20 best wedding guest dresses, from black tie to floral styles

You can’t go wrong with classic florals at a wedding but this H&M dress puts a contemporary spin on the spring print. Boasting a calf-length cut, it’s complete with a one-shoulder, asymmetric neckline, gently draped bodice and wide shoulder strap, with double spaghetti straps adding detail to the back.

We love the subtle ruching at the side of the body, as well as the matching asymmetric empire waist. There’s a concealed zip at one side, for easy entry, and it’s fully lined, giving extra volume in the flared skirt. Style with metallic kitten heels and throw on an oversized black blazer in the evening.

Nobody’s Child is a favourite for affordable frocks that put a classic spin on trends, and the brand’s Aubrey dress is perfect for an injection of colour. From the hot pink finish to the flattering puff shoulder and cut-out detailing, the dress fits the criteria for a statement wedding guest dress.

Crafted from a fabric blend derived from plant-based fibres, the wafty, lightweight design is ideal for summer. Whether it’s a destination wedding in sunny Portugal or a ceremony in the British countryside, pair this versatile dress with simple strappy black heels and gold jewellery.

When in doubt, head to Rixo for all your occasion-wear needs. With decadent dresses for every event, body shape and taste, the British brand’s rails are well worth a browse if you’re willing to splurge.

The Clarice satin midi dress in the green Daisy print is a foolproof style for weddings, thanks to its elegant and understated design. The vintage-nightgown inspired shape is elevated by the lace-trimmed V-neckline and cap sleeves, while the waist tie enhances your silhouette. Hanging loosely and falling fluidly, the cupped bodice and bias-cut skirt are flattering touches. Style with platform Mary Janes for wedding season but get your cost-per-wear by dressing down with ballet flats at the weekend.

The slightly thick design and velvet-like finish of Mango’s dress makes it a stellar choice for mild-weather spring weddings. Finished in a dusky pink hue with an understated all-over floral pattern, the dress is elevated by the asymmetrical maxi hem, Nineties-inspired draped neckline and low back with an adjustable tie for defining your silhouette.

We love the vintage feel of the dress, which transcends wedding season, whether repurposed for a garden party or birthday soiree. The rose pink pairs perfectly with neutral and white tones – we’ll be styling with black thong sandals and a raffia mini handbag.

If the theme is strictly black tie, Omnes’s simple yet sophisticated silk dress is the perfect choice. Crafted from deadstock materials to reduce waste, the soft satin-effect finish is shiny and sleek. Complete with a deep neckline, an open back with tie detailing and an elegant maxi length, the body-skimming cut hugs you in all the right places, while also being supportive enough around the bust for us to forgo a bra. Jazz up the black dress with colourful accessories or keep it classic with silver and gold.

You would never believe this premium-looking floral frock was from Asos. The boho-chic piece features an adjustable cross-halter neckline and flattering fitted bodice, before flowing down into an asymmetrical tiered hem. The all-over pale green and floral pattern is elevated by ruffle detailing throughout, in a nod to one of this season’s hottest trends. Though the fabric is soft against skin, there isn’t much give, so, we’d suggest sizing up for a more comfortable fit. Perfect for spring weddings, simply add an oversized black blazer.

This Omnes number would not only make a lovely wedding guest outfit but could easily pass as a bridesmaid dress, too. Finished in a soft pale pink hue, the simple style is elevated by the short balloon sleeves, classic V-neckline and ruched detailing. The flattering empire waist drapes down into a figure-hugging silhouette with a maxi hem. Designed to be bra-friendly, for an extra layer of support, the dress is lightweight and floaty with a subtle satin sheen. The Rosie frock also comes in blue, green and magenta to suit every wedding dress code.

Australian label Bardot puts fresh spins on classic silhouettes. Case in point: it’s citron dress. The effortlessly chic design features a midi hem and halter neckline with a deep V cut. We love the low backline, subtle gathering under the bust and flattering bias cut that doesn’t restrict movement, with the sleek black and ivory abstract finish perfect for black-tie and formal weddings.

Our only gripe is there’s a little too much material on the halter neckline, which is something to bear in mind if you have a smaller bust.

You can’t go wrong with a floral print at a wedding. This fabulous River Island number will brighten up the room, thanks to its dopamine-inducing print. Characterised by a V neckline, subtly structured bodice and thin straps, the dress boasts a floaty maxi hem. Owing to the fact it’s made from viscose, it’s not the most breathable but perfectly suitable for a spring soiree. Help the gold in the dress pop by styling with matching gold accessories (think chunky hoops and platform heels).

Thanks to the brand offering bust cup sizes, an inclusive size range and styles in myriad colourways and prints, you can’t get much more flattering than a House of CB dress.

Detailed with a pale blue meadow print, featuring pink and yellow flowers, the label’s Carmen style is perfect for spring and summer shindigs. As for the feminine fit, we love the corset-style bodice that comfortably cinches you in before flowing into an A-line midi skirt. Airy and lightweight, thanks to the cotton blend fabric and a front slit, the dress is fully lined and zips at the side for easy entry. Plus, you can forgo a bra, owing to the supportive cupped and lined bust.

