Weddings are joyous occasions, and being invited as a guest is both an honor and an opportunity to dress up and celebrate with the couple. One of the key aspects of attending a wedding is choosing the perfect dress. Wedding guest dresses come in all shapes, colors, and styles, but finding the right one for the occasion can sometimes feel like a daunting task. The right dress needs to complement your personal style, fit the wedding theme, and adhere to any dress code requirements, all while making you feel confident and comfortable.
In this article, we will explore the best places to look for wedding guest dresses, offering you a variety of options that cater to different preferences, budgets, and styles. Whether you’re looking for a formal gown or a chic cocktail dress, these suggestions will help you find the perfect dress for the special day.
1. High-End Department Stores
When it comes to wedding guest dresses, high-end department stores are a reliable choice for finding elegant, stylish options. These stores often carry a range of brands and styles that cater to all tastes and preferences. You can browse through collections featuring dresses suitable for weddings of different types, from formal affairs to more casual, relaxed celebrations.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom is one of the top destinations for wedding guest attire, offering an extensive selection of dresses for various types of weddings. The store features both designer and more affordable options, ensuring there is something for everyone. Nordstrom is known for its wide range of sizes, including petite and plus-size dresses. They also offer excellent customer service, including personal stylists who can assist you in selecting the perfect dress for a wedding.
Macy’s
Macy’s is another go-to department store for wedding guest dresses. The store offers a diverse range of styles, from floor-length gowns to chic cocktail dresses, catering to different tastes and budgets. Macy’s carries brands such as Calvin Klein, Adrianna Papell, and Ralph Lauren, all known for their timeless and elegant designs. With various sales and promotions throughout the year, Macy’s is a great option if you’re looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s is another high-end department store that features an excellent selection of dresses for wedding guests. Known for its stylish, fashionable choices, Bloomingdale’s offers a mix of luxury and mid-range brands. From satin slip dresses to intricate lace designs, you’re sure to find something that fits the wedding’s tone, whether it’s a black-tie event or a more casual gathering.
2. Online Retailers
Shopping for a wedding guest dress online offers the convenience of browsing hundreds of styles without leaving your home. Many online retailers specialize in wedding guest attire and offer the added benefit of customer reviews and photos, making it easier to gauge how the dress fits and looks in real life. Below are some online options to consider.
ASOS
ASOS is a top choice for fashionable and affordable wedding guest dresses. With a wide selection of styles ranging from boho to contemporary, ASOS has dresses that cater to various wedding themes and settings. The website also provides size guides, allowing you to choose the perfect fit with ease. Additionally, ASOS offers an extensive collection of plus-size and petite dresses, ensuring all body types are covered.
Revolve
Revolve is a popular online retailer known for its trendy, high-quality dresses. If you’re attending a more fashion-forward wedding or one with a chic, contemporary theme, Revolve is an excellent option. The site carries a variety of brands and offers elegant, stylish dresses that work for both daytime and evening weddings. Revolve is especially well-suited for those looking for more modern, youthful options.
Lulus
Lulus is an online retailer that focuses on providing wedding guest dresses at affordable prices without sacrificing style or quality. Lulus offers a variety of dresses for both formal and semi-formal weddings, including options with beautiful details like beading, lace, and floral prints. The site also has great customer service, making returns easy if the dress doesn’t work out.
Amazon
Though not traditionally known for formalwear, Amazon has become a surprisingly good source for wedding guest dresses. With countless options from various sellers, you can find dresses ranging from casual to cocktail and even formal gowns. Amazon also allows you to filter by price, color, and size, and many dresses come with fast shipping, making it an ideal choice for last-minute dress shopping.
3. Specialty Wedding Guest Dress Retailers
If you prefer to shop at stores that specialize in wedding guest attire, there are several retailers dedicated to offering beautiful dresses for weddings. These stores focus on creating elegant and sophisticated styles, perfect for any guest looking to attend a wedding in style.
BHLDN
BHLDN, an Anthropologie brand, is one of the best places to shop for wedding guest dresses. Known for its romantic, vintage-inspired designs, BHLDN offers a wide selection of dresses in various styles, colors, and fabrics. Whether you’re attending a garden wedding, beach ceremony, or evening black-tie event, BHLDN has something to suit your needs. The dresses tend to have a bohemian, ethereal vibe, perfect for a stylish yet understated wedding guest look.
David’s Bridal
David’s Bridal is well-known for offering wedding gowns, but it also has an impressive selection of dresses for wedding guests. If you’re attending a formal or semi-formal wedding, David’s Bridal has a range of affordable, classic styles, including cocktail dresses, long gowns, and elegant midi dresses. Their collection is regularly updated, and they offer different dress lengths and sizes, including plus sizes, ensuring everyone can find the perfect fit.
Rent the Runway
If you prefer the convenience of renting rather than buying a wedding guest dress, Rent the Runway is the go-to destination. This innovative service allows you to rent high-end designer dresses for a fraction of the cost. You can browse through an impressive selection of formal gowns and cocktail dresses suitable for weddings. With options for both long and short dresses, Rent the Runway is perfect for anyone looking to wear a designer dress without the hefty price tag.
4. Local Boutiques
Shopping at local boutiques can offer a more personalized experience when searching for the perfect wedding guest dress. Many boutiques carry exclusive collections that are not available at chain stores, providing you with unique options that will make you stand out at the wedding.
High-End Boutiques
If you’re looking for a high-end, designer wedding guest dress, visit upscale local boutiques in your area. These boutiques often carry curated collections of dresses from top designers, offering sophisticated and fashionable styles. The benefit of shopping at a boutique is the personalized service you’ll receive, with stylists who can help you find a dress that perfectly fits the occasion and your body type.
Small Independent Boutiques
For those on a budget or looking for something more casual and unique, independent boutiques can be a great option. Many smaller, local shops offer a variety of styles at lower price points than high-end department stores, and you’re likely to find one-of-a-kind pieces. These boutiques often feature dresses from local designers or lesser-known brands, giving you an exclusive look that other wedding guests may not have.
5. Luxury Designer Stores
For those willing to splurge, high-end luxury designers offer wedding guest dresses that are stylish and often show-stopping. If you have a specific designer in mind, heading straight to their store is a great way to secure a truly stunning outfit.
Oscar de la Renta
Oscar de la Renta is synonymous with elegance and sophistication, and their collections feature dresses that are perfect for any high-profile wedding. Known for their luxurious fabrics, intricate details, and timeless styles, an Oscar de la Renta dress will ensure that you look and feel your best at the wedding.
Chanel, Gucci, and Valentino
If you are looking for a statement piece and have a larger budget, luxury designers like Chanel, Gucci, and Valentino offer wedding guest dresses that are truly iconic. While these dresses can be pricey, they are investment pieces that guarantee you will be the center of attention at any wedding.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wedding guest dress is an important task, as it helps set the tone for your appearance and ensures you are appropriately dressed for the occasion. Whether you’re shopping at high-end department stores, browsing online, or visiting specialized boutiques, there are numerous options available to suit all styles, budgets, and preferences. From affordable, trendy options to luxurious designer dresses, the key is to find a dress that makes you feel confident and comfortable while honoring the special day of the couple. So, next time you receive a wedding invitation, don’t stress over what to wear—explore the options mentioned above and you’ll surely find the perfect wedding guest dress!
