We love Lulus for all types of outfits, but when it comes to wedding guest dresses, the platform is always one of our first shopping stops. That’s because they offer tons of chic styles at super reasonable prices. Many options are available in inclusive size ranges too, so it's even more likely that every wedding guest can score an outfit they adore.
Dressing for a wedding as a guest doesn’t have to be intimidating—we promise! Of course, you should consider the dress code and the weather, for example, but as long as you look put together, you can really have quite a lot of fun choosing a dress (or two-piece, or jumpsuit) that reflects your personality. Since we love Lulus so much, we decided to put together the ultimate guide to the best wedding guest dresses you can buy from the platform right now. We picked styles with inclusive size ranges and versatile colors and silhouettes, so there are options for fit every body and every type of wedding.
Read on for the best wedding guest dresses from Lulus.
Best Cocktail
Paulina Bodycon Midi Dress
Heading to a wedding with a cocktail dress code? A sophisticated—but not overly formal—midi like this one is the way to go. Choose a black or red colorways to look a little more dressed up, while the hot pink and purple strikes a fun chord. A muted shade like forest green is ideal if you prefer to not stand out too much. With spaghetti straps and a bodycon fit, the style of the dress is simple, yet it’s elevated by the sexy side slit.
Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Rayon, Nylon, Spandex, Polyester | Colors: 6
Best Black Tie
Lulus Ruffled One-Shoulder Dress
Black tie can be a tricky code to dress for, but it can also be so much fun. Think of it as an opportunity to get close as possible to an Oscars red carpet experience. This floor-length gown is all glamour and grace, thanks to the one-shoulder ruffled style, and the mermaid skirt that highlights your curves. It’s also made from stretchy material so you can dance the night away without feeling restricted.
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: Black
Best Halter
Lulus Float to You Floral Print Halter-Neck Tiered Midi Dress
A floral pattern is a great idea for a wedding guest dress, since it drastically limits the risk of wearing the same solid color as one the bridesmaids. It’s also pretty enough to look put together and simple enough to not draw too much attention. This one comes in two colorways—though the hot pink and green might be the best choices for a wedding. We’re loving the halterneck style, tiered midi skirt, and sash belt here, too.
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester | Colors: Hot Pink, White
Best Strapless
Lulus Sweet Passion Organza Maxi Dress
If you’re on the market for a strapless wedding guest dress, we highly suggest you make it this ruffled maxi. Made from gauzy organza (try saying that three times really fast), and adorned with a delicate floral pattern, this dress is a romantic, feminine dream. Once the wedding is over, rewear it for dinner on balmy summer evenings.
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: Blush Pink Floral Print, Light Pink
Best With Sleeves
Lulus Fresh Picked Mustard Yellow Floral Print Backless Maxi Dress
If the wedding service requires your shoulders to be covered, or you simply prefer the look of a short sleeve, this dress is a beautiful choice. It’s another great floral number and features a maxi style with a side slit for a little extra flair. The length and ruffle details make it dressy, but the pattern and floatiness mean you can just as easily rewear it as a sundress for brunch or general frolicking purposes.
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: Mustard Yellow Floral Print
Best Long-Sleeve
Lulus Too Cute Smocked Long Sleeve Mini Dress
This stunning mini dress features discreetly ruffled sheer long sleeves, a ruffled skirt, and a smocked waist to give it structure. It’s available in both navy blue and red floral prints, and both of them would look lovely for all sorts of different weddings and across most seasons. While both are lovely for spring or fall, you could also style the navy one with tights and boots or closed-toe stilettos for a winter wedding.
Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: Navy Blue Floral Print, Red Floral Print
Best Off-the-Shoulder
Lulus Gala Ready Off-the-Shoulder Ruffle Midi Dress
Available in blush pink or lavender, this off-the-shoulder midi dress is so easy to style for a spring or summer wedding. Match your shoes and accessories to the dress’ color or opt for white, silver or black for a little more contrast. With its tiers, ruffles, and solid color, this beauty is detailed and easygoing all at once.
