Wedding season is fast approaching and if you're looking for a wedding guest dress, I've got you covered.
It's always one of the most fun outfits to plan, as besides wearing white, or of course outshining the bride, the fashion world really is your oyster. It's the perfect excuse to buy that dress you've had your eye on - and maybe wouldn't get chance to wear otherwise.
Whether you want to go with a classic floral dress, chic polka dots or trending pastels, I've found all of the best options to shop for the 2025 season.
- The floral editor's pick: Rixo Hayley Dress, £295 / $460
- The satin editor's pick: Reiss Anessa Dress, £170 / $285
- The pastel editor's pick: & Other Stories Floral-Appliqué Maxi Dress, £145 / $189
- The polka dot editor's pick: Nobody's Child Polka Dot Felicity Midi Dress, £99 / $195
- The black editor's pick: Pretty Lavish Lissy Ruffle Dress, £78 / $121
When it comes to wedding guest dressing, floral prints, bright or pastel hues and satin styles are always popular choices. If you're feeling overwhelmed with options, I spoke to fashion insider and recent bride Olivia Miller (@oliviamiller) (whose amazing outfits I always want to emulate) to help you choose what to shop for wedding season.
How I chose the best wedding guest outfits
- Brands: I've only included labels loved and trusted by the HELLO! Shopping Team. These are the brands I look to when shopping for occasionwear.
- Style: From cascading ruffles to slim-fitting styles, asymmetric hems made for easy movement and statement sleeves, I've chosen a variety of cuts so there is something for everyone.
- Budget: Equally, everyone has a different budget, so I've included a couple of designer pieces as well as prices as low as £37.
Floral wedding guest dresses
Florals will always be a classic choice, particularly for countryside marquees and church weddings. They work all year round, but come into their own in the spring/summer season.
Rixo Hayley Dress
Editor's Note:
Made from silk crepe de chine fabric, this printed pastel Rixo number isn't just stunning, it's comfortable and lightweight. It features a detachable georgette scarf and low open back. Ideal for any summer event, you'll wear this long after the nuptials.
ME+EM Meadow Print Maxi Dress + Corsage
Editor's Note:
ME+EM's floral maxi dress is designed with a relaxed cut and an elasticated waistband for ultimate comfort. The figure-skimming piece is so flattering and features a detachable floral corsage to add something a little extra. I love it styled with a chic blazer.
Reformation Anaiis Silk Dress
Editor's Note:
Sage green is always beautiful for spring/summer, and Reformation's tactile Anaiis dress is adorned in a delicate floral print. Luxuriously made from 100% silk, the maxi dress is slim fitting with a column skirt, and designed to just graze the floor when wearing heels.
Karen Millen Floral Applique Organdie Mini Dress
Editor's Note:
This beautiful floral number from Karen Millen has dramatic balloon sleeves and gorgeous cut-out back detail, with contrasting appliqués to elevate it beyond a simple mini. So versatile, you could style it with strappy heels or sandals depending on the wedding setting.
Silk & satin wedding guest dresses
For a fail-safe style, choose a satin or silk dress in a simple silhouette. If you like, amp things up with your accessories - think an embellished bag, oversized sunnies or statement jewellery.
Reiss Anessa Dress
Editor's Note:
Available in both coral and navy, and regular or petite lengths, this Reiss dress is my favourite satin midi on the high street. It has an effortless drape and modern high-low hem.
Mango Satin Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
Mango's satin slip dress has a straight, sleeveless design and a draped neckline. It features a concealed side zip closure and looks amazing with gold jewellery.
New Look Satin Ruffled Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
This soft pink number from New Look is both timeless and comes in one of the colours of spring/summer 2025. The cut is simple and sleek, while the ruffle detail is both fun and flattering.
Pastel wedding guest dresses
From soft pink to buttermilk yellow, pastels were all over the runway this season and they're wedding guest perfection.
Aje Genesis Mini Dress
Editor's Note:
Aje does wedding guest dresses so well. Made from layers of luxurious muslin, this mini features sculptural draping and a one-shoulder neckline. The diagonal pleating along the bodice and through the skirt makes it so flattering.
Abercrombie Giselle Halter Maxi Dress
Editor's Note:
Butter yellow dresses are trending and I'm not surprised to see this halterneck style selling fast at Abercrombie. Available in three different lengths, it features all-over pleating details and a plunging neckline with adjustable ties.
& Other Stories Floral-Appliqué Maxi Dress
Editor's Note:
The sheer layers embellished with floral appliqués make this & Other Stories maxi dress fall on just the right side of statement. It also features a square neckline and delicate straps.
Polka dot dresses
Playful and sophisticated, a polka dot print is popular with royal ladies. It's a chic and timeless choice.
Nobody's Child Polka Dot Bandeau Felicity Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
This simple and classic polka dot dress by Nobody's Child features a chic strapless cut with optional spaghetti straps. It has a fit and flare cut and a concealed zip fastening.
Phase Eight Nicola Spot Dress
Editor's Note:
Adorned in polka dots and featuring puff sleeves and feminine ruffle detail, Phase Eight's Nicola midi dress is a beautiful choice for a wedding. Reviews say it's elegant and comfortable.
Zimmermann Crush Polka-Dot Ruffled Gown
Editor's Note:
If you're looking to invest, Zimmermann's polka dot dress is a piece you'll wear to formal events for years to come. The stunning black maxi is made from a linen-silk blend and has a beautiful backless cut.
Black wedding guest dresses
If you're an all-black-everything kind of girl, you're in luck, as the shade is widely accepted at weddings these days. It's especially popular at city weddings, and some brides even request it.
Pretty Lavish Lissy Ruffle Textured Maxi Dress
Editor's Note:
Replace colour with a fun silhouette with this ruffled organza gown from Pretty Lavish. Made from textured chiffon, it's fully lined and has slim adjustable straps.
AllSaints Cavarly Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress
Editor's Note:
I'm picturing AllSaints' ruffled maxi dress at a festival style or marquee wedding. Designed in a relaxed fit, it's super comfortable and the asymmetric hem means you can show off your shoes.
Nadine Merabi Olivia Black Dress
Editor's Note:
A beautiful style for black tie or city ceremonies, Nadine Merabi's show-stopping Olivia dress has an elegant corset and a layered mesh skirt. It's made from luxurious floral lace.
Meet the expert
Olivia is a London based influencer and content creator. She shares outfit inspiration for every occasion, plus tips on how to maximise your wardrobe with her engaged following of over 600k followers, through Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. A fan of classic styling, great tailoring and statement accessories, she makes simple looks feel more interesting and elevated.