This dress is just as wearable to a wedding as it is on holiday with a raffia bag and sandals, meaning you’ll get your cost-per-wear.

Once we figured out how to get Mango’s dress on, we were instantly smitten. The drapey fit is elevated by the asymmetric neckline and hem, as well as the wide shoulder strap that cascades down the back of the dress. The back has just as much attention to detail, with two spaghetti straps keeping the dress secure. A unique choice for wedding season, we love the sage green finish that pairs best with black or white accessories and silver jewellery.

Crafted from cotton poplin, this Nobody’s Child frock is characterised by a universally flattering smock silhouette. Retaining its shape well, thanks to the crisp cotton fabric, the dress features a voluminous pleated skirt, short puff sleeves and a square neckline. While the vibrant, vintage-inspired floral print lends it to occasion wear (jazz it up with statement jewellery and heels), the smock shape is easily wearable day-to-day, when dressed down with trainers or ballet flats, helping you get your value for money beyond wedding season. Plus, the dress even has pockets – what more could you want?

A playful take on wedding guest attire, this Urban Outfitters number is a mini dress with a difference. Featuring a soft V neckline with cami straps, ruffle trims and a wrap-around hem, the waterfall hem is cut into an asymmetrical finish for a floaty, layered look.

Finished in a ditsy yellow floral print, it’s easily dressed up with heels, statement accessories and an oversized blazer for spring nuptials. The dress will be wearable long beyond wedding season, too – we’ll be styling it with cowboy boots for summer festivals.

Practically made for an Ibiza destination wedding, this Reformation dress oozes elegance. Finished in this season’s trending leopard print, the appeal of the Felda is all in the details – from the flattering sweetheart neckline, back smocking and shaped cups to the poplin top and maxi ruffle hem.

A dress that will make you feel as good as you look, it is super comfortable for all-day (and night) wear, with a back zip for easy entry. A statement investment piece (leopard print never really goes out of style), repurpose the frock on summer holidays, birthdays and more. We’ll be styling with red kitten heels and a matching red bag.

An occasion piece that isn’t trying too hard, Damson Madder’s Oceanus dress features a delicate all-over embroidered rose print set on a striking sage green base. Elevating the simple maxi silhouette, the V neckline is detailed with a front frill bust and back, tie straps and an adjustable front bow tie.

We love the cascading effect of the long straps and bow, while the bias-cut fabric drapes beautifully on the figure. Perfect for countryside weddings this spring, get your cost-per-wear by dressing it down with a blazer and trainers day-to-day.

PSA: keep an eye out for the matching satin bag (£55, Damsonmadder.com) coming back in stock soon.

Realisation Par is synonymous with occasion wear thanks to its figure-hugging selection of vintage-inspired dresses.

This style is a bestseller for good reason, lending itself to wedding guest attire, city breaks and summer holidays. The ankle-grazing piece is fitted in all the right places, thanks to the bias-cut silk fabric, fishnet detail along the hem, and wide straps.

While the dress’s butter-yellow hue is trending for spring and summer 2024, the floral detailing gives it a timeless feel, making it a real investment piece you’ll wear summer after summer. The dress is slightly sheer, owing to the unlined design, so, make sure to wear nude underwear.

A glamorous wedding calls for an equally glamorous dress. Enter New Look’s gold strappy maxi. The flattering style is characterised by playful ruffle detailing throughout, a V neckline and a side slit, for a floaty feel. The style is finished in an all-over gold jacquard print, and we love how the dress shimmers in certain lights. Crafted from a viscose blend, it’s lightweight and airy for summer occasions. Simply add a pair of mega heels and contrasting silver jewellery.

A dress that’s sure to become one of the most hardworking pieces in your wardrobe, M&S’s blue ditsy print tea dress is simple but super flattering. It features a midi-length that gives it an elegant feel, as well as short sleeves with ruffled detailing, an empire waist and a round neck. Dress it up with kitten heels, a statement bag and lots of jewellery (add a smart blazer for the evening), before swapping for trainers and a denim jacket for days in the office.

Designed with a satin-effect finish that looks far more premium than the price tag suggests, New Look’s gown features a one-shoulder neckline and elegant long waterful sleeve. Complete with a maxi length and body-hugging fit, it’s glamorous without stealing the show. Available in an understated olive green or statement red, it comes up slightly big around the top area, so, go down a size if you’re in between sizes.

Finished in this season’s trending yellow hue, Asos Design’s bandeau maxi dress is a stellar budget option. The simple silhouette is elevated by the Nineties-inspired bandeau neckline and cowl back with a tie-back fastening that helps keep the dress in place. Flowing down into a sweeping maxi length, the bias-cut fabric is floaty and flattering. The vibrant colour means you can keep the accessories simple, just add some silver kitten heels and a small bag.