These Are the Best Spring Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Dress Code and Style

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Gillian Vann / Stocksy

A spring wedding is the epitome of romance. With warmer weather on the horizon, fresh flowers in bloom, and an optimistic spirit all around, attending a ceremony during this gorgeous time of year is a real treat. If you’ve received a save the date and are beginning your search for the perfect spring wedding guest dress, you’re in luck—options abound. 

Violet Gross is the founder of Tulerie, an invite-only, peer-to-peer designer fashion borrowing platform and community, which also happens to offer a bevy of pieces well-suited for a springtime ceremony. A top style she sees for dresses borrowed or purchased? Florals. “Our users borrow lots of florals and prints for the spring weddings they attend,” Gross shares. “For the daytime [outdoor] wedding, I love floor-grazing maxi dresses from Agua by Agua Bendita or Reformation that can be worn with flats.”

On top of details like puff sleeves and romantic florals, Gross adds that you can incorporate trends into your wedding guest outfit through accessorizing.

Read on to shop the best spring wedding guest dresses for every dress code to solidify your look.

For the Prairie-Inspired Dress Code

Boden Blouson Sleeve Maxi Dress

Boden Blouson Sleeve Maxi Dress

Boden

Boden is beloved by the Duchess of Cambridge, so it's a brand worth adding to your dress collection. For those seeking eternal effortlessness, this long-sleeve floral dress cut in a flowy silhouette ought to do the trick.

Best Back

Faithfull the Brand Romilla Cutout Gingham Cotton Midi Dress

Faithfull the Brand Romilla Cutout Gingham Cotton Midi Dress

Net-a-Porter

With its fresh green hue, check pattern, and eye-catching back, this cotton midi dress hits all the marks. Dress code permitting, add in some bold and playful jewelry pieces to add more personality.

Price at time of publish: $319

Best Springtime Cocktail Attire

Farm Rio Pop Leopards Mixed Midi Dress

Farm Rio Pink Pop Leopards Mixed Midi Dress

Nordstrom

You can always rely on Farm Rio for a festive print, particularly those of the spring wedding guest dress variety. This tropical maxi does not disappoint. Plus, you can count on all-day comfort.

Price at time of publish: $200

Best Backless

Shona Joy Orion Backless Midi Dress

Shona Joy Orion Backless Midi Dress

Revolve

Is there anything better than a backless dress? It keeps you cool and adds drama and elegance to your look. Pair this romantic number with some clog sandals and a bamboo clutch.

Price at time of publish: $320

Best Silhouette

Sea Ines Floral Smocked Dress

Sea Ines Floral Smocked Dress

Shopbop

A flutter-sleeved and subtle peplum dress crafted in a delicate floral print—a recipe for springtime success. Add a pair of wooden or woven heels to cement the aesthetic.

Price at time of publish: $395

For an Outdoor Wedding

Agua by Agua Bendita Palmera Floral Cotton Midi Dress

Agua-by-agua-bendita-palmera-floral-cotton-midi-dress

Agua

When in doubt, a cottagecore moment always does the trick. Puff sleeves? Check. Floral print? Check. Full skirt? Check. This gorgeous style is as romantic as ever for a warm-weather wedding.

Price at time of publish: $620

Best Pastel

Reformation Nikita Dress Es in Azure

Reformation Nikita Dress Es in Azure

Reformation

This soft, blue dress is made event-ready thanks to the self-tie shoulder straps, ruffled neckline, and trumpet skirt. Add a straw purse and block heels for instant romance.

Price at time of publish: $278

Best Bold Color

Reformation + Net Sustain Marguerite Gathered Silk-Charmeuse Midi Dress

Reformation + Net Sustain Marguerite Gathered Silk-Charmeuse Midi Dress

Net-a-Porter

If you’re in search of an effortless dress style, consider a midi slip dress crafted in an unexpected color such as bright pink. This eye-catching number from Reformation is sure to land you heaps of compliments.

