Best Dresses for Spring Wedding Guests Under $50
With the end of winter nearly in sight (technically March 20), your mind might be skipping ahead to spring and summer wedding season. Wondering what to wear? You’re in good company! I’ve been getting quite a few requests for wedding guest dress inspiration, so I placed a huge Amazon order. This post sifts through the good, bad, and ugly to save you time (and money). Without further ado, here are the best dresses for spring wedding guests under $50.
Before we dive in, I should explain why I’m focusing on affordable Amazon wedding guest dresses instead of higher-end, investment pieces. In most situations, I advocate a less is more fashion approach. This means, instead of buying lots of cheap clothing, you opt for fewer but higher quality garments in fabrics/styles you’ll wear again and again.
Weddings are an exception to that rule…
Why? Firstly, people attend a lot of weddings in their collegiate and early-career days. It’s fun, but it’s a time period when budgets are stretched thin. Simply making it to the wedding and affording the hotel can be a challenge. Investment-worthy clothing? It might just push you over the edge.
Secondly, wedding festivities can do a number on your clothing. When you have lots of people eating in tight spaces, dancing, and enjoying adult beverages, spills are common. I prefer not to ruin my favorite clothing items this way.
Finally, there’s something undeniably fun about pulling on a fresh new dress as the seasons change. While it is 100 percent okay to be a spring wedding guest dress repeater, many of us (if we’re being honest) like to mix things up for events.
Affordable fashion is a great solution. It allows us to indulge in something new without financial or practical risk. After all, as this Elle Magazine column eloquently puts it, some of the prettiest dresses in America cost less than $50!
Looking for non-wedding fashion inspiration? You might enjoy these posts:
Dress | Heels | White Clutch (similar) | Floral Earrings (similar)
What to Wear to a Spring Wedding
While I’ve included a range of styles on my list of the best dresses for spring wedding guests under $50, I personally favor midi styles for weddings. They’re modest, offering an “appropriate-for-all-occasions” length, while exuding a classy, elegant vibe. They also tend to be super comfortable and will keep your legs a bit warmer than a shorter style.
That brings me to the most significant challenge when choosing an affordable spring wedding guest dress… weather. Depending on the month of the wedding, it might not be warm yet! Consequently, those in the Midwest may want to seek dresses that cover your shoulders or look great under a jacket/cozy cardigan.
Trends to Watch for Spring Weddings in 2024
- Slip Dresses – This coincides with the emergence of ’90s nostalgia. Slip dresses (like this affordable find featured below) are also highly versatile and ideal in spring, when you might have to top your dress with something warmer
- Pastels – Pantone’s color of the year for 2024 is “Peach Fuzz” – a shade of soft, pinkish orange. For 2024, pastels (always popular in spring) are even more prevalent. In fact, they dominated runways at New York Bridal Fashion Week
- Floral dresses and accessories – Florals are far from groundbreaking, but having quite a moment this year in both oversize bold prints or demure micro blooms.
Since fit is a key consideration in online orders, I typically share my measurements and the size I ordered to help you decide. For sizing reference, I am 4’11 with measurements 33-26-36. I typically wear a 0 or 2 in dresses and a petite size 2 in pants.
Best Dresses for Spring Wedding Guests Under $50
Square Neck Ruffle Dress
It’s only fitting… When discussing the best dressing for spring wedding guests under $50, I have to start with my personal favorite. This dress is not only in my all-time favorite color ( I ordered the deep blue), but it also comes in a very petite-friendly cut. I’m wearing the small (smallest size).
You can snag this one in more than 20 different colors. However, I did notice review satisfaction seems dependent on color choice. As this dress is unlined, those who selected darker colors adore the dress while those who opted for lighter hues think it falls short.
The shoulders are tie ribbons for easy adjustment. The dress comes with a sash you can wear or eliminate. There are no belt loops requiring you to wear the sash.
Lovely Lace
I couldn’t skip a lace option for spring! There is something so classic about lace styles. In fact, the immediate make me think of weddings. The color of this style (gray blue) also feels quite spring-friendly.
Not into pastels, you can slip on many vibrant shades or neutrals instead. The style has a zip back and fits TTS. I’m wearing the small. There is no stretch to the fabric, so I would suggest sizing up if you are between sizes.
Watch for sales with this one. For example, right now it’s listed at only $37. The list price is $65.99.
Playful with Pockets
Loved the whimsical nature of this one and how easy it would be to repurpose for other occasions. Depending on the accessories you choose, it can look both dressy or formal. I’m wearing the size small.
The fabric is a mid-weight with a bit of stretch to it for comfort. The straps are adjustable. I’m wearing Rose Red (definitely a hot pink vs what you traditionally think of for rose shades). There are tons of other colorways available.
Classic Wrap Dress
This beauty is a hot seller Amazon. In fact, there are only a few left. What I really appreciate about this style is how it can pull dual duty. Yes, you can rock it at a wedding, but you can also wear it to work.
The classic wrap styling is as figure-flattering as it gets. It made me feel tall and sleek (that’s saying something at my height). The dress comes in four other colors. It has a zip back and tie waist sash.
Best of all? You can machine wash (cold with similar colors). The fabric is polyester and drapes beautifully. My only critique would be the smell. This dress had a pretty overpowering odor when I took it out of the bag. Definitely unpleasant. However, once I washed it and aired it out, the smell went away.
Fabulous Florals – Best Dresses for Spring Wedding Guests
Silky Slip Dress Under $30
This dress was a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting much at this price point, but the fabric on this one is actually quite delightful. Best of all, it has a length and side slit that is workable for petites. It’s tough to find spring wedding guest dresses under $50 – and even tougher to find one at the $30 mark.
