Rhiannon Hendricks
When it comes to choosing a full-length dress for a wedding, there are several factors to consider, including the season, venue, and dress code. While autumn and winter call for deep hues like burgundy and navy, spring and summer weddings are perfect for lighter colours like blush pink and pale yellow. If you're attending a formal church wedding, a maxi dress or a lace dress is a good choice, while an outdoor celebration calls for a pretty floral wrap dress. Department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom are great options for in-person shopping, while online retailers like Lulus, ASOS, and Rent the Runway offer a wide range of styles, from satin and chiffon to statement-making designs.
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What You'll Learn
Full-length dresses for wedding guests
When choosing a full-length dress for a wedding, it is important to consider the venue, season, and theme of the wedding, as well as your personal style. Here are some tips and suggestions for finding the perfect full-length dress as a wedding guest:
Venue and Season
The venue and season of the wedding can help determine the appropriate dress length and style. For example, outdoor weddings may call for a wrap dress in a floral print, while indoor or church weddings might be better suited for a maxi dress or a lace dress. Autumn and winter weddings typically feature darker hues such as burgundy, navy, and forest green, while spring and summer weddings are perfect for lighter colours like blush pink, light grey, and pale yellow.
Wedding Theme and Dress Code
Consider the wedding's theme and dress code when selecting your outfit. For black-tie events, solid colours and minimal patterns are recommended. Formal wedding guest dresses in dark tones like black are usually a safe choice. Maxi dresses are often more suitable for formal weddings, while mini dresses can be a fun option for casual daytime weddings.
Personal Style and Accessories
It is important to choose a dress that reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident. You can add your own touch with accessories such as elegant jewellery, a clutch or handbag, and hair accessories like delicate hairpins or headbands. If the wedding is outdoors or in a cool venue, a scarf or wrap can be both fashionable and practical.
Suggested Retailers
Popular retailers for wedding guest dresses include Lulus, Azazie, ASOS, and Dillard's. These websites offer a wide variety of styles, sizes, and price ranges to meet your needs. Remember to consider the specific details of the wedding you're attending and choose an outfit that aligns with the occasion while showcasing your individual taste.
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Full-length wedding dresses
When it comes to full-length wedding dresses, there are several options to choose from. The first thing to consider is the venue and season of the wedding. For example, an outdoor wedding will have a different vibe from a formal church wedding, so dress accordingly. If the wedding is outdoors or in a chilly venue, you might want to consider a scarf or wrap to add to your outfit.
For a formal church wedding, a maxi dress or a lace dress is a good option. Keep in mind any religious edicts about modesty—this is probably not the place for a strapless dress or one with a plunging neckline. If you're not sure which way to go, it's always best to ask the bride or another close family member for recommendations. Some weddings even have strict dress codes, especially when the reception will be held in an upscale venue. Check the invitation for any clues about whether the wedding will be a black-tie affair.
Colour is another important consideration. The season of the wedding will be a major factor in your dress colour choice, but there are also a few etiquette rules to keep in mind. Autumn and winter weddings typically feature darker hues, such as burgundy, navy, and forest green. Spring and summer weddings are perfect for lighter hues like blush pink, light grey, and pale yellow. It's also a good idea to look at the invitation's colour scheme to avoid matching the bridesmaids' dresses. While the rule about never wearing black to a wedding has been relaxed, it's still a major fashion faux pas to wear anything close to white, ivory, or cream—those colours are reserved for the bride.
If you're looking for a full-length wedding dress, there are several retailers to consider. Lulus offers a range of wedding dresses in various styles, from trendy to timeless and casual to luxe. They also offer affordable options, with dozens of gorgeous selections under $200, and every single thing under $600. Azazie Atelier also offers floor-length wedding guest dresses that will fit an elegant vibe. ASOS is another option, with dresses in statement-making styles, plus-size options, and long-sleeve wedding guest dresses.
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Full-length bridal gowns
When it comes to bridal gowns, there are many options to choose from. A popular silhouette for full-length bridal gowns is the ball gown style, which features a full skirt, fitted bodice, and a cinched waist. This style can be made even more dramatic with a corset, and can also be custom-fitted for all sizes. If you're looking to elongate your figure, a tea-length wedding dress might be a good option, as the tapered skirt lengthens the figure. An empire waist gown can also create the illusion of longer legs. For a sleek and minimalist look, modern collections feature chic, clean lines and straight cuts that add length to your figure.
The venue of the wedding is an important consideration when choosing a full-length bridal gown. A destination wedding, such as a beach wedding, calls for a dramatic gown, while a garden theme is perfect for whimsical details like tulle or lace overlays. A country wedding embodies rustic charm and effortless elegance, with soft and flowing fabrics like chiffon or lace. For a western wedding, traditional styles featuring luxurious fabrics such as satin, lace, or tulle, adorned with intricate beadwork or delicate embroidery are popular.
