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31 Romantic Dresses to Wear to a Wedding

You’ve got options, no matter the dress code.

By

Laura Lajiness Kaupke

Updated on 05/23/22 01:44PM

Fact checked by

Michelle Regalado

Model in green dress — DION LAMAR MILLS FOR BYRDIE

With increased optimism surrounding the wedding season this year, a pretty wedding guest dress is the ticket to feeling your most celebratory and joyful. But the best part, aside from being able to celebrate with family and friends safely? Romanticism is a major trend this season, which perfectly lends itself to dressing for "I do’s." Design elements at the crux of the movement include super pretty prints, sweet silhouettes—like tiered skirts, puffed sleeves, and bustier-style necklines—and feminine flourishes, such as bow straps, flouncy hems, and shirred or smocked shape, often to highlight the waistline. We’re a flutter!

Of course, more streamlined dresses are abundant, too, if your tastes skew more minimal. Think: a shoulder-baring halter neckline á la Megan Markle’s second wedding dress by Stella McCartney, a timeless slip that beautifully skims the body, or a pleated dress with a delightfully slinky feel.

Vibrant prints and colors are other trends that spark so much joy. The season is rife with them, whether here for a fitted, color-blocked column dress, a voluminous silhouette splashed with a bold floral motif, or a pared-back midi in bubble-gum pink. There are so many options from subtly sweet to full-on femme, so you’ve got options no matter the dress code. Ahead, see 31 styles we adore.

01 of 31

Whimsy + Row Ellis Dress

Whimsy + Row Ellis Dress

Whimsy + Row Ellis Dress $238.00

With clean lines and slinky sheen, this halter dress is both feminine and sleek.

02 of 31

Mauby Romantic Poplin Dress

Mauby Romantic Poplin Dress

Mauby Romantic Poplin Dress $99.00

For a laidback dress code, this smocked floral midi is oh-so-sweet, whether you style yours with heels or flats.

03 of 31

Christy Dawn The Basil Dress

Christy Dawn The Basil Dress

Christy Dawn The Basil Dress $298.00

This long floral dress proves dark colors can feel fresh for spring and summer with a swishy skirt and pretty smocking at play.

04 of 31

Lulus Tiered Midi Dress

Lulus Tiered Midi Dress

Lulus Always Beside Me Light Blue Swiss Dot Tiered Midi Dress $78.00

It doesn’t get sweeter than a princess puff sleeve and silk bows when channeling a romantic vibe.

05 of 31

Misa Consuella Dress

Misa Consuella Dress

Misa Consuella Dress $495.00

With a tiered skirt and flouncy neckline, this off-the-shoulder number is made for dancing.

06 of 31

Olette Siempre Verde Dress

Olette Siempre Verde Dress

Olette Siempre Verde Dress $250.00

This dress is perfectly lightweight in a washed cotton-linen blend (without being sheer!) for summer. Even better is the alluring open back with sweet ties.

07 of 31

ASTR The Label Balloon Sleeve Midi Dress

ASTR The Label Balloon Sleeve Midi Dress

ASTR The Label Balloon Sleeve Midi Dress $89.00

This blooming midi radiates cheer thanks to the multicolored motif.

08 of 31

BHLDN Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress

BHLDN Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress

BHLDN Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress $168.00

A sleek slip dress is flawless any time of year, and for spring and summer, this dusty blue is divine.

09 of 31

Fame and Partners The Rowan

Fame and Partners The Rowan

Fame and Partners The Rowan $299.00

We love the dropped waist and ruched bodice on this floral mini for an '80s-throwback feel.

10 of 31

Cult Gaia Anysia Dress

Cult Gaia Anysia Dress

Cult Gaia Anysia Dress $458.00

Found: The dreamiest destination wedding guest dress for tropical, warm-weather locales.

11 of 31

Fanm Mon Finike Dress

Fanm Mon Finike Dress

Fanm Mon Finike Dress $246.00

This bright blue linen number is flouncy and fun, ethically made from 100% linen.

12 of 31

WAYF The Ensley Off the Shoulder Midi Dress

WAYF The Ensley Off the Shoulder Midi Dress

WAYF The Ensley Off the Shoulder Midi Dress $148.00

It doesn’t get more romantic than a pink floral print off-the-shoulder midi for springtime nuptials.

