
Let’s be honest: shopping for a wedding guest dress online can feel overwhelming. You want stylish, flattering, and affordable, but also something that fits the vibe of the wedding and makes you feel amazing. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know to find the perfect dress online.
Before You Start Shopping
There are a few things to decide before you click “Add to Cart”: dress code, location and season, budget, and how comfortable you are with returns. Having these in mind will save time and stress.
- Dress code (formal, semi‑formal, casual, destination beach, etc.)
- Weather & location (outdoor summer vs winter ballroom)
- Your budget (under $100? $200? splurge?)
- Return policy comfort (important for online shopping!)
Keep these in mind as you browse — they’ll save you from a lot of disappointment later.
Top Online Stores for Wedding Guest Dresses
Not all online stores are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the best spots to shop, plus tips for each.
Lulus
Why you’ll love it: Trend-forward, budget-friendly, and great size ranges. Perfect for semi-formal and formal weddings.
PRO TIP: Lulus is perfect for summer garden weddings: look to floral midi dresses in breathable chiffon.
What to look for:
- Chiffon and satin midi dresses: universally flattering
- Budget friendly under $150 options
- Customer photos are extremely helpful for real‑world fit visuals
Tips: If you’re tall or curvy, check for “tall” or “plus” options. Lulus often includes them and they make a difference.
► Shop Lulus here for semi-formal to formal options.
Anthropologie
Why you’ll love it: Unique prints, elevated fabrics, and styles that feel special but not bridal.
What to look for:
- BHLDN pieces (Anthropologie’s wedding‑adjacent brand)
- Maxi dresses that feel effortless but elevated
- Neutral tones for fall/winter weddings
► Browse Anthropologie’s wedding guest dresses here.
Tips: Anthropologie pricing skews slightly higher, but the quality often justifies it and pieces work again for date nights or showers.
Birdy Grey
Why you’ll love it: Bridesmaid brand with versatile, mix-and-match styles that are perfect for guests too.
What to look for:
- Mix‑and‑match pieces that don’t scream “wedding party”
- Soft knits that are comfortable *and* polished
- Great size range with many inclusive options
Tips: If you’re mixing colors or want something that flatters every angle, Birdy Grey is a secret guest‑dress powerhouse.
Petal & Pup
Why you’ll love it: Feminine, flirty dresses that work beautifully for spring and summer weddings.
What to look for:
- Mini and midi silhouettes that photograph beautifully
- Pastels and prints perfect for daytime weddings
- Lightweight fabrics for destination or warm weather events
Tips: Petal & Pup is great if you hate the “cookie cutter” dress and want something that feels you but elevated.
► Browse Petal & Pup for their spring wedding guest dresses collection, new for 2026.
Amazon
Why you’ll love it: Budget-friendly, fast shipping, and a surprisingly wide range of styles. Just be sure to check reviews and return policies carefully.
What to look for:
- Sort by best reviews above 4.3 stars
- Check photos in the review section: these are gold
- Filter for “returnable” items to avoid risk
Tips: Amazon is perfect if you need something last minute or under $75. Just be sure you’re okay returning it if the fit isn’t right.
How to Shop Smart Online
Know the Top Brands
Some popular brands of wedding guest dresses on Amazon include PrettyGarden, BTFBM, and REORIA.
Fit & Size Tips
Measure yourself, compare to size charts, read customer reviews, and size up if in doubt.
- Measure yourself (bust, waist, hips) before you shop — and compare to the store’s size chart
- Read reviews mentioning fit (“runs small”, “perfect for curvy hips”, “size down”, etc.)
- If you’re between sizes, size up and plan for tailoring
Tip: For midi lengths, measure from shoulder to mid-calf. For empire waist styles, bust + waist measurements are most important. Check customer photos for real-life fit.
► Browse Amazon’s best-selling wedding guest dresses online.
Trending Picks & Customer Favorites
Lulus
Anthropologie
Birdy Grey
Petal & Pup
Amazon
Fabric Considerations
Choose breathable fabrics for hot weather, heavier fabrics for cooler seasons, and avoid delicate materials outdoors.
- Hot weather: breathable fabrics like chiffon, cotton blends, lightweight satin
- Cool weather: heavier satins, crepe, and even velvet in deeper tones
- Outdoor weddings: avoid long trains and delicate beading that might catch
| Wedding Type | Recommended Dress | Colors & Fabrics |
|---|---|---|
| Summer garden | Floral midi, lightweight | Pastels, chiffon |
| Formal evening | Satin or crepe maxi | Jewel tones, heavier fabrics |
| Beach | Short, breathable | Bright colors, cotton blends |
| Winter ballroom | Velvet or long-sleeve midi | Deep tones like navy, burgundy |
Make Your Dress Work Harder
Choose dresses that are versatile enough for date nights, parties, or other weddings. Pair with different shoes or accessories to make it feel fresh every time.
Color & Pattern Choices
Floral for daytime, solids for evening/formal, avoid white unless the bride approves.
- Florals: great for daytime weddings
- Solids (navy, emerald, burgundy): safe for evening/formal weddings
- Steer clear of white or ivory unless the bride explicitly says it’s okay
Example Picks by Wedding Type
- Summer garden wedding: Flowy floral midi, pastel shades, lightweight fabrics
- Formal evening wedding: Satin or crepe maxi in jewel tones
- Beach wedding: Short, breathable dresses; wedges or flat sandals
- Winter ballroom wedding: Velvet or long-sleeve midi, deeper colors like navy or burgundy
Return Policies to Know
Check each store’s return window and conditions. Screenshot policies at checkout for peace of mind.
- Lulus: Free returns within a set window
- Anthropologie: Free return shipping (often) with store credit
- Birdy Grey: Easy returns/exchanges (check time limits)
- Petal & Pup: Returnable if tags remain (timelines vary)
- Amazon: Many items returnable but watch the fine print
Pro tip: Always take a screenshot of the return policy at checkout — you’ll thank yourself later.
Complete Your Wedding Guest Look
Neutral heels, statement earrings, and a wrap or shawl can elevate any dress. Pack tape and safety pins… wedding emergencies happen!
- Neutral heels elongate your legs without competing
- Statement earrings are an easy way to elevate simple dresses
- Wrap or shawl if the ceremony is outdoors or in a chilly venue
Also: pack fashion tape and a mini sewing kit in your bag. Better safe than ruined by a run in your dress.
► Need it right away? Browse our top picks for fast shipping wedding guest dresses.
Quick Tips
- Always double-check your measurements
- Pick shoes before finalizing dress length
- Accessorize thoughtfully: a statement necklace can transform a simple dress
- Keep an emergency kit: safety pins, tape, stain remover wipes
Before You Go
Shopping for stylish wedding guest dresses online doesn’t have to be stressful. Start with trusted stores like Lulus, Anthropologie, Birdy Grey, Petal & Pup, and Amazon… they’re my go-to’s and have been so helpful in my own personal experience. Know your dress code, measure carefully, and choose styles that make you feel confident and joyful.
If you want outfit inspo based on the season or specific dress codes, just ask: I’ve got ideas for every kind of wedding you’ll ever attend. I kind of live for this stuff! 😜
PIN IT: Pin your favorite wedding guest dresses to save for later… you’ll thank yourself on busy wedding weekends!
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma


















