25 Formal Wedding Guest Dresses for Elegant Evening Events

So, you've recently received a wedding invite with a formal, black-tie or black-tie optional dress code. Consider it your green light to break out a formal wedding guest dress.

We're firm believers in the idea that you can never be overdressed, but when it comes to formal weddings, that sentiment certainly holds true. Look, it's not every day that you get to put on a pretty dress and get all dolled up, so why not make the most of it? Whether you're attending a classic wedding at an upscale hotel or a regal garden party at a country estate, there are plenty of formal wedding guest dresses to help you show up in style. And if browsing through seemingly endless options online doesn't sound like your idea of fun, you're in luck. We've rounded up our top picks to help simplify your search. Keep reading to discover your dream wedding guest dress (plus, plenty of helpful advice for shopping).

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In this article:

• Our Favorite Formal Wedding Guest Dresses
• What Is a Formal Wedding Guest Dress?
• When Should I Wear a Formal Dress to a Wedding?
• How to Find Formal Wedding Dresses for Guests
• Where to Buy Formal Dresses for Wedding Guests

Our Favorite Formal Wedding Guest Dresses

Good news: Just a few quick clicks and you can have your elegant evening outfit squared away. Take a look at the formal wedding guest dresses we've hand-picked for you:

1. Lulus Soiree Perfection Light Blue Floral Ruffled Tiered Maxi Dress

Photo: Lulus

Looking for a showstopping wedding guest dress that won't break the bank? Lulus has you covered with this stunning light blue option that rings up under $200. With its pretty floral print and elegant ruffle detialing, it looks a lot more luxe than its price tag suggests.

Get 25% off first-time purchases in selected categories with The Knot's exclusive code, THEKNOT25.

Size range: XXS - 3X
Price at time of publication: $152

2. Mac Duggal Blue Ruffle Tiered Floral Cut-Out Chiffon Gown

Photo: Mac Duggal

No matter the season, our love for this floral gown continues to blossom. Available in pink, blue, navy and yellow colorways, it's a stunning option for an elegant wedding with a formal dress code.

Size range: 0 - 16
Price at time of publication: $498

3. Reformation Anaiis Silk Dress in Tarragon

Photo: Reformation

How's this for a showstopping formal wedding guest dress? We love the flattering high cowl neckline of this silk gown almost as much as we love its charming floral print. Of course, we can't go without mentioning its stylish column silhouette and cross back straps, either. What's more, it's available in petite sizes too.

Size range: 0P - 12
Price at time of publication: $398

4. Hutch Alaia Sleeveless Scoop-Neck High-Low Midi Dress

Photo: Anthropologie

This fashion-forward midi dress is simple yet stunning. Its drop waist is right on trend, while the high-low hem adds a unique edge. We also love the deep green hue, which is perfect for fall and winter weddings.

Size range: 00 - 14
Price at time of publication: $350

5. ELOQUII Draped Satin Maxi Dress in Black Onyx

Photo: ELOQUII

Your classic LBD just got a major upgrade. With a trendy draped neckline and flattering gathered waist, this plus-size wedding guest dress is guaranteed to earn you plenty of compliments.

Size range: 14 - 32
Price at time of publication: $140

6. Park & Fifth Gracey Dress in Laguna

This pale yellow pick is reminiscent of Kate Hudson's iconic satin gown in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," and we are here for it. Its low neckline, dramatic V-shaped back and tie detialing make it feel a bit more festive than your average slip dress.

Size range: XXS - XXL
Price at time of publication: $265

7. Lulus Infinite Praise Emerald 3D Floral Embroidered Halter Maxi Dress

Photo: Lulus

With a halter neckline, a fitted silhouette and beautiful 3D floral embroidery, this green dress was practically made for a formal spring wedding. All you'll need is some neutral accessories and a pretty updo to top off your look.

Get 25% off first-time purchases in selected categories with The Knot's exclusive code, THEKNOT25.

Size range: XXS - XXL
Price at time of publication: $138

8. Mac Duggal Gold Strapless Brocade Midi Dress with Pockets

Photo: Mac Duggal

With its luxe gold brocade fabric, this stunning midi is just perfect for a formal wedding. And best of all—it has pockets! Pair it with dainty gold heels for a look to remember.

Size range: 2 - 16
Price at time of publication: $498

View on Nordstrom

9. Reformation Pernille Silk Dress in Navy

Photo: Reformation

With its floor-sweeping silhouette, shoulder bow details and elegant navy hue, this Reformation gown certainly fits the bill for a formal wedding. It also comes in a range of color options, so there's something to suit every season.

Size range: XS - XL
Price at time of publication: $398

10. Sachin & Babi Kayla Gown in Campo Di Fiore

Photo: Sachin & Babi

If the couple's wedding is taking place in a garden setting, this dress is certain to show you understood the assignment. Its vibrant floral print and breathable A-line silhouette make it an ideal option for spring (although we're certain you'll be reaching for it year round).

