Looking for cocktail dresses for wedding guests to wear? Are you wondering what women or men should wear to a cocktail wedding? We’ll tell you in this blog post! Read on + subscribe now for the latest.
What is cocktail attire for a wedding? Did you receive a wedding invitation with the words “cocktail attire” printed on it and you’re wondering what to wear? If so, we’re here to help with cocktail dresses for weddings — and exactly what this dress code means.
Wedding dress codes can be tricky but we’ve done all the legwork to help, this time focusing on cocktail wedding dresses for women. (Did you miss the black tie post?)
In this blog post, we’ll tell you which cocktail dresses for weddings are appropriate to wear so you don’t make a fashion faux pas. We’re also sharing 50 cocktail wedding dresses for women to wear in 2022 so you can see exactly which styles are trending with long sleeves, asymmetrical necklines, midi, summer cocktail dresses, plus size cocktail dresses, sleeveless, short sleeves, one shoulder cocktail dresses, and more. And to kick off the article, we’ll tell you which attire is suitable for women and men.
What to Wear to a Cocktail Wedding
As a rule of thumb, cocktail attire suggests not overly formal, yet not too casual. Cocktail attire implies a request for guests to dress up, but don’t overdress, as this is not a ballroom or black-tie dress code scenario.
Here’s exactly what to wear for cocktail weddings for women and men.
Wedding Cocktail Dresses for Women
To stay within the dress code guidelines, women should wear a dress that is not floor length.
This means anything above the knee: mini, tea-length, or mid-calf (midi) are all perfect examples of what to wear to a cocktail wedding reception.
You don’t have to wear a dress, but if you opt for an alternative we recommend formal separates such as a blouse and a skirt.
Need help with separates? I highly recommend Stitchfix to help you piece together a perfect cocktail wedding outfit. They have an area where you can shop directly or request a stylist to send a box of appropriate outfit pieces for you to wear. They also recommend how to put it all together. It’s brilliant! Get $25 credit here.
Can you wear a jumpsuit to a cocktail wedding?
Yes! You can absolutely wear a pantsuit or a jumpsuit to a cocktail reception. Jumpsuits are a great alternative to dresses for women (especially this season, as they’re wildly popular). You can browse beautiful jumpsuits for guests here.
So, to recap:
• A Dress that is not floor length: mini, tea length, or midi are appropriate lengths. Skip long dresses for women.
• Dressy Separates such as a blouse and a skirt or pantsuit
• A jumpsuit is also appropriate to wear to a cocktail wedding
What kind of shoes to wear
You should always wear the most comfortable shoes you can! But make sure the shoes are dressy for the occasion. Heels, sandals, flats, or wedges are all appropriate shoes to wear to a cocktail reception.
Also, you should accessorize your outfit with a few nice pieces of jewelry and/or a stylish handbag.
Cocktail Wedding Attire for Men
Cocktail attire for men is a suit, dress shirt, and sports jacket. A tie is optional but recommended. You can shop amazing suiting options at Todd Snyder.
Shoes should be formal; no athletic shoes or sandals.
Cocktail Dresses for Wedding
Now that you know what to wear for a cocktail wedding dress code, let’s get inspired! I love cocktail dresses for women and jumpsuits, so let’s dive in and check out stylish cocktail wedding ideas for your upcoming reception.
1. Floral Print Cocktail Reception Dress
This is a midi length and absolutely lovely for a reception. By Lulus.
2. Lace Floral Cocktail Dress
This lace dress is a best-seller for a major reason: it is extremely flattering. You can choose from many different colors. By Merokeety.
3. Coral Mini Dress
This stylish mini dress is one of my favorite cocktail guest dresses for summer. By Lulus.
4. Off-the-Shoulder Black Dress
Ooh, this one is super stylish and the perfect little black dress. By Lulus.
5. Long Sleeve Smocked Mini Dress
Get it here from Lulus.
6. Bell Sleeve Shift Dress
By Belongsci.
7. Floral Long Sleeve Cocktail Wedding Dress
By Lulus.
8. Black Dress with Cut-Out Sleeves
Get it here.
9. Magenta Cocktail Hour Dress
Ooh, stylish! By Lulus.
10. Stylish Jumpsuit
Get it here.
11. 3/4 Length Sleeve Cocktail Dress
This stylish above-the-knee dress has a surplice neckline and 3/4 length sleeves. By AlexEvenings.
12. Ruffle Hem Cocktail Dress
Ooh! Love the ruffles and the stylish tie on this dress. By Floerns.
13. Half-Sleeve Black Sheath Dress
Stunning! By Lulus.
Finish this lool with shoes and earrings:
14. Emerald Green Midi Dress
By Lulus.
15. Sage Green Bodycon Dress
Available here.
16. Blue Lace Backless Dress
Get it here.
17. Ruffle Sleeve Jumpsuit
See it here.
18. Pantsuit
Get it here.
19. Long Sleeve Floral Print Dress
By Uguest.
20. Plunging Neckline Guest Dress
Shown in magenta but is available in many different colors. By Verdusa.
21. Fringe Mini Cocktail Dress
By Lulus.
22. Burgundy Jumpsuit
Get it here.
23. Cut Out Dress
Available in other colors, too! Wildly popular — check out the reviews.
24. Cocktail Dress with Long Sleeves
By Consonen.
25. Flounce Dress
Avaiable at Milumia.
26. Orange Tie-Back Mini Dress
Get it here.
27. Ruffle Hem Dress
See the dress here. By Floerns.
28. Deep V-Neck Ruffle Dress
By Knitee.
29. Cocktail Wedding Dress in Black
By Lulus.
30. Black Cocktail Dress with Longe Sleeves in Lace
Get it here.
31. V-Neck Pencil Skirt Dress
Love it in blue! By Miusol.
32. Surplice Cocktail Dress
Love this style. By Lulus.
33. One-Shoulder Dress
Love this one-shoulder bodycon dress. One of my favorites for what to wear to a cocktail wedding. By Lulus.
34. Asymmetrical Dress
Get it here.
35. One Shoulder Midi Dress
I like this style with a one-shoulder neckline and an asymmetrical hem. By Lulus.
36. Strappy Cocktail Reception Dress
Get it here.
37. Ruffle Sleeveless Black Dress
See it here.
38. Dark Green Midi
Looking for a midi length dress to wear to a cocktail wedding? This is a gorgeous option! By Lulus.
39. Magenta Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Wear this stylish guest dress to the cocktail reception! By Lulus.
40. Floral Print Midi Dress
This is a pretty floral pattern for a spring or summer cocktail wedding. By Lulus.
41. Satin Tiered Cocktail Reception Dress
By Lulus.
42. Short Black Dress with Halter
Gorgeous dress for a cocktail reception. By Sau Lee.
43. One-Shoulder Guest Dress
By BHLDN.
44. Lily Print High-Low Cocktail Dress
Get it at Lulus.
45. Mauve Purple Dress
Shop here.
46. Short Black Dress
By Lulus.
47. Tie Ruffle Dress
By BHLDN.
48. Cap Sleeve Knee-Length Dress
By Lulus.
49. Red Orange Floral
Get it here.
50. Strappy Black Dress
Get it at Lulus.
Now that you know what to wear to a cocktail reception, what will YOU choose? Tell us in the comment box below! I’d love to see which cocktail outfit you select.
Where to Shop Cocktail Dresses for Wedding
Like what you see here? We found these dresses from three wonderful retailers:
• Lulus
• BHLDN
• Amazon
Hope it helps!
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
