These Are The Best Dresses For Big-Bust Wedding Guests
Shopping for wedding guest dresses can be difficult enough, but shopping for dresses for big-bust wedding guests adds a whole new element to consider. The last thing you want is to feel uncomfortable in your dress or worry about a wardrobe malfunction, so it's important to find a dress you'll feel comfortable and confident in all night. Factors like neckline, material and structure are important to consider when trying on wedding guest dresses as a large-busted guest. Luckily for you, we've chatted with experts for everything you need to know when it comes to wedding guest dresses for bigger busts.
In this article:
What Kind of Dress is Best for Bigger Busts?
When shopping for dresses as a big-bust wedding guest, there are certain styles that tend to be more comfortable in accommodating a larger bust. Sky Pollard, head of product at Nuuly, tells us "While I firmly believe that it's personal what necklines people are comfortable in, it's helpful to look for something that is bra-friendly such as a cocktail dress with sleeves. Styles with smocking, corseting and adjustable straps will also give you some room to customize the fit for comfort."
Grace Lee, founder and CEO of Birdy Grey, agrees. "Support is incredibly important to ensure you're comfortable in your dress all night," she shares. "I love a square or cowl neckline—it's modern and provides just enough coverage in the chest area without it looking dowdy. You can also opt for sweetheart necklines, as long as it's not cut too low."
Nuuly in particular allows shoppers to filter by bust size in order to narrow down their options "Everyone has different preferences when it comes to fit, which is why Nuuly's reviews filter by bust size are so helpful," Pollard explains. "Our customer reviews are an essential part of choosing those options as you can filter to customers who have similar proportions to you."
The Best Dresses for Big-Bust Wedding Guests
At The Knot we're passionate about making sure wedding guests feel their very best, which is why we've searched high and low for the best wedding guest dresses for large busts. "At the end of the day, you know your body better than anyone else," Lee shares. "So go with a style that allows you to feel confident—after all, you'll be in that dress for hours!"
1. Birdy Grey Jackson Dress
Airy chiffon is perfect for a spring or summer wedding. This ruffled gown from Birdy Grey comes in 46 colors and is offered in an inclusive size range.
Size Range: XS–3X
2. Lulus Radiant Charisma Navy Chiffon Ruched Tie-Strap Maxi Dress
Adjustable bow straps are a stylish and functional addition to this simple maxi dress. A leg slit is perfect for showing off a sparkly high heel.
Size Range: XS–3X
3. Petal & Pup Franklin Dress
A modest sweetheart neckline and puff sleeves add to the allure of this charming midi dress. While it comes in seven gorgeous colors, we're partial to the classic black that's sure to become a wardrobe staple in your wedding guest dress arsenal.
Size Range: 0–16
4. Birdy Grey Jessica Dress
Sleek sage-colored satin pairs perfectly with the structured corset bodice on this glamorous gown. "For those girls who are just teetering on the larger side, I would recommend going for a style with a smocked back, like the Lola or the Jessica style," Lee says. "It offers some natural support and a killer fit—not to mention, the corset style will make your girls look perky in the best way possible!"
Size Range: XS–3X
5. City Chic Plus-Size Hermione Dress
Bridgerton-inspired puff sleeves are a top trend of 2024, and this midi is the perfect way to incorporate them into your next wedding guest dress. Plus, you can wear a supportive bra with this dress and it won't show through.
Size Range: 12–26
6. Never Fully Dressed May Midi Dress
This delicate puff sleeve slip dress is given a fashion-forward upgrade in this luxe olive green color. The bra-friendly neckline ensures you'll feel comfortable all night long.
Size Range: 00–26
7. Petal & Pup Brennan Maxi Slip Dress
Sweet lace trim lends a lingerie-inspired vibe to this slinky midi dress. While this slip dress features a sexy V-neckline, the wide straps make it comfortable to wear with a standard bra.
Size Range: XS–XL
8. Azazie Atelier Jianna Rust Flutter Sleeves Maxi Dress
A regal corseted bodice adds structure to this whimsical maxi. Rust-colored jacquard satin and flutter sleeves make this the perfect romantic fall wedding guest dress.
Size Range: 0–30 or custom
9. Birdy Grey Lola Dress
You can never go wrong with florals for a wedding guest dress. This ruffled gown comes in 18 gorgeous floral prints in addition to 46 solid colors. The corseted bodice adds extra structure and support for larger busted wedding guests.
Size Range: XS–3X
10. Show Me Your Mumu Paris Gown
Many big-bust wedding guests love the comfortable fit of a square neckline. This gorgeous square neck gown is perfect for a black tie wedding dress code. Just add high heels and some jewelry.
Size Range: XS–XXL
11. Anthropologie Textured Puff-Sleeve Dress
Textured fabric and a breezy silhouette come together perfectly in this effortless dress for a big-bust wedding guest. The square neckline is an especially flattering cut.
Size Range: XXS–XL
12. Birdy Grey Violet Dress
A flattering wrapped bodice and short sleeves on this gown are perfect for those seeking full-coverage wedding guest dresses for bigger busts. Lee shares "If you're looking for full coverage and would prefer to sport your favorite bra, your best bet is a sleeved style, like the Marni or Violet from our collection."
Size Range: XS–3X
13. Staud Ellison Pleated Knit Minidress
This fiery mini dress is made of a flattering stretch knit and features a square neckline that's perfect for larger bust sizes. Paired with a swipe of red lipstick, you'll look and feel your very best in this Staud mini.
Size Range: XS–XL
14. Birdy Grey Marni Dress
Choosing a bra-friendly wedding guest dress is an easy way to ensure you'll feel comfortable and confident. As one of the best gowns for a large bust, it boasts a wrapped bodice and flutter sleeves that provide enough coverage to wear with your standard bra. No fashion tape necessary!
Size Range: XS–3X
15. Anthropologie Corset High-Low Bubble Dress
You can't go wrong with a structured corset bodice as a big-bust wedding guest. This corseted midi from Anthropologie features a fashion-forward bubble hem and delicate bow adornments. Think of it as the 2024 version of Belle's dress from Beauty and the Beast.
Size Range: XXS–XL
16. Farm Rio Cocoa Paradise Black Dorotha Midi Dress
Pack this printed midi in your suitcase for a tropical destination wedding. The bohemian floral print and tie sleeves make this dress perfect for a warm-weather wedding. It pairs just as well with high heels as it does with your favorite leather sandals.
Size Range: XXS–XL
17. Lulus Classic Elegance Blue Satin Sleeveless Mock Neck Maxi Dress
A modest mock neckline offers extra coverage for wedding guests. This satin gown comes in five gorgeous colors from classic black to blush pink and more. Pair it with a glamorous high pony and some statement earrings for a wedding guest look that's sure to wow.
Size Range: XS–3X
18. Azazie Atelier Olivia Moss Green Pleated Midi Dress
The midi length and full skirt on this dress are reminiscent of retro styles from the 1950s. On-trend olive green makes this midi a standout. The best part: it has hidden pockets!
Size Range: 0–30 or custom
19. Anthropologie The Ruffle Swing Mini Dress
Think of this dress as Eloise at the Plaza all grown up. The colorblock ruffled neckline and bow tie in the back make for a ladylike wedding guest dress. Plus, the adjustable straps ensure you'll feel comfortable and secure.
Size Range: XS–XL
20. Azazie Atelier Nancy Gold Leaf Plunging Maxi Dress
You're guaranteed to shine on the dance floor in this gold midi dress. It features a V-neckline, flutter sleeves and a dramatic ruffle detail along the back.
Size Range: 0–30 or custom