The Best Dress Styles to Wear as a Wedding Guest, According to a Wedding Planner Who’s Seen It All

I have always been fascinated by hotels and always feel happiest when I’m part of a bustling place. But even more than that, I especially love watching families and friends come together to celebrate and enjoy their time together—like at weddings. And when I discovered that weddings and hotels go hand in hand—and that planning them is an actual job!—I pursued wedding planning as one of my favorite career callings. 

It’s been 10 years since I’ve been a wedding planner, and one of my favorite things about weddings is witnessing what guests choose to wear. Sometimes people put together some real choices (if you know what I mean), but the vast majority of guests arrive in dresses that have me asking where they found them. 

Because wedding fashion never gets old, and I love helping people decide what to wear, I’m decoding dress codes and sharing the best dresses to wear for black-tie, cocktail, and destination soirees below. You’ll find a variety of dress styles, lengths, and patterns from Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Anthropologie, and Birdy Grey, one my favorite under-the-radar, affordable brands.

Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

I promise couples don’t request that guests wear black-tie attire just to throw their loved ones for a loop, but I completely understand the confusion! At its core, black-tie attire asks for you to wear either a formal gown or a tuxedo. The key piece for dresses is the length: Floor-length seals the deal. Although the required formality can make it seem like you have to spend far too much, that’s not actually the case. Birdy Grey is a great source for formal dresses (and bridesmaids’ dresses) for around $100, and Nordstrom has plenty of options for guests and mothers of brides and grooms alike that start at just $119. 

Birdy Grey Grace Convertible Dress

When I was invited to a black-tie wedding a few years ago, I discovered Birdy Grey. Technically, the brand designs bridesmaids’ dresses, but with plenty of flowy, floor-length styles available, they tick all of the boxes for black-tie wedding guest dresses too. And many dresses are just $109 or less, including the Grace Convertible Dress, which is available in 73 colors and patterns. It also features smart design elements, including a slit to make it easier to walk and dance in, adjustable straps that you can slip on or leave off, and the ability to style two swaths of fabric at the top in nine different shapes (halter, off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder, and more). I got so many compliments on my dress, and I loved knowing it was super affordable, too. 

Alex Evenings Embellished Lace A-Line Evening Gown

A floor-length embellished lace gown definitely qualifies as an option for a black-tie wedding, which is why this Alex Evenings style should be on your radar, whether you’re a guest or the mother of the bride or groom. The lace of the dress is actually created with pretty rosettes, and sparkles are scattered throughout to make it even dressier and unique. Plus, with a jewel neckline and short sleeves, you can wear the bra of your choice and avoid the typical undergarments debacle. Choose from navy, brush perriwinkle, violet blue, eggplant, and merlot. 

Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses

Cocktail attire wedding guest dresses always feel so much easier to find because the dress code is easier to interpret. While you definitely still want to arrive in dressy attire, cocktail wedding guest dresses have more of an (almost) anything goes approach: Mini dresses, midi dresses, and maxi dresses all fit the bill. Nordstrom Rack is a hidden gem for finding affordable options, including jumpsuits, and even Target has a pretty slip dress that no one will believe or know is only $25.

Adrianna Papell Sleeveless Mikado Fit and Flare Midi Dress

Adrianna Papell dresses never disappoint, and this mikado dress has Grace Kelly vibes. The style is designed to land just below the knee, and it has a gorgeous high neckline that looks beautiful on its own, but is also easy to style with your favorite necklace. You’ll also find box pleats, pockets, and a beautiful V-back design. The midi, 100 percent polyester gown is in stock in bright Neptune blue for well under $200.

A New Day Midi Slip Dress

There are always hidden gems to uncover at Target, and this A New Day Midi Slip Dress is one of them. It’s wedding guest-ready for only $25, and it comes in four colors and patterns, including classic black, burgundy, sage, and black with bows. The style of the dress is meant to have an effortless throw-on-and-go quality, but it still has handy perks, too, like a lightweight feel and adjustable straps. Pair this with stilettos, kitten heels, or strappy sandals, and you’re ready to go.

Destination Wedding Guest Dresses

If you’re shopping for a destination wedding guest dress, I have a confession: I’m wildly jealous. I love destination weddings because they’re fun and festive, plus they feel like a vacation that you happen to have the opportunity to enjoy with your favorite people. Beach weddings are what I have in mind when I think about having to travel for a celebration, so you’ll find a mix of dresses that are ready for locations that are heavy on the sand with a dash of beautiful turquoise water. 

By Anthropologie Sleeveless Halter A-Line Midi Dress

Whenever a dress has a cool silhouette or a beautiful pattern, guests often share that they scooped it up at Anthropologie. This sleeveless halter A-line midi dress from the in-house line By Anthropologie proves why. The pattern on the dress is reminiscent of a watercolor painting, making it perfect to wear by the ocean. The halter neckline and criss-cross seams help to add interest, and the midi length means it’ll never drag on the sand, whether you’re wearing strappy heels or walking barefoot. I can’t believe this is only $168—it looks so much more expensive.

Petal & Pup Amren Floral One-Shoulder Tiered Asymmetric Dress

I love patterned dresses for any occasion, but they feel even more appropriate at destination weddings. This Petal & Pup Amren tiered dress has a darling floral print, and I also can’t get over the dainty one-shoulder strap, waist tie, or cool asymmetrical ruffle layers. The best part? It’s only $79. 

Now that you understand the wedding’s dress code and know what you’re wearing, the fun part of counting down to wearing your new outfit—and scoring a great gift for the couple—begins. Happy celebrating!