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The 14 Best Wedding Guest Dresses to Look Stunning at Any Ceremony This Season

Rewear these beauties for every big event on your social calendar.

Adam Mansuroglu, Stacia Datskovska

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April 27, 2025, 6:13pm

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LoveShackFancy Brinkley Satin Midi Dress

Courtesy LoveShackFancy, iStock/Getty Images

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You’ve sent in your RSVPs, circled the fish or chicken entrée, and fought to secure the most precious plate set from the registry. The only thing left on your to-do list is to invest in a stunning dress to wear to upcoming weddings this spring and summer — one that you’ll actually want to rewear all season long.

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Finding the best wedding guest dresses to feel beautiful in for these special occasions (be it a formal black-tie ceremony or a more intimate, casual beach celebration) might seem as daunting as nailing down a maid of honor speech, but we’re here to tell you that it actually has never been easier… especially when you consider the major spring dress trends for 2025.

“A great wedding dress to us is everything romantic and ethereal,” says Rebecca Hessel Cohen, founder of the NYC-based lifestyle brand LoveShackFancy, and we couldn’t agree more. Spring 2025’s boho chic dress creations that cascaded down the runways at Chloé and Zimmermann (including frocks in crêpe de chine, organza, and lace plus body-skimming designs with tiered ruffles aplenty) doubled as prime examples of dresses to wear to a wedding. Lightweight femininity in the form of fabrication was a dominant theme throughout fashion collections this season, and it’s something we certainly recommend you channel vis-à-vis the slip dresses, draped styles with asymmetrical hemlines, figure-flattering ruched numbers, and feather-adorned shifts that you’ll soon be wearing to weddings on your social calendar.

Shop Our Guide to the Best Wedding Guest Dresses

Open Edit Ruched Strapless Maxi Dress

$79.50

Buy Now at nordstrom

It’s true: Sleeveless dresses are not for everyone. In the right fit, though, a black, strapless wedding guest dress allows for just about every kind of accessorizing to put your own spin on a wardrobe classic. Open Edit, a Nordstrom-owned brand that emphasizes size-inclusive closet staples, made the ideal maxi dress that’s not only strapless but also features a sexy side slit to show some leg (the perfect opportunity to break out a pair of sculptural, ornate designer heels with major “wow” factor).

Price upon publish date of this article: $79.50

Likely Katerina Dress

$81.06

Buy Now at amazon

Not all flow dresses are shapeless. Case in point: this Amazon bestseller from Likely. Strategic cutouts on the bodice give a hint of skin, lightweight ruffles conceal any less-than-ideal parts of your body, and a flowy skirt provides the kind of freedom of movement skintight dresses are strangers to. Packing the Likely Katerina Dress for beach vacations this summer (taking up no space at all in your overnight bag) will not only decrease its cost-per-wear ratio but also turn your Instagram photos into viral sensations.

Price upon publish date of this article: $81.06

Cult Gaia Kaela Floral Appliqué Minidress

$698

Buy Now at nordstrom

This new Cult Gaia addition at Nordstrom is already a bestseller, and it’s easy to see why. The comfort of a sweater dress is amplified with elegance here, thanks to the addition of cascading floral appliqués that compliment the long-sleeve, cold-shoulder silhouette. The short hemline will give you legs for days when paired with pointed-toe pumps in patent leather, themselves serving as a touch of texture to your stunning wedding guest dress.

When thinking about jewelry to complete your look of the evening, those sleeves don’t leave much room for playing around with bracelets or cuffs, so opt for a gorgeous pair of chunky earrings or statement chandelier earrings to emphasize your beauty look of the evening. Cult Gaia is one of our favorite new fashion brands at Nordstrom this season, and the label just debuted a bridal collection that’s simply divine.

Price upon publish date of this article: $698

Farm Rio Sweet Bloom Dreamscape Midi Sundress

$260

Buy Now at nordstrom

Drop-waist dresses are still a hot trend for the spring-slash-summer season, working exceptionally well with petite figures and small busts. This beach wedding guest dress style by Farm Rio also creates the illusion of a longer, taller figure with its strategic use of white down the center, framed by fabulous florals and a punch of bright green. Yes, it’s all very “The White Lotus,” and we’re so here for it. Mesh or woven Mary Jane ballet flats with a raffia clutch or gold purse are sure to complete the frock, orchestrating a beautiful ensemble that you’ll repeat on upcoming summer vacations and chic soirées out east.

