What to Wear to a Chic Wedding as a Guest?

What to Wear to a Chic Wedding as a Guest?

Receiving a wedding invitation is always exciting, but it often comes with one big question: what am I going to wear? Finding the perfect dress for a chic wedding isn’t always easy—especially when you want to respect the dress code, feel comfortable all day, and look elegant in the photos. Whether you’re invited to a summer wedding, a fall celebration, or a formal winter event, there’s an ideal outfit for every type of ceremony. At Dream It Yourself, we’ve gathered our best tips to help you choose the perfect chic wedding guest dress, keeping in mind 2025 trends, different wedding styles, and the most frequently asked questions.

How to Dress for a Wedding as a Guest?

First and foremost, refer to the invitation. Is it a black-tie event? Cocktail? Boho chic? On the beach? In the city? Each wedding type has its own style, and your outfit should match it.

Summer Weddings: Lightness and Bright Colors

A dress for a summer wedding should be flowy, comfortable, and breathable. Think long or midi dresses in chiffon or linen, in pastel tones or floral prints. A chic floral dress for a wedding guest is always a safe bet for daytime weddings. For the bold, a chic red dress or a coral dress adds a sunny touch—just keep accessories subtle.

Fall Weddings: Rich Tones and Textured Fabrics

Fall is the perfect season to bring out a navy blue, burgundy, forest green, or plum dress. Midi dresses with long sleeves in slightly heavier fabrics like jacquard or satin are ideal. A cocktail dress for a chic wedding in an autumnal tone can really make a statement.

Winter Weddings: Chic and Warm

Winter calls for richer fabrics like velvet or silk. An elegant evening dress with long sleeves in deep tones like navy, black, or burgundy is ideal. A black dress for a wedding is now totally acceptable—just accessorize it well. Don’t hesitate to complete your look with a stylish coat, opaque tights, and chic heels.

Boho Chic or Beach Weddings

For a boho or rustic wedding, go for a flowy dress in a soft tone or subtle floral print. Lace or ruffled dresses are great choices, as well as asymmetric or backless styles. A boho chic wedding guest dress lets you show off your personality while matching the theme.

For a beach wedding, opt for a lightweight long dress, breathable fabric, and flowy cuts. Skip the heels and choose elegant sandals or wedge espadrilles instead.

What Colors to Wear to a Wedding?

In general, white is off-limits (reserved for the bride), and in some cultures, black is too. That said, an elegant black dress with colorful accessories is perfectly appropriate for a formal evening. Red can spark debate: in some traditions, it symbolizes seduction or draws attention to the groom. But in 2025, red wedding guest dresses are seen as bold and glamorous—it’s all about the cut and subtle accessories.

Pastel tones, bold hues (fuchsia, royal blue, yellow), metallics (gold, champagne), and floral print dresses are also very trendy. A pastel wedding guest dress is perfect for daytime ceremonies, while a bold color will energize a summer wedding look.

Understanding Dress Codes

Decoding the dress code is key to avoiding a fashion faux pas. Here’s a quick guide to the most common styles:

  • White-tie: very formal, requires a floor-length formal gown in a luxurious fabric (silk, satin), with refined accessories.
  • Black-tie: long dress or chic evening dress, elegant jewelry, heels. More flexibility than white-tie, but still very polished.
  • Formal / evening attire: a midi or long cocktail dress in a chic fabric. Colors are welcome, but elegance is a must.
  • Cocktail: the perfect occasion to wear a short chic wedding guest dress. Go for modern cuts, satin fabrics, and unique details.
  • Dressy casual / semi-formal: a simple but elegant dress, flowy, short or midi, with a personal touch.
  • Boho chic / beach or countryside weddings: opt for a light dress, often lace or linen, in soft tones or subtle floral patterns.

Where to Find a Chic Wedding Guest Dress in Montreal?

At Dream It Yourself, we don’t carry a full collection of guest dresses, but our famous Infinity Dress is a stylish and versatile option that’s especially popular with bridesmaids—and sometimes with guests, depending on the wedding theme.

For more variety, we warmly recommend:

One thing’s for sure: no matter the style or the season, the most important thing is to feel like yourself in your outfit. After all, a confident, authentic look is always the most elegant.