What should I wear to a wedding as a guest?

Wedding guest dresses: finding your perfect outfit for any ceremony

Attending a wedding is a joyous occasion, a time to celebrate love, family, and friendship. We understand that finding the perfect wedding guest dress can sometimes feel like a bit of challenge. Here at Clothing by Desiree, we believe every guest deserves to feel confident, comfortable, and chic as they celebrate. Our carefully curated collection of women’s designer clothing is designed with you in mind, ensuring you’ll find a beautiful outfit that perfectly suits the celebration and your personal style. If you don't find anything that suits then we can make something especially for you via our made to measure service.

We’re proud to offer dresses that are 100% designed and made right here in New Zealand, often crafted in our Wellington workroom or by local sewing outworkers who are mothers running their own businesses. This commitment to ethical production means when you choose a wedding guest dress from us, you're not only investing in quality but also supporting local talent and sustainable practices. Let's explore how to navigate wedding guest attire, from decoding dress codes to selecting the ideal fabric.

Understanding wedding dress codes for guests

The first step in choosing your ideal wedding guest dress is to understand the dress code. This little piece of guidance from the couple is crucial for ensuring you fit in seamlessly and show respect for their special day. Here's a breakdown of common wedding dress codes and what they typically mean for your attire:

Black-tie wedding guest dresses

Black-tie weddings are formal affairs, often taking place in the evening. This is your chance to really dress up! For women, a black-tie wedding guest dress usually means a long, elegant gown. Think sophisticated fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet. Classic colours like black, navy, emerald green, or deep jewel tones are always appropriate. You can also opt for a chic, formal cocktail dress that falls below the knee, but a floor-length gown is generally preferred for this level of formality. Accessorise with elegant jewellery and sophisticated heels.

Formal or cocktail attire for wedding guests

This is a very popular dress code for modern weddings. Formal or cocktail attire offers a bit more flexibility than black-tie. A cocktail wedding guest dress typically means a dress that falls to the knee, midi-length, or even a sophisticated maxi dress. You can experiment with a wider range of colours and cuts. Jumpsuits are also a chic option if they are formal enough. The key here is polished and elegant. Avoid anything too casual or overly revealing. Our designer dresses are perfect for hitting this balance of formality and comfort.

Semi-formal wedding guest dresses

Semi-formal provides even more flexibility. You can choose a lovely knee-length dress, a stylish midi skirt paired with an elegant top, or a tailored pant suit. Fabrics can be a bit lighter, and patterns are often welcome. The goal is to look neat and put-together, without being overly stiff. Think about the time of day and venue – an afternoon garden wedding might lean towards lighter colours and fabrics, while an evening reception could call for slightly dressier options. Finding the right wedding guest dress here often means balancing elegance with comfort.

Casual or smart casual wedding guest dresses

While some describe this as "anything goes," that's not entirely accurate. Casual for a wedding still means making an effort. Avoid jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers. Instead, opt for a pretty sundress, a stylish skirt and top combination, or tailored trousers with a nice blouse. Always be mindful of the venue. A beach wedding will allow for lighter, breezier fabrics and sandals, while a backyard BBQ wedding might still appreciate a slightly dressier touch. When searching for wedding guest dresses, something comfortable yet charming is key here.

Beach or destination wedding guest dresses

These weddings often mean warm weather and sandy toes! Think light, airy fabrics like linen, cotton, or flowing chiffon. Maxi dresses are a popular choice due to their elegance and comfort in warmer climates. Brighter colours and playful prints are often welcome. Consider flat sandals or wedges over heels, and don’t forget a chic hat for sun protection. Our Cassidy Linen Dress or Rylee Dress could be perfect for such an occasion.

Selecting the perfect wedding guest dress: key considerations

Once you’ve deciphered the dress code, it’s time for the fun part: choosing your wedding guest dress! Here are some key factors to keep in mind to ensure you look and feel your best:

Fabric choice for comfort and style

The fabric of your wedding guest dress plays a huge role in both its appearance and how comfortable you feel throughout the event. Consider the season and venue:

• Summer Weddings: Light, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, chiffon, or lighter silks are ideal. They'll keep you cool and comfortable.

• Winter Weddings: Richer fabrics like velvet, wool blends, heavier silks, or brocade offer warmth and a luxurious feel. Our Valentina Velvet dress is a great option for this.

• Year-Round: Our range often includes versatile fabrics sourced from New Zealand and Australian wholesalers, selected for their quality and ability to drape beautifully. We also work with fabrics like lace and embroidered options, which can add a special touch to any wedding guest dress.

Colour and pattern: what to wear and what to avoid

Choosing the right colour and pattern is crucial. While many colours are appropriate, there are a few rules of thumb:

• Avoid White: Unless explicitly stated by the couple, never wear white, ivory, or champagne. These colours are traditionally reserved for the bride.

• Consider the Bridal Party: Try to avoid colours that closely match the bridesmaids’ dresses, if you know them.

• Embrace Colour: Weddings are celebrations! Don’t be afraid to wear vibrant colours or beautiful patterns that reflect your personality. Our Cassidy Linen dress offers stunning colour options.

