2020 may have been the year of the micro-wedding, but 2021 is shaping up to be the Year of the Party.
Whether it’s a postponed reception from folks who legally tied the knot in 2020, or a full on family+friends ceremony, we’ve got 30 gorgeous wedding guest looks for traditional formal, rustic, beach, modern, cocktail, and church-friendly nuptials.
LOVE IS A BEACH
Beach weddings were super popular even before the pandemic, but now they’ve skyrocketed to the number 2 most popular wedding style (don’t worry, we’ll get to numero uno here in just a bit). From oceanside to lake views, brides to be are flocking to water locations.
If one of these lucky guests is you, remember a few rules. First off, your shoes…literally in many cases. Because you’ll be navigating on sand, going barefoot may be permitted, just be sure to check the B&G’s dress code first. That said, sand can get uncomfortably hot in the sun, so wearing something glamorously flat and sand-friendly may be the best way to go. Second, we never met a beach that didn’t come with an ocean breeze. So in choosing a gown, long & flowy or tapered & tailored are your best bets (or risk the dreaded “skirt lift”). Last, let’s talk accessories. You’re going to be outside, so take that as your inspiration! Skip the heavy jewelry and dark handbags and go for lighter and brighter. Here’s some of our favorite inspirations…
From Left to Right:
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Nicole Miller, Ikat Maxi Dress $375
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Milly, Noah Brushstroke Floral Poplin Dress $425
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Windsor, Free-Spirited Floral Beauty Maxi Dress $44.90
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Alexis, Belaya V-Neck Floral Cut-out Back Maxi $410
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Liu Jo, Floral Print Long Dress $222
Not sure how to style these fabulous florals? Here are some amazing accessories that coordinate perfectly…
From Left to Right:
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Sachin & Babi, Stella Starfish $145
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M. Gemi, The Giulia $248
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Krewe, St. Louis Mirrored in Seaglass & Marine Rose $295
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Lulus, Total Opulence Gold Pearl Headband $18
FORMAL FABULOUSNESS
After over a year of couch surfing in our sweats, the idea of dressing to the nines is coming back in force. Many brides, having missed out on their storybook wedding bliss in order to settle for a court house ceremony are getting all giddy with the idea of a blow-out bash. If your invite calls for full-on formal, never fear! We’ve got an array of sparkly to satin to shine which will have you channeling your inner disney princess…
From Left to Right:
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Windsor, Elisabeth Pleated Tulle Formal Dress $36.90
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Marchesa Notte, 3D Floral Embellished Gown $389
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Windsor, Juliet Formal High Slit Dress 2 $79.90
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Needle & Thread, Neve V-Neck Crystal Embellished Maxi Dress $303
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David’s Bridal, V-Neck Sequin Sheath Gown w/Knot Detail $229.95
Inspiration for styling these falling flat? You can never go wrong with metallics and sparkle. Let the bling begin!
From Left to Right:
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Windsor, Glitzy Gal Rhinestone Clutch $28.90
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Windsor, Teardrop Rhinestone Set $12.90
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Ninas, Haven Platinum $99
ROMANTICALLY RUSTIC
Remember we mentioned we would get to which wedding style was Number 1 in 2021? Well, here it is. Rustic can be barn/farm rural, a sweeping garden getaway or even just a little vintage-meets-eclectic boho. While the goal of such an event is to “lighten up” a stuffy dress code, this can often be tricky to interpret. Our advice? Go for flowy fabrics that move with you in easy silhouettes that aren’t too overly tailored. Here are some great examples…
From Left to Right:
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Sachin & Babi, Cassidy Dress $465
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Nicole Miller, Silk Midi Dress $345
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Plum Pretty Sugar, Lottie Dress $59
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The Kooples, Long Purple Frill Dress $425
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Trina Turk, Cinema Dress $294.99
Having a challenging time deciding what to pair with these adorable dresses? Here’s some quick complementary options you’ll love…
From Left to Right:
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Baublebar, Autumn Earrings $44
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Cult Gaia, Eos Clutch $239
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Five Words by Cordani, Leather Clog Sandal $49.99
MAGNIFICENTLY MODERN
Not every bride wants their wedding to be a fairytale affair. Some brides prefer to be a chic queen over a poufy princess. Modern weddings can be every bit as upscale, just focused on sleek, clean lines and details. Getting yourself invited to a modern affair will give you the perfect excuse to channel your inner Meghan Markle and focus on something tailored and timeless. Here’s our take…
From Left to Right:
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Marchesa Notte, Cape-Effect Embroidered Gown $299
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Rachel Pally, Long Caftan Dress $238
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Windsor, Peyton One-Shoulder Crepe Dress $54.90
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Black Halo, Liliana Jumpsuit $525
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Michelle Mason, New Season 1-Shoulder Silk Gown $965
Feeling a little lost on accessorizing these modern beauties? We’ve got some instantly sleek and chic options…
From Left to Right:
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Windsor, Winner Is Envelope Clutch $28.90
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Tous, Black IP Steel Mesh Ring w/Onyx $179
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Windsor, Dainty Rhinestone Lariat Necklace $14.90
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Good American, Cinder-F*cking-Rella Wedge $195
CAPTIVATING COCKTAILS
Continuing with the more non-traditional reception themes, who needs a cake when you can have cocktails? Some blissful couples would rather focus less on the traditional dinner and get straight to the dancing and the drinks. There should be some appetizers for you to nibble on but a word of advice when attending events like this – have a light meal beforehand just in case. As for what to wear? This is the perfect opportunity to shift into sexy mode. So flaunt some leg, bare a shoulder (or two) and show this crowd your dance moves are straight fire.
From Left to Right:
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Windsor, Kate Formal Crepe Midi Dress $39.90
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Halston, Mock Neck Dress $725
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Windsor, Amanda Wrap Satin Dress $54.90
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Lulus, My Sweetheart Blush Pink Lace Mini Dress $68
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Windsor, Flirty Ruffles Floral Mini Dress $38.90
Looking for some equally-eye catching accessories for these looks? Take a gander at these great items we’ve pieced together…
From Left to Right:
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Windsor, Bring The Drama Statement Earrings $12.90
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Windsor, Glam Up The Night Rhinestone Fringe Sphere Clutch $35.90
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Ninas, Deloise Black Satin $89
REHEARSAL DINNER DELIGHT
Friend of the family, helping in the readings or simply an out of town guest who’s traveled far – these are just a few reasons why you may get an invite to the happy couple’s rehearsal dinner. If this is your first invite to this event, you should know that generally speaking the dress code is less fanciful than the post-wedding party. It can take place in a formal dining establishment or in the casual backyard of a family member or friend of the couple. We’ve gathered these gorg examples for you as fits that should fit the dinner ticket, regardless of the location.
From Left to Right:
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Karl Lagerfeld, Floral Chiffon Printed Dress $115
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Sachin & Babi, Estrella Dress $495
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Windsor, Maggie Formal Chiffon A-Line Midi Dress $56.90
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Nicole Miller, Jasmine Floral Smocked Maxi Dress $345
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Self-Portrait, Azaelea Floral Lace Midi Dress $312
And last but not least, let’s not forget to sweeten up these looks with some lovely accessories. Here’s some of our preferred options we’re sure you’ll love too…
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