After all the love we’ve given our WFH clothes lately, we seriously can’t wait to dress up for the many celebrations on our calendars this year — and cocktail dresses for weddings are at the center of our fashion dream boards.
With glamour as the go-to theme for recent weddings, many couples are opting for glitzy cocktail attire as their dress code. And we can see why! From the ceremony to the reception to, ahem, cocktail hour, a fabulous cocktail dress always brings the party vibes.
Cocktail dresses for weddings are a classic for a reason — but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be modern, too! Whether you want to channel the opulence of decades past or switch it up with a funky new silhouette, there’s a cocktail dress for every style (and every style of wedding).
To help you prepare for your next wedding toast, we’ve rounded up the cocktail dresses for weddings that we can’t stop gushing over. From breezy summer slip dresses to elevated LBDs, these picks are guaranteed to make a fashion statement at your next event.
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What are cocktail dresses?
Party attire at its core, cocktail dresses are versatile, playful, and always stylish. They first landed a spot on the fashion trends lists over a century ago, quickly becoming a wardrobe staple for Flapper-era party animals. Since then, cocktail dresses have withstood the test of time — and today they strike the perfect balance between formal and semi formal dress codes for evening events and special occasions.
While cocktail dresses for weddings do lean more on the formal side of dress codes, that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate some personality to your look. With no rigid rules, you’re free to play around with colors, prints, textures, and silhouettes. After all, the best cocktail dresses are equal parts classy and fun.
Are cocktail dresses appropriate for weddings?
The answer is simple: YES! Weddings are the perfect opportunity to break out one of your favorite cocktail dresses and get glammed up. Plus, cocktail dresses for weddings can easily be dressed up or down with a few key accessories, making them perfect for everything from a black tie affair to a dressy casual beach bash.
However, it’s still important to check the dress code on your invitation before adding a new dress to your cart. If the dress code is anything less than semi formal, you may want to bench that cocktail dress until your next formal celebration.
GWS Tip: If the dress code does allow for cocktail attire, pay attention to the season and the venue of the wedding to get a better idea about how to style your cocktail dress. Since cocktail dresses for weddings can fall on a spectrum of formality, it’s always best to dress for the event to nail the perfect level of sparkle.
Where to buy cocktail dresses for weddings
Not all cocktail dresses for weddings are created equal — but most of our favorites are just a few clicks away! Our go-to places to buy cocktail dresses for weddings are Reformation, Lulus, and BHLDN.
From sustainable finds you’ll wear for years to come to affordable statement pieces you won’t want to take off, these online shops have you covered. Plus, they each have collections specifically tailored for wedding season, so you don’t have to worry about arriving in the wrong look.
To keep you from going scroll-crazy, we’ve included our favorite ‘fits from these sites — as well as a few surprise looks from rad designers — in the list below. Let’s get into it!
Summer Cocktail Dresses For Weddings
We love summer weddings for SO many reasons — gorgeous outdoor ceremonies, dancing under the stars, and wildflower season, to name a few. But one of the best parts of a summer wedding has to be the fashion opportunities.
When choosing summer cocktail dresses for weddings, there are endless fashion-forward options that will help you stay cool all day and look good all night. Keep scrolling to see a few of our top picks!
1: Dark Floral Summer Cocktail Dress For Wedding
This summer, we’re all about bold prints and maxi dresses — especially when it comes to cocktail dresses for weddings. This romantic maxi dress has a fitted waist and leg slit for those outdoor summer ceremonies.
We love it paired with vibrant accessories, like a playful clutch or statement tassel earrings.
2: Silky Pink Summer Cocktail Dress For Wedding
We’re seeing this elegant summer cocktail dress EVERYWHERE right now, and it’s safe to say we’re obsessed with its wedding day potential! With endless color and size options, this silky number is universally flattering and perfect for any and every occasion.
3: Whimsical Floral Embroidered Summer Cocktail Dress
Floral prints on summer cocktail dresses for weddings may seem overdone, but the embroidery on this gown adds some whimsy that feels fresh and fabulous. Talk about flower power!
4: Regencycore Summer Cocktail Dress For Weddings
A little bit cottagecore, a little bit regencycore, this summer cocktail dress is sweet, stylish, and sure to turn heads. We are especially loving that structured corset – and the back has adjustable lacing. Did we mention all the ruffles on the bottom? Perfection.