Price upon publish date of this article: $260

A.L.C. Alessia Satin and Lace Maxi Dress

$695

Buy Now at bergdorf goodman

The pictured dress isn’t your mother’s lace wedding guest getup. With a high neckline punctuated by an asymmetrical shoulder and hemline, A.L.C.’s Alessia Satin and Lace Maxi Dress turns a boudoir-inspired number into a modern, marvelous wedding guest dress. A slicked-back ‘do and golden finishing touches (such as a goddess-worthy statement cuff) will, alongside the dress, inspire many oohs and ahhs.

Price upon publish date of this article: $695

The Occasion by Old Navy Taffeta Bubble Mini Dress

$44.99

Buy Now at old navy

Remember Carrie’s pink bubble minidress at Charlotte’s Hamptons wedding, in Season Five of “Sex and the City”? Old Navy’s new The Occasion collection has just the thing for recreating this memorable wedding guest dress. In Palest Blossom, the head-turning dress will feel like a cotton candy–hued cloud enveloping you while it hangs from thin, adjustable tie straps. The crisp taffeta holds its shape marvelously, and the pockets (a modern-day rarity!) are much-appreciated receptacles for the lip gloss and compact powder you’ll covertly pull out in the bathroom to touch up your glam. Mark our words: Open-toe mule sandals would work flawlessly with this voluminous outfit choice.

Price upon publish date of this article: $44.99

Kate Spade New York Mainline Mia Rhinestone Minidress

$199 $398 50% off

Buy Now at saks fifth avenue

First off, we adore this Kate Spade minidress’ halter neck, which will make your shoulders look so sculpted, fellow wedding guests might ask you to drop that pilates routine. A bow at the back is also an unexpected infusion of just the kind of feminine whimsy Kate Spade’s legacy is associated with, and the shift dress silhouette offers the right amount of roominess to thoroughly enjoy the elegant evening. Take your LBD to the next level with pearl accoutrements, doll-like lashes, a nude lip, and block heels — for a sweet, ’60s-inspired wedding guest outfit.

Price upon publish date of this article: $199

LoveShackFancy Radiance Fragrance Print Maxi Dress

$595

Buy Now AT LOVESHACKFANCY

If you’re looking for a wedding guest dress that epitomizes romance and femininity — served in oh-so-darling pastel colorways, delicate fabrics, and ruffles galore — LoveShackFancy should always be the first stop on your search. This breezy chiffon bestseller from Rebecca Hessel Cohen’s fashion label features vintage-like florals that might look familiar if you happen to know the brand’s fragrance bottles. LoveShackFancy’s offerings never miss the mark on even the smallest of details, seen here via the touches of lace on the straps that can also be found layered over parts of the printed maxi dress. The cascading ruffles will take on a life of their own when moved by the slightest of seaside breezes, and the roominess of the silhouette (while still showcasing your curves) delivers ease you’ll be grateful for.

As Rebecca Hessel Cohen puts it, “dressing for a more informal wedding, like a beach wedding, should be fun and playful,” and this wedding guest dress perfectly encapsulates the ethos. Let your voluminous hair waves take flight with a little help from the salty air as you celebrate the bride and groom during a fairytale-esque sunset ceremony, wearing LoveShackFancy’s equally fairytale-esque dress.

Favorite Daughter The One That Got Away Dress

$268

Buy Now at nordstrom

There’s something so sweet and sensual about a polka dot–printed, body-skimming, floor-length dress with a darling string tie at the bust line and simple spaghetti straps. This Favorite Daughter find is a fool-proof wedding guest dress choice for a laid-back outdoor celebration that you’ll want to wear again on your upcoming Euro Summer adventures. As for the dress’ polka dot print, we can assure you it hits the mark this season. Spotted on the spring 2025 runways of designer labels like Jacquemus and Acne Studios, polka dots are considered by many as the current moment’s new neutral. The proof is in the data, too: According to the trend forecasting agency Trendalytics, searches for polka dot dresses increased by 52 percent in January of this year compared to 2024.

