Wedding Guest

Just received a wedding invite? Shop our extensive collection of styles that you'll look gorgeous in.

How To Choose The Most Stylish Wedding Guest Dresses

Checking out different wedding guest dresses is definitely fun, but we know that once you get that invite and you have to pick one, it can be a lot of pressure. After all, you want to come up with a wedding guest outfit that’s both fashionable and appropriate for the event. 

Luckily, St Frock is here to help you choose the right dress for the occasion. Here are four important factors that should guide your decision when shopping for wedding guest dresses:

Dress code

First things first: the dress code. Make sure to read the wedding invitation carefully since it can help determine whether you should explore longer gowns for more formal weddings, shop for casual dresses for a more laidback setting or look for something in between like midi dresses or cocktail dresses.

If the dress code isn’t explicitly stated in the invitation, don’t be afraid to double-check with the future newlyweds! When it comes to wedding guest dresses, it’s better to be safe than sorry and stick out like a sore thumb.

Wedding theme

Weddings often feature specific themes that can guide your dress selection. Picking something that will go well with the theme is a great way to ensure that you’re matching the vibes the lovely couple wants to achieve on their special day. 

For instance, if the wedding has a nature-inspired theme, floral dresses, flowy silhouettes, and earthy tones are great places to start. Meanwhile, if the theme is more contemporary, check out wedding guest dresses with more structured silhouettes, cleaner lines and patterns, and bolder colours.

Fabric

The most important thing isn’t just to look good; you should feel good as well, especially at weddings, which can last hours, so you don’t want to pick a dress that you can’t sit comfortably in.

The right fabric is important for making sure you’re not too warm or too cold to enjoy the festivities. For outdoor weddings during the warmer months, breathable fabrics like a cotton or linen dress are ideal, as they allow for airflow and comfort under the sun. 

In cooler weather, thicker fabrics provide the warmth you may need for chillier venues. Plus, don’t forget to bring your favourite formal jacket or coat in case it gets chilly.

Sizing

No matter how beautiful a dress is, the most important thing is that you feel confident about how it fits you. That’s why we offer a wide range of sizes, including extended sizing from 8 to 22, ensuring that you can find one that fits you perfectly. Plus, our detailed size guides and hand-measured products help take the guesswork out of choosing a size. 

Still feeling unsure? Don’t sweat it. If you purchase two or more different sizes of the same item and colour in the same order and decide to keep one and return the others, we will gladly refund you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are some appropriate colours for wedding guest dresses?

When it comes to party dresses, the appropriate colours to wear can vary from wedding to wedding, so look out for dress code details on the invites. For instance, your bright red may be the perfect stunner at a formal wedding where the theme is old Hollywood glitz and glamour, while something more muted would fit right in at a wedding with a pastel theme.

If the couple didn’t specify a dress code, opt for muted but sophisticated colours that’ll have you looking gorgeous without stealing the spotlight. Great picks are charcoal grey, sage green, burgundy, wine purple, lavender, blush pink, and baby blue wedding guest dresses.

And of course, don’t forget the number one rule of wedding guest dress etiquette: if you’re going to a traditional white wedding, stay clear of wearing a white dress – that’s reserved for the bride! You should also check the couple’s preferred palette or check in with them before picking colours that may look white in certain lighting and backgrounds too, like cream, ivory, or very light neutrals.

Can I wear a cocktail dress to a semi-formal wedding?

We love cocktail dresses and how versatile they are as special occasion dresses. They’re great for fancy dinner dates, galas, and, yes, semi-formal weddings. Cocktail dresses have the understated charm of more laidback styles while still exuding sophistication and elegance, making them great semi-formal wedding guest dresses.

What are some suitable dress options for a beach formal wedding?

Formal dresses and beach-friendly outfits may sound contradictory, but finding stylish dresses for a formal beach wedding is actually easier than you might think. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for the right wedding guest attire for a formal coastal wedding.

• Length. One way to make sure you’re dressed up enough for a formal wedding is to go for longer dresses, like elevated maxi dresses. You can also check out ones with high slits, so they’re more breathable and easier to walk in.

• Fabric. Beach weddings typically take place in the warmer months, so go for fabrics that look sophisticated and classy while still being breathable, like linen, and chiffon. 

• Accessory potential. Find options that you can easily dress up with elevated accessories if needed. Explore wedding guest dresses that go with your favourite pair of statement earrings or the strappy embellished heels you've been wanting to wear. 

The ultimate fashion destination

Looking for your new favourite dress? St Frock is the place to be. With up to 100 new styles arriving weekly, from wedding guest dress ideas to understated everyday pieces, we ensure that you always have fresh, exciting choices for  dresses for women at your fingertips.

We want to make shopping for styles you’ll love more convenient, too. So, enjoy our buy now, pay later options with Afterpay, Zip, and Klarna. You can even return any styles you’ve changed your mind about within the first 60 days of purchasing.*

Shop our collection today and get free shipping on qualifying orders!*