20 Stunning Cocktail Dresses for Wedding Guests

This floor-sweeping dress in a rich berry hue is striking for an early fall, evening wedding, complete with a tiered hemline and frilled detailing along the neckline and sleeves. Tonal accessories in red and tan will help maintain an autumnal feel.

For a late spring or early fall wedding, we love this copper-colored mini dress with a flouncy hemline. The color of the dress is practically made for transition seasons, and you’re guaranteed to make an impression in this on the dance floor. The shorter length and draping details make it a perfect cocktail dress.

Make a splash at a summer wedding in this vibrant midi dress by Brazilian brand FARM Rio. The print is playful and fresh on its own and made even better with colorful accessories. It also has a casual feel that's perfect day or night. As a bonus, 100 percent cotton helps keep you cool during a sweltering evening spent on the dance floor.

Not only is periwinkle a universally flattering color, but the expertly placed ruching on this strapless gown makes for a pleasing fit on various body types. It is also designed to hit right at the knee, making it an appropriate length for all kinds of ceremonies.

We love the romantic feel of this floral print. The thin straps and leg-baring slit make this dress feel sweet yet bold for any wedding guest. Plus, its cornflower blue hue is equally appropriate for spring, summer, and fall weddings.

The perfect dress for a spring or summer wedding, this ultra-feminine mini style is complete with a pretty floral print, flounced hemline, and tunic silhouette. It's an excellent option for petite sizes, too. Overall, you can't go wrong with such a whimsical style that hits above the knee for any cocktail event.

The great thing about Fame and Partners is that you can customize their dresses, from the color to the length. We love this sophisticated look for the draping detail, tulip skirt, and blouson sleeves. The rich jewel tone makes it ideal for a late fall or winter wedding.

For the daring minimalist, this sleek and sexy dress is a lovely choice for an evening summer wedding. Style the skin-baring design and pastel hue with strappy metallic sandals and minimal jewels to make it an especially great look for a beach or destination wedding.

For the fashion-forward wedding guest, this two-tone dress is gorgeous for a city wedding. With unique design details, we suggest clean and simple accessories so the dress can remain the focal point. Although it's a maxi, the cotton and spandex blend makes it casual enough for a daytime or evening ceremony.

With delicate ruffle accent sleeves and a flowing silhouette, this maxi dress is nothing short of showstopping. The light blue floral and ruffle details make it ideal for a seaside wedding or spring daytime ceremony.

Emerald is an utterly chic color choice for a fall or winter wedding. Not to mention, the dreamy satin fabric and body-skimming fit are ultra-flattering. Dress up this minimalist slip with a fun pair of shoes or a statement clutch.

This sequin dress is how you do sequins for a cocktail dress code. We recommend this look for an evening wedding with minimal accessories. We love how the blouson sleeves and tie-waist balance the shorter hem.

If you’re looking for a romantic and affordable floral-print midi dress, look no further than this flowing number from Boohoo. It’s incredibly versatile for spring and summer weddings both during the day and at night.

If comfort is key, look no further than this black and white cutout dress. We love it for an afternoon wedding in the summer as it's casual enough for a daytime affair and has cutouts to help keep you cool. It looks beautiful on any body type, making it a universal winner. Accessorize with bright colors like neons or pastels for added oomph.

Take your classic little black dress to the next level with this head-turning sequin number. We recommend this look for an evening wedding with minimal accessories to let the dress do all the talking!

Not all little black dresses are created equal. This crinkled organza style makes a glamorous statement with just enough influence from the ‘80s to feel party perfect. The oversized puff sleeves and structured collar make it both a daring and classic look.

We can’t think of a more idyllic garden wedding-guest dress than this nature-inspired number by Needle & Thread. Keep accessories neutral so the pretty floral print can shine. Plus, the shorter length makes it an appropriately casual look.

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20 Stunning Cocktail Dresses for Wedding Guests

This floor-sweeping dress in a rich berry hue is striking for an early fall, evening wedding, complete with a tiered hemline and frilled detailing along the neckline and sleeves. Tonal accessories in red and tan will help maintain an autumnal feel.

Most Unique Neckline: Lulus Floral Print Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Best for Dancing: Zimmermann Silk-Charmeuse Wrap Mini Dress

Most Colorful: Farm Rio Pink Pop Leopards Mixed Midi Dress

Not only is periwinkle a universally flattering color, but the expertly placed ruching on this strapless gown makes for a pleasing fit on various body types. It is also designed to hit right at the knee, making it an appropriate length for all kinds of ceremonies.

Most Flattering: Michael Costello x REVOLVE Midi Dress

We love the romantic feel of this floral print. The thin straps and leg-baring slit make this dress feel sweet yet bold for any wedding guest. Plus, its cornflower blue hue is equally appropriate for spring, summer, and fall weddings.

Best Floral Pattern: Reformation Marguerite Silk Dress

Best for Petites: Bronx & Banco Megan Mini Dress

The great thing about Fame and Partners is that you can customize their dresses, from the color to the length. We love this sophisticated look for the draping detail, tulip skirt, and blouson sleeves. The rich jewel tone makes it ideal for a late fall or winter wedding.

For a Winter Wedding: Fame and Partners The Shay

For the daring minimalist, this sleek and sexy dress is a lovely choice for an evening summer wedding. Style the skin-baring design and pastel hue with strappy metallic sandals and minimal jewels to make it an especially great look for a beach or destination wedding.

Most Daring: Camila Coelho Deep-V Dress

Best Two-Tone: Hutch Bow Tie Dress

With delicate ruffle accent sleeves and a flowing silhouette, this maxi dress is nothing short of showstopping. The light blue floral and ruffle details make it ideal for a seaside wedding or spring daytime ceremony.

Best Maxi: Sachin & Babi Ivy Dress

Emerald is an utterly chic color choice for a fall or winter wedding. Not to mention, the dreamy satin fabric and body-skimming fit are ultra-flattering. Dress up this minimalist slip with a fun pair of shoes or a statement clutch.

For a Fall Wedding: BHLDN Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress

This sequin dress is how you do sequins for a cocktail dress code. We recommend this look for an evening wedding with minimal accessories. We love how the blouson sleeves and tie-waist balance the shorter hem.

Best All-Over Sparkle: Retrofête Gabrielle Sequin Mini Dress

If you’re looking for a romantic and affordable floral-print midi dress, look no further than this flowing number from Boohoo. It’s incredibly versatile for spring and summer weddings both during the day and at night.

Best Budget: Boohoo Boutique Floral Split Sleeve Wrap Dress

Most Comfortable: Staud Dolce Dress

Take your classic little black dress to the next level with this head-turning sequin number. We recommend this look for an evening wedding with minimal accessories to let the dress do all the talking!

Most Statement-Making: NBD Kalindi Midi Dress

Not all little black dresses are created equal. This crinkled organza style makes a glamorous statement with just enough influence from the ‘80s to feel party perfect. The oversized puff sleeves and structured collar make it both a daring and classic look.

For a Retro Wedding: Ganni Jacquard Organza Minidress

We can’t think of a more idyllic garden wedding-guest dress than this nature-inspired number by Needle & Thread. Keep accessories neutral so the pretty floral print can shine. Plus, the shorter length makes it an appropriately casual look.

For a Garden Wedding: Needle & Thread Floral Dress

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