Best plus size wedding guest dresses to suit your style and budget

Summer may be known as the official wedding season, but with the pandemic putting big days on hold for two years, the knock-on effect is that many couples are tying the knot whenever their dream venue has an opening.

So, if you’re lucky enough to be a guest at the ceremony or the big bash afterwards, you may find yourself in a bit of a fix when deciding what to wear.

Layers are a good idea in the transitional seasons like spring and autumn, while winter wonderland weddings will require warmer fabrics. After all, you don’t want to end up being the bride’s ‘something blue’.

The search for the perfect wedding guest dress gets tougher if you’re trying to clothe curves: formal wear tailoring and plus size aren’t always a marriage made in heaven. However, more brands are embracing extended sizes and showcasing fancy frocks to include a more inclusive demographic of women.

We’ve rounded up the best looks for the season that’ll have you saying ‘I do’ to. They’re ideal for weddings, but also great for any formal occasion where only dressing up to the nines will do.

Shop our edit of the best plus size wedding guest dresses below

River Island Plus Orange Plisse Swirl Maxi Dress

Size: 18 - 24

Has a single frock ever said ‘let’s party’ quite so wonderfully? This stunning maxi is ready to shimmy and shake on the reception dance floor with multi-hued swirls that oozes so much 70s cool that it has shot straight to the top of our most wanted list.

The v-neck and plisse fabric are both flattering and easy to move in, and the breadth of colours means you can pair it with all sorts of accessories. Love.

Buy now £48.00, River Island

Coast Plus Statement Embroidered Maxi Dress

Sizes: 18 - 26

We know black is an unusual choice for weddings, but this maxi makes the case for heading to nuptials in the cooler months. The long sleeve design is covered in pastel coloured embroidery and is pretty enough to wear without stacks of jewellery. Add heels and a clutch and you’re ready to party!

Buy now £215.20, Coast

Monsoon Hattie embellished wrap dress blue

Sizes: 8 - 24

A wrap dress is one of the easiest styles to carry off. Monsoon’s version, named Hattie, comes in beautiful blue with an embellished gauze overlay that’s hard to say no to. It’s pretty enough to wear with just a sliver of accessories, but a nice pair of heels and dainty clutch bag are essential extras.

Buy now £150.00, Monsoon

Coast Plus Size Pearl Embellished Tulle Skirt Dress

Sizes: 18 - 26

Whether you’re in the bridal party or you’re a wedding guest, Coast’s dreamy pink dress will have you feeling kitted out in style. The top half features long-sleeves with pearl and sequin-embellishments, dialling up the glam points.

Buy now £143.20, Coast

Warehouse Plus Satin Colour Block Column Midi Dress

Sizes: 18 - 24

For a sleek, frill-free look that you don’t often see in plus size, head to Warehouse where you’ll find this column dress that promises to stand out in wedding snaps. With a block streak of coloured satin on the front and black on the reverse, it’s an edgy look that will work well for city centre dos.

Buy now £47.20, Warehouse

Coast Plus Size Floral Embroidered Midi Dress

Sizes: 18 - 26

We all know that florals are a failsafe winner for weddings but when the weather cools, so can your palette. This winter floral look is ideal for cold weather nuptials with embroidered blooms standing out against a sleek navy background.

Buy now £127.20, Coast

Warehouse Plus Size WH x The British Museum Sparkle Floral Maxi Dress

Sizes: 18 - 24

From its second collab with the British Museum comes this ethereal floaty maxi by Warehouse. With an ultra-low V-neck, billowy sleeves, and shimmery fabric, it’s a comfortable yet stylish ensemble you can wear from morning to night.

Buy now £103.20, Warehouse

ASOS DESIGN Curve tiered midi dress in fluffy texture in sage green

Sizes: 16 - 30

Put a few extra layers between yourself and the cold - and look fabulous doing it - thanks to this fluffy midi frock from ASOS Design. Covered with fringing that looks best when jiggling to a classic wedding disco, add a pair of strappy sandals and consider the dress code nailed.

Buy now £50.00, ASOS

Rixo June in Tomato Palm

Sizes: 6 - 20

The cult fashion brand offers fancy frocks in UK sizes 6 to 20. With a square neck and flared skirt, the June cut is ideal for attending summer and Indian summer nuptials. The tomato palm print is a timeless look that won’t date, so you can whip it out for warm weather events when the occasion calls.

Buy now £275.00, Rixo

Reformation Gatsby Dress Es

Sizes: 18 - 26

A deep neck and high leg split keeps air flowing around this glamorous dress from Reformation, making it perfect for weddings and garden parties where you need to take your style up a notch.

Buy now £505.00, Reformation

Monsoon Annalissa sequin midi dress black

Sizes: 8 - 24

If you’re headed for the wedding reception-only part of the day, you can get away with sartorial no-nos, such as black. But only if, like this Monsoon midi, it’s finished with a flourish of tiny gold sequins to keep the look from being too sombre. The longer length is balanced with a sweetheart neckline to flash a little flesh, but not so much to be distracting.

Buy now £130.00, Monsoon

ASOS EDITION Curve broderie blouson sleeve midi dress with contrast embroidery

Sizes: 16 - 30

Play Little House of the Prairie in this high-necked dress finished with broderie anglaise in a contrast navy stitch. The full sleeves and midi length are perfect for end-of-summer days and early autumn weddings.

Buy now £104.00, ASOS

Reformation Juliette Dress Es

Sizes: 18 - 24

Live a Dolce Vita summer all year round in Reformation's lovely floral print dress which comes with a thigh-high split to give your pins some breathing (not to mention dancing) room.

The form-fitting dress runs on the smaller side, so opt for a size up if you're not sure what's right for you.

Buy now £248.00, Reformation

ASOS EDITION Curve pleat waist jacquard midi dress in yellow

Sizes: 16 - 30

This year will be a bumper one for weddings. Get ready for all the nuptials in your diary with a killer frock that will surely come second to the bride. This floral jacquard dress with romantic puffy sleeves is a pretty proposal for formal events.

Buy now £145.00, ASOS

ASOS DESIGN Curve off shoulder fold wrap pleat midi dress in red

Sizes: 24 - 30

Serving night the opera vibes from Pretty Woman, this off-shoulder midi dress is making a serious case to jump right into your online basket, especially if you have a glam reception to head to soon. One for guests comfortable making a statement, it would be a big mistake to miss out. Huge.

Buy now £70.00, ASOS

11 Honore Gloria Maxi

Sizes: 14 - 20

A date night dress that'll leave you feeling like a million dollars without actually spending it. This strappy maxi has enough flounce to skim over your curves without losing your shape. Wear with heels and cherry red lipstick.

Buy now £268.00, 11 Honore

Erdem Positano Dress Summer Wallpaper Cotton Poplin

Sizes: 14, 22

For the gals who have ever gazed longingly at a wallpaper print wishing they could wear it comes this heavily detailed number from Erdem. The breezy design is fashioned from lightweight and breathable cotton poplin, and puts modern florals in the spotlight.

Buy now £715.00, Erdem