The Best Long Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Dress Code

Looking for maxi dresses to wear to a wedding shouldn't be too tricky of a task. However, since there are so many amazing options of long wedding guest dresses available to shop online that can also fit a number of dress codes, you can easily become overwhelmed with choices. But, looking for wedding guest dresses can also be exciting. Finding a style that fits the formality, venue and season of a wedding is a fun challenge that can help you reflect your signature aesthetic. Ahead, we break down everything to know about maxi dresses for weddings, as well as some great shoppable picks for the next event on your social calendar.

In this article:

• Can You Wear a Maxi Dress to a Wedding?
• 21 Best Maxi Dresses to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest
• How to Style Your Maxi Dress Wedding Guest Outfit

Can You Wear a Maxi Dress to a Wedding?

You might be wondering if a maxi dress is appropriate to wear to a wedding. While a maxi dress is typically viewed as a less formal style, it's actually the proper term to use for any floor-length dress. You can determine whether a maxi dress is appropriate for a wedding dress code based on fabric and cut. Formal maxi dresses for weddings that fit a black-tie, black-tie optional or white-tie dress code are usually made from fabrics like silk, satin or chiffon and have a degree of elegance to the fit. A bodycon maxi dress might not be appropriate black-tie attire, but it could work for black-tie optional.

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If a wedding dress code is cocktail attire, you may not at first think a long dress is appropriate. However, a design that is slightly more casual than what you would wear to a black-tie event is a good choice. A semi-formal maxi dress with a more relaxed fabric, sexy details like cutouts or a body-hugging silhouette would fit the bill for the dress code. For a casual wedding, look for daytime maxi dresses with fun prints in fabrics like cotton.

21 Best Maxi Dresses to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest

There's no need to stress about finding a long wedding guest dress for the next wedding in your future. We rounded up looks that can fit every dress code and price point that you can easily add to your cart. See styles for every price point and dress code from brands like Lulus, Reformation, ASOS and Diane Von Furstenburg.

For Cocktail Attire: Reformation Parma Silk Dress

Photo: Reformation

This fitted dress with a V-neckline is a super chic pick when the dress code dictates cocktail attire. Made of lightweight silk charmeuse, it comes in several prints and is a maxi dress wedding guest outfit you'll wear more than once.

Size Range: XS–XL

For a Garden Wedding: Azazie Atelier Megan Green Floral Maxi Dress

Photo: Azazie

If you need a maxi dress to wear to a wedding, look no further than Azazie's selection. We are fans of this long floral gown in a rich green shade. The print is perfect for a garden wedding, while the sexy side slit brings some fun to your ensemble.

Size Range: 0–30

For Making a Statement: Ronny Kobo Uttara Dress

Photo: Revolve

Want your chic black-tie wedding guest look to turn heads? Check out this stunning strapless dress by Ronny Kobo. With a bodycon fit in black with a contrasting white A-line flare at the bottom, this classic look will get plenty of compliments.

Size Range: S–L

For an Off-the-Shoulder Look: Lulus Always Remarkable Rusty Rose Pleated Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Photo: Lulus

If you want to wear an off-the-shoulder maxi dress for a wedding, consider this flowy design by Lulus. Tiered fabric will lend some swish to the skirt on the dance floor, while the pleating along the fitted bodice adds a stylish dimension to the design.

Size Range: XS–XL

Best Ombré Option: Sau Lee Nova Gown

Photo: Revolve

If you want to add an extra pop of intrigue to your long wedding guest dress, don't be afraid to embrace some ombré. This stunning gown by Sau Lee will absolutely be a showstopper thanks to its beautiful hues and cool cut.

Size Range: 00–10

Best One-Shoulder: Show Me Your Mumu Jodie Dress

Photo: Show Me Your Mumu

Give your wedding guest attire some fun visual interest with this one-shoulder gown. With a draped neckline and sultry side slit, the neutral dress exudes elegance as you attend any formal wedding.

Size Range: XXS–XXL

Best Springtime Style: ASOS DESIGN Curve Cowl Neck Chiffon Bias Maxi Dress

Photo: ASOS

A long flowy wedding guest dress in a lovely rose shade and floral detailing is the perfect fit to wear to springtime nuptials. We love this design with a cowl neck, thigh-high slit and tie details that's available in an extended size range.

Size Range: 14–26

Best Floral Cocktail Dress: Alice and Olivia Fifi Maxi Dress

Photo: Bloomingdales

If you have an invite to an evening cocktail wedding reception and still want to wear some flowers, you can make the look appropriate with this style by Alice and Olivia. We love how the sexy silhouette of this body-hugging slip dress is perfect for nighttime and still pops thanks to bold, colorful floral detailing.

Size Range: 0–14

Best Festive Feathers: Tuckernuck Black Feather Jamie Dress

Photo: Tuckernuck

People will know you're the life of the party if you walk in wearing this feathered maxi wedding guest dress. Accessorized with heels and fun jewelry, we can see this black dress stunning at festive celebrations. For a daytime or summer affair, the design is available in hot pink, too.

