When you're invited to a wedding, it's almost never a one-and-done type situation: engagement parties, bridal showers, and rehearsal dinner invites will come pouring in, requiring your attendance and a semifancy outfit [1]. But getting dressed for these things can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. What's appropriate? What's not? And for crying out loud, why is every dress you like white (aka the ultimate no-no for everyone but the bride [2])?!
Naturally, we've been stuck in the same predicament, so we've pulled all the pieces that will make any woman a well-dressed guest at all those wedding-related occasions. From tips to tons of shoppable picks, our ultimate wedding guest guide awaits.
Products: Nasty Gal dress, Rue Gembon earrings, Edie Parker bag, Banana Republic heels
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Blake Smith [3]
The Engagement Party
Tip: Typically, an engagement party will be at a restaurant or bar or even hosted in someone's home, so you'll want to rock a somewhat simple cocktail dress. Don't overthink it, though — a lacy shift or even a floral maxi will be fine.
Nanette Lepore Dress — Sultry Sheath [4] ($298)
Aryn K Women's Midi Dress [5] ($114)
Mango Minimal Dress [6] ($50)
Anna Sui Women's Vintage Lace Sleeveless Dress [7] ($286)
Bridal Shower
Tip: You'll be around older family members sometime in the late morning/early afternoon. Keep it conservative but fun with a wrap-front or sundress.
Ann Taylor Printed Tie-Front Dress [11] ($120, originally $139)
Diane von Furstenberg New Jeanne Two Silk Jersey Wrap Dress [12] ($398)
Kate Spade New York "Flamingo Blaire" Dress [14] ($428)
Gabby Skye Belted Flower Print Shantung Midi Dress [15] ($108)
Tracy Reese Mixed Print Stretch Silk T-Back Dress [16] ($348)
Eliza J Print Chiffon Maxi Dress [17] ($158)
Bachelorette Party
Tip: It's possible to look sexy without venturing into risqué territory. Formfitting or cutouts are your best bet if you're heading out on the town, but if you're doing something tame — spa day, paint party — opt for a jumpsuit you can really move in.
Bec & Bridge Printed Cutout Dress — Bloomingdale's Exclusive [18] ($220)
Sam Edelman Cross Back Jumpsuit [19] ($149)
Lovers + Friends Lasting Impressions Dress [20] ($154)
Missguided Stripe Mesh Co-Ord Crop Top [21] ($30) and Midi Skirt [22] ($40)
Cameo Alone Tonight Peplum Dress [23] ($240)
Maje Mesh-Striped Jersey Dress [24] ($415)
Keepsake End of Time Dress [25] ($150)
Bridesmaids Lunch
Tip: If you're part of the wedding party, your bride may take you out to eat prewedding as a thank you. Keep it classic, and just dress for a day out with the girls. Now is the perfect time to break out that feminine fit-and-flare.
Cynthia Rowley Cutout Dress [26] ($398)
Madewell Abroad Dress [27] ($75, originally $98)
Storee Stripe Gaucho Romper [28] ($64)
Forever 21 Crocheted Halter Maxi Dress [29] ($30)
Loft Swallowtail Racerback Maxi Dress [30] ($80)
Rebecca Taylor Print Silk Dress [31] ($375)
Gabby Skye Floral Print Scuba Fit & Flare Dress [32] ($98)
Rehearsal Dinner
Tip: This outfit should be dressy, but not quite wedding status. Cocktail attire will work well, as will structured pieces.
Alfred Sung Woven Fit & Flare Dress [33] ($198)
Love Off Shoulder Wrap Maxi Dress With Thigh Split [34] ($57)
J.Crew Heidi Dress in Silk Chiffon [35] ($250)
Maggy London Tie Dye Print Crepe Midi Sheath Dress [36] ($138)
Alfani Prima Jeweled Cutout-Shoulder Shift Dress [37] ($100)
Loft Strewn Floral Layered Dress [38] ($90)
Tahari Belted Metallic Floral Jacquard Fit & Flare Dress [39] ($138)
The Wedding
Tip: If you're not part of the wedding party, feel free to go big — while keeping in mind that the bride won't be pleased if your outfit upstages her. Party dresses, A-line styles, and one-shoulder options will still look fashion-forward without being over-the-top.
Vilma Dress [40] ($289)
Tibi Satin Poplin One-Shoulder Wrap Dress [41] ($625)
Eliza J Print Chiffon Maxi Dress [42] ($158)
Kate Spade Swift Dress [43] ($223, originally $448)
Rachel Zoe Brunelle Silk Dress [44] ($375)
Shoshanna Midnight Harlow Lace Dress [45] ($485)
Nanette Lepore Printed Fit-&-Flare Dress [46] ($398)
Morning-After Brunch
Tip: You may be a bit hung over or tired, but the food at the brunch is totally worth waking up for. Casual but classy is best — rompers, shirtdresses, and shifts are all acceptable options.
Chelsea28 Scallop Edge Romper [47] ($98)
Club Monaco Claudia Silk Jumper [48] ($279)
DKNY Pure Midi Shirt Dress [49] ($255)
Free People Button Front Shirtdress [50] ($128)
Topshop Broderie Pinafore Sundress [51] ($70)
Forever 21 Love 21 Surrealist A-Line Dress [52] ($25)
Anthropologie Josette Cutwork Shift [53] ($218)
Zara Long Scarf Print Dress [54] ($100)