• Seasonal Hues: Deeper jewel tones for autumn/winter, and brighter pastels for spring/summer generally work well.

Length and silhouette: finding your best fit

The length and silhouette of your wedding guest dress should align with the dress code and your personal preference. Our collection features a variety of styles, from elegant midi-dresses to flowing maxi options, ensuring you find something flattering:

• Maxi Dresses: Always a sophisticated choice, especially for formal or beach weddings. They offer elegance and coverage.

• Midi Dresses: Versatile and chic, midi-length wedding guest dresses are suitable for most formal and semi-formal events. Our Arabella dress is a great example of a midi dress.

• Knee-Length/Cocktail Dresses: Perfect for cocktail and semi-formal attire, offering a classic and elegant look.

Comfort throughout the day

A wedding day can be long, filled with ceremonies, receptions, dancing, and mingling. Your wedding guest dress should allow you to move freely, sit comfortably, and enjoy every moment without feeling restricted. Our garments are designed with comfort in mind, focusing on quality fabrics and thoughtful construction to ensure you can celebrate from start to finish.

Accessorising your wedding guest dress

Accessories are the finishing touch that can elevate any wedding guest dress. Consider:

• Shoes: Match the formality. Heels or elegant flats for formal events, wedges or dressy sandals for beach/casual. Avoid sneakers unless specifically encouraged for a highly informal event.

• Jewellery: Choose pieces that complement your dress without overpowering it. Less can often be more.

• Clutch or Small Bag: Essential for carrying your phone, lipstick, and other small necessities.

• Outerwear: For cooler weather, a stylish jacket, wrap, or blazer (like our Grace Blazer) can complete your look and provide warmth without detracting from your wedding guest dress.

Our commitment to quality and ethical fashion

When you choose a wedding guest dress from Clothing by Desiree, you're not just buying a garment; you're investing in quality, ethical production, and unique style. We’re proud that all our clothing is 100% designed and made in New Zealand. Our team in Wellington creates the designs, patterns, and samples, and many items are crafted in our own workroom or by local sewing outworkers. These outworkers are often mothers who run their own businesses from home, allowing them flexibility while contributing to our beautiful collections.

We are dedicated to sourcing our fabrics primarily from New Zealand and Australian wholesalers, supporting local businesses and ensuring the high quality of materials like lace, embroidered fabrics, and georgette. This commitment ensures that your wedding guest dress is not only beautiful but also made to last.

If you have a very specific vision for your wedding guest dress, remember we also offer custom-made services for special items. This means you can have a truly unique piece tailored to your exact specifications. We also provide clothing alteration services to ensure the perfect fit for anything you purchase from us.

Shop with ease at Clothing by Desiree

We strive to make your online shopping experience as seamless as possible. Browse our wedding guest dresses collection from the comfort of your home. For those in New Zealand, we offer free shipping on all orders over $150 NZD. International customers can also enjoy free shipping on orders over $400 NZD. We accept a variety of payment options, including Credit Card, Debit Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, PayPal, Poli  and internet banking to ensure convenience.

We invite you to explore our exquisite range of wedding guest dresses and find an outfit that makes you feel spectacular. Celebrate in style, comfort, and confidence with Clothing by Desiree – your choice for quality, ethically made New Zealand fashion.

Frequently asked questions about wedding guest dresses

Here are some common questions about choosing the right wedding guest dress:

What should I not wear as a wedding guest?

You should generally avoid wearing white, ivory, or champagne unless the couple explicitly requests it. Also, steer clear of anything too casual (like jeans or t-shirts), overly revealing, or that might upstage the bride. Comfort is important, but so is showing respect for the occasion.

What is the most common dress code for a wedding?

The most common dress code is usually "cocktail" or "semi-formal." These offer a good balance between elegance and comfort, allowing for a variety of stylish wedding guest dresses like midi-length or knee-length options, or even sophisticated jumpsuits.

How do I choose the right colour for my wedding guest dress?

Consider the season – pastels and brighter colours often suit spring/summer, while deeper jewel tones or classic shades like navy and black are great for autumn/winter. Always avoid white, and if you know the bridal party's colours, you might choose to avoid those too. Ultimately, pick a colour that makes you feel good!

Can I wear a pantsuit to a wedding as a guest?

Absolutely! A well-tailored and elegant pantsuit can be a very chic and appropriate choice for most formal, cocktail, or semi-formal weddings. Ensure the fabric and style are sophisticated enough for the occasion to ensure it is suitable for a wedding guest dress alternative.

What kind of shoes should I wear to a wedding as a guest?

The shoes should match the formality of your wedding guest dress and the venue. Heels, elegant sandals, or dressy flats are suitable for most formal events. For outdoor or beach weddings, wedges or more practical, dressy sandals are often a better choice, preventing sinking into grass or sand.

What if there’s no dress code specified for the wedding?

In this situation, it’s best to err on the side of slightly more formal rather than too casual. A beautiful cocktail-length or midi wedding guest dress is often a safe bet. You can also consider the venue and time of day for clues. If in doubt, ask someone close to the couple!