Price upon publish date of this article: $268

Ulla Johnson Lisbet Satin Dress

$650

Buy Now at nordstrom

She is beauty, she is grace, she is Ulla Johnson’s Lisbet Satin Dress. The rich, jewel-toned green hue of this dress is taken to new heights by the satin fabric’s sheen and a streamlined silhouette for the modern minimalist. When you find a dress this beautiful to wear to a wedding, the worst thing you can do is over-accessorize. Keep it simple with a luxury timepiece, sculptural huggie earrings, and a pair of black or silver slingback pumps, letting your investment dress radiate unhindered sophistication.

Price upon publish date of this article: $650

Dries Van Noten Dare Embellished Draped Gown

$2,320

Buy Now at saks fifth avenue

Did we mention sequin dresses are a top spring and summer dress trend? By way of everything from refined, shimmery embellishments to large-scale paillettes, top fashion labels like Prada, Brandon Maxwell, and Burberry played with these high-shine, high-texture adornments this season. The Dries Van Noten pastel pink stunner is match made in heaven for black-tie weddings, with draping in all the right places to compliment most body shapes, a relaxed cowl neck, and short dolman sleeves that add to its allure. When it comes to accessorizing this wedding guest gown, less is more.

Price upon publish date of this article: $2,320

Victoria Beckham Colorblock Jersey Gown

$1,250

Buy Now at victoria beckham

Another prime example of the draped dress trend (albeit one that saves this draping exclusively for the hip region), this long-sleeve wedding guest dress style is demure on top and party-ready below the waist. We adore its pop of green and side slit for ease of movement as you twirl all night long. Crafted out of stretch jersey fabric, it’s guaranteed to make you feel comfortable from the ceremony through the dinner and into the wee hours. Gold bracelets are the move in this styling situation, and so are Roman coin necklaces that will demystify the goddess trend highlighted in the Pinterest Predicts report for 2025.

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,250

Missoni Long One-Shoulder Dress in Slub Knit

$1,970

Buy Now at nordstrom

This Missoni gem — the ultimate cool-girl wedding guest dress that can be donned during formal and relaxed beach ceremonies — is not for the wedding wallflower. The chevron-patterned knitwear that the Italian fashion house is known for gets the glam treatment with eye-catching sequins and a one-shoulder design, whose tie lets it moonlight as a necklace and gown both. While you don’t necessarily need a supermodel bod to pull this shape-hugging number off, you will need step onto the dance floor with a great deal of confidence when wearing this showstopper plus a pair of cute summer sandals. For anyone who plans to party in Ibiza this summer, putting the dress on your “must-pack” list is a decision that will be almost as wise as buying it.

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,970

LoveShackFancy Brinkley Satin Midi Dress

$695

Buy Now at bloomingdale’s

In 2015, everyone collectively lost their minds over Phoebe Philo’s lace-trimmed silk slips on Céline‘s runway, and, a solid decade later, this dress style is back for good. Swapping spaghetti straps for puff cap sleeves, this LoveShackFancy exemplar is coquettish at its heart (an aesthetic that all of TikTok, with over two million posts under the #coquette tag, is devoted to as of late). Its lace trim in all the right places and a neck-elongating V-neck make the dress markedly vintage-inspired, and we already envision you wearing it with a sensible kitten heel to ring in the beginning of the rest of the lovebirds’ lives together… only to recycle the same look for a picnic birthday party or dinner-and-drinks date later on. For taking all that femininity to the next level, consider a headband or head scarf in conjunction with an everyday handbag in a matching pink.

Price upon publish date of this article: $695

How to Wear Top Wedding Guest Dresses

How to Wear a Beach Wedding Guest Dress: Farm Rio Sweet Bloom Dreamscape Midi Sundress, $260; Vince Ariana Raffia Slide Sandals, $295; Clare V Cream Pot De Miel Bag, $245; Ben-Amun Gold Necklace With Pearly Crystals,$670
Courtesy Manufacturers

How to Wear a Formal Wedding Guest Dress: Dries Van Noten Dare Embellished Draped Gown, $2,320; Coach Pump, $225; Olga Berg Ostrich Feather Embellished Clutch, $83.75; Swarovski Millenia Choker, $380 Courtesy Manufacturers

What to Look for in a Wedding Guest Dress

Price: When it comes to nailing the wedding guest dress price point that’s right for you, make sure to consider the versatility of the piece you choose. You’ll want a beautiful dress that can hopefully double as an option for other occasions (including nuptials) down the line. If you’re opting for a stunning wedding guest dress with a lower price point, you’ll want to pay special attention to the materials used, as well as the construction. For example, an expensive sequin dress will have the finesse in finishings that an affordable wedding guest dress might not. If going with a dress option that won’t break the bank, simplicity in design is best.

