Best-Dressed Guest: What to Wear to a Spring Wedding
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With spring wedding season approaching, many of us are in the midst of arranging travel, selecting gifts for the newlyweds, and planning our attire for the upcoming celebrations. If you're not sure about what to wear to a spring wedding, don't worry—I've got you covered. In this article, I'll be sharing stylish suggestions for spring wedding attire from floral dresses to colorful accessories. Whether you're attending an outdoor ceremony, a black-tie affair, or a destination wedding this spring, I'll guide you on what to wear to ensure you look your best.
Most of the wedding guest dresses in this edit are around $300, but there are also some more budget-friendly pieces in the mix. Along with my wedding guest dress picks, I’ve put together some outfit ideas complete with shoes and accessories to perfect your spring wedding ensemble.
Even if a wedding isn’t on your calendar this season, I hope you find some style inspiration for other spring events, whether it's a gala, garden party, or Easter celebration. Many of these wedding guest finds are versatile enough to be dressed down for everyday wear as well.
In this Article
What to Wear to a Spring Wedding
Spring Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas
Wedding Dress Code Tips
What to Wear to a Spring Wedding
Floral Dresses
Spring and florals go hand in hand. For your next spring wedding, consider wearing the print of the season by choosing a floral dress. Make it the ultimate romantic wedding guest ensemble by opting for a floral dress in pastel hues and soft, flowing fabrics.
Perfect for a garden wedding, midi floral dresses are an effortlessly elegant option. Pair them with classic heels and minimal accessories for a polished spring look. For a more formal affair, consider a flowing maxi floral gown. The length adds a touch of sophistication, making it ideal for black-tie or evening weddings.
Casual Dresses
Not all spring weddings call for formal attire. If you’re looking for a spring wedding guest dress that is more on the casual side, I’ve found several effortlessly chic options for you.
While a casual dress code might suggest a more laid-back approach to dressing, it's essential to maintain a certain level of formality when selecting your outfit as a wedding guest.
Look for breezy fabrics like cotton or linen and choose simple yet flattering silhouettes such as A-line, shift, or wrap dresses. Accessorize with delicate jewelry and comfortable footwear like sandals, espadrilles, or flats to achieve a relaxed yet chic ensemble. Complete your spring wedding look with a statement accessory like a colorful clutch.
Cocktail Dresses
For an upcoming spring wedding with a cocktail attire dress code, I’ve found some dress options that strike the perfect balance between casual and formal wear.
Pastel tones and vibrant shades are my go-to for springtime cocktail dressing. They’ll easily brighten up your wedding guest outfit (and ensure that your ensemble doesn’t take away from the bride). Floor-length gowns are not required, so you might experiment with a short formal dress or a sophisticated jumpsuit.
Embellishment is key for a cocktail dress code. You can instantly elevate your cocktail dress with a playful pair of shoes or bold jewelry.
Formal Dresses
One of the most popular wedding dress codes is formal attire. When the invitation calls for formal dressing, a floor-length gown is a failsafe choice. Keep it spring-appropriate by opting for a delicate pastel hue or a romantic floral pattern.
To elevate your formal ensemble even more, pay attention to the details. Incorporate subtle elements like ruffles, modest cutouts, or lace detailing to infuse a sense of romance into your overall look.
As you decide on what to wear to a formal wedding, keep in mind that going for a more formal look is always a safe choice. In the words of Oscar Wilde, "You can never be overdressed or overeducated."
Cold-Weather Dresses
We've all experienced the unpredictable nature of spring weather, often cooler than we expect. Whether you're preparing for variable temperatures or just unsure about what to wear to a cold spring wedding, don’t worry. I've curated a selection of dresses perfectly suited for the cooler spring days and evening celebrations.
When in doubt, long sleeves and maxi styles are ideal for such occasions. Try materials like velvet or thicker fabrics to ensure you stay warm.
Layering will also ensure that your springtime look is cold-proof. A suit jacket, shawl or faux fur stole can easily be added to adapt your outfit for the colder weather.
Shoes
The right pair of shoes can instantly elevate your wedding guest ensemble. If you're in search of shoes that you can dance the night away in, I’ve got you covered.
