The turn of spring can only mean one thing; it’s wedding season. Before long, our diaries are full of impending nuptials, leaving only a few remaining Saturdays to find a spring wedding guest outfit for every RSVP.
Occasionwear is one section of your wardrobe it’s tempting to truly indulge in, with so many show-stopping dresses, sleek tailoring, and dazzling accessories to choose from. Rewearing party pieces truly makes the most of the investment, but with each new invite ordaining a different theme, venue, and dress code, outfit repeating isn’t always an option. So as the save-the-dates arrive, the search begins for another outfit that will get that all-important approval from the happy couple - and even star at future events if chosen wisely.
With a rudimentary grasp of the basic fashion rules that come with the bride’s (or groom’s) plans for their big day, whether a formal ceremony or low-key registry, finding a spring wedding guest outfit for all your key dates should prove a piece of three-tiered cake.
From stunning wedding guest dresses to final-touch accessories, you’ll find everything you need to handle any dress code in our fail-safe guide on what to wear to a spring wedding.
How to dress for a spring wedding
It’s expected that all eyes will be on the bride, but guests are also under pressure to look their best on the big day. More couples are leaving style choices up to partygoers, preferring a ‘come-as-you-are’ memo, but even this laid-back approach can stir pre-wedding jitters among friends and family.
Dresses are a firm favourite for a spring wedding guest outfit. An all-in-one option that looks effortlessly put-together, donning a dress only requires you to think about accessories, saving you plenty of time to help the bride get prepped.
This time of year, new collections are brimming with spring dresses for weddings, with shoppers keen to reintroduce pastel shades, ditsy prints, and sweet detailing into their event looks. Floral dresses for spring weddings are in abundance as the weather perks up. These dreamy prints pair perfectly with rustic or bohemian themes, but florals have guaranteed appeal in every setting this season.
Most guests will prefer midi dresses to wear to a spring wedding, although a full-length maxi dress could feature at a black-tie affair. Until temperatures hot up, consider layering with anything skin-baring, be it a complimentary blazer or polished coatigan, but it’s easy enough to find a spring wedding guest dress with longer sleeves too.
Dresses for wedding guests are undoubtedly low-effort, high-impact. That said, if you’re one for standing out from the congregation, a chic co-ord set similarly removes any stresses from coordinating separates and wins points for ingenuity. The title for best-dressed guest is yours for the taking.
When it comes to the best colours to wear to a wedding, the general advice is to avoid white (unless at the bride’s request) and the bridesmaid’s colours. In answer to the age-old question ‘can you wear black to a wedding?’, we say play it safe with lighter tones if you’re unsure, particularly for a day event. Popular choices include powder blue, lilac, rose, and trending colour of the year, peach.
Spring wedding guest outfit ideas
Whether you’re attending a city-set wedding or watching your loved ones tie the knot beachside, our occasionwear edit has you spoiled for choice, so we’ve compiled a few inspirational ideas to get you started.
Best for a casual wedding
In the case of an informal wedding, you can eschew some standard rules of etiquette, although it’s a good idea to check with your hosts on certain style choices. Sneakers, for example, could be seen as fashion-forward by some brides, but a faux pas by others.
Spring dresses for weddings can include more casual styles like day dresses, be it a dainty tea dress or slip style, which have lasting appeal outside the chapel. With short-sleeve styles, add a cardigan or denim jacket in preparation for outdoor photos, but seek more elevated iterations befitting the occasion. Finish with stylish jewellery, a statement bag and heeled sandals, and you’ve nailed the nonchalant look.
Best for a destination wedding
Weddings abroad are soaring in popularity, so there’s every chance your next guest appearance will require a boarding pass as well as a bell-of-the-ball outfit. We’ll leave you to sort your airport outfit, but for a ceremony in the sun, let us guide you towards a few heatwave-defying spring wedding guest outfits.
If a beach is your backdrop, neutral-toned lace, crotchet, or cotton will tap into spring’s all-time favourite trend, the boho-chic look. Dresses for spring weddings abroad are ideally free-flowing to keep you cool in sultry climes, and allow for maximum comfort while you’re sitting through the never-ending best man’s speech.
If a beach is your backdrop, neutral-toned lace, crotchet, or cotton will tap into spring’s all-time favourite trend, the boho-chic look. Dresses for spring weddings abroad are ideally free-flowing to keep you cool in sultry climes, and allow for maximum comfort while you’re sitting through the never-ending best man’s speech.
Evoking holiday vibes, destination weddings are often more relaxed, so a breezy sundress is also a great choice for a spring wedding guest dress. Plus, with summer getaways just around the corner, you’ll no doubt get the chance to wear it again.
Best for an evening wedding
For an after-dark ceremony, find something in keeping with the high-octane glamour of the occasion with sweeping gowns, silky fabrics, and jewel tones. Dresses for wedding guests attending an evening do can be slightly more daring with the right styling. With a decolletage or thigh-baring dress, try a demure kitten-heel and pared-back accessories for a bold aesthetic that’s eye-catching for all the right reasons.
If you’re a reception-only guest, the invite should outline whether black-tie is required, or simply smart-casual attire. For the latter, reach for easy-to-wear yet elegant separates like a feminine blouse or pretty camisole with your favourite smart trousers, the ultimate combination for a night on the dancefloor.
If you’re a reception-only guest, the invite should outline whether black-tie is required, or simply smart-casual attire. For the latter, reach for easy-to-wear yet elegant separates like a feminine blouse or pretty camisole with your favourite smart trousers, the ultimate combination for a night on the dancefloor.
Best for a traditional wedding
For the archetypal white wedding, guests can match the tone of proceedings with a more traditional spring wedding guest outfit. Keep it classic with a retro-inspired shift dress in timeless silk or tweed, elegantly paired with a matching jacket or cover-up that complements your accessories, be it a wide-brimmed hat or fascinator.
Alternatively, put a contemporary spin on things and opt for power suiting. The clean lines and subtle shades of our trending Harrie styles, including our matching waistcoat, blazer and trouser sets, have all the hallmarks of traditional wedding fare without the frills and florals espoused by spring dresses for weddings.
Ready to find your next party frock? Our dedicated wedding guest dress collection has it all, from striking LBDs to playful minis. Or, if you’re keeping your options open, dive into our occasionwear edit for alternative party styles including matching co-ords, going-out tops, and more.
To get more inspiration this wedding season, head to our blog for our new-season standouts and the latest style trends.
