As a guest, selecting what outfit to wear can be difficult to navigate. Once you’ve received an invitation to your loved one’s ceremony, you may find yourself unsure of where to start.
Cocktail wedding guest dresses are a common choice for many ceremonies, though it can be difficult to pick out the right ensemble. Finding a dress that strikes the perfect balance between a glamorous gown and a laid-back design can be a daunting task. Luckily, with our ultimate guide on how to pick out cocktail dresses for wedding guests, you can rest assured you’ll arrive at the celebrations in a stunning outfit suited to the occasion.
What cocktail dresses to wear to a wedding?
With a wide array of styles to choose from, the list of possible cocktail dresses for weddings can seem overwhelming. Finding the right one for you depends on your personal preferences as well as the setting of the venue.
Finding your favorite silhouette
Starting with the overall cut of the dress can help guide you to a design that captures your style. Consider a short cocktail dress in with an empire waist and a flowy skirt for a laid-back feel. Alternatively, achieve an avant-garde look with a design complete with a sheer overskirt. Prefer a more versatile ensemble? Slip on a midi cocktail dress for weddings you can easily dress up or down, depending on the ceremony.
Picking a color suited to the time of year
Pick out a wedding party dress based on the color. In general, it is best to check with the soon-to-be newlyweds on the wedding’s theme to ensure you don’t coordinate with the bridal party.
Consider coordinating with the time of year to arrive in an ensemble suited to the season. Vibrant pink cocktail dresses match springtime’s color palette for a bold yet feminine look. Deep blue or designs with dark florals are ideal as winter wedding party dresses with cooler tones.
Alternatively, achieve optimal versatility with a black cocktail dress for weddings that captures your chic, sophisticated taste. For those who prefer a unique shade, select a memorable color tailored to any season, such as a stunning orange formal dress that you can wear any time of year.
Selecting fabrics that capture your unique style
Narrowing down which material you prefer is also helpful in creating your wedding party outfit. Chiffon gowns consist of a graceful, lightweight fabric that gently sways as you dance the night away, capturing your whimsical taste. Satin cocktail dresses for weddings add a chic shine and showcase your timeless style. Strike the perfect balance by slipping on a crepe cocktail dress that elegantly drapes as a minimalist, simple design that exudes sophistication.
Choosing a design suited to the venue
The location of the wedding can also influence what dress you decide what to wear.
Consider selecting a long-sleeved design as your cocktail dress for garden weddings to be elegantly prepared for any weather. For seaside venues, a lightweight design is best as a beach wedding cocktail dress to match the laid-back atmosphere. Alternatively, arriving at a modern city setting in a short cocktail dress for weddings gracefully captures a sleek look and allows optimal versatility if guests celebrate the happy couple in various downtown locations afterward.
Discover a cocktail dress for your body type
Another way to uncover the best ensemble for you is by selecting a dress that complements your body type. A-line cocktail dresses for weddings are flattering on most figures, for the high waist elegantly drapes into a loose-flowing skirt, smoothing over your midsection.
For those with a pear-shaped figure, consider highlighting your waist with a mermaid cocktail gown that gently hugs your natural curves for a youthful profile. Alternatively, for body types with a fuller upper profile, consider a princess cocktail gown for a design that adds volume below the waistline to create a balanced silhouette.
How to accessorize your ensemble?
Effortlessly elevate your attire with a few accessorizing tips tailored to the upcoming celebrations.
Complement your floor-length summer wedding party dress with a wide-brimmed hat and simple jewelry to ensure your look remains cocktail-friendly without being too formal. Consider sweeping your hair back in a low bun and select stunning drop earrings to add a touch of sophistication to your shorter dress. For oceanside weddings, slip on nude block heels that elongate your legs and select a small clutch for a chic final detail. Alternatively, accessorize your long-sleeved cocktail dress for weddings in winter with a luxurious overcoat in a bold contrasting color for an unforgettable look.
Whether you’re preparing to attend an oceanside wedding or a winter ceremony, these tips can help you narrow down what cocktail dresses to wear to a wedding. Follow our guide to ensure you arrive dressed for the occasion and dance the night away in an ensemble that gracefully captures your unique style.