It’s an absolute honour being invited to a family or friends nuptials and sometimes shopping for a new outfit is just as much fun as attending the wedding itself. Especially when you find something you really LOVE. Which is often in my case – oops sorry credit card & hubby!
I’ve even been known to buy a dress a year in advance I’ve been that excited. By the time the wedding comes round, I’ve probably bought another two options too which actually isn’t very cost effective at all! To make sure your hard earned cash goes a little further we’ve covered outfits from as little as £22 up to £200. As if you’re like me are attending several weddings in one season with the same guests you probably don’t want to be rocking up in the same dress. Obviously this can be quite a spendy affair so it’s always good to have a few budget options as well as a lavish one.
Last week we chatted about Wedding Guest Attire Etiquette and we absolutely loved reading all your stories. I think we can safely say we are all guilty of a bit of people watching when we’re out. So to ensure you stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons here are a few of RMS’s favourite frocks for you to don at your next event.
Lace
I am a huge lover of lace, my own wedding dress was lace, but I don’t think I’ve actually worn a lace dress as a wedding guest yet. I’m seriously questioning why when all these gorgeous dresses are available.
My absolute favourite has to be the Warehouse Lace Cream Shirt Dress. The fabric is simply stunning and that floaty skirt is the perfect length for being sassy and conservative. I can just imagine teaming it with a metallic clutch & courts and feeling amazing. But move quick if you like it too as stock is moving fast and I don’t want you to miss out.
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I also homed in on the Oasis Red Lace Dress, so flirty and girly and an absolutely bright and beautiful hue for lace as is the Phase Eight blue lace dress with contrasting lining to make the lace pop plus the hem detail is beaut.
I actually already own a very similar version of this Marks and Spencer mono lace dress. It’s great to see it reworked and back on the high street as it really is a lovely design and such a flattering shape.
Block Colour
I think I have actually managed to cover the rainbow with my choice of dresses for you all, which means if you know what the colour scheme of the wedding you’re attending is, you can choose to avoid or match it as desired. You’re welcome.
I’ve also included a black and a few cream/blush dresses into the mix as many of you are actually not adverse to seeing your guests in these shades or have rocked them yourself, often teaming them with bright accessories, which is exactly what I do with the gorgeous black, layered top & pleated skirt, All Saints dress.
If I was to choose a bright hue, I’d actually be hard pressed to make a decision. I LOVE the details on so many of them. Rob teases me and calls my dresses Blue Peter dresses as they were never plain. I mean how can you not love the pleated skirt and cap sleeves on the Karen Millen Red Dress, but also that sexy open back of the Mango Petrol Blue Dress. You can see my dilemma and why I end up with SO many frocks.
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Prints
Wearing a print is possibly the safest option for not matching or trying to look like you are a wannabe bridesmaid. Ditsy floral prints always look adorable at summer weddings. Think Prosecco on the lawn and the sun beaming down and a gown covered in blooms. *Sigh*
The Bardot neckline seems to be an absolute favourite cut on the high street at the moment, feminine and flirty all at the same time and if you don’t fancy the Oasis V&A pencil print dress or the ASOS Botanical Prom Dress then these separates from Coast are just as adorable. Matching a cobalt blue fold crop top with a printed wrap skirt.
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Have you got your eye on any gorgeous outfits for up and coming weddings, christening or races yet? As although the post says wedding guest fashion there is no stopping you from wearing these gorgeous outfits wherever you like. And if you’re with bump or searching for bridesmaid dresses don’t forget to check out our Maternity Fashion post on Rock My Family and the High-street Bridesmaid edit on Rock My Wedding too.
Excellent post! Thanks so much for your help I have five weddings, a family party, and a hen party at Ascot to get kitted out for! A few of these dresses have gone straight in my shopping basket!
Catherine xx
Wow that is a lot of events to get kitted out for Catherine. SO pleased we could help xxx
Lorna, I’m so glad you added the cream lace dress from Warehouse! I totally love it, my Husband is best man at our Friends wedding at the end of May and have been struggling to find an outfit! I love this dress having seen it on Asos but was wondering if it broke the rules on wearing all cream / white to a wedding?! But if you’ve included it here then it must be ok! ? Xx
Danielle you would have laughed at the conversations the team had over this! So funny, it’s why RM Ltd works so well, we are all similar in lots of ways but also have different tastes and thoughts, hence why we think RMS in particular is quite diverse in what we share in terms of fashion and whatnot.
