A Guide on Choosing Spring Wedding Guest Dresses

Spring wedding season is right around the corner, which means it’s about that time to find your perfect wedding guest dress. We’re talking about the one that makes you feel amazing without completely outshining the bride, as tempting as that may be! 

The right wedding dress all comes down to the right color, fit, and, of course, dress code. You might be debating between a romantic midi or a flirty floral — all of which are fair game — but choosing the one wedding guest dress can feel quite overwhelming. Don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know so you can put together the perfect wedding guest dress look and focus on the important details: the open bar and multi-layered wedding cake.

Be the Best Dressed Guest

Decoding the Dress Code

The wedding experts at The Knot share that if you’re attending a spring wedding as a guest, this is your opportunity to break out your florals because, yes, they’re actually pretty groundbreaking. However, a floral dress at your boss’s black tie wedding gala is totally different from a floral skirt at your cousin’s casual backyard wedding. While decoding the wedding dress code may feel tricky, the first step is to take a look at the actual invite you received. Do you see any terms like “black tie” or “casual chic?” Any of those should give you a solid starting point.

Next: Consider the venue. A backyard wedding calls for flowy, romantic looks, while a ballroom gala will likely lean much dressier. Remember that it’s better to err on the side of slightly overdressed than underdressed. No one wants to be the only person wearing a nice dress at a formal affair. Let’s dive into the most popular dress codes you’ll see for weddings.

1. Black Tie

Black tie weddings during the spring are elegant but still seasonally appropriate. As a wedding guest, you’ll want to wear classic silhouettes in luxurious fabrics like satin or silk. On colder spring days, opt for something like velvet. Opt for a floor-length or chic cocktail dress. Don’t wear anything too casual or too heavy for warmish weather. Metallics, deep jewel tones, and soft pastels work wonders. Accessories should be refined, like a sparkling clutch or simple earrings. Layer up with a shawl or wrap if it gets chilly. The goal is to exude formality and grace without being over the top — leave that to the happy couple.

2. Cocktail and Semi-Formal

For a semi-formal wedding or one that calls for “cocktail attire,” put together a look that’s polished but not overdone. Cocktail dresses in midi styles work great because they’re playful but sophisticated. Go for fabrics like satin, lace, or silk in spring-friendly colors or florals. In general, cocktail attire is a bit more glamorous, so you can dress up your look with bold accessories and heels. Semi-formal attire is slightly relaxed, so think of cute dresses paired with flats or low heels. Want a dress that’s perfect for a cocktail attire or semi-formal wedding? Try our Avara exclusive Leslie dress in black — just wear it on its own or layer with a jacket to complete the look.

3. Casual

When we say casual, we don’t mean showing up to your high school friend’s wedding in jeans and a graphic tee. However, it does mean that you can keep your wedding guest style relatively relaxed and comfortable in a flowy midi dress or breezy maxi. Wear lightweight fabrics like linen or chiffon and stick to soft colors and floral or paisley prints for that fresh, seasonal feel. Look pretty in pink when you wear the must-have Mindy dress in an A-line silhouette. Skip the sky-high heels and go for low heels or cute flats instead. Finish off the look with a clutch and delicate jewelry.

Picking the Right Fabric and Colors

Fabric and color can make all the difference at a spring wedding. To stay comfortable while adding an effortlessly chic touch, wear lightweight and breathable materials. Flowy silhouettes move beautifully and can add a dreamy, romantic vibe. If the dress code allows, play with bold colors, or stick to safe options like shades of sage, sky blue, and lavender. The key is to stick to colors and fabrics that look and feel light, airy, and perfect for celebrating that special forever love in the springtime.

1. Best Fabrics for Spring Weddings

Fabric choice is just as important as your overall style for a spring wedding. Get a sophisticated feel by wearing a dress in fabrics like crepe, organza, silk, or chiffon. Lace is another great choice, so you can embrace that romantic touch without getting weighed down. For an outdoor wedding, avoid thick fabrics like velvet, which are better suited for colder weather or indoor black tie weddings only. Opt for airy textures so your look can match the romantic vibe of the season. 

2. How to Choose Colors

Spring weddings are the perfect time to wear beautiful dresses in romantic silhouettes, flowy fabrics, and soft pastels. This is your chance to embrace pieces in baby blue, lavender, and blush as timeless choices that always feel like sunny springtime. Bring in a little personality with floral or watercolor prints while still looking wedding-appropriate. For richer tones, opt for muted colors like sage green or dusty rose. Avoid any color even remotely close to white because that’s bridal territory. The goal is to pick a color that complements both the season and your own unique style so you look and feel amazing. Try plaid perfection this season in our Alexa dress, which comes in an all-over multicolor plaid pastel print.

Finding Dress Styles that Flatter

Whether you’re looking for a breezy maxi or a flirty midi, knowing all the different types of dresses that work best for spring weddings can help you find the perfect one for the occasion. You’ll also want to know which dresses best suit your body type. Wrap dresses are a great way to define your waist, while A-line styles are effortlessly flattering. If you’re looking for dress styles that are trending this season, we recommend romantic puff sleeves, chic one-shoulder details, and playful tiers. Spring weddings let you have fun with color and movement, so be sure to pick a dress that makes you feel your personal best!

