These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (2024)

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By Talia Abbas

These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (4)

    Courtesy of brands

    A black-tie wedding is the perfect excuse to go all out with your look, but when the happy couple wants their guests to show up in formal wedding guest dresses and tuxedos, well, you probably think you have to drop some serious coin if you want to look the part.

    Luckily, you don’t have to go too far to find options that read elegant and traditional—but ring in at far less intimidating price points. Designers and labels across the board are rethinking formalwear with chic yet budget-friendly pieces that are perfect for nailing the formal dress code—and making a serious entrance at every event you have. (Apologies in advance to the bride.)

    It took us a minute, but we found over a dozen of these gems and curated them all in a mini shopping guide for you to piece together your full look. Best part? Save for one ethereal halter we couldn’t not include, they all come in at less than $500, which is no small feat considering just how on-point they are. Ahead, 17 formal wedding guest dresses to RSVP yes to, including the dreamiest floral print gown and a twinkling bodycon mini that looks like the real-life version of Instagram’s glitter filter.

    All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    • These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (5)

      1/17

      Staud Wells Cotton-Poplin Maxi Dress

      Let’s take a moment to appreciate this floor-length gown that’s perfect for fall and winter weddings. The minimalist A-line silhouette is a mainstay in the Staud collection—and in classic black, its versatility knows no bounds. Add a chunky chain to play up the square neckline, or revel in its simplicity with a statement cuff and tiny bag.

    • These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (6)

      2/17

      Zara Satin-Effect Buttoned Dress

      Next up is this wispy number that looks way more expensive than the price tag would have you believe, thanks to the minimal cut and airy fit. (Those tiny side buttons are everything!)

    • These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (7)

      3/17

      Eloquii Twist Front-Cutout Gown

      The only thing more irresistible than the cheese station will be you in this pale yellow dress, featuring a keyhole detail that’s *chef’s kiss* good.

    • These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (8)

      4/17

      Self-Portrait Tiered Sequinned-Chiffon Midi Dress

      Pixie fairy meets goth princess in this in tea-length beauty, complete with lace, chiffon ruffles, and fluttering short sleeves.

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    • These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (9)

      5/17

      LoveShackFancy Donovan Dress

      Loveshackfancy has some of the best floral prints, and this romantic long dress is perfect for twirling around the dance floor in a chandelier-filled hall.

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    • These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (14)

      6/17

      & Other Stories Plissé-Pleated Maxi Dress

      Whether the wedding backdrop is an oak-filled garden or Gatsby-esque ballroom, this lilac midi has endless styling potential. Pair with your heels of choice for the dinner portion, then swap for festive flats after hours.

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    • These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (15)

      7/17

      Collective the Label Bardot Mini Dress

      When you can’t decide between a long-sleeve or strapless co*cktail dress, opt for this sky blue mini that’s the best of both worlds.

    • These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (16)

      8/17

      L’Agence Sachi Printed Crepe Maxi Dress

      A beach wedding almost always calls for semi-formal attire, and this timeless sundress checks both boxes by way of an adorable seashell print that reads both sophisticated and low-key.

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    • These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (17)

      9/17

      Amanda Uprichard x Revolve Samba Gown

      You can keep your glam and accessories to a minimum here. Between the thigh slit, the high-neck cowl, and the subtle hip draping, this bubblegum pink gown is doing all the work.

    • These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (18)

      10/17

      For Love & Lemons x Revolve Bustier Lace Dress

      Lace! Tulle! A high-low hem! So much is going on here, in the best way possible.

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    • These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (19)

      11/17

      Reformation Marguerite Dress

      Listen carefully…to the sound of necks snapping as you make your way to the buffet in this leopard stunner.

    • These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (20)

      12/17

      Rat & Boa Belina Open-Back Dress

      This beaded and sequined number isn’t just a party dress—it’s a whole personality. Do with that what you will.

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    • These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (21)

      13/17

      Reformation Alfred Jumpsuit

      A wide-leg jumpsuit is definitely a bold choice amid a sea of long wrap dresses and stately ball gowns, though this Reformation number is one we can all get behind.

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    • These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (26)

      14/17

      Mango Flowy Ruffled Dress

      Get your daily dose of vitamin C in with this sleeveless citrus dress, guaranteed to add zest to the evening’s festivities.

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    • These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (27)

      15/17

      Farm Rio One-Shoulder Black Dress

      The only thing we love more than a cold-shoulder moment is when it’s served with a healthy side of midriff.

    • These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (28)

      16/17

      Anthropologie Maeve Ruched Midi Dress

      If your personal style leans casual, try this ruched polka-dot number, which comes in straight, petite, and plus sizes. With the right accessories, you can easily dress it up depending on where the wedding invitation takes you.

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      17/17

      Cult Gaia Jaslene Dress

      Feather sleeves have entered the chat. We’ll see ourselves out now.

