18 Cottagecore Dresses for Wedding Guests and Bridesmaids

Live out your folklore era in one of these romantic styles.
Collage of three cottagecore dresses to wear as a wedding guest or bridesmaid
Photos, From Left to Right: Christy Dawn, Free People, Show Me Your Mumu
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by
Carli Brennan
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Carli Brennan
The Knot Fashion Contributor
  • Carli writes freelance fashion articles for The Knot.
  • Prior to The Knot, she was the style section editor at Her Campus Media and launched the Fashion Institute of Technology chapter of Her Campus.
  • Carli’s passion for the wedding industry stems from her time as a bridal consultant and her previous internship in a bridal showroom.
Updated Oct 04, 2023
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Cottagecore weddings have been one of the top wedding trends for quite some time now, and they're not slowing down any time soon! This aptly named style is inspired by an idyllic and whimsy countryside lifestyle. Think fairytale-inspired details, soft feminine accents and understated glam—pretty much what you would wear if you were a princess living in a cottage in an enchanted forest. Cottagecore wedding dresses often feature romantic puff sleeves, eyelet detailing and whimsical embroidery. For wedding guests, channeling cottagecore style follows the same basic principles of ethereal, soft style. Retailers like LoveShackFancy, Christy Dawn and Reformation offer great examples of cottagecore dresses. Whether you are attending a cottagecore-inspired wedding as a guest or as a member of the bridal party, we've rounded up our favorite editor-approved cottagecore dresses perfect for your next wedding.

In this article:

Cottagecore Dresses for Wedding Guests

While a LBD is a tried and true wedding guest staple, sometimes it's fun to lean into the aesthetic of the wedding. If your next wedding has cottagecore-inspired aesthetics—think garden weddings, vineyards or retro themes—you might want to select a cottagecore-inspired dress.

1. LoveShackFancy Elizabella Maxi Dress

Pink silk cottagecore dress with rosette pin for wedding guests and bridesmaids
Photo: LoveShackFancy

This whimsical slip dress is perfect for a more formal wedding. Keep the look monochromatic and add a baby pink satin heel as your finishing touch.

2. Hill House The Matilda Dress

Navy blue patterned cottage core dress for wedding guests from Hill House Home
Photo: Hill House Home

Cult-favorite retailer Hill House is a fan favorite for a reason. Their dreamy, feminine dresses are equal parts stylish and comfortable. Dress this one up with high heels and your favorite jewels or dress it down for something more casual.

3. Reformation Twilight Dress

Black floral fitted a-line cottagecore dress for wedding guests and bridesmaids
Photo: Reformation

A floral midi dress is a cottagecore wardrobe staple. We love the charming tie sleeve detail and leg slit on this one from Reformation.

4. Windsor Obsessed With Floral Chiffon Skater Dress

Floral Chiffon Cottagecore Skater Dress for wedding guests and bridesmaids
Photo: Windsor

This dreamy floral mini dress is perfect for a more casual wedding. Pair it with a romantic heel like this one from For Love and Lemons x Dolce Vita for an extra whimsical touch.

5. Christy Dawn The Emma Dress Extended

Black strawberry print smocked cottagecore maxi dress for wedding guests and bridesmaids
Photo: Christy Dawn

This stunning dress is right out of your cottagecore dreams! Dress it up with a red high heel and a swipe of red lipstick for the perfect wedding guest style.

6. Auguste the Label Irina Midi Dress

Pink floral midi cottagecore slip dress for wedding guests and bridesmaids
Photo: Auguste

Florals are the cornerstone of cottagecore style, so you can't go wrong with this chic floral midi slip dress to channel cottagecores style at your next soiree. The classic slip silhouette keeps the look feeling fresh, while florals add some cottagecore charm.

7. Abercrombie Emerson Poplin Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

Cream Floral Poplin Puff Sleeve Cottagecore Mini Dress for wedding guests and bridesmaids
Photo: Abercrombie & Fitch

A dramatic puff sleeve paired with florals is the perfect formula for cottagecore style. This babydoll mini dress would pair exceptionally well with an on-trend clog heel like this one from Bryr Studio, for a comfortable, yet stylish, look for a more casual wedding.

8. LoveShackFancy Coralie Maxi Dress

Blue floral button down cottagecore maxi dress for wedding guests and bridesmaids
Photo: LoveShackFancy

This handkerchief hem maxi dress is made of a dreamy silk cotton and features a delicate floral print of cascades of baby roses and lush leafy accents. It's formal enough to dress up for a wedding and is comfortable for dancing all night long.

9. Bronx and Banco Megan Mini Dress

Pink and nude floral tulle mini cottagecore dress for wedding guests and bridesmaids
Photo: Reformation

This fanciful mini dress is sure to turn heads. With a spray of rosy embroidery and trimming, this sweet mini dress is giving modern day princess vibes. Pair it with nude high heels and keep the jewelry simple to really let the dress shine.

