale restaurant. A step above resort evening, with this dress code, men are expected to wear a long-sleeve dress shirt with slacks and dress shoes—no shorts, t-shirts, or sandals.
