Fall Wedding Guest Dresses That Won’t Break The Bank — Shop Now

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They say there are four seasons in a year, but those who have done any shopping for wedding guest dresses and outfits would insist that wedding season deserves a spot on calendar as well. Since the pandemic disrupted many couple’s original wedding plans, wedding season has become stacked with invites — all of which require a great outfit.

Fall wedding guest outfits will mainly differ from those in the summer and spring when it comes to color and fabric. Depending on where the party is, a dress’ design might require a shawl or long sleeves, too. Spring and summer threads typically include bright or pastel colors, floral prints and are usually made of warm-weather friendly fabrics like chiffon for a light, easy-breezy feel.

Fall wedding guest dresses, on the other hand, usually have a much more muted color scheme, and designs are made of richer feeling materials like velvet. Additionally, due to weather, a faux fur shrug or woven shawl can be paired for added warmth without taking away from an outfit. Many fall nuptials feature an earth tone color scheme: think burnt oranges, hues of green and jewel tones such as purple, navy and burgundy. This is not to say that you can’t wear a brighter color, however, your options may be limited if you have your heart set on a more summer-appropriate design.

First and foremost, you do not want to be that guest who shows up in white. While some cultures differ on this, overall, it is tradition across the country for only the bride to be wearing white. This being said, avoid all whites, creams or patterned dresses that reflect mostly a white design. Going off of the same school of thought, if possible, avoid wearing a similar color as the wedding party. We have all attended an event where a guest looked as if they could have been a part of the main production, which can also cause for awkward encounters. Other factors to keep in mind:

• Location: Some churches require specific dress codes. Check with the bride or groom beforehand if this is the case or you are unsure.
• Weather: This also factors in with location, but depending on where the event is being held, you may want to prepare for uncertain weather. This also helps when selecting shoes and accessories for the day.
• Dress code: Some weddings are more relaxed while others require specific attire; this information is usually noted on the RSVP. While you may dislike black tie events, going against a couple’s wishes can not only come off as disrespectful, but could also disrupt photos and overall vision for the big day. Cocktail dresses are not formal wear, so don’t make that mistake either.
• Avoid revealing designs: This is a more specific tip, but many dresses, although labeled for weddings, are not designs you’d necessarily want to wear in front of grandparents. Extra-high slits, deep-V necklines and revealing cut outs can not only come across as distasteful but could lead to wardrobe malfunctions. It’s best to avoid this altogether by choosing a design that is not too revealing and one that you can move comfortably in throughout the event.

Whether you’re looking for something new to wear or have exhausted your usual lineup of cocktail and formal attire, we’re rounding up the best fall wedding guest dresses to help you shop. We’ve kept the budget to under $100 for these wedding guest fits, scroll to shop our affordable picks for fall nuptials.