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There's no denying that attending a wedding can put a real dent in your wallet. As a wedding guest, you'll need to budget for things like flights, hotel rooms, the wedding gift, and other miscellaneous expenses that always seem to pop up. The good news? You don't have to break the bank when it comes to your wedding guest outfit.
There are scores of affordable dresses and jumpsuits on the market that prove you don’t have to sacrifice style for savings. For expert insight on how to find a budget-friendly dress that's equally as stunning than its designer counterparts, we consulted Sarah Pinner, the CEO and co-founder of Beni.
"While specific features will depend on the season, the venue, dress code, material, length, and pattern are all important considerations," she says. "I always check if the couple has any inspiration or mood board for their wedding. I’ve seen this done more often than not, and it’s a helpful way to get a sense of what the couple envisions for their special day."
To help you find the perfect dress–from reasonably priced gowns for a black-tie wedding to romantic lace dresses for a summer ceremony–we've researched the most stylish affordable wedding guest outfits with these key features in mind. For a formal outdoor ceremony, we love the Lulus Floral Print Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress and the Mango Floral Print Dress. Need something sparkly for a black-tie winter event? The Baltic Born Poland Sequin Midi Dress is our top pick.
Meet the Expert
Sarah Pinner is the CEO and co-founder of Beni, an easy-to-use Chrome extension that finds the best resale alternatives of your favorite styles from online retailers–so shoppers can find affordable fashion with the click of a button.
Read on for the best affordable wedding guest dresses for every occasion and style.
Best for Black-Tie Wedding: Lulus Heavenly Hues Black Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of Lulus
There's truly nothing more elegant and sophisticated than a black floor-length gown. This one from Lulus retails for just under $90 but looks just as luxurious and polished as other high-end brands.
Price at time of publish: $89
For a Destination Wedding: Lulus Love and Blooms Off-the-Shoulder Dress
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Courtesy of Lulus
This cheery floral maxi dress will quickly become your go-to outfit for destination weddings, seaside nuptials, and casual backyard gatherings. We especially love the ruffled trim and bow accents on the sleeves.
Price at time of publish: $69
Most Festive: Baltic Born Poland Sequin Midi Dress
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Courtesy of Baltic Born
This party-ready midi dress is a dazzling option for a New Year's Eve wedding. Keep accessories simple and let this sparkly number–complete with a deep V-neckline and flattering wrap design–do all the talking.
Price at time of publish: $89
Most Sexy: Superdown Sherry Slit Maxi
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Courtesy of Revolve
All eyes will be on you in this seriously sexy number designed with a body-hugging silhouette, criss-cross back, and daring front slit. Add shoulder-grazing earrings and a pair of pumps to complete your jaw-dropping look.
Price at time of publish: $88
Best Puff Sleeves: Showpo Vashti Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Showpo
You'll stun from every angle in this adorable mini dress designed with voluminous sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. Sweep your hair up to showcase all of the pretty pink details.
Price at time of publish: $70
For a Summer Wedding: ASTR the Label Rosanna Floral Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of ASTR the Label
This floral dress is as sweet as ever for a spring or summer wedding. The whimsical floral print makes for stunning photos and the elegant tiered skirt design will keep will twirl effortlessly with you on the dance floor.
Best Slip: J.Ing Pistachio Green Midi Slip Dress
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Courtesy of J.Ing
Slip dresses are elegant and timeless and work for just about every type of dress code. This iteration is stunning in a soft green hue and would pair beautifully with both simple or statement-making accessories.
Price at time of publish: $56
Most Whimsical: Baltic Born Larissa Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of Baltic Born
Dying to be worn to a cottagecore-inspired wedding, this dreamy dress retails for under $70, adorns a delicate floral print, and features understated puff sleeves that will complement any outdoor ceremony.
Price at time of publish: $69
Most Ethereal: Mango Floral Print Dress
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Courtesy of Mango
You'll easily be the best-dressed guest at any semi-formal outdoor ceremony in this diaphanous floral number. We love it with block heel sandals, a woven raffia clutch, and a berry pink lip for a formal summer wedding.
Price at time of publish: $50
Most Eye-Catching: Hello Molly Divine Energy Midi Dress
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Courtesy of Hello Molly
Flirty and feminine, this dazzling red frock is perfect for a formal wedding. Our favorite details? The intricate bust design and cut-outs. Style it with gold accessories for a look that will turn heads the moment you walk in the room.
