If you have a spring wedding on the calendar this year, it’s time to find the right dress to suit the occasion. When shopping for a spring wedding guest dress, you’ll want to consider the dress code, the venue’s climate, and the overall vibe of the event. Try to avoid heavy fabrics or dark colors in warm destinations, and instead opt for lighter materials, like linen, silk, or chiffon. And if you’re looking for something as vibrant and lively as the season itself, pastel colorways, floral prints, and airy fabrics all lend themselves perfectly to outdoor garden parties and sunset cocktail hours.
To help you celebrate the happy couple in style, we’ve gathered dozens of elegant wedding guest dresses to wear this season, with options for every type of affair. Whether you’re headed to a lavish black-tie wedding in Newport, Rhode Island, or an intimate beachside ceremony in Riviera Maya, we’ve got you covered with plenty of dresses to choose from (nothing white, of course). We found ritzy gowns, flirty cocktail dresses, and laid-back maxis from Lulus, Nordstrom, Reformation, and more of our favorite retailers. (Pro tip: Some of these brands even have sections on their websites dedicated to wedding guest dresses, making it even easier to narrow down your search for the big day.)
Keep scrolling for our edit of the best spring wedding guest dresses, or jump right to the dress code you’re shopping for.
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Black-tie weddings
If you’ve been invited to a black-tie wedding, get ready to dress to impress. You can expect a formal wedding ceremony and reception with this type of invitation—guests should be dressed accordingly, with men wearing a tuxedo or dark suit and women in elegant, floor-length gowns. Dark colors are more in line with the dress code, but given the time of year, lighter hues work too—as long as the dress is tasteful and sophisticated. While long dresses can be tricky to pack and aren’t always the most comfortable to walk around in all night, the lightweight styles below fit nicely in a garment bag and won’t feel too bulky if the wedding falls on a warmer day. Pair any of these timeless looks with comfortable heels, statement earrings, and a matching clutch.
