The Best Spring Wedding Guest dresses 2025

I’ve been going regularly traveling to Italy For almost two decades I have lived here and attended many Italian weddings. American destination weddings in Italy. Italian weddings have everything I love, from the gorgeous backdrops to the lengthy Catholic masses and the delicious food. As a travel journalist, I use them to explore cultural exchanges as well as an excuse to dress up. For a guest, a wedding’s “dress code” may be the scariest part. For European weddings it is best to wear formal or semi-formal clothing and embrace the dressier side. This tip can be used for any wedding celebration.

Here are 65 Italian-inspired wedding dresses for guests that will keep you looking stylish, no matter if the event takes place on a Tuscany vineyard, in the Villa Borromeo near Milan, or overlooking Venice’s Grand Canal from the Ginori Terrace. From beachwear to black tie, you can find gorgeous styles starting at $45 for all dress codes. Amazon, Nordstrom, J.CrewYou can find out more about us by clicking here.

Midi Wedding Guest Dresses

I have always worn midi dresses, even though I am petite. They are perfect for formal events and everyday looks. A midi-length dress can be dressed down or up depending on the accessories and shoes you select. I’ve worn it La Ligne Greer Dress With a strappy shoe and clutch, I went to a wedding in the famed Villa Borromeo. I’ve worn it with a crossbody on a Lake Como day trip. I love it too sleeveless Madewell midi dress This could be paired up with bold silver cuffs to create a summer wedding on the coast.

Wedding Guest Dresses with Sleeves

I attended a wedding last spring in the Italian Alps. The dinner took place in a beautiful castello, but the cocktail party on the terrace outside required a dress that had sleeves. This is what I wore La DoubleJ Bellini DressI’ve worn it to my daughter’s christening in NYC and a cocktail party at the St. Regis in Venice. I’ve worn this dress to my daughter’s christening and a cocktail at the St. Regis, Venice. It’s a maxi, but the crocheted style gives it an airier, more relaxed look. The dress is also sturdy enough to resist wrinkles and packable. Find seven other long-sleeved dress styles that I love right now.

Colorful wedding guest dresses

Black can be a safe choice for any dress code, from formal to black-tie. This is especially true when you are packing for a destination marriage and don’t know how to interpret the dress code. Black is acceptable for modern weddings, but black is associated with mourning and sadness in Italian culture. A colorful wedding guest gown is therefore recommended. A better choice. Plus, dresses in vibrant colors are festive and celebratory. They also look great on photos.

Beach Wedding Guest Dresses

For Italian beach weddings I tend to gravitate towards formal, yet breathable fabrics like sheer organzas and lightweight silks. The fabrics I choose for destination weddings are breathable and comfortable, but they do need to be pressed when you get there.

Garden Party Wedding Dresses

Our wedding took place at a farm dating back to the 1600s in Cremona. The beautiful neogothic architecture of the manor house was in a state that reminded me of shabby chic. The beautiful wildflowers in the garden and everything outside inspired our dress code, “garden party-chic.” I was thrilled to see that my guests wore florals, colors, and patterns. These stunning dresses are from La Ligne, Astr the Label, DoenYou can find inspiration in a variety of ways.

Cocktail Dresses For Wedding Guest 

When I hear of cocktail attire in Italy I think aperitivo. What would I choose to wear, if I was pictured as living my life? Dolce Vita While sipping on a spritz, what do you think? It could be a fit and flare dress with cat-eyed glasses, inspired by Sofia Loren. Or, a stylish matching set? Aperitivo chic These stunning dresses are just a few of the many options available. J.Crew, BardotYou can find out more about us by clicking here.

Semi-formal Wedding Guest dresses

I’ve seen a lot of beautiful Italian courthouse weddings where friends and family gather and go out for lunch afterwards in stunning semi-formal attire that still looks elegant and occasion-appropriate. My favorite Italian designer for a semi-formal look is Stella Jean, whose pieces are worn by the most stylish women you know—including Rihanna and Beyonce. This Stella Jean Striped Floral Midi Dress is the perfect semi-formal wedding guest look—it’s festive enough to be celebratory while still being casual and comfortable.

Formal dress code for wedding guests

Milanese minimalism has its own charm in a world where minimalism is on-trend. La DoubleJ is the brand that best captures this. I recently wore a La DoubleJ Roy Dress The dress was a hit at a formal event held in Milan. I received many compliments. The one-shoulder design gives it a Grecian elegance that simultaneously reads regal yet effortless—the epitome of the Italian sprezzatura. You can wear a cocktail dress to a wedding that is formal, even though it’s not as strict as wearing black tie. Just make sure the dress has some pizzazz.

Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

Choose a floor-length gown with rich fabrics, such as silk or wool. Add statement jewelry for extra glamour. To ensure that your dress fits perfectly, tailor it to the height of your heels. In cooler months, dark or jewel tones work well. Structured styles are elegant and can add warmth. Summer is the perfect time to wear lighter fabrics, like chiffon, in bright colors. They may need steaming. Choose a dress that makes you feel confident and sophisticated—it’s a special occasion, so lean into the formality and have fun with it.

Plus-size wedding guest dresses

Finding an Italian designer that was inclusive of all sizes was a challenge when I was planning my wedding. I wanted my bridesmaid dresses to be Italian-inspired, but I couldn’t find many designers who offered a wide range of sizes. I was unable to find dresses that fit everyone in my group, which includes fashionistas from all sizes. In the U.S. I found that my favorite styles were available in many sizes, both on Amazon and the runway.

The smallest wedding guest dresses 

As I am 5’1″, my clothes are usually tailored to fit me perfectly. I like brands that have petite sizes, but I also shop labels with cuts that are natural for my body. I don’t get caught up in fashion “rules” like avoiding maxi dresses as a petite woman—in fact, I love wearing a maxi to a wedding. I love to experiment with different silhouettes and play with the proportions.

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