Dress To Wear To An April Wedding
If you’re attending a spring wedding, then it’s time to say goodbye to long sleeve silhouettes and coordinating winter coats and hello to backless ensembles and cutout dresses in light and flowy fabrics.
From leg-bearing mini dresses to elegant maxi dresses, there are plenty of shapes and silhouettes that are ideal for the spring season. When shopping for a spring wedding guest outfit, look for pieces that are made from lightweight and breathable fabrics, and pay special attention to the colors or patterns offered. Spring is the perfect time to play with designs and shades outside of your typical comfort zone. Lanie List, founder and CEO of Lovely Bride, agrees, telling Brides, “With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to rock bright colors, modern cutouts, or unexpected details like a cowl neckline or an asymmetrical hem.”
When picking out a color for your dress make sure it’s not the same color as the bride’s bridal party.To help you find the best spring wedding guest dresses, we’ve researched the top options from trusted brands–keeping materials, colors, size range, budget, and overall quality in mind. If you’re looking for an utterly elegant ensemble for a formal affair, our favorite options are the Lulus Song of Love Off-The-Shoulder Maxi Dress and the ELLIAT Cassini Dress. For something floral and fun, we love the Reformation Cyprus Dress and the Mumu Faye Flutter Maxi Dress.
For a White Tie Wedding: Lulus Song of Love Off-The-Shoulder Maxi Dress
For a formal option, this floor-length, off-the-shoulder dress needs to be on your list. The elegant neckline and sexy slit make for a fun number to don at a formal spring wedding. It’s available in seven different colors and comes in an XXS to XL size range. This dress has a fitted waist, and it’s made of breathable polyester and stretchy spandex so it will conform to your body’s shape with ease. It does fit true to size, but the brand does recommend sizing up if you have a fuller bust.
Best Springtime Choice: Reformation Cyprus Dress
With a stunning, whimsical floral pattern, this dress screams spring. The full skirt and ruffle-edge hem feel romantic, but it also has a fitted bodice and a smocked back for a touch of sexiness as well. Made of organic cotton and spandex, it’s lightweight and offers a little bit of stretch. It’s also available in solid red, solid black, and one other floral pattern and comes in sizes 0 through 12. Overall. This dress is one we can see guests wearing all wedding season long.
Most Versatile: Reformation Winslow Dress
Available in soft pastels, solid black, and a couple of floral patterns, this stunning Reformation dress works for all kinds of spring weddings. Since it’s a wrap dress, you can customize the fit and wear it loose or tight, depending on how you are feeling. It comes in sizes XS to XL, and it has a high slit for extra breathability. It pairs well with strappy sandals, and you can dress it up or down with accessories to make it black-tie-appropriate. However, keep in mind that the fabric is very sheer, and while the skirt is lined, you’ll want to make sure whatever undergarments you’re wearing don’t peek through.
Best One Shoulder: ELLIAT Cassini Dress
This one-shoulder style is a fun and elegant dress to take you through all your spring weddings. While we love the dusty blue shade, the design also comes in a variety of stunning hues. The shiny finish and ruched side give it a playful touch, and it’s made of polyester and spandex so you can get a comfortable and breathable fit. It’s also fully lined and adorned with a hidden side zipper closure. It’s available in sizes XS and XL and fits true to size.
Most Cost Effective: ASOS Maxi Dress with Batwing Sleeve
This batwing dress is an elegant look at a cost-effective price—after all, you don’t need to spend a ton of money to look chic at a wedding. Available in sizes 0 to 14, the dress has a wrapped waist that creates a subtle detail, and there’s a tie in the back to cinch your waist. It’s only available in this rusty red color, but it’s vibrant and bold enough to work for the spring season. It is made of a satin-style polyester and spandex fabric that’s lightweight, and its long sleeves should still keep out any cool breeze you may face without feeling like you’re overheating.
For a Countryside Wedding: Reformation Fairfield Dress
Donned with ruffles and a full skirt, this charming dress is ideal for a countryside wedding. Its sweet pattern is sure to stand out among other guests, while a plunging V-neckline on the front and back gives it a sexy touch. It’s also available in solid black if you’d prefer to wear something slightly more formal. Available in sizes 0 to 12, it has a fitted waist and bodice for some extra structure. The short sleeves provide some extra breathability, so you won’t overheat if the weather leans on the warmer side.
Best Floral Design: Ted Baker Printed Floral Seersucker Midi Dress
This floral midi-cut dress has a fun graphic print that will definitely win you compliments at cocktail hour. We also really love the back buckle feature and the puff sleeves, which add a whimsical touch. The dress is fully lined and made of lightweight polyester, making it ideal for the warmer weather of spring. Available in sizes 2 through 14, it’s versatile enough to wear day and night.