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester | Colors: Lavender, Blush Pink
Best One-Shoulder
Lulus Flirtatious Features One-Shoulder Midi Dress
Ideal for a cocktail-style event, this one-shoulder dress is the epitome of elegance. We have a soft spot for the purple version, but the hunter green is equally wedding-ready. This midi is designed with a thin strap and a thicker one, which create a beautiful cutout at the shoulder, as well as a figure-skimming silhouette and a high leg slit for a sexy look. Simply stunning.
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Not Specified | Colors: Purple, Hunter Green
Best Open Back
Lulus Never a Dull Moment Tie-Strap Pleated Midi Dress
For a wedding that takes place in the heart of summer or a destination wedding in a warm locale, it doesn’t get much better than this bright number. You will look stunning without stealing the show, since you’re more likely to blend in with the sunshine and the local flora in this one. It’s designed with an open back, pleated skirt, and ruffles along the chest and skirt. We could not love this dress any more.
Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Polyester | Colors: 7
Best Slip
Lulus You're My Type Satin Jacquard Midi Slip Dress
Here’s another dress that’s perfect for an evening reception. This midi slip comes in a selection of gorgeous shades, all of which would work wonderfully for attending a wedding, though the sage green is especially calling our name. Though this satin dress’ silhouette is fairly simple, a cowl neck and side slit add a little je ne sais quoi, while the floral jacquard print brings in some beautiful texture to the whole look. It's an overall winner.
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: 6
Best Sundress
Lulus Bold New Look Tie-Back Midi Dress With Pockets
For a daytime wedding on a summer’s day, a sundress is your best bet—you’ll look the part, while also keeping cool enough throughout the event. This midi dress comes in a range of shades from poppy red to lime green, each one more beautiful than the other (though maybe stay away from the white one for this event!). It’s made from a lightweight woven fabric, and features a pretty V front and open back. And did we mention it has pockets?!
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, Rayon, Spandex | Colors: 5
Best for Winter
Lulus My Whole Heart Long Sleeve Wrap Dress
A winter wedding calls for a little extra coverage and some darker colors, so this long-sleeved, wrap dress may well be exactly what you’ve been looking for. In a series of rich shades, it’s easy to style with some closed-toe shoes and a light jacket. The wrap waist and high slit is super flattering on all figures.
Size Range: XS-3X | Material: Polyester | Colors: 6
Best for Fall
Lulus Floral Dressed Up Midi Dress
Available in an inclusive range of sizes, this short-sleeved floral midi dress is an autumn wedding dream. The flower print is white with black outlines on all the colorways, and set on a choice of dark green, royal blue, black, dusty blue or red—all of which will work a charm for your event. Cute additional details include a mock neck, a cinched waist, and a tiered skirt.
Size Range: XXS-3X | Material: Polyester | Colors: 5
Best Mini
Lulus Joyful Multi Stripe Tie-Back Mini Dress
Make sure to check the dress code before opting for a mini dress as a wedding guest, since it won’t be appropriate for cocktail or black tie. But if you have the all clear, we love this simple number, which is the embodiment of “business in the front, party in the back.” It’s a simple solid-colored shift dress that comes in a choice of orangey red or black, and is elevated with a wide multicolored striped ribbon in the back. Try styling it with sandals—heeled or not.
Size Range: XXS-XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: Red Orange, Black
Best Midi
Lulus Radiant Feelings Blue and Purple Chiffon Floral Midi Dress
A midi dress is a fantastic choice for just about any wedding, and one with a floral pattern even more so. Designed with spaghetti straps, a cinched waist and a tasteful open back, we can already picture this one floating in the breeze during seaside nuptials or blending into the scenery at a backyard wedding. This is another one you’ll be able to rewear for all sorts of events after its first outing.
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: Blue and Purple
Best Maxi
Lulus Radiant Floral Print Chiffon Maxi Dress
A printed maxi dress might be the one for you if you have a penchant for drama—especially if you opt for this one in the dazzling ruby red colorway. Adorned with a multicolored floral pattern, this fluttery maxi features a high-low slit at the bottom to reveal your ankles and shoes. It’s also asymmetrical at the top, with a cap sleeve on one side and a cold shoulder on the other. Get ready to make a lasting impression.
