Spring Wedding Guest Dresses | Wedding | Laura Lily (2024)

With spring upon us, that means that wedding season is about to kick into full swing. In my last post, I shared the best photoshoot locations in the Southbay. It seemed natural to stick with the theme and share a complete guide to spring wedding guest dresses. There are a few things to note when selecting a dress to wear to another person’s wedding. The first is the dress code. This is usually stated on the invitation and is as follows…

White Tie

A White tie dress code is the most formal of all occasions. ( Think of the Oscars and State Dinners.) Therefore, the dress code for a white-tie wedding calls for a formal, full-length ball gown, glamorous makeup, dramatic jewelry, and hair are appropriate. Here’s an example of a white tie gown.

Black Tie

The next most formal wedding dress code is a black tie. Now usually this means the wedding is an evening affair. A chic co*cktail dress or a long evening gown. I wore this red dress to a black-tie wedding last summer. If the weather will be slightly cooler consider bringing a shawl or faux fur caplet.

Formal Attire or Black Tie Optional

Wear somethingslightly less formal than a black tie dress. A long evening dress, a dressy pant suit or a formal co*cktail-length dress. This high-low dress is a perfect option and comes in a variety of colors.

Semi-Formal

Semi-formal is slightly less formal than black-tie and black tie optional. A floor-length gown would be overkill. A spring maxi dress like this one would be perfect. A co*cktail dress or jumpsuit are perfectly appropriate.

Semi-formal or Dressy Casual

Depending on the time of the event, you’ll want to dress somewhere semi-formal and casual. Wear darker, more formal hues for an evening fete. Opt for light colors and fabrics for a daytime wedding. You can wear a co*cktail dress or a dressy skirt and top. One of my absolute favorite options is this blush pink midi dress.

Beach Formal

For a beach wedding dress, the most important thing is to dress for the elements. You’ll be dealing with sun, wind, sand, and maybe water. Think nice restaurant on a summer night outfit. A summer dress like this one with flat sandals. Definitely bring sunglasses and pretty straw hatif the ceremony is going to take place during the day. An embroidered fan like this one can be both a fashion accessory and a lifesaver if you’ll be sitting in the sun.

Wedding Shoes

Pay attention to the weather and what type of venue the event will be held at. If there is a portion of the ceremony on grass you may want to consider wedges to avoid sinking into the grass. Pick something you’ll be comfortable in and just in case, bring a pair of flats if you can. Tieks makes roll-up flats or you can get roll-up flats by Dr. Scholls at your local drugstore.

Bags

Items like shoes, bags, and jewelry are much easier to pick out once you’ve selected your dress. So make that your priority. Small handbags and clutches are the best. A wedding is no place for a gigantic carry-all bag.

Jewelry

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If you have any questions about the dress code, ask the couple, the wedding party, or close friends. I personally feel it is always better to be a bit overdressed rather than underdressed. Just make sure not to wear white. That color is reserved for the bride. And it’s also helpful to know what color the bridesmaids are wearing so you can select a different color.

Trains: As pretty as they are, they can be a nuisance. People step on them and they make it difficult to dance in.

While it’s not customary for guests in the US to wear a headpiece to weddings, I do like the style and wouldn’t mind wearing one to a wedding I attend.

Here are a few more spring wedding guest dresseshere, here, and here. I’ve also shared all my favorite spring style favorites on this page ready for you to shop!

Shop My Spring Wedding Guest Outfit:

Asos dress // Asos Veil // shoes: Charles by Charles David // The Edit personalized handbag // J.Crew earrings

Photo byTaylor Lynn Photo