It’s no secret that Refinery29 readers and editors love any excuse to stock up on summer dresses, whether it’s for a happy hour, picnic, or fancier event. And when it comes to summer, one fancy event reigns supreme: The wedding. If your calendar is filled with save the dates, you might be thinking about what you’re going to wear.
There’s a lot to consider when looking for a wedding guest dress, like comfort, weather, and, of course, dress code. So don’t leave it to the last minute to peruse for summer wedding guest dresses.
We’ve compiled a roundup of dresses for black tie events, cocktail parties, casual summer nuptials, and destination beach weddings in a range of straight size and plus size wedding guest dresses. Discover a bountiful array of airy silhouettes in summer’s trending colors, like terracotta, cherry red, cool blue, and vibrant lime green.
Ahead, scroll through to find the 24 best summer wedding guest dresses on the market. Then all that’s left for you to do is pick out your mani color, throw on a pair of comfortable dancing shoes, and toast to the happy couple.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses
Dress to impress for black-tie weddings. The formal affair calls for cascading gowns in satin, tulle, and silk fabrics. Feel free to dive into your red carpet dreams of rich gem tones, or opt for a lighter pastel-hued shades. No matter your vibe, there’s a range of summer wedding guest dresses perfect for your upcoming formal affairs.
Shop Lulus
Lulus Spellbinding Beauty Navy Glitter Sleeveless Tulle Maxi, $, available at Lulus
BCBG Max Azaria Kiana One Shoulder Gown
Shop BCBG MAX AZARIA
BCBG MAX AZARIA Kiana One Shoulder Gown, $, available at BCBG MAX AZRIA
ASOS EDITION Satin Off-the-Shoulder Drape Wrap Maxi Dress
Shop ASOS
ASOS EDITION Satin Off-the-Shoulder Drape Wrap Maxi Dress, $, available at ASOS
Birdy Grey Mia Convertible Satin Dress
Shop Birdy Grey
Birdy Grey Mia Convertible Dress Curve, $, available at Birdy Grey
L’Idée Renaissance Sleeveless Pleated Gown
Shop Saks Fifth Avenue
L’IDEE Renaissance Sleeveless Pleated Gown, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Reformation Frankie Silk Dress Es
Shop Reformation
Reformation Frankie Silk Dress Es, $, available at Reformation
Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
Get ready to dance all night long with a cool drink in hand in a sleek cocktail dress. Pick a midi-length style with eye-catching details like a one-shoulder neckline, puffy sleeves, or a frilly skirt for a bit more summer pizzazz. Cocktail dresses are tried and true and will have you looking perfectly on theme no matter what.
Shop Nordstrom
ELLIATT Cassini One-Shoulder Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
& Other Stories Babydoll Tied Sleeve Detail Dress
Shop & Other Stories
& Other Stories Babydoll Tied Sleeve Detail Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
Norma Kamali x Revolve Diana Gown
Shop Revolve
Norma Kamali x Revolve Diana Gown, $, available at Revolve
Embellished Bandeau Column Midi Dress
Shop Karen Millen
Karen Millen Embellished Bandeau Column Midi Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Eloquii Tiered Puff Sleeve Dress
Shop Eloquii
Eloquii Tiered Puff Sleeve Dress, $, available at Eloquii
River Island Lime Green Fringe Mini Bodycon Dress
Shop River Island
River Island Lime Green Fringe Mini Bodycon Dress, $, available at River Island
Casual Wedding Guest Dresses
The styling opportunities are endless when it comes to a casual wedding. You can opt for a mini, midi, or maxi dress in a simple one-tone shade with subtle touches, or you can choose a cheerful pattern. The perk with these wedding guest dress designs is that you can actually wear them to plenty of other non-wedding summer events too.
Shop Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch Lace-Up Back Slip Midi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie
BTFBM Ruffle Cap Sleeve Belted Maxi Dress
Shop Amazon
BTFBM Ruffle Cap Sleeve Belted Maxi Dress, $, available at Amazon
Saloni Neelam Dress
Shop Shopbop
Saloni Neelam Dress, $, available at Shopbop
Love by Design Athen Plunging V-Neck Maxi Dress
Shop Nordstrom Rack
Love by Design Athen Plunging V-Neck Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Madewell Ruffled One-Shoulder Midi Dress
Shop Madewell
Madewell Ruffled One-Shoulder Midi Dress, $, available at Madewell
HBEYYTO V Neck Swiss Dot Sundress
Shop Amazon
HBEYYTO V Neck Swiss Dot Sundress, $, available at Amazon
Beach Wedding Guest Dresses
Embrace your whimsical side for summer beach weddings. Slide into sandals, wedges, or espadrilles and feel airy and cool in a tropical-colored frock. Lightweight maxis or midis with a flowing skirt not only look dramatic in the summer breeze, but they can also protect you from, ahem, wardrobe malfunctions.
Shop Farm Rio
Farm Rio Yellow Sleeveless Maxi Dress, $, available at Farm Rio
Anthropologie The Lorelei Ruched-Bodice Midi Dress
Shop Anthropologie
Anthropologie The Lorelei Ruched-Bodice Midi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Free People On My Level Maxi Dress
Shop Free People
Free People On My Level Maxi Dress, $, available at Free People
Pinup Fashion Off The Shoulder Maxi Dress with Pockets
Shop Amazon
Pinup Fashion Off The Shoulder Maxi Dress with Pockets, $, available at Amazon
Shebird The Emma Satin Dress with Built-in Bra
Shop Shebird
Shebird The Emma Satin Dress with Built-in Bra, $, available at Shebird
Staud Ombré Floral Tie-Strap Gown
Shop Saks Fifth Avenue
Staud Ombré Floral Tie-Strap Gown, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The 12 Best Plus Size Cocktail Wedding Guest Dress
21 Best Dresses For Summer Festivities
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