Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
Cocktail attire is the most common wedding dress code, and the most fun to dress for. It means a knee-length to midi dress in a dressy fabric, worn with heels and jewelry you love. It sits above semi-formal and below black tie, which leaves plenty of room for color, print and a statement detail. Every dress here is an original Sandhya Garg design, cut in sizes XS to 3XL.
What to wear to a cocktail attire wedding
A midi in a print is the easiest answer. The Queen wrap midi ($258) is pink and purple viscose with a wrap waist, the Sophie midi ($255) has bell sleeves and a scalloped lace hem, and the Louis halter midi ($238) is a pink and red halter with a full A-line skirt that moves when you dance. For a daytime or garden cocktail wedding, the Azalea wrap dress ($235) is a floral wrap you can wear again all summer.
Cocktail minis and evening cocktail dresses
For an evening reception, go for texture. The Bella cocktail dress ($298) is hand-beaded in an art-deco pattern on black georgette, the Jewel party dress ($258) is hand-beaded black net, and the Marie mini ($278) has hand-embroidered roses on pink. The Versailles shirt dress ($258) is a printed shirt dress that works from ceremony to dance floor.
Cocktail dresses for fall and winter weddings
When it's cold, choose velvet or a sleeve: the Velvet Green dress ($338) in striped metallic velvet with an oversized bow, the Opal black wrap dress ($378) with balloon sleeves, or the Gaudi Teal Velvet Wrap ($398). See all fall wedding guest dresses and winter wedding guest dresses.
Cocktail wedding guest dresses for women over 40 and 50
A midi with a defined waist is the most versatile cocktail dress at any age. A wrap lets you set the waist yourself, and sleeves or a halter let you choose what to show. Love your body as it is and celebrate your favorite feature. More ideas in what to wear to a wedding reception over 40.
Plus size cocktail dresses
Every dress here comes in XS through 3XL, in the same print and at the same price. Browse plus size wedding guest dresses, check the size chart, or have any style made to your measurements.
Free US shipping on orders of $250 or more.
By dress code: formal wedding guest dresses · every wedding dress code explained. Guide: what to wear to a wedding as a guest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cocktail attire for a wedding?
Cocktail attire means a knee-length to midi dress in a dressy fabric, such as satin, viscose, velvet, lace or a beaded fabric, worn with heels and statement jewelry. It is more formal than semi-formal and less formal than black tie.
Can I wear a maxi dress to a cocktail attire wedding?
Yes, as long as it isn't a formal gown. A flowing printed maxi in a dressy fabric works well, especially for outdoor or summer cocktail weddings. Avoid a heavily structured evening gown, which reads black tie.
Can you wear a mini dress to a cocktail wedding?
Yes, especially for evening receptions. Choose a mini with texture, beading or embroidery so it reads dressy rather than casual, and keep it to a hem you're comfortable sitting and dancing in.
What is the difference between cocktail and semi-formal attire?
They are close. Cocktail leans dressier, with more polished fabrics, beading and heels, while semi-formal allows a slightly simpler midi. For either, a knee-length to midi dress in a good fabric is right.
What shoes should I wear with a cocktail dress to a wedding?
Heels are standard: block heels for outdoor venues, and stilettos or embellished sandals for indoor evening receptions. Bring flats for the dancing if the reception runs late.
Testimonials
★★★★★Gorgeous and Flattering
I recently wore this to a friends outdoor wedding and it was absolutely stunning! The fit was perfect the colour divine and I love the asymmetry. There are many accent colours to pair with these piece which makes accessorizing creative. I received many compliments thank you Sandhya! <3
Nina![]()
Austin, Texas
★★★★★Over the Moon
When I opened my package; I could not believe the huge smile that came on
my face. Not only was it beautiful, the quality was outstanding. I will be wearing many more designs by Sandhya Garg.Reba Aylward![Summer top for woman]()
New Bern, NC
