The Quest for the Perfect Wedding Guest Dress: Guides and Tips

This is a perfect guide to choosing guest dresses. It contains everything you want to know. Please read it patiently!

Receiving a wedding invitation can evoke a sense of excitement and anticipation, but there are always some questions that pop up when you receive that invite. One of the first questions that will come to mind is: What should I wear? How to choose guest dresses? To answer this question, you need to consider the venue, season, dress code, and dress fit for the big event.

History of Wedding Guest Dresses

Before we dive into the seemingly countless number of dress styles, let’s take a brief look at the history of wedding guest dresses.

• 1920s: Popular styles way back in the roaring 1920s were adorned with lace, beads, and flowers. Many were in shades of ivory, eggshell, and ecru.
• 1950s-1960s: Some styles from the mid-20th century are timeless and still appropriate today. Donning a vintage style dress at a modern-day wedding can make a very chic statement. It will certainly turn heads, as these styles can be playful, yet elegant, in a vast array of colors. Most are cocktail style.
• 1980s: Wedding guest dresses from this decade were somewhat voluminous. Many had puffed sleeves, large embroidered details, layers of lace, ruffles, and sequins. (As a side note, the “bigger is better” theme of the ‘80s can also be seen in the poofy hairstyles worn by every on-trend woman at the time!)
• 1990s: Many wedding guest dresses came in vibrant colors, such as jewel tones and metallics, with unique embellishments. Slip dresses, velvet gowns, and sequined gowns were among the popular choices.

Wedding guest dresses have come a long way since way back when. Read on to see just how much they have evolved.

Wedding Venue is Key

Of utmost importance, is the wedding venue. This is key in your decision, and can be found on the wedding invitation or on the soon-to-be newlyweds’ website.

White-tie

White-tie wedding attire is the most formal of all dress codes. White attire is reserved for elegant events like state dinners, royal banquets, and very formal weddings.

If you will be attending such an event, a maxi length A-line, or sheath silhouette is appropriate. Wow the crowd with sparkling jewelry and elbow-length silk gloves.

Black-tie

Black-tie is the second most formal dress code. These weddings often take place later in the day or in the evening. Formal midi dresses and full-length gowns are proper attire for black-tie weddings.

Pearls or glittering jewelry are perfect accents for these occasions. High heels complement these styles more so than wedges or sandals.

Cocktail

Cocktail attire is also appropriate for black-tie weddings. It offers flexibility with hemlines, colors, and patterns. It beckons back to the 1950s, the era in which cocktail styles were all the rage.

An appropriate cocktail style dress is formal with a shorter hemline. Most fall just above or just below the knee, but some are a bit longer. Accessorize with minimalist or statement jewelry, that perfect little clutch, and classic pumps or kitten heels.

Casual

When a couple ties the knot in a backyard, on the beach, or at any laid-back location, a casual dress code will match the venue. This type of wedding attire is the most relaxed of all the dress codes. Sundresses, high-low styles, or trendy jumpsuits can be good choices for these celebrations.

Go for lighter colors and fabrics, like cottons and linens. You may even be able to pull off a pair of sandals at such a venue…but be sure to indulge in a pedicure before baring those toes!

Wedding Guest Dress Features

When selecting your special dress for a current day wedding, there are many features you will want to consider. This includes neckline, waistline, color, material, breathability, and ease of use.

Colors

Knowing which colors complement your skin tone will help you make your decision. Deep, rich colors and jewel tones look flattering against fair skin. Some colors that look best against olive skin include orange, hot pink, and blue-purples. Fiery reds, vibrant oranges, and rich yellows will make darker skin tones glow.

A fun tradition is to match your “plus one’s” attire with yours. If you’ll be wearing a powder blue dress, for example, he can accent his tux with a bow tie and cumberbund in a similar shade. This will distinguish your date as being “yours!”

