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Updated Mar 06, 202520 Editor-Approved Picks for What to Wear to a Daytime Wedding
Shop stylish picks for every dress code and budget.
Photos, left to right: Petal & Pup, Lulus, Reformation
So you checked your favorite soon-to-be-wed couple's wedding website and discovered they're having a daytime wedding. Now you're wondering, "What do you even wear to a daytime wedding?" We're here to help. If you're invited to a daytime wedding, you may be wondering how to find daytime wedding guest dresses that strike the perfect balance of dressy and casual—your wedding attire should be appropriate for this special occasion but also not so formal and vampy that you're dressed for a soiree after dark. The good news: There's no shortage of chic outfit possibilities. If you're unsure where to begin your search, we're here to help you narrow down which daytime wedding guest dress is right for your upcoming event. Below, we break down expert tips on how to choose the right look—plus editor-approved dresses for a daytime wedding you can add to your cart right now.
In this article:
What to Wear to a Daytime Wedding
When deciding on a wedding guest dress, it's important to consider the time of day of the wedding. The rules of how to dress as a daytime wedding guest vary from those of an evening event. While nighttime special events call for darker, moodier colors, a daytime wedding is the perfect time to wear brighter colors and softer silhouettes.
Beyond color, there are a few important factors to consider when dressing for a daytime wedding. When choosing wedding attire, keep in mind the level of formality of the event. While many daytime weddings call for cocktail or semi-formal attire, daytime weddings can also be just as formal as evening ones. Just because the wedding takes place during the day doesn't mean that you should stray from a more formal dress code if that's what is called for. Many daytime weddings do lean on the dressy casual side, so you may want to brush up on what is appropriate for outdoor wedding attire and backyard wedding attire.
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Also, be sure to take into account the seasonality of the event. Save shorter, skin-baring styles for the warmer months and opt for long sleeves and heavier fabrics when it's cold outside. For men, a suit is typically the appropriate attire depending on the dress code. For less formal weddings, men can opt for soft colors and fabrics like linen as opposed to a traditional black tux.
What to wear to a morning wedding
Choosing the proper morning wedding attire will largely depend on the dress code. Generally, morning weddings are less formal than evening ones, so you can typically opt for cocktail or formal styles instead of black tie, though you'll want to double-check that you are following the morning wedding dress code. Lighter colors are also appropriate for morning weddings.
What to wear to an afternoon wedding
Much like morning weddings, afternoon wedding attire is much less formal than evening attire. You can go a bit more formal for afternoon than morning weddings. Depending on the dress code, this could mean a floor-length gown, midi dress or a tasteful cocktail dress.
What to wear to a daytime formal wedding
When attending a daytime formal wedding, you'll want to ensure your attire is fancy enough for the event without veering into overly formal looks typically reserved for evening weddings. Adhering to the dress code is key to ensuring you are dressed appropriately for the occasion. Light colors and breezy fabrics are great for spring and summer daytime weddings, while rich jewel tones are fitting for the colder fall and winter months.
How to choose a daytime wedding guest dress
The most important factors for choosing a daytime wedding guest dress are dress code and comfort. Your dress should fit the dress code set by the couple while also expressing your personal style. Whether you feel best in bright florals or muted neutrals, your wedding guest dress should reflect your own style so that you look and feel your best. Additionally, you'll want to choose day wedding attire that is physically comfortable to move around in so you can enjoy the celebration without feeling restricted.
Daytime Wedding Guest Dresses You'll Love
We've compiled a list of our favorite festive daytime wedding outfits to ensure you're the best-dressed guest at your next daytime soiree. Whether you're looking for an elegant daytime gown or a sweet minidress, we've got you covered with the best wedding guest dresses.
1. Free People Butterfly Babe Maxi Dress
Photo: Free People
Lean into the theme of love with this romantic dress. Silky bias cut fabric makes for a flattering fit, while the lace-trimmed neckline and puff sleeves channel that cottage-core energy.
2. Showpo Brailey Mini Dress
Photo: Showpo
You can't go wrong with a floral mini-dress. This daytime cocktail dress features a strapless silhouette and rich pink jacquard fabric.
3. Lulus Seriously Sensational Strapless Tiered Maxi Dress
Photo: Lulus
This strapless tiered midi dress is chic without being too formal. You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. The best part: it's under $100 and comes in 10 colors.
