If the calendar is stacked with invitations, it’s time to find the perfect summer wedding guest dress for all kinds of celebrations with Mirror’s fashion team winning outfits
Wedding season is officially upon us, which means it’s time to update wardrobes with stylish frocks perfect for summer nuptials. Our selection of the best summer wedding guest dresses will ensure shoppers stay comfortable throughout the day, from the ceremony to the reception, and all are priced under £100.
Summer weddings are the perfect occasion for bright colours and vibrant patterns, but that doesn’t mean shoppers can’t opt for a chic neutral palette if that’s more their style. Whether it is floral prints or beach-ready styles, our edit has a show-stopping dress to suit any celebration.
What’s more, many of these summer wedding guest outfits are versatile enough to be worn throughout the season, giving more bang for your buck. Simply add a jacket and trainers for a completely different look.
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Bethan’s pick: Coast Dahlia Printed Angel Sleeve Satin Bridesmaid Dress, £64.50
Butter yellow has been the trending colour of the year, so it’s no surprise that there’s a glut of wedding guest dresses in the lemony hue this season. My top pick is the Coast Dahlia Printed Angel Sleeve Satin Dress, Adorned with a stunning dahlia floral design. It lends itself nicely to countryside barn weddings, as well as events like the races, where I wore mine.
Usually £129, the dress is currently on offer for £64.50 and features the most romantic ruffly angel sleeves, which aren’t restrictive, do a wonderful job of covering the upper-arm area, and are still breezy and breathable, making them ideal for warm weather.
The high waistline is also really flattering, making my legs look longer while creating a curvy silhouette that skims the tummy. The skirt of the dress flows beautifully, and the satin fabric appears to be of a higher quality. I also loved the detailing at the back, which features a little cut-out to reveal some of my back while still being very bra-friendly and not showing any pesky straps.
Many dresses like this end up being worn only once and then stay hanging in the wardrobe for years to come, but not this one. I’ve already worn it out twice since I got it (and it washes beautifully, by the way). I also plan to pack it for an upcoming holiday and wear it as a wedding guest later this year.
Lauren’s pick: Joanie Katy Floral Print Ruffle Sleeve Mini Dress, £75
I’ve got a few weddings coming up this summer, and I usually tend to rent my outfits (hello, Hirestreet). It’s affordable, sustainable, and means I don’t have to panic buy a last-minute dress that’ll only get worn once.
But this year, I already have something in my wardrobe that feels just right: a floral print mini-dress from Joanie, the brand known for its retro-inspired pieces and joyful prints. I wore it to a fancy dinner a few weeks ago, and it earned me more compliments than any outfit I’ve worn in ages.
The bold floral print is a real show-stopper – colourful without being over-the-top and vibrant enough to stand out in a sea of neutrals. The frilly ruffle sleeves add an extra fun touch, while the mini hemline feels playful yet still elegant. Plus, it has pockets, which, as any girl knows, is always a bonus.
Leaning into Joanie’s signature 60s vibe, I paired it with green velvet Mary Jane shoes and a slick of bright red lipstick (No7’s Pro Artist Matte Muse Lipstick in Red Carpet Ready, to be precise) for a Twiggy-esque look. However, it can be easily toned down with nude sandals and a clutch for a more casual outing.
Lucy’s pick: Nobody’s Child One Shoulder Georgia Midi Dress, £79
Can you wear black to a wedding? It’s a common question and one that I personally think the answer is yes to. Unlike most social engagements, a wedding can often come with a specific dress code, so if you are feeling wary, it’s always best to check with the couple first.
This Nobody’s Child Georgia Midi Dress is such a flattering option – and it comes in a pretty shade of cornflower blue if you did want to go for something brighter. I wore it on holiday recently and it kept me cool and confident the whole day.
The one shoulder style gives it an elegance and I found the ruched bodice incredibly comfortable. I’m 5’5 and on me, the dress fell to just above my ankle, but if you’re any shorter than this it might be more of a maxi length.
There are no petite options to choose from, but this Orange Floral Printed One Shoulder Dress from Next comes in regular or petite and is a great alternative should you be after a similar silhouette. It retails for £52 and it made from 100% cotton.
Eve’s pick: Damson Madder’s Mia Midi, £68
Weddings can last from early in the morning to midnight, so guests need to have a dress that is both comfortable and effortlessly stylish – especially in this heat when we don’t want to be layering up in a bunch of jewellery. And I think I’ve found the perfect dress for the occasion in Damson Madder’s Mia Midi Dress – it’s currently on sale too (so naturally, I’ve snapped it up).