1. Best Dress for Your Body Type

Ultimately, the best wedding guest dress is one that makes you feel amazing. In general, that also means finding the right fit for your body. Everybody and every body is different, so if you love a defined waist, go for a fit-and-flare or wrap dress. Apple shapes look fabulous in a flowy A-line that skims the body, while pear shapes pair well with structured bodices and flowy skirts. Calling all petite ladies: Avoid feeling overwhelmed by fabric and rock a midi or mini dress. Dramatic maxis were made for women on the taller side. Those with a straight, athletic, or lean body type look fantastic in shift silhouettes like our Pauline dress in an all-over blue print. No matter your shape or body type, confidence is key to looking your very best.

2. Trending Styles for Spring Weddings

This year, we’re seeing bold florals, soft pastels, and flowy silhouettes everywhere. Chic midi cuts, playful ruffles, and romantic maxi dresses can help you dance the night away. Go bold in bright colors like the trending emerald or fuchsia. Classic colors like sage and blush never go out of style. Stay cool in lightweight fabrics and look for pieces with feminine details like puff sleeves and delicate lace. Whatever your style, spring weddings are the perfect excuse to dress it up.

Shop All Women’s Clothing

How to Accessorize Your Look

Don’t forget about accessories like delicate jewelry or a chic clutch to complete your look. To accessorize your spring wedding guest look, begin with delicate jewelry like a pendant necklace or dainty gold hoops. Add the right amount of sparkle with a shiny clutch to keep your essentials close without overpowering the rest of your outfit. As for shoes, they can make or break your look, so choose your pair wisely. Heels should be stylish yet comfortable, but you could also wear dressier flats to keep you on your feet — and the dance floor! — all night. Accessories should enhance your outfit, not overwhelm it, so choose pieces that feel natural and fun.

1. How to Choose the Right Accessories

Take your wedding guest look to the next level with the right accessories. The thing is that you want to look fabulous without stealing the show away from the special couple, so it’s all about balance. For a bolder dress, keep your jewelry to a minimum. If you’re wearing an understated dress, add a statement earring or a fun clutch to dress it up. A classic pair of stilettos or chic flats can tie the whole look together. Comfort comes first because no one wants to be that wedding guest who kicks their shoes off before cocktail hour. Stick to accessories that you actually want to wear time and time again because the goal is to enhance your outfit, not overpower it.

2. The Power of Accessories

The reality is that shoes can make or break your wedding guest look, so be sure to grab a pair of cute shoes that are stylish yet comfy enough to dance the night away. Accessories are meant to be your secret weapon to elevate your look. Transform a simple dress into something special with our Avara exclusive Robin earrings in pink or our gold Connie necklace. Play with various colors and textures like pastel jewelry to match the season or a pop of metallic to dial up the glam. Add both style and warmth with the eye-catching Lisa scarf in coral. These little details can make a big overall impact.

Choose Your Perfect Shoes for Spring Weddings

When figuring out what shoes you want to wear to the wedding, style and comfort don’t have to be mutually exclusive. As tempting as it can be to grab your six-inch heels, keep in mind how long you have to be on your feet. Opt for practical heels like a block heel or stylish wedge that can offer support while still looking chic. Try our best-selling Cassandra wedges in beige. They’re timeless wedges that will match with just about anything for your spring wedding look. They’ll make you feel confident, comfortable, and most of all, chic, so you can celebrate the happy couple from the ceremony to the last dance of the night.

1. Comfort vs. Style

To balance style and comfort at a spring wedding, you want to find that sweet spot. On the one hand, yes, you want to look fabulous, but you also want to enjoy the day without sore feet. Look for shoes that have just a little bit of heel for sophistication, but aren’t too high so that you’re walking with a struggle. Try the neutral Clara heels or the two-tone Ariel sandals. That way, you’ll get height and stability. A pair of stylish flats is a smart choice for any semi-formal or more casual wedding.

2. Cute Shoe Trends for Spring Weddings

Curious about what’s trending this year for spring weddings? We’re seeing retro sneakers make a stylish comeback, so if you’re going to a casual wedding like a farmhouse ceremony or a beer garden reception, go to that laid-back wedding in any of our cute sneakers that are sure to snag some compliments. For something more refined, woven flats are hot right now, so take a look at what flats we have available and grab them while they’re still around!

The best spring wedding guest dress is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable, so you can be totally wedding-ready. The key is to embrace this season’s fresh and airy vibes. Finish off your wedding guest look with cute shoes and the right accessories, so all you have to do is show up, grab that glass of champagne, and celebrate with the newly married couple. Cheers!

Image Credits

TWINS DESIGN STUDIO/Shutterstock.com

Olga Korneeva/Shutterstock.com

Hanna Olekseichuk/Shutterstock.com