The Wedding Guest Edit—30 Spring Wedding Guest Outfits For Every Dress Code

By Caitlin Burnett

After a two year hiatus, wedding season is back in full force for spring and summer ‘22. Most of our social calendars are packed with ceremonies to celebrate our loved ones, and probably with more events than are typical with everyone trying to make up for lost time. And after rain-checking events for the past few years, you’re probably looking forward to catching up with friends and getting dressed up to feel your best. Which means you’re going to need some outfits—and we’ve got you covered. From cocktail dresses to evening gowns to finishing touch accessories, we’ve gathered everything you’ll need for a stylish spring wedding.

Decoding wedding dress codes is somewhat of an art form, so we’ve broken down our wedding guest outfit recommendations by the most common directives. Now of course every wedding and dress code is unique so be sure to double-check your invitation (and reach out to someone in the bridal party if you’re unsure to be safe), but generally speaking most dress codes will fall into one of the below five categories.

So whether you’re headed to a breezy beach ceremony or a black tie formal affair, keep reading for spring wedding guest outfits that are sure to impress. 

Garden

It doesn’t get more quintessentially spring than a garden formal wedding. This dress code calls for soft, romantic vibes—think florals upon florals with a touch of ruffle and tulle. A garden formal wedding is the perfect opportunity to play with color in your dress, shoes, and accessories, so save your go-to black for another event and opt for whimsical patterns and delicate details instead. The shoulder ties on this Reformation dress are just dreamy, or go for pretty tiers on the chic V. Chapman midi. 

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Beach

If you’re attending a beach wedding it probably means the happy couple wants an airy, laid back vibe. This means you have much more flexibility in your attire and can opt for brighter colors, more casual fabrics, and fun details like cutouts or prints. Halter and twisted necklines are a major trend for spring and complement a beach wedding perfectly. And pro tip: find out the terrain you’ll be on—if the ceremony is actually on the sand you’ll want to keep that in mind when choosing a shoe. 

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Cocktail 

Cocktail attire is the most common dress code, and for a spring wedding this means a balance of polish and comfort. Go for bright colors or fun prints to complement the fresh spring season, and a pop of floral never hurts. These Lele Sadoughi earrings are a chic way to nod to the spring season while still remaining effortless and elevated. 

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Black Tie

Black tie is as formal a wedding gets—If your invite says black tie, this signals the couple wants this to be a fancy affair. That means guests should be dressed to the nines, and gives you the rare chance to go all out on your outfit. You’ll definitely want to go floor length and select a fabric that feels elegant, like a silk or satin. Color is still encouraged, unless your invite directs otherwise, but black is also more than appropriate. Opt for a bold earring or jeweled bag to spice up your look even further. 

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Formal

A formal dress code is the happy medium between cocktail and black tie—it admittedly can be a bit confusing, but essentially means you can opt for a dress that falls above your ankles so long as it’s polished. A fully beaded mini or midi dress is a great option for a formal wedding, as well as high slits and romantic details. A pair of strappy sandals and modern pearl earrings are the perfect accessories to complement an elegant dress. 

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