Formal wedding guest dresses in velvet and satin

A formal wedding guest dress has to look right in two places, the church at four and the ballroom at nine. Most of ours are velvet, from midi to the floor, with long sleeves for the ceremony and bare shoulders for later.

Sitting through the vows in velvet

Churches can be cold, and strict too. A midi with long sleeves handles both, and you won’t need to borrow anyone’s cardigan halfway through the readings. Our powder pink velvet midi is close-fitting and ends below the knee, and pearl studs with nude heels are all it asks for. Wear seamless underwear so the velvet lies smooth, and pick a heel you can stand in through a long ceremony.

Darker colors feel more formal. The emerald velvet midi with a turtleneck and a belt covers your neck completely, so your hair goes up in a bun. Red velvet with a tie belt and a V-neck is the warmer option, and it still covers your arms.

Whatever you choose, sit in it before the day. Pews are hard and the service can run long.

Not sure about the dress code? Ask the couple. It’s easier than guessing.

When the reception goes black tie

Long gowns take over in the evening. The navy velvet mermaid is the formal wedding guest dress we’d pick for a winter night. It hugs you down to the knee before the skirt opens out, which means walking to your table, posing for the photographer and sitting through dinner all happen without a fight with the hem.

Want bare shoulders? The emerald and burgundy floor-length gowns leave the shoulders bare. Their sleeves stop between elbow and wrist, and each has a slit at the leg. Slick your hair back or wear a low bun. Gold earrings, a small clutch. On the dance floor the slit lets you move.

The red one-sleeve gown is bolder, in a dense velvet that stretches and fits smoothly. Red is a lot at someone else’s wedding, so have a quick word with the bride first.

For more relaxed invitations, start with all our wedding guest styles. Evening receptions with a strict code have their own black tie page, and guest dresses with sleeves are grouped too.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear black to a formal wedding?

At an evening reception, usually. A black velvet turtleneck midi looks dressy without any shine, and a bright bag lifts it.

Can a formal wedding guest dress be a mini?

Rarely. If the card says formal, go for midi or longer.

Which colors should I skip?

White and anything close to it. That’s the bride’s color, and you won’t find it on this page.

What about a summer wedding?

Try the green satin midi, ruffled around the middle. Short sleeves, a V at the neck, and a fabric light enough for a warm evening banquet that keeps going long after the cake is cut and the band starts its second set. Earrings with stones, soft waves in your hair.