So, you RSVP’d “yes” to that gorgeous wedding invite—and now comes the real question: what are you going to wear? Finding the perfect elegant dress for a wedding guest doesn’t have to be overwhelming (or boring, we promise).
We’ve pulled together the ultimate guest outfit guide, from how to pick the perfect silhouette to what shoes to wear, when to order (spoiler alert: ASAP), and the style mistakes that are low-key unforgivable.
What Makes a Dress Elegant?
Let’s clear this up right away: “elegant” doesn’t mean stiff or overly formal. It means chic, timeless, and wedding-appropriate—think flattering fabrics, classic silhouettes, and styles that make you feel polished and confident.
- Look for luxe fabrics like satin, chiffon, or crepe
- Avoid overly trendy cuts that might not age well in photos
- Choose rich jewel tones, soft pastels, or classic neutrals – navy is in!
Whether you’re headed to a vineyard wedding in Napa or a black-tie bash downtown, there’s an elegant wedding guest dress out there waiting for you.
What Shoes to Wear With an Elegant Dress
Once you’ve locked in the dress (don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our top Lulus picks below), it’s time to move on to shoes.
Here’s the cheat sheet:
- Heels: A must for floor-length gowns or black-tie weddings. Try strappy metallics or nude pumps.
- Block Heels: Best for outdoor weddings so you don’t sink into the grass.
- Embellished Flats: Totally acceptable for semi-formal weddings if they’re dressy.
EDITOR’S PICK: These are my go-to for guests. Nice block heel, comfortable, available in many colors, and super affordable – $39 here.
Need a lower heel? Opt for these – $35 – from here.
Just make sure your shoes complement—not compete—with your dress. Gold shoes + gold dress = a bit too much sparkle, friend.
Accessories That Elevate the Look
You’ve got the elegant dress. The shoes are set. Now let’s accessorize without going overboard. Here’s how to keep it classy:
- Jewelry: Pick one statement piece—either bold earrings or a standout necklace, but not both.
- Clutch: A small envelope clutch in a neutral or metallic tone ties the whole look together.
- Hair Accessories: A sleek barrette, silk ribbon, or pearl hairpin adds charm without looking bridal.
Avoid anything too loud or costume-y. This is a wedding, not a club or New Year’s Eve.
When Should You Order Your Dress?
ASAP. Seriously. Don’t wait until the week before and expect a miracle (unless you love stress shopping). Most elegant wedding guest dresses from Lulus sell out fast, and you’ll want enough time for try-ons and tailoring.
Our golden rule? Order at least 3–4 weeks before the wedding date, especially if it’s during peak season (spring or fall weddings book up early!) You can shop easily PLUS score FREE shipping (US) on $50+ here.
What to Avoid Wearing to a Wedding
- 🟥 Red or White: White is obvious, red is controversial—save it for date night.
- 👗 Clubwear: If it’s skin-tight and shiny, it’s probably not the vibe.
- 💬 Anything That’ll Upstage the Couple: You’re a guest, not the main character.
- 🤷♀️ Too Casual: A sundress and flip-flops is cute… but save it for brunch.
Pro tip: Always check the invitation for dress code clues. “Formal,” “black-tie optional,” and “garden party chic” all mean different things—and yes, we decode them in another post 😉.
Q&A: Elegant Dresses for Wedding Guests
Q: Can I wear a black dress to a wedding?
A: Absolutely! Black is elegant, timeless, and super flattering. Just dress it up with gold accessories or a colorful clutch so it doesn’t feel too somber.
Q: How long should my dress be?
A: For formal weddings, floor-length is great. For semi-formal or cocktail, midi and knee-length dresses work beautifully. Just make sure it’s not too short—elegant doesn’t mean micro-mini.
Q: What if I’m not sure about the dress code?
A: When in doubt, go slightly overdressed. It’s always better to be the guest who looks amazing than the one who looks under-dressed. A classy midi dress is a safe bet for almost any occasion.
Ready to Shop?
Now that you know what to wear, what to avoid, and how to style your look, it’s time to pick your dress! Scroll below for our hand-picked elegant wedding guest dresses from Lulus that are flattering, photogenic, and yes—budget-friendly.
Dress to impress (without stressing) and have fun celebrating love in style.
9 Elegant Wedding Guest Dresses: Our Hottest Lulus Picks
Looking for elegant dresses for wedding guests that stop the show? We’ve done the heavy lifting—curated the top Lulus viral best‑sellers that are flying off the shelves. From dreamy florals to satin sheen, these styles are your ticket to a flattering, photogenic, and oh‑so‑elegant look.
1. Navy Pleated Strapless Maxi with Scarf, $99
The scarf is the main-character right now- and this dress has it! See more here.
2. Off-The-Shoulder Black Midi Dress, $59
3. Sage Green Cowl Lace-Up Maxi Dress, $99
4. Black Asymmetrical Cutout Halter Maxi Dress, $89
5. Bow-Back Ruffled Maxi in Emerald, $99
Ah, check out the back of this dress! Love the bow and ruffles! See it here.
6. Elegant Square Neck Maxi in Navy with Tie Shoulders, $99
7. Asymmetrical Column Maxi in Golden Yellow, $89
8. High-Neck Long Black Maxi, $99
9. Emerald Strapless Tiered Maxi Dress with Pleats, $89
Elegant Wedding Guest Dresses: Your Questions Answered
What should I wear to an elegant wedding?
For an elegant wedding, go with a formal or semi-formal dress — think satin, chiffon, or lace fabrics, with a longer length or classic midi silhouette. Jewel tones, black, navy, and soft pastels are always safe bets. Choose something that makes you feel confident, polished, and comfortable.
Where can I find classy wedding guest dresses?
Lulus has an incredible selection of classy wedding guest dresses — many under $100! Their best-sellers are perfect for everything from formal evening weddings to dressy cocktail affairs. We’ve rounded up our favorite elegant picks from their current collection in this post.
Can I wear a long dress as a wedding guest?
Absolutely! Long dresses are a great choice for formal weddings, black tie events, or elegant evening ceremonies. A maxi dress in a soft neutral or bold jewel tone can look timeless and stunning — just be sure it doesn’t upstage the bride.
I need a formal dress for a wedding. What’s trending in 2025?
In 2025, formal wedding guest dresses are all about soft draping, rich colors, and elegant necklines. Think cowl neck satins, one-shoulder silhouettes, and minimalist glam. We’ve curated the most popular styles in this post — scroll up for our top picks!
What are the best Lulus dresses for a wedding guest?
The best Lulus wedding guest dresses are their top-rated gowns and midis with thousands of glowing reviews. We’ve spotlighted their best-sellers — from timeless black dresses to romantic florals and rich emeralds — all perfect for elegant events.
Final Thoughts: Dress Like You Mean It
Weddings are your time to shine—tastefully. These elegant picks from Lulus let you show up stylishly without upstaging the couple (because you’re not that guest). Bookmark your favorites, add to cart, and snag your look before it sells out (they always do).
Remember to order early, accessorize smart, and choose a look that feels like *you*. Because when you feel amazing, it shows—and that’s the best accessory of all.
Ready to steal the spotlight (in a classy way)?
👉 Shop all Lulus Elegant Wedding Guest Dresses here »
Ready to find your look? Click here to shop our favorite elegant wedding guest dresses at Lulus before your size is gone!
Happy dress shopping—and don’t forget to tag us in your look! We love seeing what you wear.
xoxo,
Emma
