Wedding Guest Dresses Appropriate for Any Ceremony

When you're invited to a wedding, the first thing you might do is get excited about the big day, but the second thing you'll probably do is wonder: What are you going to wear? Thankfully, Lulus is here to come to the rescue with plenty of wedding guest dresses that strike just the right balance between standing out and not upstaging the bride.

Whatever your role, be it family or friend of the happy couple, you can be sure that you'll step out in the latest style in one of our formal wedding guest dresses. Maybe an elegant floor-length gown would be appropriate for the occasion. Or maybe it's a less formal, daytime wedding and you're thinking of rocking a mini dress instead. We've got virtually every style option imaginable to fit any personality and occasion. You're sure to appreciate our affordable prices, too.

Best Dresses to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest

Every wedding is a unique celebration, so as you consider your options for wedding guest dresses, it's helpful to think about the details of the wedding you're attending.

• An outdoor wedding will have a distinctly different vibe than a formal church wedding, so dress accordingly. For outdoor celebrations, try a wrap dress in a pretty floral print.
• When the bride and groom will be meeting in a house of worship, you'd be better off choosing a maxi dress or a lace dress to help them celebrate. Keep in mind any religious edicts about modesty: This probably isn't the place for a strapless dress or one with a plunging neckline.
• If you're not sure which way to go, it's always best to ask the bride or another close family member for recommendations. Some weddings even have strict dress codes, especially when the reception will be held in an upscale venue. Check the invitation for a note about whether the wedding will be a black-tie affair.

Choosing Colors for Dresses for Wedding Guests

Dress color is another important consideration not to be ignored. The season of the event will be a major factor in your dress color choice, but there are also a few etiquette considerations to keep in mind.

• Autumn and winter weddings are the ideal time to choose deep colors such as burgundy, navy, and forest green.
• When nuptials take place in the spring and summer, you're free to lighten things up: Try dresses in fresh hues such as blush pink, light gray, and pale yellow.
• Look at the invitation's color scheme to get an idea of what color(s) the bridesmaids will be wearing. When you're choosing dresses to wear to a wedding as a guest, you don't want to match the bridesmaids' dresses.
• Although the old rule of never wearing black to a wedding has been relaxed in today's fashion climate, it's still a major faux pas to choose a dress in anything close to white, ivory, or cream: Those colors are reserved for the bride.

What should I wear to a wedding as a guest?

As a very general rule, women wear dresses and men should wear a suit. Your suit should not be black, and your dress should not be white. However, as soon as you add in dress code requirements like "black tie optional," or "cocktail attire," you have a much more specific look to achieve.

Accessories to Accent Your Style

Once you've chosen one of our formal or cocktail dresses for wedding guests, don't forget to add a few accessories to finish the effect.

• An elegant clutch or handbag will keep it classy but still give you somewhere to put your keys.
• A pair of cute, strappy heels are sure to look great, but you might want to bring a pair of flats, too, if you're planning to dance the night away. Staggering to your car at the end of the night, shoes in hand, is never flattering!
• Don't forget a little bling! Just a little, though; keep it tasteful.

The most obvious color is plain white. A plain white dress or white top and skirt are not generally acceptable, particularly in any formal style. ... However, a jersey wrap dress in the wedding colors is perfectly fine for female guests to wear, as is a button down shirt and matching striped tie for the men.

Sandhya Garg is a Project Runway designer. She studied and specialized in women's fashion at London College of Fashion, UK and has worked at Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Liberty London, Alice Temperley to name a few. She has her own successful resort wear, vacation dresses, special occasion dresses, wedding guest looks, swim coverups label. While on Project Runway Season 13, she won 2 challenges and was fortunate to show her collection at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. The brand has been featured in Marie Claire US, Ftv.com, Elle Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Vogue online to name a few. 

She designs limited edition high end printed spring dresses and swim coverups. Beautiful prints are inspired from around the world to be worn during travel, resort stay or cruise holidays.