    Topicsshoppingweddingswedding guest dressesblack tie dressesbridesmaid dresseswedding guest attirebridesmaid

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    These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (2024)

    FAQs

    What makes a wedding dress look expensive? ›

    Things like hand-beaded designs or delicate lace take hours to create. Premium fabrics come with premium prices. While white crinoline runs about $2 a yard, higher quality fabrics can cost up to $100 a yard. These are all features that feed into the higher pricing found in designer boutiques.

    Why is wedding dresses so expensive? ›

    This is one of the main reasons for the very expensive cost of wedding dresses: they are often made with very luxurious and expensive materials that the bride will have to pay for. Many wedding gowns are made with luxurious silk and hand-embroidered, sometimes some crystals are even sawn on the dress.

    What is considered a formal dress for wedding guest? ›

    Formal attire is definitely defined as a full-length gown, very fancy co*cktail attire from dresses to a really glamorous pantsuit.

    What episode of Say Yes to the Dress has the most expensive dress? ›

    Tabitha has made salon history by spending $70,000. Candice is shopping with her mom for her wedding that's just 21 days away. Bride Jacy has come with an entourage, but the day is bittersweet because she desperately wishes her parents could be with her. Tabitha has made salon history by spending $70,000.

    Is $4000 too much for a wedding dress? ›

    The Average Cost of a Wedding Dress

    Based on these factors, a dress might cost anywhere from $500 to $4,000 (though they can get much more expensive).

    What should be the most expensive thing in a wedding? ›

    Most expensive wedding features
    • Reception venue. ...
    • Engagement ring. ...
    • Reception band. ...
    • Photographer. ...
    • Florist and decor. ...
    • Favors. ...
    • Wedding cake. ...
    • Invitations.
    Mar 21, 2024

    What is a normal budget for a wedding dress? ›

    The average wedding dress cost from luxury and couture designers starts at $2,000 to $4,000, while more affordable bridal shops offer dresses under $500. Wedding dress alterations typically range from $300 to $800.

    Is $1000 a lot for a wedding dress? ›

    One rule of thumb suggests that brides allocate ten percent of their total wedding budget to their wedding dress. So, if you're planning to spend $10,000 or less on your big day, wedding dresses under $1000 fit that budget quite nicely (and maybe even leaves you extra for the honeymoon!).

    Is it worth spending a lot of money on a wedding dress? ›

    Some women may feel more comfortable and confident in a designer gown and be willing to splurge, while others may prefer a more budget-friendly option. Ultimately, it is the bride's decision and whatever makes her feel her best on her wedding day is what is worth it.

    What should a female guest wear to a formal wedding? ›

    Women wedding guests should wear full-length dresses, be it a ballgown, a sheath or an A-line dress. High heels are strongly recommended. Feel free to accessorize with opulent jewelry and even elbow-length white silk gloves.

    Can I wear a short dress to a formal wedding? ›

    if the wedding is formal or black-tie, you wear a long dress. semi-formal is a co*cktail dress, short dress. Also evening is more formal than afternoon, and I would count 4 as evening because the reception is during dinner time. A nice short dress is appropriate at any wedding unless it states black tie.

    What is formal dress code for a woman? ›

    Usually for men this would mean an evening suit, or dinner jacket with shirt and tie, black shoes. For a woman it is often a long dress, or something form fitting, elegant, maybe with 'sparkle' detail.

    What was the most expensive wedding dress bought on Say Yes to the Dress? ›

    Tabitha broke the record with her $70,000 Pnina Tornai dress, making it the most expensive dress ever purchased on the show. Kleinfeld in New York is known for their bank-breaking dresses, but these ten brides on Say Yes To The Dress bought the most expensive wedding gowns in the show's history.

    What is the most expensive dress ever? ›

    The most expensive dress in the world sold for $30 million, created by Debbie Wingham. The diamond-encrusted gown took over six months to design and complete. The second most expensive dress in the world, the Valentino Garavani, was sold for $7.5 million.

    Who is the most expensive wedding dress designer? ›

    A joint effort by Martin Katz Jewellers and Renee Strauss, a bridal couture designer, the $12 million wedding gown is bedecked with 150 carats' worth of diamonds," reads a statement on the Guinness Book of World Records' website.

    What makes wedding dresses look cheap? ›

    This happens with wedding dresses too, especially when they're mass produced. Poor assembly leads to a low-quality look. It's generally the result of a machine that wasn't calibrated properly, an unskilled laborer, or using a machine for a task that requires handcrafting.

    How do you make a simple wedding dress look expensive? ›

    Choosing the perfect essential accessories will enhance the look of a simple wedding dress and is budget-friendly. Wedding dress accessories include sashes, purses, a veil or train, jewelry, and other elegant touches that will make your wedding gown look more expensive and add a personal touch to your wedding gown.

    Is $1500 too much for a wedding dress? ›

    Wedding dresses come in all different prices. We offer a wide selection starting under $1000. Keep in mind that the average price of a dress in our shop is $1500. You can get all different silhouettes and wear a designer gown and still stay within your budget.

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