The Knot readers can use our exclusive code, THEKNOT20, for 20% off first-time purchases at Lulus.
4. Reformation Irisa Dress
Photo: Reformation
It's clear to see why this classic style from Reformation is a bestseller. The afternoon wedding guest dress comes in both solids and whimsical prints.
5. Windsor Kellie Strapless Ruffled Slit Lace Formal Dress
Photo: Windsor
Lemon yellow is a perfect choice for a summer or spring daytime wedding guest dress. This one features a daring leg slit and romantic ruffles for added movement and texture. We're adding this one to our wishlist ASAP!
6. Lulus Elegant Finesse Light Blue Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress
Photo: Lulus
For a black tie affair, always opt for a floor-length gown. This one from Lulus is made from a stretchy fabric that hugs your body in all the right places. Its daring cutout and oceanic color make it perfect for a destination beach wedding.
7. Camila Coelho Payton Maxi Dress
Photo: Revolve
The trendy Valentino pink shade of this maxi dress and the fringe detail at the hem feel so fresh. Keep accessories minimal so that the dress can steal the show.
8. LC Lauren Conrad Long Wrap Maxi Dress
Photo: Kohl's
A wrap dress is always timeless—and for good reason! The tried and true silhouette is perfect for any special occasion. This moody floral rendition is perfect for a vineyard wedding.
9. Saylor Acacia Dress
Photo: Saylor
This luxe summery dress is perfect for daytime outdoor wedding attire. It features an adjustable neckline, a ruched bodice and puff sleeves.
10. LoveShackFancy Lomina Silk Metallic Bow Mini Dress
Photo: LoveShackFancy
Calling all cottagecore lovers. LoveShackFancy breathes new life into a classic minidress with this romantic number. Its gold bow print and ruffled silhouette are sure to make a statement.
11. Elliatt Rose Asymmetrical Mini Dress
Photo: Elliatt
This daytime party dress is equal parts glamorous and flirty. A one-shoulder neckline plus a short hemline adds drama. Pair this with a barely there strappy heel to play up its inherently elegant vibe.
12. Petal & Pup Cyprus Dress
Photo: Petal & Pup
The spaghetti straps, slinky silhouette and calf-length hem make this silk dress an instant classic. It's perfect to dress up or down, so it'll easily take you through wedding season and beyond.
13. Abercrombie The A&F Julia Slip Maxi Dress
Photo: Abercrombie
This breezy slip dress is perfect for your next beach wedding. Its relaxed fit makes it perfect for dancing the day away. And, the trendy colorful print will set you apart from the crowd.
14. Z Supply Eleve La Rosa Ditsy Midi Dress
Photo: Z Supply
A petite floral print adds a hint of romance to this effortless midi dress. This versatile dress can be dressed up or down for a variety of occasions, including a daytime wedding. It pairs just as well with a pair of red high heels for a wedding as it does with a pair of sandals or sneakers for every day.
15. Hutch Bow Tie Maxi Dress
Photo: Nuuly
A chic bow tie dress is perfect for any occasion—and any time of day. You can't go wrong with this classic black-and-white option. Bonus: You will definitely wear this look again.
16. Topshop Sequin Maxi Slip Dress
Photo: ASOS
A shimmering sequined fabric elevates this midi dress to new heights. The trendy steel gray is perfect for winter, while the slip silhouette gives it some sultry appeal.
17. Hill House The Ellie Nap Dress
Photo: Hill House
This brand is a cult favorite among fashionistas for a reason: it's both comfortable and stylish. We love the smocked detailing and whimsical florals on this elevated morning wedding outfit.
18. Elliatt Camo Asymmetric Satin Cocktail Dress
Photo: Nordstrom
The asymmetrical hemline and cowl halter neck make this satin dress a standout. It comes in a wide array of colors, so there's something for everyone. Pair this sleek style with metallic accessories.
19. Petal & Pup Laurel Dress
Photo: Petal & Pup
Navy is great for when you want to keep things simple, but are tired of your LBD. The tie straps on this midi dress add a feminine touch to an otherwise simple dress.
20. Birdy Grey Veronica Dress
Photo: Birdy Grey
This silk gown is perfect for a black tie daytime wedding. A whimsical floral print and a crisscrossed back make it feel extra feminine.