Timeless and versatile, classic heels in neutral tones are a safe bet for most springtime weddings. The best part is that you can wear them for several occasions beyond the wedding celebration. For a playful pop of color, go for a more vibrant heel. I particularly love so many of the options from Sam Edelman that are colorful, but still feel quite elegant.
Not a fan of heels? I’d recommend a slingback flat. They’re still dressed-up while being much more comfortable. Plus they’re perfect for outdoor settings, be it a garden celebration or a countryside affair, ensuring you won't have to worry about getting your heels stuck in the dirt.
Bags
A reliable occasion bag is a wardrobe essential, and these versatile ones are sure to complement your spring wedding outfit. For formal affairs and evening ceremonies, a sleek clutch in a matching or contrasting color can be the epitome of sophistication.
Play with textures like wicker or rattan for a more casual occasion, or try embellished bags for some added glam. Top-handle bags are another chic choice that are perfect for spring ceremonies. Look for one in a soft pastel hue or floral print to embrace the spirit of season.
Jewelry
The right jewelry can transform your spring wedding guest ensemble. Statement earrings are my favorite way to elevate formal looks. Whether it's bold hoops, colorful drop earrings, or floral studs, these accessories can be the focal point of your ensemble.
Add a touch of elegance to your wrist with stacked bracelets or a statement cuff. Choose metallic tones or pieces with floral designs that radiant spring. Depending on the neckline of your dress, a dainty pendant necklace or a statement collar necklace can complete your ensemble beautifully.
Spring Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas
Wedding Dress Code Tips
Deciphering the language of dress codes can often feel like a challenge. From black-tie affairs to beachside soirees, each wedding comes with its own level of formality, leaving guests with the perennial question: "What on earth should I wear?" To help you decode the nuances of wedding attire, here are the most common wedding dress codes along with tips to guide you through each one, ensuring you’re impeccably dressed for every spring celebration on your calendar.
Black Tie
A black tie dress code denotes an elegant and formal affair. Black-tie weddings often take place later in the day, and the reception is often held in a ballroom.
The best practice is to wear a floor-length gown. The only rule you need to follow is your dress’ length, which should touch the ground or the top of the shoes.
Keep your dress formal by opting for fabrics like satin, velvet, or chiffon. Go for classic silhouettes and glamorous details, such as beading, sequins, or intricate draping. Complete your look with elegant heels, a sophisticated clutch, and statement accessories.
Formal or Black-Tie Optional
A formal or black-tie optional dress code indicates a more upscale event. It’s one of the most popular wedding dress codes, so it’s essential to know how to nail the perfect ensemble.
Slightly less strict than a black-tie affair, a formal wedding dress code tends to have fewer guidelines. Wear a long gown, a formal cocktail dress, or a chic pantsuit. Accessorize with statement jewelry and a sleek clutch to complete the ensemble.
As you decide what to wear to a formal wedding, remember it's wise to dress more formally than too casual.
Cocktail or Semi-Formal
Cocktail or semi-formal dress codes call for a polished ensemble with more flexibility when it comes to hemlines, colors and patterns.
Floor-length gowns are not required, so try a knee-length or midi dresses in elegant fabrics like silk, chiffon, or lace. Play with bold colors, subtle prints, or embellishments to ensure your outfit is spring-appropriate.
Accessorizing is key to elevating your cocktail dress attire. Pair your dress with a nice pair of heels and accessorize with statement jewelry for a refined touch.
Casual
A casual wedding dress code allows for a relaxed attire while still maintaining a sense of occasion. Whether it’s a garden ceremony or countryside affair, weddings with casual dress codes can sometimes seem more confusing than black-tie events.
When choosing what to wear to a casual wedding as a guest, you can’t go wrong with a chic sundress, flowy maxi dress, or midi skirt paired with a stylish top. For footwear, keep it comfortable with slingback flats or dress up your outfit a bit more with wedges or heeled sandals.
Dressing for spring weddings doesn’t have to be complicated. With these spring wedding guest outfits and wedding dress code tips, I hope you’ll feel ready to curate the perfect ensemble for any celebration this spring.
What are you wearing to your next spring wedding? Let me know in the comments below.
