Wedding Guest Dresses

Browse the Best Wedding Guest Dresses

Anthropologie has an unforgettable collection of new wedding guest dresses, from long and flowing to short and structured. We’ve made it easy to find the perfect dresses to wear to as a wedding guest in our can’t-miss collection. With so many colors and materials, you won’t know which wedding guest dress to choose. Discover our unique jewelry to complete your wedding guest outfit.

How to Dress for a Wedding as a Guest

You’ve RSVP’d “yes!” and booked your stay, now what will you wear? After the bridal shower dress and rehearsal dinner dress comes the wedding. No matter if it’s a wedding for your friend or for your third cousin, you’ll want a dress that makes you feel like a tasteful attendee of the ceremony and life-of-the-party at the reception. We have all the perfect styles you’re looking for, for every type of wedding.

1. What is a Wedding Guest Dress?

What makes a dress wedding-guest appropriate? It’s able to transition from traditions to celebrations, and matches the type of wedding you’re attending. While there are some traditional rules to follow - such as not wearing white or black - the rest is up for interpretation. It’s best to check with the bride and groom, or someone else in the wedding party, if there’s a dress code. These days there are fewer “wedding guest dress etiquette” rules. Even jumpsuits have become wedding appropriate for women.

Our biggest piece of advice? It’s best to follow traditional rules if you don’t know the couple well.

2. Wedding Guest Dresses Based on Location

There are certain dresses that match different types of weddings. For example, a strapless sequin gown wouldn’t be appropriate for a simple, outdoor beach wedding. And a light wrap dress would be suitable as a casual wedding guest dress but not sophisticated enough for a black tie evening reception.

The time of day and time of year will make all the difference in your dress picks. Evening and cold weather weddings mean heavier fabrics, dark or jewel tones, and longer lengths. While light fabrics and bright or pastel colors translate better to daytime functions and warm weather seasons.

3. How to Follow the Wedding Dress Code

Check the wording of the wedding invitation. Phrases like cocktail, black tie or white tie will give you direction for the level of casual-to-formal to follow. And consider that colors on the invitations or wedding websites might be a clue to the bridesmaid dress colors, if you’re worried about a matching-mishap.

If you don’t feel comfortable asking about dress code, investigate photos of the venue on Instagram from previous weddings. What kinds of dresses have attendees worn? Look for details about how traditional the location is, and whether it’s indoors or outdoors.

4. What's the Difference Between a Party Dress and a Wedding Guest Dress?

What’s the difference between a party dresses and wedding guest dress? Most party dresses can be wedding dresses. However, wedding attire tends to be more modest in neckline and length, and less bold in colors and patterns. After all, the day isn’t about looking at the guests. Make sure you’re comfortable having your ensemble eternalized in their wedding album.

5. Wedding Guest Dress Ideas

Still unsure? Our picks for the most popular can’t-go-wrong dresses for weddings are shift dresses, cocktail dresses, shirt dresses, wrap dresses, maxi dresses and sheath dresses. We also love classic floral prints, blue shades and dresses with sleeves. For length, a midi dress is a great choice when you’re unsure if mini is too little and maxi too much.

6. How to Accessorize as a Wedding Guest

You’re likely to be a wedding guest two or more times this year. One way to make each dress more than a one-time wear is to switch up your shoes, jewelry and evening bag.