Price at time of publish: $300

Most Colorful Cocktail Style

Hutch Colorblocked Bow-Tie Maxi Dress

Hutch Colorblocked Bow-Tie Maxi Dress

Anthropologie

If your personal style tends to skew more nostalgic, try a retro-inspired color-block dress for a fun take on wedding guest dresses. To finish, statement earrings and strappy heels.

Price at time of publish: $218

Most Casual Color

Lovers + Friends Janet Gown

Lovers + Friends Janet Gown

Revolve

Yellow is one of those colors that always manages to elevate a look. For your next spring wedding, consider this golden ombre maxi. For added elegance, complement with some gold-tone slide sandals.

Price at time of publish: $248

Best Details

Lulus Such Sophistication Tiered Pleated Maxi Dress

Lulus Such Sophistication Tiered Pleated Maxi Dress

Lulus

You can never go wrong with a floral dress for a spring wedding. But if you’re hoping to take it up a notch, consider contrasting straps; it’s also an easy way to tie in black heels.

Price at time of publish: $85

Best A-Line Silhouette

ASOS DESIGN Shirred Bunny Tie Midi Dress

ASOS DESIGN Shirred Bunny Tie Midi Dress

ASOS DESIGN

This tea-length dress is crafted in a serene, sage hue and features a square neckline and flattering A-line silhouette. To top it all off, free-flowing shoulder straps make dancing all the more photographable.

Price at time of publish: $68

Cutest Outdoor Attire

Sundress Neptune Maxi Dress

Sundress Neptune Maxi Dress

Revolve

Gingham is one of spring’s most beloved prints; try it out with this ruffled hem maxi dress for an outdoor wedding. Float across the venue effortlessly with this flowy number; the self-tie belt ensures a perfect fit. Accessorize with delicate gold jewelry for a polished finish.

Best Separates

Lulus Ellarina Metallic Tie-Strap Two-Piece Midi Dress

Lulus Ellarina Metallic Tie-Strap Two-Piece Midi Dress

Lulus

Brightly colored jacquard fabric, a princess-seamed crop top with pink satin tie-straps, and a matching fitted midi skirt make this set a striking choice for a formal spring wedding. The under-$100 price tag doesn’t hurt, either.

Price at time of publish: $89

Meet the Expert

Violet Gross is the founder of Tulerie, an invite-only, peer-to-peer designer fashion borrowing platform and community.

What to Look for in a Spring Wedding Guest Outfit

Spring nuptials call for wedding guest outfits in bright colors, pretty pastel hues, and floral prints. A spring wedding is also the perfect occasion to don leg-baring silhouettes (think midi and mini dresses) in easy, breezy fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk. Wedding-worthing dresses with details such as open-backs, cut-outs, and thigh-high slits, are not only eye-catching but ideal for keeping you cool during balmy weather. And when it comes to accessorizing your spring wedding guest outfit, you can never go wrong with strappy sandals or espadrilles and a woven clutch.

FAQ
  • Are Any Colors Off-Limits?

    It depends. White is, naturally, reserved for the bride. Also, if your dress is white with a very pale print and could be mistaken for white, you might want to err on the side of caution and wear something else. Traditionally, guests have been advised against wearing bold colors (like red) so as not to draw attention away from the bride, but preferences are shifting so go with your gut and what you think the bride will care (and not care) about.

  • What Are The Best Fabrics for Spring Wedding Guest Dresses?

    So many! Silk, chiffon, tulle, and cotton blends are all great options. If it’s not a casual wedding, you may want to avoid more relaxed textures such as jersey.

  • Does Dress Length Matter?

    It does. If it’s a super casual wedding and the couple has expressed that guests can wear cocktail attire, feel free to go with a shorter hemline. Anything else and you’re best opting for a midi or ankle length. If the wedding invite specifies black tie, then you’ll definitely want something on the longer side. 

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Nicole Kliest has over nine years of experience writing in the spaces of fashion, travel, and food. Her work has appeared on sites including Who What Wear, The Zoe Report, Cools, Popsugar, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle, among others.

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