5: Dreamy Blue Halter Summer Cocktail Dress For Wedding
We couldn’t create a roundup of summer cocktail dresses for weddings without including at least one gem from Reformation, and this dreamy blue halter dress is one of our all-time faves. It makes a statement with an open back and flirty side slit. And that flowy skirt is to die for!
6: Pretty In Pink Mini Summer Cocktail Gown
The details take center stage with this feminine mini summer cocktail dress for weddings. With ruffles, pleats, and an unexpected one-shoulder neckline, this Lulus pick is redefining “pretty in pink.”
7: Floral Midi Summer Cocktail Dress For Weddings
Our favorite summer cocktail dresses for weddings can be worn all season long, and this cowl-neck slip dress is no exception. It’s perfect for going from Sunday brunch to romantic date night to wedding cocktail hour.
Dress it up with sophisticated gold jewelry or tone it down with your favorite pair of sandals.
8: Flirty Nude Summer Cocktail Gown
Here at GWS, we say the more ruffles the better! This nude summer cocktail dress fulfills ALL our ruffle needs, and turns the look up a notch with a sultry form-fitting silhouette. Pair it with these gorgeous champagne velvet heels, and you’re golden.
Have more than one summer wedding on your calendar? We’ve got you covered with the trendiest wedding guest gowns for those hot summer nights!
Winter Cocktail Dresses For Weddings
Is there anything more elegant than sipping an Old Fashioned in an opulent ballroom, draped in a timeless dress? We’re manifesting this for all of the winter nuptials we’re invited to — and these gorgeous winter cocktail dresses for weddings are here to make it happen.
Our favorite looks make the most of cozy, luxe textures (hello velvet!) and pair great with the cocktail of your choice.
9: Regal Velvet Winter Cocktail Dress For Weddings
This regal burgundy winter cocktail dress for weddings feels absolutely decadent. It’s giving us red velvet cake vibes, but with a sexy and modern twist.
Plus, it has not one but two deep V’s — one in the front and one in the back, for extra drama.
10: Sophisticated Winter Cocktail Dress With a Plunging Neckline
A cold-weather celebration doesn’t mean you have to totally cover up! Bare some skin this winter with this moody and sophisticated winter cocktail dress with a plunging neckline and open back.
Made with super-soft and stretchy velvet, you’ll be ultra comfortable cozied up next to the fire or working up a sweat on the dance floor.
11: Elegant Champagne Winter Cocktail Dress For Weddings
Although it comes in multiple flattering colors, we obviously had to choose a champagne hue for this stunning winter cocktail dress for weddings! Made with luxe satin, it’s flowy and relaxed, while still capturing those elegant winter vibes. Cheers to that!
12: Magenta Winter Wrap Style Cocktail Dress For Weddings
Vibrant winter cocktail dresses for weddings really bring the party spirit, and this jewel-toned magenta look will keep things bright long after the sun sets. Style it with metallic or sparkly accessories for an overall dazzling effect.
13: Silky Green Winter Cocktail Dress For Weddings
The green craze is here to stay — and while we love all the lime hues for warmer months, this rich olive is THE MOMENT for winter. With a sweetheart neckline and a wrap skirt, this winter cocktail dress combines retro refinement with today’s top trends.
14: Sleek Maroon Winter Cocktail Jumpsuit
It may not be a cocktail dress, but this sleek maroon jumpsuit is party-ready and totally appropriate for a cocktail dress code.
If dresses aren’t your prerogative, or if you’re looking to keep your legs toasty during those chilly months, a cocktail jumpsuit is a modern and effortlessly cool option. This gorgeous jumpsuit is currently available in 4 different colors/prints.
15: Chic Cutout Winter Cocktail Dress For Weddings
This cocktail dress for weddings is a chic winter alternative to your favorite summer slip dress. The ruching detail on the sleeves is playful and flattering, and the cut-out in the back is super on-trend. What else can we say? It’s just TOO GOOD.
Looking for more cold-weather fashion inspo? Check out our full roundup of winter wedding guest gowns made to wow.
Formal Cocktail Dresses For Weddings
If you’ve been invited to an evening celebration or black tie optional reception, formal cocktail dresses for weddings will ensure you look the part.
These picks are the elite of cocktail attire, with stunning fabrics and floor-length silhouettes that bring the drama. Because who doesn’t want to dress like they’re starring in a pivotal scene of Gossip Girl every once in a while?
