I Spent Hours Searching for the Best Wedding Guest Dresses — Here Are My Favorite Picks From Just $30 (2024)

The RSVPs are in, flights and accommodations are booked, but what about your outfit? We’re approaching peak wedding season — which typically spans from late spring to early fall — and if you’re stumped on finding the perfect spring wedding guest dress that’ll keep you comfortable and looking great while fitting the theme of the occasion, you’ll absolutely want to keep reading.

I love weddings. Between the food, dancing, and celebration of love, they're among my favorite events. And while I might be an anomaly, I’m not afraid to admit that I even love the preparation that goes into such an occasion. Finding the perfect dress, shoes, and accessories feels like my niche superpower, and as your resident shopping expert (and someone who will be attending five weddings this year), I’ve curated a list of some of the most stylish dresses on the market right now that are fit for any and all occasions.

From splurge-worthy pieces to stunning budget-friendly dresses, this is your complete guide for finding the best wedding guest dress. I've also outlined some of the most comfortable shoes to dance all night in and the important accessories that you won’t want to travel without.

Best Formal Wedding Guest Dresses

If you have a wedding on the calendar with a formal or black-tie dress code, don’t fret; take this as an opportunity to pull out all the stops with a striking dress that’ll turn heads (but not so much as to overshadow the bride). In terms of formal weddings, it’s hard to be overdressed as the theme practically asks for it. Think: satin, maxi dresses, dramatic necklines, or something with a tailcoat. If you don’t know where to start, Anthropologie is a one-stop shop for all of your formal wedding guest dress needs (and most styles are even up to 50 percent off). Check out the Bhldn Piper V-Neck Gown on sale starting at just $43 thanks to a rare double discount.

And if you’ve already spent so much on the flight and hotel and are looking for a wallet-friendlier option, Amazon happens to have a ton of under-$50 formal wedding guest dresses like the PrettyGarden Women's One-Shoulder Dress, which comes in 15 different hues and is on sale today for just $41.

• Amanda Uprichard Keller Dress, $264
• PrettyGarden Women's One-Shoulder Dress, $41 (originally $51)
• PrettyGarden Women’s Sleeveless Slit Maxi Dress, $43 (originally $53)
• Bhldn Piper V-Neck Gown in Sedona, $43 (originally $85)
• Bhldn Claudia Asymmetric Ruffle Dress, $115 (originally $328)
• Anthropologie Halter Plissé Maxi Dress, $168
• Merokeety Women’s Strapless Backless Dress, $51
• Ymduch Women’s Elegant Off Shoulder Dress, $53
• Maeve Sleeveless Seamed Slip Midi Dress, $168
• Everlane Women's Dream Strapless Dress, $89 (originally $118)
• Abercrombie Draped Maxi Dress, $104 (originally $130)
• Acler Hansley Sleeveless Floral Dress, $550
• Abercrombie Satin Pleated Maxi Dress, $120 (originally $150)
• Madewell Flutter-Sleeve Maxi Slip Dress, $85 (originally $138)
• Rails Solana Dress, $268

PrettyGarden Women's One-Shoulder Dress

Best Beach Wedding Guest Dresses

A scenic wedding requires a fabulous dress to match (and one that can withstand plenty of sand). Such occasions lend itself well to lots of color and flowy skirts — anything breezy and beautiful. Consider this wrinkle-resistant, halter-styled Bhldn Lola Sleeveless Chiffon Midi Dress that's a kaleidoscope of color and will stun at a wedding, but is still super wearable for an array of other events.

Or if you want something with a bit more dazzle, the Abercrombie Ruffle Tiered Gown features a dramatic ruffled skirt and floral print that makes it a flattering crowd pleaser. Speaking of florals, consider shopping the Styleworld Women's Elegant Floral Dress or Tsher Women's Sleeveless Satin Midi Dress, which are each under $50. I also love this Btfbm Women's Drawstring Shoulder Dress from Amazon that has a pleated design and drawstring waist to make it extra flattering and dressy while remaining on theme.

• Bhldn Lola Sleeveless Chiffon Midi Dress, $248
• Abercrombie Ruffle Tiered Gown, $120 (originally $150)
• Never Fully Dressed Multi Sun Geo Plisse Emma Dress, $210
• Never Fully Dressed Apricot Palm Mini Soho Dress, $145
• Styleworld Women's Elegant Floral Dress, $42 (originally $51)
• Merokeety Women's Shoulder Mid Dress, $41 (originally $45)
• Btfbm Women's Drawstring Shoulder Dress, $52
• Madewell The Ariana Midi Dress, $95 (originally $110)
• Tsher Women's Sleeveless Satin Midi Dress, $38
• Steve Madden Amira Tiered Cotton Midi Dress, $39
• Free People Free-est La La Tiered Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress, $98
• Rails Constance Dress, $268
• Achanti Pleated Maxi Dress, $99
• Deep Self Women's Maxi Dress, $46
• Prettygarden Women’s Wrap Ruffled Midi Dress, $52

Btfbm Women's Drawstring Shoulder Dress

Best co*cktail Wedding Guest Dresses

The difference between co*cktail and formal dress codes can be a bit confusing to get a grasp of; think of co*cktail events as a more laidback event with lots of dancing, drinks, and looser rules. This ambiguity can make it hard to make a choice on what exactly to wear, but you’re in luck because I’ve outlined a few of my favorite styles on the internet right now — starting with the Zesica Women's Sleeveless Chiffon Dress; it has a tiered design that begs to be on the dance floor all night long. Formal-leaning dresses with a midi length are also great for co*cktail parties, like the Ihot Women's V-Neck Midi Dress and PrettyGarden Women's One-Shoulder Ruched Midi Dress from Amazon. Or, you can channel your inner goddess with the Never Fully Dressed Gold Plisse Luna Dress at your next celebration.

