Beautiful Wedding Guest Dresses to Wear to a Wedding

Looking for the perfect affordable wedding guest dresses for a winter, fall, spring, or blazing hot summer wedding?

You never quite know what to wear to a wedding…

Finding the perfect wedding guest dress can be a challenge, especially if you live somewhere where the four seasons truly make a difference to what you need to wear to be comfortable.

Most of us grab a dress from a store in the last few weeks leading up to the wedding, which often leads to multiple guests with the same dress!

To avoid that, choose from one of the best affordable wedding guest dresses we’ve found online.

The best part? Every wedding guest dress we’ve found is under $50! And that includes shipping, too.

What dresses can a guest wear to a wedding?

Don’t overthink it, but if you are worried that it looks too much like something the bride, bridesmaids, or someone on the red carpet would wear, move on. Also try to avoid dresses that show a lot of skin, unless it is a summer wedding in a very warm location.

What guest dress colors aren’t appropriate to wear to a wedding?

White! It’s best to avoid white, nudes, beige, champagne, browns and blacks. It is also common to avoid red dresses, unless the event is planned to be festive and colorful.

This long dress is perfect for summer weddings, with loose flowing fabric and crochet detailing around the waist and cap sleeves. The skirt is cut higher in the front so perfect if you want to try a long dress but feel nervous about tripping on the fabric.

It’s available in sizes 0-20, so regardless of your size you’re sure to love it!

The long length of this dress with a flattering split is a great way to wear a dress that looks like it covers a lot of skin while staying loose and cool.

There is beautiful crochet detailing down the bust and around the waist and an open back, which will keep the air flowing even on the hottest days of the year.

It comes in sizes small (0-2) to XXL (10) and five different colors, and the grey with white and pink blooms is the most suitable. Sizing is small, so size up. A great opportunity for petite women to rock a maxi dress.

This affordable wedding guest dress is super flattering and elegant and perfect for the change of season. This dress is classy, feminine, but has a little edge too.

This elegant wrap dress comes in a range of colors perfect for fall, in sizes 4 – 14, though many reviewers recommend you go up a size. Those with larger breasts feel supported and well covered, even with the lower cut. Perfect if you like to show just enough cleavage.

Do you love the silhouettes of vintage dresses? This dress is elegant and perfect for any wedding, no matter how formal!

Cut just below the knee, it’s the perfect length for fall weddings but the open back will keep you cool. If you love the dress but aren’t sure about the open back, consider pairing with a lace-backed teddy for the ultimate feminine look.

It comes in twelve colors and in sizes XS to Large. The fabric has some elasticity so buy your normal sizing.

This dress perfectly marries the dark shades of winter with the lightness of the occasion. Its round neck offers a little more coverage than summertime dresses and is also appropriate to pair with hose and even a coat while traveling to and from the venue.

It comes in a range of winter colors and sizes small to 5XL, and is one of the most affordable wedding guest dresses available.

If you need to stick to formal wedding guest attire, this dress is a great choice. With lace round neck and shoulders that reaches right down to the knee, it covers just the right amount of skin to keep you warm in crisp temperatures, without being too hot when you hit the dancefloor.

This dress has almost 4,400 positive reviews and comes in five different colors all appropriate for a winter wedding, and the dress is so wearable you can easily wear it again for another occasion in the future. It’s available in sizes small to extra-large, though reviewers say that if you’re in doubt, size up.

This dress is glamorous, feminine, and super flattering. The waist is ruched and the high split adds a little sexiness, without being too much, and makes it much easier to move around, dance, and stay comfortable throughout the day.

Available in four colors with stunning floral designs, and in sizes S – XXL, you’ll find it difficult to look elsewhere at this price point!

This dress is breathtaking and embodies the spring spirit. The cap ruffle sleeves, wide band around the waist, and midi-length are extremely flattering on any figure. The loose cotton of the dress will help you stay cool and comfortable even as summer approaches.

It comes in three colors (we adore the sky-blue shade!), is available in sizes S-XL, and 400 reviews by happy buyers.

Find the Perfect Wedding Guest Outfit

Choosing what to wear as a wedding guest can be stressful. If you’re looking for the answers you’ve come to the right place. If you are looking for a formal, informal, or backyard wedding outfit we can help. There’s no rules on what to wear, but there are some standards. Always remember you’ll feel less embarrassed being overdressed than underdressed. Hopefully, these helpful tips can keep you from those awkward moments.

