Is it just me, or is your refrigerator also covered in "Save The Date" invites right now? Whether you're the sister of the bride or a plus one for your girlfriend's colleague's beach nuptials, you probably have a few summer wedding plans this year. So, if you're suddenly stressed about what to wear, you’re not alone: Nothing can bring on anxiety like multiple destination weddings with differing dress codes. But not to worry, as a seasoned wedding attendee, I'm here to give you a few pointers.
Given that summer events are often outdoors, it's a must to consider your dress’ hemline, fabric, and sleeve length—although you can never go wrong with a midi dress. As for colors, playful shades are best for a summer wedding. Think: pastels or other bright hues. (Of course, make sure to avoid white.) And for Indian weddings, you'll want to avoid red—that's the color brides traditionally wear. Chinese weddings also don't allow for red and black.
Peek a few of the best summer wedding guest dresses here:
Going to a casual backyard wedding? You can opt for a satin slip dress for a chic (yet carefree) vibe. Heading a solemn church ceremony with a black tie reception afterwards? Amazon's got many floor-length options to choose from—all for under $150. And if you've got friends getting hitched at the beach, a floral bohemian maxi dress that flows with the wind is exactly the vibe you're going for.
Then, there's the matter of money. Let's face it: going to weddings is expensive—being a guest often involves a hotel stay, gift, and outfit. Fortunately, this list features affordable dresses, as well as some pricier classic (and versatile) pieces that can be worn for years to come.
See below for 25 of the best wedding guest dresses for every style, budget, wedding type, and dress code in 2023.
Nothing says elegance more than a sophisticated floral dress you can dress up or down. Pair it with some diamonds studs or gold hoops and wear it to a nighttime beach wedding. Or wear it to a low-key garden affair with a pair of fun block-heeled shoes.
This dress is perfect for a casual backyard wedding. (It's also available in 28 other patterns and shades, if flora's not your thing). With its halter neck and open back, it's hot weather-ready—no matter how much you plan on hitting the dance floor under the sun.
Everyone should own at least one floor-length gown, and this one is not only elegant, but totes rewearable. It doesn't look too much like a bridesmaid dress, so it can definitely be worn to a daytime or nighttime wedding, regardless of the wedding theme or dress code.
Chest and neck coverage doesn't always have to come in the form of a thick turtleneck. With a sleeveless asymmetric design, this high-neck gown is just as chic as it is trendy.
Never been a boho-style girl? Well, maybe now's your chance to become one...at least as a plus one for your college roommate's sister's wedding. This gorgeous dress comes in 45 different colors and styles and at that price, you could own multiples for different occasions.
No one will know you got this chiffon dress on Amazon for less than $50. The slit makes it breathable when it's hot, and the floral print is perfect for a casual backyard wedding.
Made with lightweight lace overlapping a mini dress, this makes a great option for your next hot weather wedding. The slits on both sides show off your gorgeous legs, too.
IDK about you, but I love a good puffy-sleeved dress. This one, coming in two different colors, is adorable and can be made more formal if needed—just swap out flats for some heels and you'll be good to go.
Classic, simple, and bound to be fit for many a celebratory occasion, this dress from Amazon is a must-have whether you're wearing it to weddings or not. Plus, its elastic waist makes it super comfy. The best part? The cute little tie back.
This plunge-neck maxi dress is serving major Greek goddess vibes, and so will you when you wear it. The snug-fitting waist will help make sure you won't have any nip slips, but if you're still a bit nervous, it never hurts to keep some boob tape on hand.
I feel cool just looking at this dress. It's sophisticated and could definitely be worn for a cocktail or a more formal weddings—it's fierce and there's no doubt that you'll be one of the more ~stylish~ guests at any wedding where you rock this 'fit.
Dresses with this cut will never go out of style—the A-line? The V-neck? It's not a want, but a need. Plus, if you don't like the bright orange, there are 11 other colors from which to choose.
The asymmetrical hemline and off-shoulder neckline on this dress make it truly shocking that it's less than $50. Pair with a cardigan or blazer if the wedding venue has an indoor space, then sweat it out on the dance floor later.
Sizes
XS–XXL
Length
Mini
Fabric
Cotton, Polyamide, Spandex
Shipping Cost
Free Prime delivery
Shipping Time
One day
Return Policy
Within 30 days of delivery
Dress Code
Cocktail
14
Best Formal Summer Wedding Guest Dress With Cutouts
After Six Tie-Back Cutout Chiffon Gown
14
Best Formal Summer Wedding Guest Dress With Cutouts
Consider this the "business in the front, party in the back" of formalwear. The front presents a classic sweetheart neckline and slit, and the tie-back features a sexy little cutout.
As yet another timeless design, you can't go wrong with a pleated midi dress. Coming in four different colors (orange, royal blue, and cobalt blue), you have options when it comes to picking your fave shade. You'll look bold in the best way.
This gorgeous dress is the perfect pastel pink for a summer wedding, and I'd definitely hit "add to cart" if you have more informal weddings to attend this year. Garden or beach wedding? This is your pick.
It's totally fair for comfort to be your priority, and this lacy dress proves you can be totally comfy without sacrificing style. It's basically like wearing a nightgown out in public. Plus: the low drop back is a great detail, too.
Created by first generation Indian-American designer Megha Rao, there's no doubt that this dress is absolutely gorgeous. If you totally wanna rock the minidress vibe at your next wedding, this is a stunning option.
Sizes
XS–XL
Length
Mini
Fabric
Cotton silk
Shipping Cost
$15
Shipping Time
One to two weeks domestic, three to four weeks international
Got a baby on the way but still want to look stylish? You'll look gorgeous in this cute, fun dress. It also comes in burgundy, in case pink isn't your thing.
Sizes
4–16
Length
Midi
Fabric
Polyester
Shipping Cost
$8
Shipping Time
Four to 14 days
Return Policy
Within 30 days of delivery
Dress Code
Black tie
20
Best Midi Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Dress the Population Darleen V-Neck Embroidered Mesh Dress
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Best Midi Summer Wedding Guest Dress
Dress the Population Darleen V-Neck Embroidered Mesh Dress
This dress is technically a midi, but it's also mini, showing a peek of skin in the trendiest way. While it's a bit pricier, it's an A-line cut, which means it'll always be in style.
Neha Tandon is the senior commerce editor of Women's Health—she's an expert in discovering the best products and services you can buy and giving recommendations. She discovered her love for magazines when as a teen, she started stealing her mother's magazines. Determined to see more women who look like her and her family members on the glossy covers of magazines, she was guided by seasoned editors and mentors to write for brands including New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, BRIDES, Harper's Bazaar, Business Insider, Byrdie, and Well+Good. When she’s not grilling dermatologists about the latest skincare trends, she’s doing candlelit yoga or watching Humphrey Bogart movies over vegan pizza. Follow her on Instagram.
Addison Aloian (she/her) is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. When she’s not writing about all things pop culture, health, beauty, and fashion, she loves hitting leg day at the gym, shopping at Trader Joe’s, and watching whichever hockey game is on TV. Her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media.