Anthropologie excels in this department as well, as I’m between the Bhldn Isla Strapless Stretch Satin Midi Dress and Bhldn Isla Strapless Stretch Satin Midi Dress for a co*cktail-themed wedding I'm attending this summer.

• Bhldn Isla Strapless Stretch Satin Midi Dress, $198
• Never Fully Dressed Gold Plisse Luna Dress, $145
• Bhldn Simone Printed Halter Midi Dress, $248
• Zesica Women's Sleeveless Chiffon Dress, $56
• Ihot Women's V-Neck Midi Dress, $34 (originally $42)
• PrettyGarden Women's One-Shoulder Ruched Midi Dress, $54 (originally $63)
• Grace Karin Women's Sequin co*cktail Dress, $34 (originally $52)
• Cupshe Women's Satin co*cktail Dress, $30 (originally $40)
• Dress The Population Nicole Sweetheart Neck co*cktail, $148
• Bebe Smocked Georgette co*cktail Dress, $129
• Kirundo Women's Satin Midi Dress, $51 with on-site coupon (originally $60)

Bhldn Isla Strapless Stretch Satin Midi Dress

Best Formal Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits have undoubtedly gained plenty of popularity over the past decade for their ability to strike the perfect balance of comfort and style, so it’s no surprise that they’re gaining momentum on the wedding scene as well. I went to a wedding a few weeks ago and the jealousy I felt when I saw fellow guests busting a move on the dance floor in incredibly fashionable (and stretchy) jumpsuits made me consider shopping for one for my next event.

I’m personally eyeing the Abercrombie Giselle Pleated Jumpsuit, especially while it's discounted by nearly $30 right now, or the Anrabess Women's One-Shoulder Jumpsuit that’s made with an ultra-soft polyester-spandex material that’ll move with you (and barely take up any space in your suitcase). They can be dressed up with a put-together updo and heels or down with a lovely pair of wedges. If you’ve never considered wearing a jumpsuit to a wedding, take this as your opportunity to start.

• Abercrombie Giselle Pleated Jumpsuit, $112 (originally $140)
• Anrabess Women's One-Shoulder Jumpsuit, $48
• Julia Jordan Halter Neck Jumpsuit, $98 (originally $139)
• Adrianna Papell One-Shoulder Jumpsuit in Watermelon Bliss, $140 (originally $199)
• Blencot Women’s Sleeveless Jumpsuit, $47
• Red Dot Boutique Asymmetrical Wide-Leg Jumpsuit, $48
• Verwin Women’s Overlay Embellished Jumpsuit, $52
• Mac Duggal Ruched Wide-Leg Jumpsuit, $338
• Knitee Women's Ruffled Jumpsuit, $44 (originally $58)
• Ekaliy Women's Halter Neck Jumpsuit, $40

Anrabess Women’s One-Shoulder Jumpsuit

Best Wedding Guest Shoes

The dress that you choose for the occasion is only half of the battle, you'll also need a great pair of shoes that’ll not only compliment your look, but also keep you comfortable — even on a day spent standing. I wore the viral Vivaia Square Toe Chunky Heels to a wedding a few weeks ago and was beyond pleasantly surprised at how well they cushioned my feet after hours of dancing. As for splurge-worthy pairs that’ll last you for years to come, the Scarlett Chase 75 Pumps are another one of my recent finds, and I was blown away by their sleek look and support.

Below, you'll also find the stellar Dream Pairs Women's Open Toe Espadrilles Wedges that’ll compliment any outdoor wedding, and even a pair of the compact Rolly Flats that you can throw in your clutch and change into after the ceremony (and the photos are taken) for comfy bliss for the rest of the night.

• Vivaia Square Toe Chunky Heels, $139
• Top Moda Women's Gallery Heels, $20
• Dream Pairs Women's Open Toe Espadrilles Wedges, $29 (originally $43)
• Cushionaire Women's Memory Foam Heels, $40 (originally $65)
• Inez Mia Black Suede Heels, $258
• Scarlettchase 75 Pumps, $445
• Rolly Flats, $17

Cushionaire Women's Memory Foam Heels

Best Wedding Travel Accessories

Packing lists vary from trip to trip, but for a wedding, you’ll need a few more items to make the entire evening a breeze. Got a stain on your dress? That's nothing a Tide To-Go Pen can’t help you with. A few wrinkles? No problem, you've got the HiLife Portable Steam Cleaner packed in your suitcase already. If you want to avoid wrinkles entirely, though, consider snagging this on-sale Marmins Dress Bag to keep your dress smooth and protected from travel-induced spills and tears before your event.

As for accessories to make the day itself easier, I never attend any wedding without a good sticky bra and personally love the Nsolex Reusable Sticky Bra Set for backless dresses, and the high-quality Tita Circle Nipple Covers when I’m wearing something low cut. And to make an uncomfortable pair of heels comfortable, you should consider adding the Dr. Scholl's Comfort Cushions or Mate Fix Heel Cushions to your cart — especially while they’re both on sale.

• Tide To-Go Pen, $3 (originally $5)
• Hilife Portable Steam Cleaner, $30 (originally $40)
• Marmins Dress Bag, $16 (originally $20)
• Nsolex Reusable Sticky Bra Set, $15 (originally $23)
• Tita Circle Nipple Covers, $24
• Dr. Scholl's Comfort Cushions, $7 (originally $9)
• Matie Fix Heel Cushions, $10 (originally $13)
• Benevolence LA Plush Travel Jewelry Box, $25
• Yamiu Travel Shoe Bags Set, $13 (originally $22)
• Matein Travel Garment Bag, $46

HiLife Portable Steam Cleaner

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