21 Best Affordable Wedding Guest Dresses 2023

Mar 27, 2023

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

From clean and classic to directional and bold.

Stylish and affordable wedding guest dresses might seem hard to come by, but options abound for all tastes, venues, and dress codes. Before diving into the sea of high-street options (which can easily overwhelm), stylist Elise Sandvik says to start the shopping process by considering the location and season. "A wedding at the beach might require different dress and accessory choices than one in the city, and this information will help decide what kind of fabric quality, silhouette, and color or print will be the most appropriate choice," she tells BAZAAR.

Another tip: stay authentic to your style and consider longevity with an affordable wedding guest dress. Although a super specific look or trend feels easier to buy on impulse at a lower price point, the stylist says, "[a dress] that you can see yourself in, get a lot of wear out of, and that can be styled in multiple ways," is best.

Of course, "affordable" is subjective. Sandvik points to several brands offering quality at various prices to start your search. "Mango, Tiger Mist, and Princess Polly are alternatives to popular stores like Zara and H&M," she says—all great choices to lessen the risk of showing up in the same dress as other guests. For a little bit more, the stylist recommends Norma Kamali and & Other Stories for a wide range of colors and sizes. Then at Rotate Birger Christensen, "the brand puts a twist on many of the classic dress shapes and makes them playful," she adds.

Even when your dress is the focus, accessories are a great way to elevate the effect. "A great way to accessorize an affordable dress is to pair it with beautiful jewelry, shoes, and a handbag," Sandvik elaborates. "A pop of color on the shoes and handbag always gives life to an outfit."

From simple and classic to directional and bold, scroll to discover the 21 best affordable wedding guest dresses, including Sandvik-approved picks and styles with rave shopper reviews.

"This blue satin dress from Mango has beautiful details and would look stunning with minimalistic accessories," says Sandvik.

Sizes: 2-8

Colors: Blue

Material: 100% polyester

Picture this shimmering number glowing at an outdoor wedding in Marrakesh. C'est chic!

Sizes: S-L

Colors: Green

Material: Body: 70% viscose, 30% polyamide; Lining: 89% polyester, 11% elastane

A delicately smocked midi dress you can wear to a range of venues, from vineyards and farms to gardens and woodlands.

Sizes: XXS-XXL

Colors: Multicolored floral print

Material: 100% cotton

"I am in love with the olive green color and the shape of this dress from Princess Polly," says Sandvik. "I would pair it with skin-neutral two-strap sandals and gold jewelry."

Sizes: 0-20

Colors: Green

Material: 95% polyester 5% elastane

What reviewers are saying: "Omggg this dress is so beautiful! I got a size US16, it did fit a little big, I would have gotten the US14 for a better fit, but the material is soft and nice on the skin, I love the color. I am 5'2 so it was a bit long on me too."

Give your best Barbie wedding guest in this asymmetrical linen midi. It's just sexy enough and gorgeous in a tropical locale.

Sizes: 2-12

Colors: Pink, Blue, Orange, Green, White

Material: 70% rayon 30% linen

What reviewers are saying: "This dress fits so well and is the perfect statement dress for an event or summer night out. Love the cut out details!"

Proof that neutrals can be bold with heels or flat sandals. This flowing silhouette is definitely destination wedding material.

Sizes: 2-12

Colors: Black and tan print

Material: Body: 100% viscose; Lining: 100% rayon

"A gorgeous lilac-colored dress would be a great choice for any wedding, and I would pair it with neutral or white accessories," says Sandvik.

Sizes: 0-12

Colors: Lilac, Black

Material: Acetate 68%, rayon 32%

We love this lovely number for a daytime wedding. Pair it with simple heeled sandals and a darling mini bag.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors: Red, White, Black

Material: Body: 98% cotton, 2% spandex; Lining: 100% cotton

Simple yet striking, this strapless number is a versatile style you can wear to various venues and with accessories of all kinds.

Sizes: XXS Petite-3X

Colors: Blue, Yellow, Black

Material: Viscose, linen, cotton, elastane

This watercolor dress is a beautiful print alternative to florals.

Sizes: XS-XXL

Colors: Lime green watercolor

Material: 100% rayon

"This body-hugging dress from Norma Kamali is a lovely choice for a summer wedding," suggests Sandvik. "Play it safe with neutral accessories or go all out with a pop of color like green or blue on the shoes."

Sizes: XXS-XL

Colors: Powder Blue, Mountain Green, Red, Rose, Blonde, Blush, Blood Orange, Gemini Green, Papaya, Ivory, Plum, Dark Blue, Lemon, Powder Purple

Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex

What reviewers are saying: "The most wonderful dress I have ever owned! I have multiple colors and I wear them to weddings, with sneakers casual and to most events. I recommend and is one of the best purchases I have made in a long time."

A cut-out wedding guest dress has a time and place—a beachy destination most certainly being one of them.

Sizes: XXS-XL

Colors: Orange

Material: 60% cotton 40% viscose

Sandvik tells BAZAAR, "A romantic style dress is always a good idea for a wedding, and this pink one from Tiger Mist would pair amazingly with some white strappy sandals and a mini clutch."

Sizes: XXS-XL

Colors: Pink

Material: 95% polyester 5% elastane

What reviewers are saying: "Beautiful quality, [the] shape of the dress is highly complimenting of figure, color is exact to what it looks like in the photos!"

Nod to the aughts in this luminous halter dress cut from drapey lightweight Japanese satin. Even better, it has a pretty open back.

Sizes: 2XS-XL

Colors: Pink, Black, Birch

Material: 100% polyester

What reviewers are saying: "Love the dress! Love the back! If you want it to hang in the back like how it does on the model you would need to size up. I’m normally a small in dresses but I have hips so I could definitely fit into a medium but I wanted it to be form fitting and it is. Very flattering."

"This floor-length floral dress is perfect for garden weddings," Sandvik recommends. "If you'll be walking on grass, pair it with flat sandals for ultimate comfort so you can dance all night."

Sizes: 2-12

Colors: Multicolored floral print

Material: Body: 3% elastane, 47% polyester, 50% recycled polyester; Lining: 100% polyester

This high-neck gown is giving us all the fluidity and whimsy.

Sizes: 0-24

Colors: Pink floral, Navy

Material: 100% viscose

Cotton can, indeed, be elevated and captivating. Case in point: This multi-wear silhouette with a tiered skirt and ruffle sleeves you can style on or off the shoulder with spaghetti straps.

Sizes: XS-3X

Colors: Burgundy

Material: 100% cotton

Charming and romantic, this gathered bodice dress highlights the waist in an effortlessly elegant manner.

Sizes: XXS-XXL

Colors: Green

Material: 100% organic cotton

A wrap-around tie-waist detail enhances the wow factor of this plissé-pleated midi dress.

Sizes: XS-XXL

Colors: Blue

Material: 100% polyester

What reviewers are saying: "Super sexy very flattering! Love the cut and style. The material is lightweight and skims over the surface of your body, making it super nice and easy to wear! I'm curvy and a bigger person, and don't often wear revealing dresses or show midriff. However, I felt nicely covered in this dress and confident the way the cropped section shows off the waistline. The length made this dress elegant and grown sexy!"

For a high summer wedding, opt for this luxe linen mini. It's playful yet elevated and plenty breathable in the heat.

Sizes: XS-3X

Colors: Green

Material: 100% linen

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