Style: While it’s important to consider the dress code of the event you’ll be attending when saying “I do” to a wedding guest dress, you want to let your personal style shine through, too. If you’re partial to romantic items, try dresses with eye-catching prints, statement-making silhouettes, and rich textures in the form of lace, silk, or satin. More streamlined dress styles — like a column dress or slinky slip dress — are also no-brainer buys that you’ll be able to repurpose many times this season.

Comfort: Don’t overlook the upcoming wedding’s location when choosing the dress that is right for you. For a beach wedding, you’ll want a cute frock that’s lightweight and made of a material that can safely risk getting sandy or wet. Alternatively, for an indoor wedding, an elegant wedding guest dress that can afford to be delicate and dainty is more appropriate. If you anticipate lots of dancing, a stretch fabric like jersey will be sure to accommodate.

Why Trust WWD

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Expert

Rebecca Hessel Cohen is the founder and creative director of LoveShackFancy, a New York–based brand known for its ultra-feminine, vintage-inspired apparel, accessories, and home essentials. Hessel Cohen was also a former fashion editor and, presently, is a self-proclaimed maximalist.

Meet the Authors

Adam Mansuroglu is the Director of Commerce for Footwear News and WWD, overseeing strategy for shopping content on both brands, along with writing and editing shopping guides, product reviews, and shopping trend stories across fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle product categories for men and women. Before his current role, Mansuroglu was a fashion editor and stylist at Cosmopolitan Magazine, a Style Editor at BestProducts.com, and a Senior Style and Gear Editor at Men’s Health Magazine. Mansuroglu has been tapped as a shopping expert for editorial websites such as Wirecutter, and his writing has also appeared in Out Magazine, Esquire, and other publications. Mansuroglu regularly reports on style trends, including a guide to spring dress to buy this season from luxury designer labels.

Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on seasonal buys that are worth your money, wedding guest outfits included.

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The 14 Best Wedding Guest Dresses to Look Stunning at Any Ceremony This Season

In this article

View More

Top Wedding Guest Dresses of 2025

Open Edit Ruched Strapless Maxi Dress

Likely Katerina Dress

Cult Gaia Kaela Floral Appliqué Minidress

Farm Rio Sweet Bloom Dreamscape Midi Sundress

A.L.C. Alessia Satin and Lace Maxi Dress

The Occasion by Old Navy Taffeta Bubble Mini Dress

Kate Spade New York Mainline Mia Rhinestone Minidress

LoveShackFancy Radiance Fragrance Print Maxi Dress

Favorite Daughter The One That Got Away Dress

Ulla Johnson Lisbet Satin Dress

Dries Van Noten Dare Embellished Draped Gown

Victoria Beckham Colorblock Jersey Gown

Missoni Long One-Shoulder Dress in Slub Knit

LoveShackFancy Brinkley Satin Midi Dress

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You May Also Like

Shop Our Guide to the Best Wedding Guest Dresses

Open Edit Ruched Strapless Maxi Dress

Likely Katerina Dress

Cult Gaia Kaela Floral Appliqué Minidress

Farm Rio Sweet Bloom Dreamscape Midi Sundress

A.L.C. Alessia Satin and Lace Maxi Dress

The Occasion by Old Navy Taffeta Bubble Mini Dress

Kate Spade New York Mainline Mia Rhinestone Minidress

LoveShackFancy Radiance Fragrance Print Maxi Dress

Favorite Daughter The One That Got Away Dress

Ulla Johnson Lisbet Satin Dress

Dries Van Noten Dare Embellished Draped Gown

Victoria Beckham Colorblock Jersey Gown

Missoni Long One-Shoulder Dress in Slub Knit

LoveShackFancy Brinkley Satin Midi Dress

How to Wear Top Wedding Guest Dresses

What to Look for in a Wedding Guest Dress

Why Trust WWD

Meet the Expert

Meet the Authors

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