Consequently, this one is a budget shopper’s dream. Based on my own experiences, as well as feedback from other reviewers, this dress is best for hourglass or straight figure types. Those who are curvier on the bottom, may find it fits too snuggly there. With that said, my hips are 3″ larger than my bustline and I felt comfortable in this dress. I ordered the size small.
Puff Sleeve Boho Style
No list of the best dresses for spring wedding guests would be complete without a feminine confection like this number! For gals who love floral romance and boho styling, it’s worth a try.
It comes in lots of different patterns, all ideal for spring wedding season. The top is smocked, helping it fit like a glove. It’s also very comfortable. You can wear the puffed sleeve shoulder as a square neck (both in front and back). Alternatively, you can wear it as an off-shoulder style as I do above. The fabric has a sheer quality to it, but the tiered midi dress is lined for modesty.
I’m in the size small and liked the sizing. The only thing I didn’t like about this one was the puffed sleeve. I wanted it to stand up more. In the model photo, it achieves a “puffier” more structured and dramatic look, while the actual garment sleeve is more flowy and draping. The photos of the “pink” colorway show how it realistically falls.
One Shoulder Tiered Floral Dress
Okay, this one is current $3 over $50, but so pretty I had to include it. This one-shoulder dress is made for dancing! The asymmetric hem is fun and dramatic. Additionally, the fabric comes in many different floral and solid variations. If you’re not a blue girl, there is definitely a shade for you.
I’m wearing the size small in the “royal blue white” colorway. The fabric is mostly polyester with a bit of elastane – breezy and light weight. It’s perfect as the weather warms. With that said, it might be a little sheer in pale colors. That was not an issue in this deep blue.
As a petite, I wished the top would be a bit more fitting. It felt a smidge bulky on me. However, many reviewers loved the extra room, saying it is super flattering for curvy figures. If you like to downplay your tummy area, this dress is good bet.
V-Neck Tiered Midi Dress
One of the best dresses for spring wedding guests, this under $50 option is for those who swoon for classic romance. It’s floaty, flowy, and oh-so-flattering! The dress has shirring at the waist, which nips and tucks you in all the right places.
The flutter sleeves cover your shoulders, strategically minimizing an area of the arm many women aren’t wild about. Likewise, this is a great choice if you want to downplay your hips. Comes in several different floral prints. Though this is a lighter color, sheerness isn’t an issue, due to the tiered skirt.
Bodycon Floral Midi Dress
I’ll come right out and say it – This one was a “miss” for me. I felt like a stuffed sausage! However, I’m including it because I realize it could be beautiful on someone with a very slim and straight figure type. We can’t share the best dresses for spring wedding guests if we don’t include options for all frames, right?
With that said, I suggest steering clear of this one if you’re curvy in the hip area. One of the cardinal rules of choosing an appropriate wedding guest dress, is avoiding anything too revealing. This one covers you, but there is a ruffle right on the rear end that dramatically accentuates a place where many of us don’t need extra curves. Would I wear it for another type of party? Most definitely, but not a wedding.
Formal Affairs – Best Dresses for Spring Wedding Guests
Dress | Heels
3) Sleek and Sophisticated Ruffle Dress
Have a more formal affair to attend? I couldn’t be more impressed with this high neck mermaid silhouette cocktail dress. The longer length paired with the high neck visually extends your frame, making shorties (like me) feel statuesque. I am wearing this in the “teal” shade. There are nine other colorways to choose from.
Technically, this affordable spring wedding guest is slightly over the $50 mark. However, since it’s only by $5 bucks – I figured it was still within reason. The fabric has a lot of stretch to it. It’s a spandex/polyester blend. This provides a lot of comfort and free movement – perfect for dancing the night away.
As you can see, it’s a bit long on me. Consequently, this ranks among the best dresses for spring wedding guests – if you’re 5’1 or above.
Dress | Heels
Mermaid Bodycon Midi Dress
Similar to the style above (and from the same brand), this is a style I would recommend for the extra petite crowd – and those of normal height. Why? For women of regular stature, it’s a darling (and quite flattering midi length). Click here to see it on the model. In contrast, women under 5′, will find it hits us right at ankle length. Just short enough to show off those fun shoes!
The fabric has great stretch and really molds to your body. It’s a polyester/spandex blend. I’m wearing the “magenta” colorway in a size small. There are seven other shades available.
Final Touches – Best Dresses for Spring Wedding Guests
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a few crucial points that will help ensure you love the way you look in these dresses. With affordable fashion, fabrics tend to be thinner and secondary linings are rare. Consequently, you need the right foundation.
Shapewear allows your dress to skim your curves gracefully. These shaper shorts are my go-to. They’re an affordable Target find that gets the job done. You may also need a deep back bra. This option from Amazon has really impressed me.
The other thing to keep in mind with affordable fashion is a safe way to eliminate wrinkles. After melting (literally) one too many Amazon dresses, I invested in a quality handheld steamer. This has been a lifesaver. Not only does it allow me to remove wrinkles from my formal wear, but it also is an essential for daily workwear too. It is so much faster than using an iron.
Thanks for sticking with me! If you have any affordable dresses you think we should add to this list, please let me know in the comments below.
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Kathryn Leslie | 18th Mar 24
Hi! New to your blog, but enjoying it. Is it just me, or does every live link on this post lead to the same mermaid evening dress? Would love to check out some of the recommendations, but I keep getting the same dress. Thanks!
laveremis | 18th Mar 24
Hi Kathryn, Thanks for stopping by! And THANK YOU for letting me know about this glitch. All of the links were pointing to that one dress, which is really odd. They should be fixed now. However, if you are still having trouble and interested in a particular link feel free to email me – [email protected] and I can send it to you directly.