What To Wear To A Spring Wedding As A Guest

Tackling this highly requested topic: Spring Wedding Guest Dresses for any dress code!

After I spent some time updating this post about wedding guest shoes, I realized that the dress selection in this post could use an update, too! I’m sure I’m not the only one who hasn’t purchased a nice dress in a while, but now that vaccinations are ramping up and nice weather is back, weddings are coming back!

So to prepare for this wedding season, I’ve put together an ultimate roundup of Spring wedding guest dresses! No matter what the dress code, or your budget, let’s find a way to help you look fab at every wedding this year!

What To Wear To A Spring Wedding As A Guest

Dress up your sundresses.

Sundresses may be cute with flat sandals and a topknot, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be cute with heels, curls, and killer earrings! Here are a few of my favorites if you’re looking for something new! 

You have tons of options for fancy weddings!

A more gown might be essential if you know you’re going to a very black tie wedding – but that’s not required for most fancy weddings. Especially now that there are so many options for chic minis, midis, and maxis!

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BREAK THE BANK TO LOOK GREAT.

If you have 5 weddings this summer, chances are you’re not going to spend $250 on each dress. But that doesn’t mean you can’t snag something new! I love all of these dresses and every single one is under $150!

And if all else fails, borrow from your friends!

Host a dress shop with your best girls. They’re probably also trying to figure out what to wear to weddings! And don’t forget to shop your own closet. I know that seems so obvious, but people forget about that killer dress they bought 5 years ago. Try that bad boy on again!

What Not To Wear To A Spring Wedding As A Guest

I hate restrictions on personal style, but these 2 rules are pretty obvious. #1: Don’t wear white. DUH! And #2: Don’t wear anything too revealing. That doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with a plunge or cutouts or an open back… but you know what I mean. Do you really want everyone talking about how revealing your dress is instead of the actual wedding? (Hint: The answer is NO!)

Evening Spring Wedding Outfit Ideas

As I mentioned above, there are so many different options for fancy weddings nowadays. Unless their big day is an over-the-top black tie affair, you can usually get away with wearing a pretty maxi or chic cocktail dress instead of a gown. Here are a few ideas!

Can’t go wrong with a floral wrap maxi.

Wrap maxi dresses are universally flattering, and the longer length feels a little bit fancier than minis. This one is silk, so it still feels pretty fancy even though it has a fun floral print. If you’re not a floral gal, opt for a solid color instead! Yumi Kim makes my favorites, hands down. They’re all so beautiful!

Rent a gown that you don’t need to buy.

If you really need to (or really want to!) wear a gown to one of your weddings this Spring/Summer, renting is a no brainer. Plus, you can get something way above your normal price range!

This blue gown would normally be out of budget, but I rented it for the Snowball gala and it was perfect! And as for this cutout gown… I’m still looking for an excuse to wear it again! Anyone want to invite me to their black tie wedding?!

*Tip for Petites: Rent the Runway has petite gowns that are shortened for gals like us! It’s not available for all styles, but it’s worth seeking out so you don’t step on your dress all night!

Rock a jumpsuit!

I wore this jumpsuit to a wedding in January – all it needed with a cute gold belt and it was festive and fun! I love this option, especially if it’s going to be chilly out (hey April and May weddings!), or if you’re just not a dress girl! This black and white option is so chic, but I also love this classic black one and this red jumpsuit (that BOW!!).

Add some sequins.

Sequins make everything more fun! Plus, a sequin cocktail dress feels just as fancy as a floor length gown to me, so if you want to free your legs – go for it! This one isn’t available anymore, but I love this one and this one!

Daytime Spring Wedding Outfit Ideas

I love the flexibility that comes with daytime weddings – there are SO many options! It’s also a little bit less stressful for practical shoppers. Instead of buying something for ONE wedding, you can buy something that you’ll wear all summer long. All you have to do is mix and match your accessories!

Don’t forget sleeves for April/May weddings.

We all know that Chicago weather is unpredictable. You might want those sleeves before summer really hits, especially if it’s an outdoor wedding! Also, this green dress is only $59 right now! (I’m wearing the XS and it’s also available here if your size sells out on the other site!)

Not a floral person? Try polka dots!

I am a BIG fan of polka dots, and I think it’s an underrated print for weddings! I love this navy polka dot dress and even though this maxi technically has a flower print, they look a lot like dots to me!

Don’t be afraid of fun colors!

Hot pink isn’t for everyone, but Spring and Summer weddings are the perfect opportunity to wear fun colors! They’re celebrations, after all! This one is old, but I love this pink maxi so much. And this red dress, this yellow dress (only $118!), this lavender dress… I’ll take em all! Also, this printed dress has a VERY similar silhouette to the one I’m wearing above. A great (and flattering!) option!

How many weddings are you going to this spring and summer?

Let me know if you’re looking for anything I didn’t cover in this post and I’ll try to find it for you!

PS. You might also like Wedding Guest Shoes (That Don’t Sink In The Grass!),  5 Outfits For A Palm Springs Wedding Weekend, and Steps to Snowball.