Best Wedding Guest Dresses Of 2023 In Every Style
Weddings are always a fun excuse to get dressed up. From the ceremony (so romantic!) to the reception (so much dancing!), celebrating the happiness of two people who want to spend the rest of their lives together is something special.
While the actual wedding is going to be a night to remember, figuring out what to wear can be stressful — especially if you have multiple events to hit this season. You’ve likely seen an uptick in wedding invitations since 2020 pressed a giant pause button on the wedding industry. Now a wedding boom has started, and it’s likely to continue through 2023.
In other words, you’re going to be planning many more wedding outfits! When it comes to a wedding, you want to set the right tone and make sure that you’re checking all the boxes when it comes to being the best-dressed wedding guest.
While trying to pick out the perfect dress might cause a panic, you don’t have to worry. Cider has you covered with all the best wedding guest dresses to suit every style.
If you want an excuse to go shopping, a wedding is a perfect reason to buy a new dress and all the accessories to go with it, like jewelry, shoes, and handbags.
Let’s dig into some dress tips and dress types for every style so you can look your best for every wedding you’re invited to.
Wedding Guest Dress Tips
Every wedding is unique, which means every wedding guest dress will be, too.
Is the wedding during the winter or the summer? Is it formal or casual? There are so many factors that need to be taken into account when picking out that perfect dress. (Not to be dramatic, but is this what the bride feels like picking out her own wedding dress?!)
One piece of advice is to look at the wedding invitation. You’ll have the location, so you’ll know if you’ll be indoors or outdoors. You’ll also have a good idea of the climate, which is especially important for a destination wedding. Climate can help you determine whether you want to wear a square neck long-sleeve or sleeveless dress with a plunging neck.
The time of day also lets you know how formally you should plan on dressing. Often, you can judge the dress code by the time of day. (The later in the day the ceremony is, the more formal you should dress … most of the time.)
This may not always be the case, as many couples may choose to inform their guests of their own custom code, and this important information can also be found on the invitation. If the wedding is on an island, think “beach chic.” If the wedding is being held at an art museum, think “creative cocktail.”
If you want to avoid looking like you’re wearing a bridesmaid dress, pay attention to the colors of the invitation, as they may give you a clue about what the bridal party will be wearing. Speaking of colors, it may be wise to steer clear of any lighter-colored dresses, as they can photograph white. Unless the bride says so, white and white-like colors should always be avoided.
Women’s Floral Dresses
As Miranda Priestly said in Devil Wears Prada, “Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.”
While everyone loves a good fashion icon, she was wrong about one thing: Florals aren’t going anywhere. These romantic prints just scream that spring and summer are upon us, and they are perfect for a warm evening wedding.
There are multiple ways to wear florals. A short-sleeve midi dress in a sweet floral print will have you looking like the perfect wedding guest. If the wedding is a little more formal, a bodycon off-the-shoulder dress or even a strappy halter neck can elevate your floral look.
If you’re a summer wedding guest, go for a bright floral pattern on a tie-waist or smocked dress. Even if the wedding is during the winter, you can still wear florals — but a muted floral jacquard outfit may be more appropriate for the chilly weather.
Whether you opt for a smaller, more dainty print or a bold and colorful floral design, you'll definitely find yourself on the best-dressed list (aside from the bride, of course).
Weather Pending
One of the most important things to consider when selecting your wedding guest dress is the weather. This is also true if the ceremony, reception, or both will be held outside.
If you are going to a wedding that is being held during the spring or summer, you’ll definitely want lightweight and breathable fabrics, such as a pretty eyelet design, to help keep you cool as you get down on the dance floor. An open back or strapless mini dress can help keep things breezy in the summer as well.
The early spring can still be a little chilly in the evenings, though, so a cute high-neck wrap dress will do wonders when your shoulders are bare.
In the winter, you may be more comfortable in heavier garments like a velvet dress or sweater dress that can help keep you warm. Long-sleeved dresses can also be especially chic when paired with a lower neckline and a pair of statement earrings or a necklace.
Cowl neck faux fur wraps and blazers layered over a party dress will look stunning with any cold-weather wedding look. The layers will ooze elegance and sophistication, and you’ll be warm and toasty until you hit the dance floor.
A Black Tie Affair
We absolutely live for a formal moment, and shopping for a formal dress is almost as much fun as wearing one. When you need a gown, Cider has you set. Our maxi dresses are the perfect length for even the fanciest of weddings.
Pick a sequined number when you know everyone is going to bring their most glam looks. Just make sure you don’t outshine the bride in a sequin dress!
If you want a more demure look, pick a dress in a solid hue that is the most complimentary for you. Remember, solid colors are anything but boring. Cutouts, straps, ruching, cowl or halter necklines, and fun details like chains or feathers can make your dress dazzling.
Ultimately, a classic v-neck black dress with a bit of drape will serve you well for even the most formal of events.
A Semi-Formal Soiree
For weddings that are a little earlier in the afternoon, semi-formal is the most common dress code, — but it can also be semi-confusing.
Think cocktail dresses and fun, bold prints for this dress code. While you can opt-out of any floor-skimming gowns, you want to be a little dressier than a work jumpsuit or a short-sleeve sundress.
Material is important to pay attention to for semi-formal wear. While a cotton or linen dress may be a little too casual, the same silhouette in satin, chiffon, velvet, or crepe will elevate that same look into something suitable for a wedding.
Bold prints, ruffles, and cut-outs are creative ways to add a fun flair to a simple slip dress, and you can accessorize with fun jewelry to inject your own personal style into whatever you are wearing. You can even be playful with your shoes — feel free to ditch the heels and wear dressy flats or sandals.
RSVP in Style, With Best Sellers From Cider
While it’s not technically your big day, you still want to look great and feel confident. There are so many factors to consider when shopping for a wedding guest dress, but knowing where you get your dress will not be a worry.
Cider is your one-stop shop for access to clothes for all the weddings that you’ll be invited to in 2023. Our selection of wedding guest dresses will make it easy to choose your next look, no matter the location, weather, or dress code.
As wedding invitations come in throughout the year, keep checking back on Cider, as we have new arrivals every week — enough to keep you in a new dress for every wedding you’ll be invited to in 2023!
XOXO,
Cider 💋
Sources:
Wedding plans? Who could plan? What the pandemic taught us about tying the knot | Whyy