13 of 31

ASOS DESIGN Curve V Neck Midi Plisse Dress

ASOS DESIGN Curve V Neck Midi Plisse Dress

ASOS DESIGN Curve V Neck Midi Plisse Dress $50.00

Frilled details give this all-over floral print an extra kick of femininity—it’s our top pick for early spring “I do’s.”

14 of 31

Mara Hoffman Sloan Dress

Mara Hoffman Sloan Dress

Mara Hoffman Sloan Dress $495.00

For the modern wedding guest unabashed by color.

15 of 31

Dôen Sicilia Dress

Dôen Sicilia Dress

Dôen Sicilia Dress $458.00

Sweet yet simple, we love the beautiful balance of an intricate neckline and minimal skirt.

16 of 31

Coco Shop Slip Dress

Coco Shop Slip Dress

Coco Shop Slip Dress in Navy Checkerboard $480.00

This checkerboard motif is a playful alternative for guests not into standard florals.

17 of 31

Staud Elliot Dress

Staud Elliot Dress

Staud Elliot Dress $295.00

More than darling, this cotton-poplin midi can withstand the heat for a daytime wedding in the thick of summer.

18 of 31

Faithfull The Brand Brida Midi Bette Floral

Faithfull The Brand Brida Midi Bette Floral $199.00

With a high rounded neck and puffed sleeves, this tea-length dress is both whimsical and demure.

19 of 31

Chelsea Mak Victoria Dress

Chelsea Mak Victoria Dress

Chelsea Mak Victoria Dress $490.00

With a loose and drapey shape, this silk tank dress epitomized non-clingy chic.

20 of 31

Autumn Adeigbo Poppy Dress

Autumn Adeigbo Poppy Dress

Autumn Adeigbo Poppy Dress $418.00

With structured puff sleeves and an asymmetric flounce hem, you’ll strike a chord in this vivid maxi.

21 of 31

Eleven Six Simone Dress

Eleven Six Simone Dress

Eleven Six Simone Dress $348.00

If you thought a knit dress couldn’t be wedding guest-appropriate, we give you this pleated hot-pink midi with fluid pleats that sway with every step.

22 of 31

Tanya Taylor Audrey Dress

Tanya Taylor Audrey Dress

Tanya Taylor Audrey Dress $465.00

This frilled mini is spot-on for a daytime wedding in summer. Play up the pops of neon by finishing with a color-coordinated shoe or bag.

23 of 31

Tove Emory Dress

Tove Emory Dress

Tove Emory Dress $601.00

This halter dress is a tangerine dream—the chicest statement for minimal tastes.

24 of 31

Eloquii Satin Wrap Dress

Eloquii Satin Wrap Dress

Eloquii Satin Wrap Dress $130.00

Few silhouettes are as easy-to-wear as a wrap, and this one in a silky floral print delivers on softness and romance.

25 of 31

Reformation Nikita Dress

Reformation Nikita Dress

Reformation Nikita Dress $278.00

In a pale blue-green hue, this midi dress is romantic without teetering into "too frilly" territory.

26 of 31

Allina Liu Celene Dress

Allina Liu Celene Dress

Allina Liu Celene Dress $150.00

If you’re going to wear black to a summer wedding, this puff-sleeve mini is the way to do it.

27 of 31

Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress

Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress

Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress $225.00

It doesn’t get dreamier than this gold jacquard fabric for a fanciful wedding guest vibe.

28 of 31

Jonathan Simkhai Annalise Satin Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

Annalise Satin Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

Jonathan Simkhai Annalise Satin Puff Sleeve Midi Dress $675.00

This lustrous long-sleeve midi defines elegance in a sublime apricot shade.

29 of 31

Rebecca Taylor Sleeveless Toile Slip Dress

Rebecca Taylor Sleeveless Toile Slip Dress

Rebecca Taylor Sleeveless Toile Slip Dress $365.00

This icy blue silk slip is utterly sleek for an outdoor wedding in spring or summer.

30 of 31

Amur Amelia Dress

Amur Amelia Dress

Amur Amelia Dress $598.00

More than striking, this vibrant two-tone green is ethically made from 100% organic cotton.

31 of 31

Mastani Ibadat Dress

Mastani Ibadat Dress

Mastani Ibadat Dress $585.00

Floral haters, feast your eyes on this Artisan hand-marbled print for a wedding guest look that’s nothing but elegance.

Lead image wardrobe provided by Olette.

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