Beautiful Spring Wedding Guest Dresses that you'll love...
Spring is here, love is in bloom... let wedding season officially begin!
My clients have been asking me to help them find wedding guest outfits. Below I tried on three dresses that I absolutely love and have been recommending.
But first, before you take a look at the dresses let’s demystify some of those wedding dress codes.
The Most Common Wedding Dress Codes Explained...
WHITE TIE
“White tie” wedding attire is the most formal. I bet a lot of you will breathe a sigh of relief when I say it is the least common in today’s world. For men, it’s a full tuxedo with a tailcoat. For women it’s a long gown and your most sparkly jewels.
BLACK-TIE
“Black-tie” is the next most formal wedding dress code. They typically happen after 5:30ish in the evening. A tuxedo is required. Formal gowns are also expected. Wear your prettiest glitzy jewelry and handbag!
BLACK-TIE OPTIONAL
“Black-tie Optional” is more lenient. You can go full on formal fashion with a tuxedo or you can do a dark suit with dress pants and nice loafers. Women can wear a full length gown or a knee length cocktail dress, but still… make it jazzy! Consider sequins, tulle, embellishment, a dressy fit and flare if going short.
FORMAL ATTIRE
“Formal attire” is slightly less formal than a black tie event. Tuxedos are not required and women can get away with a nicer cocktail dress. For men this dress code might include a jacket and tie or a traditional suit. For women an elegant dress or nice jumpsuit would also be appropriate.
COCKTAIL ATTIRE
“Cocktail Attire” is a little less formal. Men can wear a suit and tie or a good tailored pair of dress pants and a crisp shirt. A formal jacket would also be appropriate. Women can (obviously) wear a cocktail dress or a short formal dress or an elegant jumpsuit style.
BEACH FORMAL
“Beach Formal” means plan for the weather first. Men can wear linen shirts or slacks, lightweight and breathable. Women often opt for maxi dresses or short airy dresses. Shoes are super important if you’re going to be on the sand. Wedges or pretty block heel sandals work best. Remember to bring a hat if you’re going to be standing in the sun and a little straw bag is a perfect accessory.
SEMI-FORMAL/DRESS CASUAL
“Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual” means men can wear slacks and a button down... freshly pressed of course... but you can skip the tie, if you like. Think “business casual”. Even though it’s casual make sure your shoes are shined and crisp. Women can wear a midi dress, a jumpsuit, a wrap dress and even a nicer sundress (if the wedding is during the day). A little black dress is another acceptable option.
CASUAL ATTIRE
“Casual Attire” is the most relaxed of all the dress codes but still take your every day look up a notch or two! Men can still do business casual outfits like a sport coat a button down and chinos. Women can wear a sundress, a maxi dress, jumpsuit, midi skirt and blouse.
P.S. This year colors and patterns are bold so don’t be afraid to experiment and have some fun. If you are stumped feel free to get in touch with me, I'm more than happy to help.
Press the play arrow on the video above to listen to my commentary on each piece, The video will follow along as you scroll down the page.
Outfit Details: Blazer Mini Dress | Slide Sandal
The Rita blazer mini dress in minty green from Adelyn Rae is amazing. It would be appropriate for a cocktail wedding or a semi formal wedding.
Rita Blazer Mini Dress
ADELYN RAE
Professional meets sultry in this puff-sleeve blazer mini cut in a double-breasted silhouette and given a shapely fit.
Paily Slide Sandal
DOLCE VITA
Chunky braided straps add an eye-catching touch to this slide sandal lifted by a block heel.
Outfit Details: Midi Dress | Squared Toe Sandal
The spaghetti strap, ruffle neck midi dress from Chelsea28 would work beautifully for a beach wedding or for a daytime semi formal or dressy casual wedding.
Ruffle Neck Midi Dress
CHELSEA28
Gorgeous ruffles flit across this sun-ready midi dress featuring textured clip-dot fabric and a back zipper for easy entry.
Twinkled Sandal
STEVE MADDEN
A braided toe strap lends textural intrigue to an effortlessly chic sandal framed by a squared toe and kitten heel.
Outfit Details: Cocktail Dress | Braided Strap Sandal
The side ruched, floral cocktail dress from Alex Evenings would work for a black tie wedding, formal wedding or cocktail wedding. If you’re just not sure I think it’s always a safe bet to be overdressed rather than underdressed!
Side Ruched Cocktail Dress
ALEX EVENINGS
A vivid painterly floral print is made multidimensional by the side-sweeping ruching at the front of this cocktail sheath, accessorized with a gleaming brooch.
Prema Braided Sandal
STEVE MADDEN
Keep it extra chic with a trend-right sandal fitted with dual braided vamp straps and a slender heel.
Besides the three dresses I tried on take a peek below at some of the other spring wedding dressings I've recommended to clients. You may find one that is perfect for you...