Price at time of publish: $89
Best Color: Express Pleated Color Block Side Cutout Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of Express
Look bold in blue. This bright and beautiful pleated dress from Express feels beyond effortless for any time of the year, and you can't beat the flattering waistline and sweetheart neckline. Style it with minimal accessories to let the stunning color stand out on its own.
Price at time of publish: $118
For a Spring Wedding: ASTR The Label Gaia Dress
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Spring weddings call for dresses in soothing and flattering pastel hues like this pretty lilac design. Elegant pin-thin straps, a draped bodice, and a sexy side slit set this pastel beauty apart from the rest.
Price at time of publish: $98
Best LBD: Zara Satin Effect Tunic Dress
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Courtesy of Zara
No matter what type of wedding you’re attending, you can never go wrong with a little black dress. We love the tunic twist on this satin number from Zara, which can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Price at time of publish: $70
Best Florals for Fall: Forever 21 Floral Print Peasant-Sleeve Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Forever 21
While floral dresses are great for spring and summer, they also work well for fall–especially when done in dark and muted tones. We love this Forever 21 mini dress with romantic long sleeves for a semi-formal autumn affair.
Price at time of publish: $35
Best Long-Sleeve: ASOS High Neck Draped Satin Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of ASOS
In a shining blush fabric, this maxi dress is sure to catch the light in every photo and is a fitting choice for a wedding that calls for formal attire. It's also a great option for those who prefer a more conservative silhouette.
Price at time of publish: $98
For a Casual Ceremony: Old Navy Tie-Shoulder Floral Print Midi Swing Dress
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Courtesy of Old Navy
This adorable tie-strap floral dress comes in at just $30 and is as pretty as can be for casual ceremonies. Between the subtle front slit and comfortable fit, you're sure to wear this again and again. Plus, it's available in several other colorful prints.
Price at time of publish: $35
Most Vibrant: Lulus Love Poem Yellow Lace Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Lulus
A yellow lace mini dress is a fun and bright option for a daytime wedding and looks particularly striking in photos. The halter neckline and darted bodice are especially flattering. Pair yours with strappy sandals or espadrilles.
Price at time of publish: $69
Best Strapless: Petal + Pup Pamela Dress
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Courtesy of Petal + Pup
How stunning is this bright green number from Petal + Pup? The strapless neckline and side cut-outs add a fun flair while the elastic waistband and loose-fitting skirt create a comfortable wedding ensemble.
Price at time of publish: $84
Best Boho: ASOS Tiered Floral Embroidered Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of ASOS
Wedding guests with a bohemian sensibility will love the carefree vibe of this flowing maxi dress. Its easy-to-wear silhouette features a raw edge hem, gorgeous bell sleeves, and subtle button detailing for an ultra-feminine look.
Price at time of publish: $121
Best One-Shoulder: Lulus Already RSVP'd Ruched One-Shoulder Bodycon Dress
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Courtesy of Lulus
This rust brown hue couldn't be more perfect for a fall wedding, and the one-shoulder beauty boasts a flattering fit thanks to its fully ruched design. We picture this with simple block heels and a matching clutch for an effortlessly chic look.
Price at time of publish: $50
What to Look for in an Affordable Wedding Guest Outfit
Versatility and Style
When it comes to shopping for an affordable wedding guest outfit, there's no need to sacrifice style to stay on budget. In fact, there are scores of fashion-forward and budget-friendly dresses out there that look just as luxe as other more expensive styles and brands. If you're looking to invest in an outfit that will work for all of your weddings on deck this year, opt for a dress you can wear for multiple venues and formalities. For instance, you can never go wrong with a tried and true black dress. Little black dresses and floor-length gowns in a neutral hue are an easy way to look incredibly put together without blowing your budget.
Season and Accessories
Considering the season of the wedding can help you narrow down your outfit options. For warm-weather weddings, opt for breezy and inexpensive summer dresses in floral prints and pretty pastels. And when it comes to completing your look, the right accessories can make all the difference. We love the idea of donning a pair of dazzling statement-making earrings for a black-tie wedding or going bold with accessories in bright pops of color for summer or destination weddings.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more.
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