Size range: 0 - 22W
Price at time of publication: $325

11. BHLDN Sienna Off-The-Shoulder High-Shine Satin Maxi Dress in Blush Pink

Photo: Anthropologie

From the asymmetric neckline and smooth satin finish to the pretty pink shade, this elegant maxi is guaranteed to earn you compliments. It also comes in a range of colors, so there's something to suit every wedding venue, vibe and season.

Size range: XXS - XL
Price at time of publication: From $248

12. Petal + Pup Naira Pleated Maxi Dress in Black

With a classic A-line silhoette, a flattering ruched bodice and adjustable straps, this affordable wedding guest dress is sure to become your new go-to when it comes to formal events. After all, you can never go wrong with a little black dress.

Size range: 0 - 16
Price at time of publication: $129 (Take 15% off with code 'PETALXKNOT')

13. ELOQUII Off The Shoulder Maxi Dress in Equestrian Red

Choosing this classic plus-size gown gown for your next formal wedding is a total no-brainer. Deciding between the variety of vibrant color options it comes in, on the other hand, is where things get tough.

Size range: 14 - 32
Price at time of publication: $120

14. Lulus Romance That Wows Green Floral Print Organza Maxi Dress

Photo: Lulus

This gorgeous floral maxi works for a variety of seasons and venues, from a spring garden wedding to a summer wedding on the beach. Its rich green hue makes it appropriate for fall and winter, too, so you can wear it again and again.

Get 25% off first-time purchases in selected categories with The Knot's exclusive code, THEKNOT25.

Size range: XXS - XXL
Price at time of publication: $99

15. BHLDN Nesta Strapless Scarf Slip High-Shine Satin Maxi Dress

Photo: Anthropologie

Heading somewhere tropical to celebrate the couple? With its strapless neckline and vibrant lilac and pink colorway, this gown is perfect for the party. It also comes in light pink, green, and dark blue, so there's an option for every venue and season.

Size range: XXS - XL
Price at time of publication: $268

16. Hutch Cobalt Pleated Gown

Photo: Rent the Runway

Maybe you don't want to splurge on a dressy gown if you're only planning to wear it once. Trust us, we get it. Thankfully, there are plenty of options available to rent, like this cobalt blue stunner. The striking blue color and all-over pleats make it a real standout.

Size range: XS - XXL
Price at time of publication: Rent from $70

17. Mac Duggal Brocade Puff Sleeve High Low Gown

Photo: Mac Duggal

You'll feel like royalty in this regal ball gown. With a high-low hem and short puff sleeves, it's as fun as it is chic. Plus, take a look at that stunning floral pattern!

Size range: 2 - 18
Price at time of publication: $598

18. Lulus Good Times Only Black One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Photo: Lulus

Real talk: We've never met a simple black dress we didn't love, and this sexy one-shoulder number is certainly no exception. If you need a foolproof dress for an evening wedding, this is it.

Get 25% off first-time purchases in selected categories with The Knot's exclusive code, THEKNOT25.

Size range: XXS - 1X
Price at time of publication: $79

19. Mac Duggal Red One Shoulder Draped Trumpet Gown

Photo: Mac Duggal

High heels, red dress. There's a reason the Jonas Brothers love this iconic combo, and we think you will too once you get your hands on this gorgeous evening gown with a trumpet silhouette and asymmetrical sweetheart neckline.

Size range: 0 - 20
Price at time of publication: $398

20. SAU LEE x REVOLVE Heidi Gown

Photo: Revolve

Sometimes less is more, and this strapless gown is proof. The A-line silhouette and black shade make it an instant classic, but the thigh-high slit, boned bodice and side pockets (Yes, pockets!) make it such a showstopper.

Size range: 00 - 12
Price at time of publication: $695

21. Kiyonna Verona Velvet Evening Gown in Pinot Noir

Photo: Kiyonna

For a gown that combines style with comfort, we love this elegant velvet number. Made from soft velvet fabric and featuring a breathable A-line silhoette, it ensures comfortable dancing all night long. It comes in four jewel-toned color options you're sure to love.

Size range: 10 - 32
Price at time of publication: $198

22. Dress The Population Ava Gown

Photo: Rent the Runway

In our books, a floral dress is always a good idea. This all-over embroidered look in particular is sure to turn heads at your next special occasion—especially if that happens to be a garden wedding.

Size range: XS - XL
Price at time of publication: Rent from $71

23. V. Chapman June Corset Front-Slit Gown

Photo: Anthropologie

Between its corset bodice and elegantly draped skirt, this strapless gown is giving major it-girl vibes. It's also available in five different color options.

