Where to Find the Best Wedding Guest Dresses: Our Favorite Retailers & Rental Services
Wedding season is one of the most exciting times of the year, but figuring out what to wear to every celebration can quickly become overwhelming. Between engagement parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, and the weddings themselves, your calendar can fill up fast….and so can the need for a great outfit! Whether you’re looking to invest in a dress you’ll wear again or rent something fun for the weekend, there are so many great options that make finding the perfect look a little easier.
As someone getting married this year myself, I’ve had more events on my calendar than ever, both for my own wedding and as a guest. So, for research purposes, of course, I’ve personally ordered from and tried all of the options on this list. Nuuly and FashionPass have become two of my go-tos because they let me have fun with different styles, without feeling like I need to buy a new outfit for every event. I’ve found everything from adorable wedding guest dresses to bridal pieces for my own wedding festivities. there have been so many pieces I’ve genuinely loved and some I even paid extra to keep!
Thankfully, there are so many great options out there at a variety of price points. Below are some of our team’s tried-and-tested favorites for finding the perfect wedding guest look!
Nuuly: Ideal for Guests Attending Multiple Weddings
If your calendar is filled with weddings, Nuuly is one of the most cost-effective options available.
Nuuly is a monthly clothing rental subscription that allows members to rent six pieces at a time from hundreds of brands. Once you've worn your items, simply send them back using the prepaid shipping label. Cleaning is included in this cost, it's super user friendly and you just have to drop off at UPS when you are done.
We have multiple girls in our office that use Nuuly and have loved their experience using it for events!
Best For:
● Guests attending several weddings each season
● Those who enjoy trying designer brands
● Anyone who prefers not to purchase a dress they'll only wear once
Considerations:
● A monthly subscription offers the most value if you'll use it regularly.
● You can pause at any time.
● Popular styles and sizes can book quickly during peak wedding season.
FashionPass: Contemporary Styles Through Rental
FashionPass offers a similar rental experience but focuses on trend-forward brands. It's a great option for guests looking for modern silhouettes, bold colors, or statement pieces while still enjoying the flexibility of renting instead of buying.
Many membership plans also include accessories, making it easy to create a complete look for an event.
Best For:
● Cocktail attire
● Destination weddings
● Fashion-forward styles
● Guests who enjoy changing up their wardrobe
Considerations:
Inventory changes frequently, so it's worth browsing early if you're shopping for a specific event.
You have the ability to return your rentals twice during the one month period so you technically have 2 chances to get items for an event!
Abercrombie: Classic Dresses You'll Wear Again
Abercrombie has become one of our favorite retailers for wedding guest attire thanks to its timeless designs and quality fabrics.
Their collections feature elegant midi and maxi dresses, elevated basics, and flattering silhouettes that can easily transition from weddings to vacations, date nights, or holiday parties. Many styles are also available in petite and tall sizing.
Best For:
● Cocktail weddings
● Formal weddings
● Guests looking for versatile wardrobe staples
● Young professionals and adults looking for timeless styles
Nordstrom: A Wide Selection for Every Dress Code
Whether you're attending a black-tie celebration, a casual garden wedding, or something in between, you'll find options ranging from contemporary labels to designer collections. The variety makes Nordstrom an excellent choice for shoppers of all ages, styles and body types.
Best For:
● Black-tie and formal weddings
● Cocktail attire
● Mother of the bride or groom dresses
● Guests looking for high-quality investment pieces
Considerations:
Nordstrom carries a broad range of price points, making it easy to shop within your budget while still finding quality options.
Anthropologie: Romantic & Elegant
Anthropologie offers everything from flowing floral maxis to sophisticated satin dresses, making it easy to find something appropriate for a variety of venues and dress codes.
Anthropologie also carries an inclusive size range and often features unique designs that stand out without feeling overly trendy.
Best For:
● Garden weddings
● Vineyard weddings
● Outdoor celebrations
● Guests looking for romantic, elevated styles
Considerations:
Prices tend to be higher than some retailers.
Lulus: Affordable Dresses for Every Occasion
Lulus collection includes everything from simple cocktail dresses to formal gowns, making it easy to shop by dress code or occasion. Lulus is especially helpful for younger guests or anyone looking for a beautiful dress without a significant investment.
Best For:
● Budget-conscious shoppers
● Cocktail attire
● Formal weddings
● Last-minute shopping
Considerations:
Because many styles are trend-driven, availability can sell out quickly during peak wedding season.
Petal & Pup: Modern Styles with a Feminine Feel
Petal & Pup’s assortment of dresses includes floral prints, soft colors, and flattering silhouettes that work especially well for spring and summer weddings. Many of their dresses can easily be worn again for baby showers, vacations, or other special occasions.
Best For:
● Garden weddings
● Spring and summer celebrations
● Semi-formal attire
● Guests looking for feminine, versatile pieces
Considerations:
If you're shopping for a black-tie event, the selection is more limited than retailers like Nordstrom.
Amazon: Convenient, Affordable & Great for Last-Minute Shopping
Amazon has become an increasingly popular option for wedding guest dresses, especially for shoppers working within a budget or short timeline.
With thousands of dresses available across a wide variety of styles, colors, and sizes, Amazon offers something for nearly every dress code. Customer reviews and photos can also provide helpful insight into fit and quality before purchasing.
Best For:
● Last-minute invitations
● Budget-friendly shopping
● Simple cocktail attire
● Guests looking for quick shipping
Considerations:
Quality and sizing vary by brand, so reading reviews and checking measurements before ordering is important.
Revolve: Elevated Designer & Contemporary Styles
Revolve offers an extensive collection of designer brands. It's a favorite among guests attending luxury weddings, destination celebrations, and black-tie events.
They have a wide variety of silhouettes, fabrics, and colors, making it easy to find something sophisticated but also within your style range.
Best For:
● Black-tie weddings
● Destination weddings
● Evening celebrations
● Guests looking for contemporary designer brands
Considerations:
Revolve generally falls into a higher price range, but many shoppers appreciate the quality, selection, and timeless appeal of the dresses.
A Few Tips Before You Shop
Before choosing your wedding guest attire, keep these considerations in mind:
● Think about the venue and season. Outdoor summer weddings often require different fabrics and footwear than indoor winter celebrations.
● Prioritize comfort. Weddings are long events, and you'll likely spend hours standing, walking, and dancing.
● Consider versatility. If you're purchasing a dress, choose one that can be styled differently for future occasions to maximize its value.
● Always read the reviews when you’re renting! Sizing can vary quite a bit from brand to brand, and reviews from other renters are incredibly helpful when deciding what size to order and how a particular style actually fits on your own body type.
Finding the perfect wedding guest dress doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you choose to rent or purchase, there are options available for every style, budget, age, and wedding dress code. We hope this list helps make your shopping experience much easier moving forward!