Some of the girls were against wearing white or cream as a guest, and although I don’t think anyone should rock up to their friends nuptials in a long white gown, I think short with the right accessories is fine (clearly not a tiara, or a flower crown!)
This cream lace dress is gorgeous. it would look lush with some cute ankle boots 🙂 x
It’s SO beautiful isn’t it Danielle. I think the shirt collar definitely gives it an edgier look and makes it less bridal and if you’re worried about breaking the rules just add a splash of colour with your shoes, clutch bag or wrap. I said I’d team it with metallic accessories, but I actually really like it with the grey courts the model wears in the ASOS pic too . I think it’s versatile enough to get away with most coloured accessories or some cute ankle boots as Charlotte says xxx
Brilliant post! Thank you, I’m off to order the ASOS floral one now…. sorry bank account, forgive me…. x
Great choice Stacy. I’m totally smitten with the Bardot neckline on that dress xxx
*puts flower crown back in box ?* well, Charlotte as you are the wedding queen and practically make the rules, I am sold. But I’ve not tried it on yet, so as its my Mummy day Edie and I are going to Warehouse to try it on! Let’s hope it doesn’t look a fright… Lorna I really liked the idea of the metallic… Or maybe something like a bright pink! Thank you ladies… On a separate note, not too worried about upsetting the bride, she made some very suggestive remarks to my now husband at our Engagement party!!! Xx
Ooh err, even more reason to get a frock you feel fabulous in then. Keep us posted, I hope it’s “the one” xxx
Danielle this made me laugh out loud for so many reasons! I was actually planning on wearing a full on ballgown style white dress to Adam’s wedding in September…..do you think a veil would be a bit much? ?
Did you read the piece on etiquette last week? A reader told us she went to a wedding where a guest wore her own actual Jenny Packham wedding gown……! I hope Edie let’s you try everything on, Mabel absolutely detests shopping – I need to get that situation sorted out pronto! x
I still can’t get over the woman who wore a Jenny Packham wedding dress as a wedding guest! The utter cheek! I mean they are beautiful dresses but still – not the time or the place to rewear!
Great round-up!! Totally just bought two of these as options for the boy’s brother’s wedding in August (the Topshop green and the Oasis red lace). The theory is that I will only keep one… but I’ve played this game before, a dress buying addict NEVER returns a dress unless it totally doesn’t fit. So, here’s hoping I will be the proud owner of two pretty new dresses!
And with that, the shopping ban is now back on. Honest. Until you dirty enablers get me again, that is… xx
Oh Emma this made me chuckle A LOT, that is definitely so true. Both are gorgeous choices xxx
I loooove that Phase Eight blue lace dress!! But alas, it is out of my budget and the only wedding we have this year I could wear it is in July – when I will be 8 months pregnant 😮
Wonder if it would be a worthy investment should I ever fit in normal clothes again….
That’s one of my favourites too Maike. We’ve got seven weddings this year – I reckon I could get good cost per wear 😉
Laurie do it, do it. It’ll be totally worth it and you’ll look LUSH in it xxx
If only I didn’t have curtains, and bedding and lawn mowers to buy!
Smashing selections Lornie – so much gorgeous frockage! x
Mwah xxx
Maybe you could get hubby to treat you to it Maike? I bet he’ll say yes to anything when baby arrives 😉 xxx
Tempting 🙂 But with the cost of a new baby, I think I’d feel too guilty to enjoy it!
I know all too well about Mama guilt Maike, this is just the beginning 😉 xx
Thanks for this post! I am currently on the look out for a wedding guest dress for a wedding in LAS VEGAS in August! I am soooo excited! As it’s Vegas I think I want a print, something floral and bright – but it will also be hot hot hot in the peak of the desert heat so need something comfortable!
Any ideas anyone? xx
This ASOS Floral Skater Dress with thin straps looks like the perfect frock for the dessert heat. Not jealous, not jealous at all Kitty… xxx
I absolutely LOVE that! Oh em gee *heart eyes emoji*
I may have to order it! Thanks xxx
I will be more than happy to share any Vegas tips on here for a city guide feature – I am very proud of the deal I found us and love telling all and sundry about what a bargain we found! 9 nights, with breakfast, staying at Encore at Wynn for just £1100 each! 😀
What a steal Kitty – have a wonderful time. We’ve actually done a post on Vegas before. Lots of suggestions for you to try out! x
How on earth did I miss that Vegas post, I’m on it!