Costing £68 down from £90, the dress has a summery pink hue – the brighter the better during the warmer months – that is offset by white and black stripes. But its fun multi-way design is its USP for me and I cannot wait to wear it this summer.
The shirred bodice looks like it’ll be really comfy from actual brekkie to the wedding brekkie – plus it enables its wearer to pull out all the stops on the dancefloor, which is of utmost importance – and it can be worn three different ways thanks to its thick straps that are attached to the bust.
Firstly, it can be worn as a bandeau frock, with the straps tied neatly into a bow on the front. The second look ties the straps in a bow at the back. And the last look sees the bandeau dress turned into a halterneck option that’s elegant, fun and wedding ready. With a lovely standout style, the dress can easily be worn with shoes mirroring the colours of the stripes (black or white) or some more contrasting colours can be added to make the look a smidge more interesting (greens, oranges… whatever takes your fancy).
The dress has been a popular choice amongst fashion fans lately as sizes six and eight have sold out but 10 to 20 are still in stock. Made from 100% cotton, the dress is breathable making it a great option for the summer months when the weather is scorching. Shop it here.
Tiffany’s pick: Me+Em
Floral patterns are not my forte when it comes to dressing for formal occasions and I feel so much more comfortable in my blacks, whites and blues. But for a summer wedding, it’s always delightful to see a bright colour and that’s why I picked this Me+Em dress when I attended my best friend’s wedding two years ago.
In a stunning Electric Blue colour, the dress is so versatile that you can wear it four different ways with or wthout the belt and the halterneck tie. Despite it’s a maxi dress, the crepe fabric with a satin strip on the side is lightweight to create a fluid movement when I wore it in hot Canadian weather.
The square neckline is flattering and I can accentuate the bust area by adding the halterneck tie. The back is crafted with elasticated shirred detail so it adjusts to the flexibility while I feasted on the meal.
One thing that I’m pleased with the dress is the side pockets and it’s so handy when I got teary while delivering a speech to my best friend, it saved my makeup that night. The dress is currently on 70% off sale, which is a huge bargain but several sizes have already sold out.
Shoppers can try this year’s new season dresses and this Panel Detail Fit and Flare Short Dress + Tie, £250, in similar electric blue is also very attractive. Elsewhere this Spring Floral Silk Cotton Woven Strappy Dress from Karen Millen, reduced to £183.20, features statement bows on the shoulders and artistic floral print.
Lavish Alice Liliana Curve Cross Back Midi Dress, was £108, now £54
Now half price, the Liliana Lavish Alice dress is a sensational pick for a summer wedding. Saving shoppers £54, the dress features a pretty cowl neckline and a strappy cross-over back. Stocked in sizes 20 to 26, the midi gently skims your figure as it is made from ‘the smoothest fabric’.
Wearers will need to be careful when washing the dress, as the brand highlight it is hand wash only, but this indicates it is high quality. The dress would look lovely styled with barely-there heels and hold jewellery, for a timeless look that will fit into any kind of wedding theme.
Roman Petite Embroidered Maxi Dress, £65
A standout in Roman’s seasonal collection is the Cotton Embroidered Shirred Maxi Dress, turning heads in coral pink. A shirred stretch bodice is a detail that makes this dress comfortable, as well as accommodating to all bust sizes. Falling to a maxi length with a fit and flare shape, complete the look with heeled wedges for a special occasion, and then re-wear with white trainers or sandals for a more casual day.
Besides the ‘beautiful colour for the summer’ earning customer accolades, shoppers are praising the Roman dress for making them feel confident during the warmer months. The dress boasts on-trend puff sleeves that have won the hearts of wearers. One person shared: “Love it. Beautiful colour and a good length. Sleeves cover my upper arms which is a good thing!”
Stocked in sizes 8 to 18 and priced at £65, someone found that the fit came up large, so this is something to note. They said: “I am usually a size 12 but I have had to send back for a size 10.”
Boden Olympia Jersey Maxi Dress, now £56
Boden shoppers are hailing the Olympia dress as ‘perfect for a beach wedding’, but it would work equally as well at all kinds of celebrations thanks to its versatile style. On sale for half price, the dress is less than £60, meaning shoppers might have more money in the wedding guest dress budget to get some accessories.
People that have already worn the dress out say they get ‘lots of compliments’ as it is ‘very flattering’. Some have pointed out that ‘the neckline is a little too low for my taste’, however, wearing a cami underneath would solve this issue.
Other say that it is a ‘showstopper in the crowd’ and it ‘packs well’ which is ideal should you need to travel for the wedding. The dress comes in sizes 4 to 22 and in petite or regular.