Size Range: XXS–XXXL

Most Romantic: V. Chapman Carmen Corset Front-Slit Ruffled Gown

Photo: Anthropologie

If you're looking for a romantic, whimsical style to wear to your next wedding, definitely be sure to check out the designs by V. Chapman. The brand offers a number of beautiful styles in pastels with pretty corsets, flowing skirts and sexy details.

Size Range: 0–20

Best for Petites: Reformation Petites Casette Silk Dress

Photo: Reformation

If you're on the shorter side, finding a maxi dress that you don't have to take to the tailor can be tricky. Luckily, Reformation has some amazing options in petite sizing like this stunning cowl-neck strapless number with a crisscross back.

Size Range: 0–12 petite

Best Bold Color: Sau Lee Penelope Gown

Photo: Revolve

While bright yellow gold might not be the first shade you gravitate towards when looking for a long wedding guest dress, this gorgeous style by Sau Lee could have you thinking differently. The design features a beautiful draped halter neck and a flattering open back that will stand out amongst the crowd.

Size Range: 0–14

For a Casual Wedding: Roaman's Plus-Size Lace-Trim Velour Maxi Dress

Photo: Target

Heading to a more laid-back wedding with a casual dress code this fall? We are fans of this long-sleeve maxi dress for wedding guests who don't need a super formal look to celebrate their friend's major life milestone.

Size Range: 12–42/44

Best Daytime Wedding Dress: Reformation Magnus Dress

Photo: Reformation

When the dress code calls for casual and the ceremony takes place during the daytime, a beautiful lightweight maxi dress is the way to go. This long wedding guest dress comes in a lovely sky blue or sage green shade with floral details. The tiered design adds playfulness to the look.

Size Range: 0–12

Best Glam Gown: Bronx and Banco Florence Strapless Gown

Photo: Revolve

Go for gold in this beautiful strapless gown by Bronx and Banco. Textural details make the dress feel as if it's woven gold and the high leg slit adds a cheeky touch to the ensemble. Pair with gold jewelry to complete the look for a black-tie event.

Size Range: XS–XL

Best Draped Maxi: ASOS Design Curve Drape Bodice Maxi Dress

Photo: ASOS

Add some intrigue to your wedding guest ensemble with tasteful draping throughout the bodice of your maxi dress. This dynamic dress style in a chic dusty blue fits the bill for cocktail and black-tie events and is available in an extended size range.

Size Range: 14–26

Best for a Winter Wedding: Diane Von Furstenberg Hughie Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

Photo: Nordstrom

If you want to stay a bit warmer for a winter wedding, pick out a chic maxi dress with long sleeves. This Diane Von Furstenberg stunner has a gathered waist, puffed shoulders and a sweetheart neckline.

Size Range: XXS–XL

Best Dancing Dress: Free People Timeless Tapestry Maxi Dress

Photo: Free People

Want to make a statement on the dance floor of the reception? Get a long wedding guest dress with billowy fabric, giving you extra room to move and shake. This balloon-sleeve maxi has an antique floral print and embroidered details.

Size Range: XS–XL

For a Summer Celebration: Lilly Pulitzer Kailua Floral Smocked Tie Shoulder Maxi Sundress

Photo: Nordstrom

Tropical hues and easy jersey fabric are the perfect pair for a summer soiree. If you're attending a casual or cocktail celebration on the beach, consider wearing this cheery Lilly Pulitzer maxi dress. The adjustable tie straps and smocked bodice make the design extra special.

Size Range: XS–XL

For a Formal Summer Wedding: Amsale Taffeta Trapeze Gown

Photo: Amsale

Bring the drama with volume in this beautiful taffeta trapeze gown by Amsale. The made-to-order design allows you to choose from nine shades to best fit the aesthetic you want as a wedding guest and has plenty of size options as well.

Size Range: 00–28

Best Long Black Dress: Hutch Bow-Tie Maxi Dress

Photo: Anthropologie

There's a lot to love about this chic black dress for a wedding. Its maxi length and strapless neckline are elegant enough for formal events, while the oversized bow detail adds a playful touch. Best of all, it has pockets!

Size Range: 00P-26W

How to Style Your Maxi Dress Wedding Guest Outfit

Once you choose your long wedding guest dress, you can enter the next exciting step of styling the look. The first accessory to think about is what wedding guest shoes to pair with the ensemble. If you want your dress just to skim the floor, it's important to find a shoe with a heel height that allows this. You also can have the dress tailored to fit your height in a pair of heels of your choice. (Pro tip: Be sure to bring that pair along with you to the tailor.)

While shoes in the exact color as your wedding guest dress can be an excellent choice, you can also wear a neutral shade in black or nude. If your dress is a neutral hue and a slit allows for a peekaboo moment with your shoe, have some fun and wear a bold color or metallic heel. Your purse can match the shade of your dress or shoes as well. For more formal events, a small clutch or shoulder bag is appropriate, while slightly larger bags are allowed for casual affairs.

Finally, finish off your style with your beauty look. If you have a unique neckline of your maxi dress, try choosing a wedding guest hairstyle where your hair will be off your shoulders so you can show off the design. An updo can also look great if you want to show off bold earrings or a necklace. Styling your hair down is also a great option for a strapless dress if you want to cover your shoulders.