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester | Colors: Ruby Red, Hunter Green
Best Floral
Lulus Hours of Flowers Blue Multi Floral Lace-Up Tiered Midi Dress
Many wedding guest dresses are printed with delicate floral patterns—and we absolutely love that—but we’re also big fans of this bold style. Featuring big, beautiful flowers in shades of turquoise, peach, and lavender, it's sure to make a statement. The dress is designed with a strappy princess bodice, a cinched waist, a tiered midi skirt, and an open back. Pair it with heeled sandals or wedges for a spring or summer wedding.
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: Blue Multi
Best Lace
Lulus Romance Language Backless Lace Dress
There’s something quite special about an all-over lace dress. This cap-sleeved number is a form-fitting mini with an open back, and comes in all sorts of blues and greens. Dress it up for a wedding with sandals and elegant jewelry, and repurpose it for your professional wardrobe with a blazer and flats.
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester | Colors: 7
Lulus Molinetto Lace Ruffled Tiered Sleeveless Maxi Dress
We’re big fans of a ruffle in general, but this ankle-length dress does it particularly well, if you ask us. Featuring a ruffled sleeveless bodice with a deep V and a beautiful tiered skirt, this one comes in sizes XXS through 3X, an inclusive size range that will always score points in our book. Add to that the romantic lace look, and you’ve got yourself an unbeatable wedding outfit.
Size Range: XXS-3X | Material: Cotton, Nylon, Polyester, Spandex | Colors: 5
Best Little Black Dress
Lulus Season of Fun Black Off-the-Shoulder Skater Dress
Available in up to a size 3X, we’re loving this off-the-shoulder skater mini in black for an LBD look fit for a winter wedding or an elegant evening soiree. Alternatively, it comes in denim blue or forest green, and may be restocked in blush pink in the future. Because it's a solid color, it’s easy to dress up with accessories, shoes, and a jacket—feel free to get creative.
Size Range: XS-3X | Material: Rayon, Nylon, Spandex, Polyester | Colors: Black, Blush Pink, Denim Blue, Forest Green
What to Look for in a Wedding Guest Dress
Dress code
The dress code should always be the first consideration when choosing a wedding guest dress. “The invitation should indicate the dress code, and you should take that seriously when selecting your outfit,” says Nina Vargas, a celebrity business strategist, stylist, and content creator. “For example, if the invitation says ‘black tie,’ you should opt for a formal gown or a chic cocktail dress. If the invitation says ‘beach casual,’ you could wear a flowy sundress or a linen suit.” Grand Beauty Black Ruffled One-Shoulder Mermaid Maxi Dress is ideal for a black tie wedding while Bold New Look Tie-Back Midi Dress With Pockets fits right in at the beach. If you’re still stuck, Brides has put together an exhaustive wedding guest dress code explainer to help you out.
Season
The season when the wedding will be taking place should also help you narrow down which outfit would be most appropriate—the guidelines here are pretty intuitive. “You should consider the weather and choose fabrics that are appropriate for the temperature,” says Vargas. “For example, you wouldn't want to wear a heavy wool dress to a summer wedding, but a light cotton or chiffon dress would be perfect. Similarly, you wouldn't want to wear a thin, breezy dress to a winter wedding, but a rich velvet or brocade dress would be ideal.”
Color
While you can definitely use your discretion when picking a color for your wedding guest outfit, Vargas advises you stay away from white (as do we, unless you’ve been specifically asked to wear white), and instead opt for more subtle colors for discretion—think forest green or shades of blue, for example. We love how You're My Type Satin Jacquard Midi Slip Dress comes in six appropriate colors.
Meet the Expert
Nina Vargas is a celebrity business strategist, fashion stylist, and editor-in-chief of The LA Fashion Magazine, an authority on West Coast style.
Why Trust Brides
Iris Goldsztajn is a Paris-born, London-based freelance writer with 10 years of experience covering fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle for the likes of Brides, InStyle, Marie Claire, British Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Bustle, Refinery29 and many more. In order to write this article, Iris drew on her experience with dressing for weddings, sifted through Lulus’ event dress selection, and spoke to style expert Nina Vargas to learn more about how to shop for a wedding guest dress from an e-commerce platform like Lulus.