Summer may be known as the official wedding season, but with the pandemic putting big days on hold for two years, the knock-on effect is that many couples are tying the knot whenever their dream venue has an opening.
So, if you’re lucky enough to be a guest at the ceremony or the big bash afterwards, you may find yourself in a bit of a fix when deciding what to wear.
Layers are a good idea in the transitional seasons like spring and autumn, while winter wonderland weddings will require warmer fabrics. After all, you don’t want to end up being the bride’s ‘something blue’. If it’s summer: all bets are off. Wear what you like, using the venue as a guide for your outfit if a dress code isn’t supplied by the happy couple. The only real rule is: stay away from anything close to white.
The search for the perfect wedding guest dress gets tougher if you wear plus size: formal wear tailoring and curves aren’t always a marriage made in heaven. However, more brands are embracing extended sizes and showcasing fancy frocks to include a more inclusive demographic of women.
We’ve rounded up the best looks for the season that’ll have you saying ‘I do’ to. They’re ideal for weddings, but also great for any formal occasion where only dressing up to the nines will do.
Shop our edit of the best plus size wedding guest dresses below
ASOS DESIGN Curve washed satin volume sleeve midaxi dress in abstract print
Sizes: 16 - 30
Bold washes of colour on a light and airy silhouette - what’s not to love? ASOS’s design is so easy to wear whatever day of the week. The scoop back exposes just the right level of skin to remain appropriate. We’ll wear it with white trainers down the pub for a slap-up Sunday roast.
Buy now £50.00, ASOS
Coast Plus Size Plunge Organza 3d Floral Full Skirt Midi Dress
Sizes: 18 - 26
We know, we know - we said no white. But the pretty blue and green floral embroidery stop this midi from being the ultimate bridal faux pas. A pale blue ribbon on the waist highlights you at your smallest and makes your legs appear taller. Pair with a hat or fascinator if you’re invited to the I Do’s, or bring a matching shawl to ward off the evening chill at the reception.
Buy now £230.30, Coast
Reformation Juliette Dress Es
Sizes: 18 - 24
Live a Dolce Vita summer all year round in Reformation's lovely floral print dress which comes with a thigh-high split to give your pins some breathing (not to mention dancing) room.
The form-fitting dress runs on the smaller side, so opt for a size up if you're not sure what's right for you.
Buy now £278.00, Reformation
ASOS DESIGN Curve ruffle cut out off the shoulder midi dress in olive green
Sizes: 16 - 30
With more ruffles than a Bridgerton ball (well, not quite but almost) this lush green dress will be as at home in country weddings as it will in the city. The off-shoulder design calls for a supportive strapless bra but allows you to wear hair up or down as you choose.
Buy now £48.00, ASOS
Rixo June in Tomato Palm
Sizes: 6 - 20
The cult fashion brand offers fancy frocks in UK sizes 6 to 20. With a square neck and flared skirt, the June cut is ideal for attending summer and Indian summer nuptials. The tomato palm print is a timeless look that won’t date, so you can whip it out for warm weather events when the occasion calls.
Buy now £275.00, Rixo
Monsoon Hattie embellished wrap dress blue
Sizes: 8 - 24
A wrap dress is one of the easiest styles to carry off. Monsoon’s version, named Hattie, comes in beautiful blue with an embellished gauze overlay that’s hard to say no to. It’s pretty enough to wear with just a sliver of accessories, but a nice pair of heels and dainty clutch bag are essential extras.
Buy now £105.00, Monsoon
Rixo Melanie dress in Leopard Spot
Sizes: 6 - 24
Rixo’s entry into plus size dressing has come just in time for party season - and we couldn’t be happier. The cult dresses are now made for a more inclusive audience and top of our list is this mixed pattern midi, fusing two of our favourites together - velvet and an animal print. There’s no way you can have anything but fun in this frock.
Buy now £335.00, MyTheresa
Boden Sweetheart Linen Midi Dress
Sizes: 6 - 20
Sweetheart necklines are endlessly flattering on all body shapes, but especially for anyone who takes a plus size, framing the chest in a flattering silhouette. This black midi dress features the cut and comes in breathable linen, the perfect fabric to wear in summer as well as during transitional weather. If it’s still cold out, add warmth with a cosy cropped cardi and thick denier tights.
Buy now £78.00, Boden
ASOS DESIGN Curve 2 piece off shoulder pencil wrap tuck faux feather midi dress in sage
Sizes: 16 - 28
Got a wedding in the diary? Feel glamorous in the photos in this faux leather and feather pencil dress that’s ready to party on the reception dance floor.
Buy now £80.00, ASOS
Never Fully Dressed Summer Check Wrap Dress
Sizes: 6 - 24
Spring is the season for florals (obvs) and wholesome checks in bright colours. NFD nails the brief with this wrap dress that comes with an extra flounce for an extra element of fun. We like the idea of pairing with bold contrast colours to really make your OOTD sing.
Buy now £99.00, Never Fully Dressed
Reformation Gatsby Dress Es
Sizes: 18 - 26
A deep neck and high leg split keeps air flowing around this glamorous dress from Reformation, making it perfect for weddings and garden parties where you need to take your style up a notch.
Buy now £595.00, Reformation
Erdem Positano Dress Summer Wallpaper Cotton Poplin
Sizes: 14, 22
For the gals who have ever gazed longingly at a wallpaper print wishing they could wear it comes this heavily detailed number from Erdem. The breezy design is fashioned from lightweight and breathable cotton poplin, and puts modern florals in the spotlight.
Buy now £715.00, Erdem
Monsoon Annalissa sequin midi dress black
Sizes: 8 - 24
If you’re headed for the wedding reception-only part of the day, you can get away with sartorial no-nos, such as black. But only if, like this Monsoon midi, it’s finished with a flourish of tiny gold sequins to keep the look from being too sombre. The longer length is balanced with a sweetheart neckline to flash a little flesh, but not so much to be distracting.
Buy now £130.00, Monsoon