Ha! Just looked and I commented on that post, gosh my memory sucks! I even had it bookmarked! o_O
Must be all the excitement Kitty 😉
PS I have that Oasis lace dress in black, with peach/cream lining, and it is soooo flattering and comfortable to wear!
Knowing that it’s comfortable makes me want it more Kitty xxx
I really love that cream lace shirtdress, but I do have to admit I am scared to wear cream to a wedding in case the bride takes exception. That said, I wouldn’t have cared if someone had worn a frock like that to my own wedding. It definitely is a whole different kettle of fish if it’s a maxi dress in cream or ivory though!
Also loving the green Topshop number, it’s a really nice colour. The M&S one is nice too, and might just do the job for a city wedding I have in June. It reminds me of Catherine Deane’s dresses.
It’s a tricky one isn’t it Tracey M, nobody wants to upset the bride and I would agree that ivory maxi dresses are a definite no no, but this dress feels different in some way.
It’s definitely a safer option to go for a bright shade and the Topshop green dress is gorgeous, as is the M&S mono one. xxx
The green jumpsuit is lovely – I’m tempted to get it despite the fact I have no weddings to attend this year! Lovely choices on her – really wish this had come round last year when I was having a nightmare with getting an outfit together for a wedding.
It looks fab doesn’t it Jo. A great edition to a summer wardrobe I say, and Le Redoute are offering 25% off at the mo with code SPRINGWEB, making it even more of a steal at just £26.25! xxx
I’m totally sold now – thanks for the discount code! Here’s hoping it fits now (might buy two sizes just in case…!)
It has found it’s way into my basket too Jo xxx
Love this post Lorna, such a good selection! I bought this dress: http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/dresses/maxi/long-crossover-dress-c400008p3446029.html for an evening reception we’re going to this weekend (my caveat is that it looks MUCH better in real life!). Totally have my eye on the pale blue floral Asos dress for any summer events though, in the hope that it’ll prevent my usual last minute panic! x
Ooh LOVE that Rebecca. Being an evening guest definitely allows for much more scope doesn’t it.
I hate panic buying, I never feel comfortable in something if I’ve left it to the last minute. Plus I never seem to be able to find the accessories I want to go with it either, so it’s like a double kick in the teeth. xxx
I have been invited to a wedding in June where the dress code is “casual/informal” and have no idea what to wear! It’s a bbq and garden party with garden games – any suggestions would be much appreciated! I love the lacy dresses above but don’t know if too formal. But I don’t want to be scruffy at a wedding – dilemma!
I always feel happier when I’m over dressed rather than under dressed, and the ASOS mint green lace frock above would look cute as at an informal/ BBQ wedding with some flat sandals Fran, supper comfortable too. The jumpsuits could also look lush and some of the Mango print dresses, but I will definitely keep an eye out for more options for you. I don’t need to be asked twice to shop 😉 xxx
This Floral print dress from Le Redoute could be cute too Fran, plus there’s 25% off with their SPRINGWEB code at the moment xxx
Thanks Lorna – you’re right that asos dress would be good with flats. I absolutely love that la redoute dress – that is def getting purchased as perfect for every situation, and what a bargain! I’ve never had a jumpsuit – like the idea but as I’m pretty short with a bum needing a bigger size than my boobs I’ve never found one to fit! Thanks for the fab ideas – excellent taste at RMS as always! X
😉 xxx
Oh my!! That mint lace ASOS dress NEEDS to be mine!! haha!
Although our only wedding invite this year is for October!
I can still wear mint in Autumn right?!!!
xx
I definitely think so Rebecca, especially the warm Octobers we’ve been getting xxx
This post is perfect! We have 6 weddings this year, all of our closest friends getting married within months of each other! Two of the weddings are abroad so I’ve been struggling with what to buy. I’ve already got a gorgeous blue dress from Reiss. I’m thinking I also need the mint lace one from asos and the floral Bardot one! Eek… I want them all! We’re in the process of building our house this year so the hubby may not be best pleased!