STYLE

By GRAZIA

4 July 2025

Wedding Guest Dressing 101

A dress guide to your girlfriend’s “I do” day.

Wedding season is in full swing—and if your calendar is packed with RSVPs but your wardrobe isn’t, don’t panic. From black-tie affairs and breezy garden ceremonies to beachside vows and elegant banquet dinners, each occasion calls for a look that strikes the right balance between polished and sophisticated. The good news? We’ve curated a lineup of wedding guest dresses that are luxe, contemporary, and guaranteed to turn heads—without ever upstaging the bride.

Scroll on for our guide to what to wear to every kind of wedding ceremony.

Black-Tie Wedding

Go full glam without stealing the spotlight. We’re talking floor-length gowns, luxe fabrics like satin or crepe, and statement accessories that say “elegant guest,” not “bridesmaid in disguise.” Keep the palette rich and refined—sky blue, emerald, burgundy, or classic black.

Photo: Net-a-Porter
Magda Butrym Satin Midi Dress
SHOP NOW

Garden Wedding

Romantic, relaxed, and ruffle-ready. Think florals, pastels, and floaty silhouettes are your best friends here. Choose lightweight fabrics like chiffon or linen and opt for tea-length or mini dresses that move with the breeze. Finish with barely-there heels or chic flats.

Photo: Fanci Club
The White Apple Cocktail Dress
SHOP NOW

Beach Wedding

For effortlessly elevated and sand-appropriate, keep it cool in breathable fabrics like cotton voile or silk blends. A power shoulder dress or halter maxi in a sunset-inspired shade works perfectly. Skip stilettos for strappy flats or wedges, and don’t forget oversized sunnies.

Photo: All In Studio
Jewelry Things Tights Skirt
SHOP NOW

Cocktail or Banquet Wedding

Polished and party-ready. Lean into structured mini or midi dresses with a fun twist—think asymmetric cuts, metallic finishes, or subtle embellishments. This is the time for bold accessories and sleek heels. Go from ceremony to champagne tower in style.

Photo: Fwrd
Alex Perry Draped Satin Mini Dress
SHOP NOW

Modern City Wedding

Minimalist with a fashion-forward edge. Just because you’re witnessing an urban “I do” doesn’t mean you need to wear a dress. Smart tailoring is a standout choice—think a sharp tonal suit in silk or crepe, a structured blazer over a slip dress, or a fashion-forward jumpsuit with architectural lines. Keep the palette clean and the accessories sculptural. It’s all about modern elegance with quiet confidence.