What do wedding guests wear to a black-tie wedding?

A black-tie dress code calls for formal attire. Traditionally, wedding guests will wear floor-length gowns or tuxedos to a black-tie wedding.

What colors should a wedding guest avoid wearing?

As a general rule of thumb, it's best to avoid any color that may resemble the bride's wedding outfit like white, cream, ivory, and beige.

How can I style a simple wedding guest dress?

Statement-making pieces like shoulder-grazing earrings, a brightly colored clutch, and a fun pair of shoes are great for dressing up a simple frock. However, if your tastes lean more modern and minimal, opt to accessorize with delicate jewelry and sleek sandals or pumps for a pared-back look.

19 Best Affordable Wedding Guest Dresses of 2022

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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 in the bank. Below we've found everything from reasonably priced gowns for a black-tie wedding to romantic lace dresses for a summer ceremony–and even styles for under $50 that look just as luxurious as other expensive brands. What's more, many of the looks on our list are versatile enough to be worn for all seasons making them the perfect staple pieces for any wedding guest wardrobe.

Whether you're attending a casual backyard wedding or a grand black-tie affair, read on for the best affordable wedding guest dresses for every occasion and style.

Best for Black-Tie Wedding: Lulus Black Maxi Dress

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.

For a Destination Wedding: Lulus Floral Print Off-the-Shoulder Dress

This cheery floral maxi dress will quickly become your go-to outfit for destination weddings, seaside nuptials, and casual backyard gatherings.

Most Festive: ASOS EDITION Sequin Wrap Dress

This party-ready mini dress is a dazzling option for a New Year's Eve wedding. Keep accessories simple and let this sparkly number do all the talking.

Most Sexy: superdown Slit Maxi Dress

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.

Best Puff Sleeves: & Other Stories Open Back Volume Mini Dress

You'll stun from every angle in this adorable mini dress designed with a unique open back and voluminous sleeves. Sweep your hair up to showcase all of the details.

For a Summer Wedding: Zara Pleated Floral Dress

This floral dress is as sweet as ever for a spring or summer wedding. The bright floral print makes for stunning photos and the side cutouts will keep you cool on hot summer nights.

Best Slip: Mango Green Slip Dress

Slip dresses are elegant and timeless and work for just about every type of dress code. This iteration from Mango is stunning in a soft green hue and would pair beautifully with both simple or statement-making accessories.

Best Back: Sister Jane Forest Fauna Midi Dress

Dying to be worn to a cottagecore-inspired wedding, this dreamy dress retails for under $150, features a delicate floral print, and ties at the back to form a pretty bow.

Most Ethereal: Mango Floral Printed Dress

You'll easily be the best-dressed guest 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.

Most Romantic: BHLDN x Free People Alaine Dress

Flirty and feminine, this pretty pink frock is perfect for a warm-weather wedding. Our favorite details? The sheer puff sleeves and gorgeous open back.

Best Maxi: Zara Printed Pleated Dress

Bright and beautiful this floral dress feels beyond effortless for the spring and summer months. Style with minimal accessories for a perfectly pared-back look.

For a Spring Wedding: ASTR the Label Lilac Dress

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.

Best LBD: Zara Embroidered Midi Dress

No matter what type of wedding you’re attending, you can never go wrong with a little black dress. This embellished number from Zara can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Best Floral Print for Fall: H&M Brown Floral Dress

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 H&M slip dress for a formal autumn affair.

Best for Fall: ASOS DESIGN High Drape Neck Maxi Dress

In a shimmering 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.

Best Strapless: H&M Smocked-Bodice Dress

This strapless floral dress comes in under $20 and is as pretty as can be for casual ceremonies. It comes with adjustable and detachable straps to create two separate looks.

Best Bright Color: Lulus Lace Mini Dress

A yellow lace mini dress is a fun and bright option for a daytime wedding and looks particularly striking in photos. Pair yours with strappy sandals or espadrilles.

Best One-Shoulder: Y.A.S Midi Dress

Easy and breezy, this one-shoulder beauty boasts a flattering fit thanks to its flowing silhouette and layered bodice. A bow strap serves as a sweet finishing touch to this perfectly pink frock.

For the Boho Wedding Guest: H&M Floral V-Neck Dress

Wedding guests with a bohemian sensibility will love the carefree vibe of this flowing maxi dress. Its easy-to-wear silhouette is great for balmy weather and features an elasticized seam for a flattering and comfortable fit.

What to look for in an affordable wedding guest outfit

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, go for 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. 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.

FAQ

What do wedding guests wear to a black-tie wedding?

A black-tie dress code calls for formal attire. Traditionally, wedding guests will wear floor-length gowns or tuxedos to a black-tie wedding.
What colors should a wedding guest avoid wearing?

As a general rule of thumb, it's best to avoid any color that may resemble the bride's wedding outfit like white, cream, ivory, and beige.
How can I style a simple wedding guest dress?

Statement-making pieces like shoulder-grazing earrings, a brightly colored clutch, and a fun pair of shoes are great for dressing up a simple frock. However, if your tastes lean more modern and minimal, opt to accessorize with delicate jewelry and sleek sandals or pumps for a pared-back look.

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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