10. Free People Butterfly Babe Maxi Dress

Brown floral cottage core maxi dress with lace trim for wedding guests and bridesmaids
Photo: Free People

Floral silk and lace come together flawlessly in this timeless maxi dress. The bias cut fit hugs the body in all of the right places, plus a dainty keyhole back adds a subtly sexy element.

11. En Saison Reagan Tiered Floral Midi Dress

Green Tiered Floral Midi Cottagecore Dress for wedding guests and bridesmaids
Photo: Urban Outfitters

The combination of sage green paired with ditsy florals is reminiscent of a sunny afternoon stroll through a garden. Dreamy tie details only add to the ethereal vibe of this midi.

12. Petal + Pup Floret Midi Dress

Dark purple floral chiffon cottagecore dress for wedding guests and bridesmaids
Photo: Petal + Pup

Make a statement at your next wedding in this show stopping midi dress. Dramatic chiffon and tie sleeves create a wedding guest look that's straight out of a fairytale.

Charming Cottagecore Bridesmaid Dresses

If you are planning a cottagecore inspired wedding, you'll want your bridesmaids to look the part. Take inspiration from your own cottagecore inspired wedding dress and allow similar details to play into your bridesmaid dresses, whether that's florals, embroidery or puff sleeves.

1. Christy Dawn The Helina Dress

Blue silk maxi cottagecore dress with ruffle detail for wedding guest and bridesmaids
Photo: Christy Dawn

This dainty gown features ruffle detailing and versatile flutter sleeves that can be worn either on or off the shoulders. It comes in both a dreamy blue silk and a vintage-inspired floral.

2. Azazie Bora Bora A-Line Lace Viscose Floor-Length Dress

Desert Rose A-Line Lace Viscose Floor-Length Dress for wedding guests and bridesmaids
Photo: Azazie

Bohemian cotton eyelet lace is a welcome addition to this unexpected bridesmaid dress. The dainty ruffled tiers and scalloped eyelash lace trim on both the hem and sleeves add a vintage-inspired allure.

3. Show Me Your Mumu Nicole Maxi Dress

Champagne satin flutter sleeve cottagecore maxi dress for wedding guests and bridesmaids
Photo: Show Me Your Mumu

This bridesmaid dress is understated cottagecore elegance at its best! Dreamy satin and puff sleeves add just enough drama. Plus, the empire waist makes this a great bridesmaid dress option for expecting moms!

4. AW Bridal Shirley Dress

Champagne glittery mesh floor-length cottagecore gown with flutter sleeves for wedding guests and bridesmaids
Photo: AW Bridal

When it comes to bridesmaid dresses, simple details can make all the difference. Flutter sleeves and all over shimmer add a dose of ethereal intrigue to this otherwise simple gown.

5. Lulus Midnight Mood Burgundy Floral Print Tiered Maxi Dress

Burgundy Floral Print Tiered Maxi Cottagecore Dress for wedding guests and bridesmaids
Photo: Lulus

Who says cottagecore style is just for the warmer months? Deep burgundy florals darken up the cottagecore aesthetic for fall and winter weddings.

6. The Dessy Group Bow-Shoulder Faux Wrap Maxi Dress with Tiered Skirt in Cottage Rose Dusk Blue

Light plink floral bow-shoulder faux wrap maxi cottagecore dress
Photo: Dessy Group

The "Cottage Rose Dusk Blue" colorway says it all — this gown is practically made for cottagecore weddings! The blue and white toile floral would also fit right in at a coastal inspired wedding. This breezy, chic gown is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Choosing Cottagecore Dresses For Weddings

When shopping for cottagecore dresses, there are a few important points you'll want to keep in mind. Factors such as weather, destination and dress code will help inform your dress decision.

Color

While the cottagecore aesthetic largely focuses on soft pastel colors, it's important to steer clear from white for a wedding. Some floral patterns with a white or cream background can read as white, so it's best to err on the side of caution if you're unsure.

Season

Florals aren't just for spring and summer. You can channel aspects of cottagecore any time of year. Dark, moody florals and dainty details like velvet bows and puff sleeves can bring an autumnal or wintery twist to key elements of cottagecore style. Of course, in the colder months you may also want to consider wearing a stole or scarf over your dress to keep warm.

Dress Code

As always, it is important to consider the dress code for any wedding you are attending. More formal weddings or black tie affairs will call for a gown and high heels, while something more casual will allow for a breezy dress. Many cottagecore inspired dresses can be dressed up or down depending on your shoes and accessories, so they can work for a variety of wedding dress codes and occasions.

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