Finding the right wedding guest dress can be difficult—luckily, Nordstrom is an excellent one-stop shop for all nuptial needs with a variety of colors, silhouettes, and fabrics to suit everything from beachside ceremonies to fairytale galas. Beyond finding a dress you feel good in, many of the frustrations surrounding this shopping experience come from confusion around the dress code, so I’ve taken the liberty of breaking down the most common dress codes that you might catch on an invite this season. From flirty, sequined cocktail dresses to elaborate ball gowns, here are 29 Nordstrom wedding guest dresses to have on your radar for 2025 weddings.
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Black-tie dresses
A black-tie dress code might make you a bit anxious as it’s often seen as one of the stricter dress codes to follow. Think of it as a chance to dress to impress and pick something that makes you feel regal, though. Black-tie is synonymous with fancy, so there’s really no way to be overdressed—pull out all the stops with a floor-length gown in a luxurious fabric such as satin, silk, or chiffon; timeless silhouettes like sheath, A-line, or mermaid styles; or consider details like embellishments or draping for added glamour. Most black-tie weddings happen later in the evening, so you’ll want something you’ll be comfortable in all night (keep this in mind when shopping for heels, too).
Formal dresses
Formal attire is more common, so chances are at least one of the destination weddings you have lined up will list this as the dress code. It’s a step down from black-tie and slightly more relaxed and flexible, while still calling for sophistication. There are a wide range of options to go with: Opting for elegant silhouettes such as A-line or sheath dresses in timeless colors like black, navy, or deep jewel tones is always a good choice. Hemlines that fall below the knee are most appropriate here.
Mother of the bride or groom dresses
As a parent of the couple, you’ll want to dress to impress. Take the couple’s theme in stride and make sure that you’re adhering to their dress code and color palette, as you’ll likely be in many of the official photos. You want to set yourself apart from the other guests without drawing too much attention away from the couple. I’ve chosen options that can be dressed up or down depending on the formality of the event, but still showcase a bit of glamour and regality that a parent of the couple would need for such a momentous occasion.
Cocktail dresses
Cocktail attire strikes a balance between formal and casual, while allowing guests to add a bit more of their personality to the look with daring colors, patterns, or silhouettes. Knee-length, tea-length, or midi dress with billowy skirts that are easy to dance in are some of the more popular options. You want to find something that you can move in effortlessly—silk or satin dresses or a jumpsuit brings ease and comfort for longer wedding ceremonies and receptions. If you’re attending a daytime celebration, opt for natural colors and modern styles. In the evening, feel free to choose darker hues and embellishments.
Casual dresses
Casual wedding attire is a slightly elevated version of the clothes you would wear out to a nice dinner on a typical day. Similarly to dressy casual events, you should think along the lines of business casual attire, but a bit more fun. We’ve gathered dresses made of more breathable materials like linen or spandex paired with flowy designs just in time for summer nuptials that can be paired with flats or sandals—don’t forget to grab a cute shoulder bag to complete the ensemble.
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