What should I wear to a wedding as a guest?

Formal weddings will have a different standard on what to wear. If this is a church wedding or the couple has explicitly said it is a formal wedding, and it has formal attire, then you will want to match the dress code. For a feminine look a nice long or mid-length dress, paint suit, or jumpsuit will be perfect. One thing to remember at formal weddings is to dress more modestly or with your shoulders covered. The best option is to wear something over the outfit, so if it does get hot or after the ceremony, you can have a way to take the layers off. For a more masculin look, you’ll want a nice suit, or tux depending on what style you like best. Never wear shorts, even if it’s a casual wedding. If you bring a plus one then a little matching with the colors is going to be cute. If you’re going alone then wear whatever you want, as long as it’s not white or close to white.

For casual weddings you can forget the stiff looks and go with something more comfortable. Summer dresses, prints, and nice flats will work just fine. You have a little more freedom in what you want to wear. You can ditch the suit and go for a nice button up tucked into dress pants. You still want to look nice, so if the summer dress is what you’re going for then make it a long one and if you want a short dress go for one that looks more formal. Dress according to the weather, and it’s okay to be festive or dress for the season.

Wedding guest dresses for winter

Winter wedding outfits are a little harder to find, but so beautiful. For this you’ll want to find a rich color like dark greens, dark reds, silvers, and golds. These colors are great for winter time, and if you want they’ll be good to wear again for a work holiday party. You want to look for heavier fabrics if you know the weather is going to be cold, and prepare to layer up. Don’t be shy to wear a long sleeve dress, or wear tights under, but stay away from boots because they tend to look too casual. You can find nice closed-toe heels that are classy and will keep you warm. A nice velvet blazer will keep you warm and look festive. Suits generally stay pretty warm, but if you’re going to be outside then be prepared. A nice scarf with a suit is such an iconic look that looks classy. There are so many options you can play with for a winter wedding outfit. 

Wedding guest dresses for Fall

Fall weddings are where layering up is the most important because of how unpredictable the weather can be. You can always bring a sweater and take it off, but you don’t want to be blindsided by the cold nights. Fall colors are usually browns, oranges, and reds. You can find a nice print in these colors, or go for a pop of color to add a bit of spice. Since fall colors are so muted finding a print will keep it from looking boring. Your heels can also be that pop of color that matches the accent colors in your outfit. For suits a nice mix of fabrics will look really good. You can try a silk tie and a wool jacket for that little mix.

Wedding guest dresses for Summer

Summer weddings always have perfect weather, but if you live in a hot area you know that the sweat will be dripping down your back. Find light fabrics that are breathable and wont trap the heat in, and also light colored fabric to keep the sun off you a little more. Don’t forget to find a color that won’t show sweat stains just to be safe. You want to stay away from sandals and flip-flops, but nice flats or open toed heels are great for summer weddings. If you’re in a full suit, summer weddings will be miserable. As long as their invitation doesn’t say black tie attire, feel free to leave the tie at home and just wear the button down and jacket. A short-mid length summer dress is perfect for summer weddings. Be safe and go for comfort that looks good, and get there early to find a spot in the shade or next to the air conditioning vent.

Wedding guest dresses for Spring

Spring weddings are the perfect time to try out new colors. Spring weather can still be a little unpredictable, and could have some surprise rain showers. Stay away from long dresses that could get damaged from dragging in water or mud. The one thing about spring weddings attire is to come prepared. You might need that jacket for the night time, or an umbrella for random rain. Stay away from heels that will sink into grass, and bring some extra shoes just in case. For suits this is the best time to go with a bold print or pattern, and try to use lighter colors to stay cool.

Wedding Guest Dresses That Don’t Look Cheap

In these dresses, you’re sure to feel comfortable, confident, and happy to stand to pose for photos all day long!

Don’t let the dress code on the wedding invitation scare you. The perfect wedding outfit is out there. After this you should know exactly what you’re looking for.

If it’s a summer, winter, fall, or spring wedding you will be prepared. Always bring extra stuff to be prepared for the worst, and you will be fine. Stand out, respectfully, and look good doing it.

You can always grab that little black dress, or black suit that looks great on you. Many people think you shouldn’t wear black to a wedding, but nowadays it is totally socially acceptable. It’s always good to have a fall back option.

If you’re in the wedding party, why not also check out our favorite Mother-of-the-Bride dresses for inspiration?

Or you can always find inspiration for the very best wedding gifts to make sure your gift is the most memorable.