When it comes to colour, while white is traditional, blush colours, as well as hints of blue, grey, and mint, are also trendy. It's important to remember not to overwhelm your figure with too many embellishments. Instead, look for a chiffon wedding dress to exaggerate your shape, or add asymmetrical pleating and heavier embellishments for a modern twist.
Kleinfeld Bridal and Azazie are two popular options for purchasing full-length bridal gowns, with both companies offering custom sizing and a wide variety of styles. Kleinfeld, an industry leader since 1941, showcases modern looks while remaining loyal to a timeless aesthetic. They offer luxurious yet personable experiences, with one-on-one attention from bridal stylists who are experts at pairing your personal style with your dream dress. Azazie also offers free custom sizing and a variety of styles, including plus-size options.
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Where to buy full-length dresses online
If you're looking for full-length dresses to wear to a wedding, there are several online stores you can check out. Here are some options to explore:
Lulus
Lulus offers a wide range of wedding guest dresses, including elegant floor-length gowns for more formal occasions. They also have a selection of maxi dresses, which can be a great choice for a formal church wedding. Lulus caters to various styles, from trendy to timeless, casual to luxe, and offers a range of sizes from XXS to 3X. Their dresses are known for being affordable without compromising on elegance.
Azazie Atelier
Azazie Atelier provides stylish and elegant wedding guest dresses, including floor-length gowns that are perfect for black-tie events. They offer a variety of sizes, from petite to plus-size, and even provide a free custom sizing service. When shopping at Azazie Atelier, you can consider factors such as size, silhouette, length, occasion, fabric, wedding location, dress code, season, and theme to find the perfect dress.
MESHKI
MESHKI is a bridalwear brand that offers a stunning array of gowns for brides seeking perfection in every detail. They have a range of meticulously designed dresses, from classic lace designs to modern silhouettes, ensuring you find a dress that captures your unique style. MESHKI offers designer wedding dresses with intricate embellishments, exquisite necklines, and beautifully detailed bodices. They also provide alterations and fittings to ensure your dress is a perfect reflection of your vision.
ASOS
ASOS is another great option for wedding guest dresses, offering a variety of styles, including plus-size options in flattering satin and chiffon fabrics. You can find long-sleeve dresses and statement silhouettes to turn heads at the wedding.
Stillwhite
If you're looking for a pre-owned or second-hand full-length wedding dress, Stillwhite is the largest global marketplace for these. You can find designer gowns or custom-made dresses at a fraction of the cost of retail. Stillwhite offers a safe platform to connect with sellers and provides secure payment options.
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Accessories for full-length wedding dresses
Veils
A veil can be a beautiful addition to your wedding ensemble, with different lengths available to suit your style. From birdcage veils to cathedral-length veils, you can choose the one that best complements your dress. Veils can also feature unique details, such as satin edges or lace applique designs, adding a special touch to your look.
Jewellery
Jewellery is a great way to add some sparkle and elegance to your outfit. Depending on your dress style, you can opt for a simple pair of earrings, a necklace, or a bracelet. If your dress is strapless, a bracelet can be a lovely accent. For a simple dress, consider a statement piece like a pearl necklace or earrings. If your dress is heavily embellished, opt for more understated jewellery.
Shoes
Comfortable shoes that match your dress are essential. For a full-length dress, elegant heels can enhance your look, especially for a formal wedding. If you're having an outdoor wedding, flats or sandals might be more suitable.
Bags
A bag or clutch can be a practical and stylish accessory. Choose a small clutch or handbag that coordinates with your dress and wedding theme.
Hair Accessories
Delicate hairpins, headbands, or decorative clips can add a touch of glamour to your bridal hairstyle.
Remember, it's essential to mix and match accessories until you find the perfect combination that reflects your personal style and complements your full-length wedding dress.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many places to buy full-length dresses to wear to a wedding. You can try department stores like Macy's or Nordstrom, or online retailers like Lulus, ASOS, Rent the Runway, or Azazie.
Macy's has a large stock of off-the-rack dresses, including full-length options from brands like Adrianna Papell, Alex Evenings, and Badgley Mischka.
Nordstrom offers a variety of full-length dresses from brands like Bardot, Halogen, and Vince Camuto.
Lulus offers a range of full-length styles, including elegant floor-length gowns and maxi dresses in various colours and prints.
ASOS offers a range of full-length wedding guest dresses, including plus-size options in flattering satin and chiffon fabrics.