Size range: 0 - 20
Price at time of publication: $415

24. ELOQUII Satin Puff Sleeve Pleated Dress in Estate Blue

Photo: ELOQUII

We love this dress for mothers of the bride and guests alike. With a ruched wasitline and long puff sleeves, it's an elegant pick for any formal affair. Choose from this navy blue hue or a versitile light beige option.

Size range: 14 - 32
Price at time of publication: $190

25. TOJHÀ Coburn Strapless Column Dress

Photo: Rent the Runway

This navy column gown is both elegant and fashion-forward. Its one-shoulder neckline and sculptural folded bust detail give it an air of stylish sophistication, perfect for a formal wedding. Better yet, it's available to rent in petite, regular and long sizes.

Size range: 2P - 10
Price at time of publication: Rent from $55

What Is a Formal Wedding Guest Dress?

A formal wedding guest dress is a long gown that you would wear to a formal or black-tie dress code event. They differ from cocktail dresses in that they're slightly more elevated in design. A formal dress for a wedding guest is typically made from high-quality materials such as crepe, silk or velvet. It may also feature eye-catching embellishments.

Midi and mini dresses are not considered to be formal. Only dresses that fall to the ankle or floor are considered to be a part of the dress code. Because of this, long dresses for weddings often require tailoring to be hemmed to your exact measurements.

When Should I Wear a Formal Dress to a Wedding?

Simply put, if the wedding's dress code is either black-tie or formal, you should consider wearing a full-length formal gown. However, there are a few distinctions to consider. All black-tie wedding guest dresses are considered formal, but not all formal dresses are considered to be black tie. (Confusing, right?) That's because black-tie dress codes are synonymous with black or dark-colored attire. Formal dress codes, on the other hand, are less strict when it comes to colors and patterns. No matter what, you should consider dressing up your look with accessories. And of course, steer clear of overly casual footwear, and instead opt for heels, wedges or dressy flats.

How to Find Formal Wedding Dresses for Guests

Whether you're shopping online or in-store, be sure to keep an eye out for these key features when choosing a formal dress to wear to a wedding:

• Silhouette: A formal dress code is your sign to keep things classy (but hey, we know you always do). If possible, try to avoid bodycon dresses, as well as dresses that reveal too much skin. Insead, opt for classic silhouettes that provide adequate coverage. You can never go wrong with A-line or sheath dresses.

• Length: As mentioned above, formal dresses for weddings should be floor-length. Save your mini and midi dresses for the pre-wedding events (they're perfect for the rehearsal dinner) and choose a long dress for a formal event.

• Color: If the wedding you're attending has a black-tie dress code, choose a dress in a darker hue, such as emerald, sapphire or burgundy. You can never go wrong with black, either. If the invite just says "formal," choose the color or pattern that you feel most confident in. Of course, you should always avoid wearing white, or colors that could be mistaken for white in photos, unless otherwise instructed by the couple.

Where to Buy Formal Dresses for Wedding Guests

Haven't found what you're looking for yet? Not to worry. When it comes to fancy dresses for weddings, there are plenty of options for every style and budget. Here are five of our favorite places to shop for wedding guest dresses:

Mac Duggal

You can't go wrong with the classics, and Mac Duggal proves that. Their wide selection of elegant wedding guest dresses for formal weddings offers a little something for everyone to love. Oh, and if you're looking to shine bright, they've got plenty of options with sparkles.

Size range: 0 - 26W | Prices from: $298

Rent the Runway

Maybe you don't anticipate attending too many formal weddings in the future (after all, semi-formal is the most common dress code for nuptials). In that case, you might not want to splurge on an expensive gown that you'll never wear again. Instead, consider renting from Rent the Runway. With one of their convenient packages, you can rent all the looks you'll need for the event, then send them back when you're done.

Size range: 0 - 22 | Rentals from: $30

Reformation

When it comes to special occasion dresses for wedding guests, Reformation never misses. The retailer has a range of long dresses sure to make a statement, from of-the-moment styles to classic gowns you'll turn to again and again.

Size range: XSP - 3X | Prices from: $148

Anthropologie

Anthropologie is our go-to shop for all things wedding guest attire. Not only do they carry a wide variety of outfit options for every dress code, but they also have shoes, jewelry and other accessories, so you can seamlessly complete your look.

Size range: 00P - 26W | Prices from: $138

Lulus

You don't have to break the bank to attend a formal wedding. Lulus has plenty of gorgeous evening wedding guest dresses that are under $100. With the money you'll be saving, you can even throw in a pair of shoes and some accessories as well—score!

Get 25% off first-time purchases in selected categories with The Knot's exclusive code, THEKNOT25.

Size range: XXS - 3XL | Prices from: $69

Kate Ferris contributed to the reporting of this article.

Additional market work by Doireann Mangan.