Necklines

Choosing the right neckline is important, as it will frame your face. A sweetheart neckline is in the shape of a heart, dipping down in the front center. This particular style lengthens a shorter neck and creates the illusion of curves. Crewnecks, on the other hand, can visually shorten a longer neck. If you have more angular features, a crewneck will soften those lines and make your face look rounder.

Scoop neck, halter style, spaghetti strap, square-neck, and off the shoulder styles are other options to explore while on your search to find your favorite neckline. As you experiment with different necklines, you will discover which cuts make your best features pop.

Comfort

When it comes to a special event such as a wedding, many women may choose to sacrifice comfort for style. However, if comfort is key for you, choose looser fitting, flowy dresses. A dress with an empire waist will offer you freedom of movement and not be too constricting.

You may want to consider a dress’s material when it comes to comfort. Do you plan to hit the dance floor and dance till you drop? In this case, you might want to consider breathability. This is determined by the fabric type. Chiffon, tulle, and organza are fabrics that are not only elegant, but are also airy and will help you stay cooler.

If comfort is a priority, fabrics such as silks and cottons will feel soft against your skin.

Guest Dresses for Every Season

Of course, the season of the celebration will help to determine which dress style, fabric, and color you choose

Spring and Summer Dresses

Lighter fabrics in pastel shades and even vibrant floral patterns suit spring and summer weddings. Opt for sleeveless, spaghetti-strap, cap-sleeve, or short-sleeve styles so you can stay cool.

Keep in mind, though, that spring weather can be unpredictable. Be sure to have a pashmina or shrug on hand, in case there is a chill in the air. Maxi, midi, and shorter length dresses are all appropriate for warmer weather weddings.

Fall and Winter Dresses

When choosing a dress for a fall or winter wedding, go for jewel tones such as ruby red, yellow topaz, sapphire blue, or emerald green. Cool tones are also good options for cooler weather weddings. This includes pink, red, blue, or any color with blue undertones. And the answer to the iconic question: “Is it acceptable to wear black to a wedding?” is a resounding “Yes!” However, black dresses are a no-go at white-tie weddings.

Heavier fabrics such as crushed velvet are perfect for this time of year. Any sleeve length is appropriate, but you may to wear a long-sleeve dress during fall and winter. If your dress is strapless or shorter sleeved, a shrug or shawl is a must-have.

Wedding Guest Dress Style and Fit

Also of utmost importance is a dress’s fit. There are many silhouettes to choose from, and you’ll want to find one that flatters your figure.

• Fit and Flare: Fit and flare dresses are universally flattering. They are nipped in at the waist and billow out at the bottom.
• Empire Waist: An empire waistline is cinched or gathered just below the bust and flows out from there. This style will suit you if you are pear-shaped or want to disguise a problem tummy area.
• Off the Shoulder: Off the shoulder dresses look best if you have a narrow waist, as the bodices tend to be snug. Off the shoulder dresses will draw attention to a graceful neck and shoulders.
• Sheath: If you want to flaunt your figure and show off those curves, a sheath dress is your best bet. It is one of the most form-fitting dress silhouettes and is a straight and narrow cut. It has a slimming and elongating effect, so is perfect if you are petite or have a sleek or lean figure.
• Other Styles: These are just a few popular silhouettes, but there are many more, such as halter, peplum, and trumpet styles. The best way to find the perfect shape for you is to keep your body type in mind. Know what you want to accentuate, and what you want to disguise, so you can narrow down your choices.

Talk About My Personal Thoughts

And on a final note, don’t be afraid to add a bit of your own personal flair to your wedding attire. This can be reflected by color choice, accessories like your most glam pair of pumps, or your favorite dress-up jewelry. Add a sparkly headband or floral accent to your up-do or flowing tresses to complete your festive look.

There is no doubt that a wedding is a momentous, once in a lifetime occasion. You will want to look your very best as you honor the happy couple. Keep this check-list in mind, and you will be certain to find the perfect dress to impress!