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You hear that? Those are the wedding bells in the not-so-distant future signifying it’s time to grab your guest dress for the occasion.
A spring or summer wedding could mean an outdoor occasion, perfect for breezy, beautiful dresses and decor. Or, it could be an indoor soirée for winter with twinkle lights and a dance floor.
If you’re not one of the lucky few who have their outfits already pre-determined, you’ll need to start looking for the perfect dress to wear to the reception that makes you look and feel amazing — while not upstaging the bride, of course.
From well-known brands like Reformation and FWRD, to boutique newcomers like PinkBlush and Simple Retro, here are our favorite places to shop for dresses for weddings in 2024.
Click to go straight to our winners of the best wedding guest dresses by category:
Best Places to Buy Wedding Guest Dresses
Best overall: Reformation
Elevate your wedding guest ensemble with Reformation, renowned for its of-the-moment silhouettes and commitment to sustainable fashion. Their ethically crafted dresses, like the sleek Aurelio Knit Dress, exude timeless elegance but also contribute to a greener future, making them the perfect choice for conscious consumers. From romantic florals to sleek silhouettes, Reformation offers a diverse range of options to suit every style and venue, ensuring you look and feel your best while celebrating love and sustainability.
Pros
- Sustainable and ethically crafted
- Large, seasonally rotating selection of styles
- Offers sizes 0-12
Cons
- Sizes larger than 12 not offered
Best budget: Lulu’s
Discover the perfect blend of affordability and style with Lulu’s extensive collection of wedding guest dresses like the Classic Elegance Wine Satin Sleeveless Mock Neck Maxi Dress. Whether you’re attending a beachside ceremony or a formal soirée, Lulu’s offers an array of on-trend designs to suit any budget and taste, proving that you don’t have to break the bank to look fabulous.
Pros
- Largely affordable
- Large selection of styles
- Sizes XXS-3L offered
Cons
- Quality may vary on the style
Best splurge: Net-a-Porter
Indulge in the epitome of luxury and sophistication with Net-a-Porter’s exquisite selection of designer dresses like this Solace London Zaya one-sleeve belted crepe gown. From renowned fashion houses to emerging designers, Net-a-Porter curates a meticulously curated collection of high-end pieces that are sure to turn heads at any wedding.
Pros
- Fast, reliable shipping
- Large selection of styles
- Large, seasonally rotating sale section
Cons
- Designer prices are often high
- Designer size ranges are often limited
Best for petites: For Love and Lemons
Petite wedding guests rejoice in the flattering designs of For Love and Lemons, like the Leighton Maxi Dress, which are practically tailored to complement smaller frames. Embracing femininity and romance, their dresses feature delicate lace, whimsical details, and tailored silhouettes that accentuate your curves in all the right places.
Pros
- Large, seasonally rotating selection of styles
- Typically shorter lengths across the range
- Sizes XXS to XL offered
Cons
- Larger sizes tend to sell out quickly
- Lingerie-inspired styles may not suit all tastes
Best for plus size options: ASOS
Celebrate diversity and inclusivity with ASOS’s extensive range of plus-size options, including the ASOS DESIGN Curve long sleeve lace insert mini skater dress in green floral print, ensuring every wedding guest feels confident and beautiful. From trendy styles to classic silhouettes, ASOS offers a selection of dresses designed to flatter and accentuate curves, allowing guests to embrace their individuality with fashion-forward looks.
Pros
- Large selection of styles
- Sizes 12-26 offered in plus size section
Cons
- Quality may vary across the brands
Best formal: Revolve
Make a lasting impression at formal or black-tie weddings with Revolve’s glamorous and fashion-forward dresses. Featuring sleek silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and intricate details, much like this Bec & Bridge Ren Maxi Dress, Revolve offers an unparalleled selection of dresses that exude sophistication and allure.
Pros
- Fast and reliable shipping
- Designer brands carried
- Styles tend to be of high quality
Cons
- Size ranges tend to be limited
Best for maternity: PinkBlush
Embrace motherhood in style with PinkBlush’s elegant and comfortable maternity dresses, like the Royal Satin Belted Waist Maternity Midi Dress, for example, tailored to accommodate your growing bump with flair. From flowing maxi dresses to chic cocktail options, PinkBlush offers a range of designs that prioritize both style and comfort, allowing expectant mothers to feel beautiful and confident on special occasions.
Pros
- Large selection of maternity styles
- Use the code YAY30 for 30% off your order
- Carries plus-size styles
Cons
- New styles only a couple of times a year
Best for cocktail dresses: Adrianna Papell
Elevate your wedding guest look with Arianna Papell’s chic cocktail dresses, like this floral sequin beaded dress, designed to make a statement with sophisticated silhouettes and intricate details. Whether you prefer timeless classics or contemporary trends, Arianna Papell offers a range of options to suit every style and occasion, ensuring you exude elegance and charm.
Pros
- Large selection of wedding guest dress-specific styles
- Higher quality than fast fashion labels
- Sizes 0-20 offered
Cons
- Prices are slightly higher than competitors
Best for casual dresses: Free People
Embrace bohemian flair and laid-back elegance with Free People’s collection of casual dresses, like the A New Way Maxi, ideal for a relaxed and effortless wedding vibe. From flowy maxi dresses to breezy sundresses, Free People offers a range of effortless styles that capture the spirit of carefree romance.
Pros
- Fast and reliable shipping
- Easy to find and shop in person
- New styles many times a year
Cons
- Sizes vary by style
- Typically shorter lengths may not suit all shoppers
Best trendy dresses: FWRD
Stay ahead of the curve with FWRD’s trendy dresses, showcasing the latest in fashion-forward designs for the style-savvy wedding guest. From bold prints to statement silhouettes, like with the Norma Kamali Long Sleeve Deep V Gown, FWRD offers an eclectic mix of dresses that capture the essence of contemporary chic.
Pros
- Fast, reliable shipping
- Large selection of styles
- Large, seasonally rotating sale section
Cons
- Designer prices are often high
- Designer size ranges are often limited
Best on Amazon: BTFBM
Explore affordable and stylish options with BTFBM’s collection of dresses, including this chic Sleeveless Cocktail Dress, conveniently available on Amazon for easy shopping and accessibility. Whether you’re searching for a classic silhouette or a trendy statement piece, BTFBM offers a diverse range of options to suit any wedding style or theme.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Fast shipping
- Sizes XS to XXL offered
Cons
- Quality may vary by style and size
Best for modest dresses: Simple Retro
Embrace understated elegance with Simple Retro’s collection of modest dresses, perfect for guests seeking refined and demure attire for any wedding occasion. From timeless classics to contemporary interpretations, such as the Juniper Guipure Lace Trim Ruffle Hem Velvet Dress, Simple Retro offers a range of dresses that prioritize modesty without sacrificing style.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Often has a sale (save 30% now with the code SR30)
- High quality for the price
Cons
- Size options very limited
- Shipping can take up to 20 days
Best rental: Rent the Runway
Enjoy the ultimate flexibility and variety with Rent the Runway’s rental service, offering access to designer dresses for a fraction of the price (like this Badgley Mischka Royal Blue Draped Gown). Whether you’re attending multiple weddings or simply seeking a one-time statement piece, Rent the Runway allows guests to experiment with different styles and trends without the commitment of purchasing.
Pros
- Designer options available at little cost
- Ability to purchase styles at a discount as a member
- Can exchange styles an unlimited amount of times
- Fast and reliable shipping
Cons
- Can only rent for certain amount of time (depending on your subscription)
- Particularly used styles may show mild wear and tear
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