Best Bright Color: Hutch Bow Tie Dress
With a standout bow across the chest and bright yellow bottom, this dress makes a statement. It even has pockets, so you can opt out of a clutch if you intend to pack light for any weddings you’re attending. We also love how inclusive the sizing is. It comes in standard, petite, and plus-size fits, starting at 00 and up to 26W. It’s made of breathable cotton, spandex, and polyester and has a maxi silhouette and flounced hem for a touch of whimsy.
Best Wrap: LinenHandmadeStudio Linen Dress in Marlena
This linen wrap dress is comfortable and versatile. It has deep pockets to hold your essential items and an enhancing shawl collar. The fabric is light linen, which is excellent for the warmer months, and the three-quarter sleeves will help keep you warm should you encounter any breezy weddings. It also comes in multiple shades depending on the mood you want to set. Available in sizes 2 to 18, this dress fits true to size and feels so soft against the skin, you’ll want to wear it for more than just weddings.
For a Semi-Formal Wedding: Zara Draped Lingerie-Style Dress
With a fun lime green hue, this dress feels sophisticated and fun for your next semi-formal soirée. The V-neckline and small slit add some sexiness, while the adjustable straps help you find a comfortable fit. It comes in sizes XS to XXL and is made of viscose fabric for a silky finish. As a bonus, it is also one of the more affordable options on this list.
Most Form-Fitting: NBD June Gown
Want to show off your curves? We love how this body-skimming dress is sexy and elegant all in one, and the front cutout adds an extra unique flair. Partially lined, the dress has a non-slip silicone grip to prevent it from falling, and it’s made of rayon, nylon, and spandex fabric for a lightweight and comfortable fit. While it’s also available in white, the pastel blue is ideal for spring and can carry you through all of your spring weddings.
Most Sexy: Revolve ‘Aliyah’ Midi Dress
With a plunging neckline and a high slit, this midi-length dress screams sexy. It has self-tie shoulder straps that you can adjust for the fit you want and is offered in XXS to XL sizes. The crepe fabric and button accents add a touch of sophistication, and it has a stretchy and comfortable feel. We also love that it’s fully lined, so you shouldn’t have to worry about your undergarments peeking through. The brand mentions that this dress runs small, so size up if you’re unsure.
Most Retro: Reformation Sarabeth Dress
We love this midi-length dress for its cool retro feel, thanks to its fun fringe along the hemline. It has a sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice, and relaxed skirt for some added structure and sophistication, and the back zipper with smocking adds to its overall comfort. It’s available in sizes 0 to 12, and we think this black version is great for cocktail hour at a spring wedding.
Best Mini: Agua By Agua Bendita Rosa Floral Strapless Mini
Florals for spring? Well, you’ve heard the saying. This floral mini dress is a fun option for a daytime garden wedding, and the ruffle detailing throughout the dress adds a romantic feel. It’s made of 100 percent cotton, so it’s lightweight and breathable—two must-haves for spring weddings. The zipper closure is completely concealed, and it’s available in sizes XS to XL. Pair it with some strappy sandals, and you’re good to go.
Most Relaxed: Mumu ‘Faye Flutter’ Maxi Dress
This dress feels fluttery and relaxed with its maxi silhouette and full sleeves. However, the open back, V-neckline, and double slit offer a touch of sensuality. The polyester fabric is lightweight, and it is available in sizes XXS to XXL. It also comes in a few floral patterns, although we would avoid the white version to prevent clashing with the bride.
Best Pastel Blue: In The Style Plus Exclusive Satin Cowl Neck Midi Dress
The soft blue hue definitely takes this slip dress to the next level. It’s a great color to pop during the spring season and pairs beautifully with matching pastel accessories. The cowl-neck and open lace-up back detailing also make this dress feel sexy and sophisticated. Its satin polyester fabric is lightweight and breathable, and this dress is offered in plus sizes 14 to 20.
Most Simplistic: BHLDN ‘Caron’ V-Neck Crepe Dress
While this BHDLN may seem like a simple design, the deep V-neck shape adds some drama. The skirt gathers at the waist, which makes it flattering on multiple figures, and it comes in standard and plus sizes. Although it comes in several colors, we are partial to this rich forest green. As long as the bridal party doesn’t have this color, it’s an excellent option for a spring wedding.
Best Maternity: ASOS DESIGN Maternity Satin Tie Front Midi Dress
Made with extra room for your bump, we love this chic midi dress for expecting wedding guests. The chic olive shade screams spring, and its tie front, blouson sleeves with gathered cuffs, button details, and button-keyhole back effortlessly mix elegance and sexy. The polyester satin fabric is shiny, soft, and breathable, so you won’t feel overheated or uncomfortable all day. It’s available in sizes 2 to 16 and is designed to be worn before, during, and after pregnancy.
For a Black Tie Wedding: ASOS DESIGN Bias Cut Maxi Tea Dress
This floor-length gown from ASOS will make a statement at a black-tie wedding. The design has a retro feel thanks to its button sleeves and sweet blush shade. We also love the button detailing and cutout on the back, which adds a touch of sensuality and elegance. Made from polyester, this fabric is breathable and comfortable enough to wear all day long.