Casual Wedding Guest Dresses

"Casual" on a wedding invitation never means casual. It means a sundress or printed midi in a natural fabric with... Read More

"Casual" on a wedding invitation never means casual. It means a sundress or printed midi in a natural fabric with sandals or a block heel — not jeans, not shorts, not what you'd wear to brunch. The reliable rule: dress one notch above what you'd wear to a nice lunch. Guests under-dress at casual weddings far more often than they over-dress, and it's the photographs where it shows.

The Square-Neck Cotton Poplin Fit & Flare Maxi is the clearest answer here — 100% cotton poplin with pintuck straps and an adjustable criss-cross back, structured enough for a ceremony and cool enough for an outdoor reception. It comes in yellow, black and pink and is the most-reviewed piece in this collection. The Sahara Linen Maxi and Mumtaz Orange Halter Maxi in 100% viscose work the same way. For midi length, the Tangier Ombre and Casablanca. The Coral Mini is reduced to $229 from $388; most pieces sit at $298.

Fabric does the work. Cotton poplin, linen and viscose read as considered rather than casual because they hold their shape — a jersey sundress, however pretty, reads as a day dress the moment you stand next to someone in silk. That's the whole difference between "casual wedding guest" and "just a dress", and it's why every piece here is cut in a natural or natural-blend fabric.

Where casual weddings actually happen. Backyard and garden ceremonies, beach and destination weddings, courthouse ceremonies with a lunch afterwards, and second weddings. Each has a slightly different bar: a beach wedding takes a maxi and flat sandals, a backyard wedding takes a printed midi and a block heel, a courthouse ceremony takes something you could wear to a smart lunch. All of them still exclude white, ivory and cream.

Every piece is designed by Sandhya Garg — Project Runway Season 13, previously at Alexander McQueen, Gucci and Liberty London — in exclusive prints drawn in-house and made in limited runs, XS through 3XL at one price across the range.

Read more: every wedding dress code explained, what to wear to a beach wedding, and maxi dresses for wedding guests.

By formality: cocktail and formal wedding guest dresses. By venue: beach, garden and bohemian. By season: spring, summer, fall and winter. By style: maxi, midi, floral, linen and A-line. Also see plus size wedding guest dresses.

Any style can be made to your measurements for $50–$100 above retail. Check the size chart before ordering. Free US shipping on orders over $250. Afterpay available. Ships from Scottsdale, AZ within 1–3 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does casual wedding attire mean for a guest?
A sundress, printed midi or maxi in a natural fabric, with sandals or a block heel. It does not mean jeans, shorts, t-shirts or anything you'd wear to run errands. The safest interpretation is to dress one notch above a nice lunch — guests under-dress at casual weddings far more often than they over-dress, and it shows in the photographs.

Can you wear jeans to a casual wedding?
Generally no, even when the invitation says casual. Unless the couple has specifically asked for denim — some backyard and ranch weddings do — jeans read as under-dressed. A cotton or linen dress achieves the same relaxed feeling while still looking like you made an effort for the occasion.

Is a sundress appropriate for a wedding?
Yes, if the fabric and cut are right. A cotton poplin or linen sundress in a print or solid colour works well for casual, beach and garden weddings. A thin jersey sundress usually reads too casual. Add a block heel or dressy flat sandal rather than flip-flops, and avoid white, ivory or cream in any fabric.

What is the difference between casual and dressy casual wedding attire?
Casual allows a sundress, flat sandals and relaxed fabrics. Dressy casual asks for a step up — a midi in a structured fabric, a heel rather than a flat, and more considered jewellery. If the invitation says dressy casual, treat it as closer to cocktail than to casual. When in doubt, the more formal reading is the safer error.

What shoes should I wear to a casual wedding?
Dressy flat sandals, espadrilles, wedges or block heels. Skip flip-flops, trainers and anything athletic. If the ceremony is outdoors on grass or sand, a block heel or wedge stays on the surface where a stiletto sinks — and flat sandals are entirely appropriate for a beach wedding.