16: Sage Formal Cocktail Dress For Weddings
Classic and sophisticated, this formal cocktail dress for weddings would be stunning for the mother of the bride (or the mother of the groom). The drapery around the shoulders adds a touch of opulence, and we love the little peek of skin on the shoulder.
17: Refined Off-the-Shoulder Formal Cocktail Dress
It can be tough to find formal cocktail dresses for weddings that nail the balance between sexy and sweet, but this gown is here to play. With a sultry side slit and sweetheart neckline, it’s tailored to show off your curves — and gives you the opportunity to show off your statement heels, too!
18: High-Neck Formal Cocktail Dress For Weddings
We don’t know what it is about this twist high-neck detail, but we can’t take our eyes off of it! Complemented with floor-length black satin, this formal cocktail dress is dripping in je ne sais quoi.
19: Plunging Navy Formal Cocktail Dress
The “JLo at the 2000 Grammys” of all formal cocktail dresses for weddings, this plunging look is bringing the drama. While the neckline, open back, and front slit scream party, the toned-down navy color and luxe texture keep it classy for a formal event.
20: Glittery Gold Formal Cocktail Dress For Weddings
For the maximalists out there, this glittery formal cocktail dress is SUCH a vibe. No need for a disco ball — you’ll be the center of the dance floor with layers of dazzling gold tulle and chic black bows!
21: Black Asymmetrical Formal Cocktail Gown
How cool are asymmetrical necklines on formal cocktail dresses for weddings? With this stand-out detail and timeless silhouette, you’ve got a look that can hold its own at any formal affair.
Does your wedding invite call for a semi formal dress code? We’re here to help you nail the look.
Designer Cocktail Dresses For Weddings
If two years of buying nothing but loungewear has made you want to splurge on a gorgeous gown, you’re not alone! These designer cocktail dresses for weddings are so swoon-worthy, you’ll be looking for excuses to wear them any chance you get.
From giants like Oscar de la Renta to the beloved Aussie label Zimmermann, these designs are truly works of art.
22: Neon Yellow Designer Cocktail Gown
We have two words for this stunning designer cocktail dress: sunshine chic. With elegant draping and that high low hem, this bright gown was designed to light up a room.
23: Rose Pink Sequin Designer Cocktail Dress For Weddings
Capture retro glamour from day to evening with this iconic designer cocktail dress for weddings. Perfect for a gatsby cocktail party or late-night summer dance party reception.
24: Playful Pink Designer Cocktail Gown
Electric satin pink, legs for days, and a draped side train that dreams are made of — this designer cocktail dress was not made to fly under the radar. If you’re the main character, this is the designer look for you.
25: Statement Black Designer Cocktail Dress
Statement bows are one of our favorite trends right now, especially when paired with designer cocktail dresses for weddings. Featuring this truly iconic duo (plus pockets!!), this Lela Rose dress is THE cocktail dress for sipping martinis well into the night.
26: Modern Mini Designer Cocktail Dress
Fierce and floral, this designer cocktail dress for weddings walks the line between flirty feminine and structured masculine. Rock it with a pair of black boots to up the cool factor or keep it sweet with strappy heels.
Petite Cocktail Dresses For Weddings
If you haven’t noticed, we love cocktail dresses for their versatility — they truly come in every shape, size, silhouette, and style. With petite cocktail dresses for weddings, you can find a look that suits your body type, without sacrificing your sartorial style. After all, dressing up for a meaningful event should mean looking and feeling your best!
27: Navy Floral Petite Cocktail Dress For Weddings
Made with sustainable lightweight fabric, Reformation’s breezy petite cocktail dresses for weddings are as wearable as your favorite summer sun dress, but with a more refined touch. This navy floral pick would look gorgeous for an enchanting garden or backyard wedding.
28: Lavender Maxi Petite Cocktail Dress For Weddings
The gorgeous lavender hue of this petite cocktail dress has us dreaming of endless summer nights + lavender haze… The bows add that perfect detail to make this halter dress really stand out. It would simply shine with gold accessories and a shimmery eyeshadow look that matches its glow.
29: Romantic Floral Petite Cocktail Dress
With dainty tie straps, this romantic floral petite cocktail dress can be adjusted to flatter your body (and couldn’t be more perfect for a summer soiree). It also comes in polka dots for a classic take on a dress you’ll be wearing for years.
30: Elegant V-Neck Petite Slip Dress
Looking to upgrade your LBD? This slim-fitting petite cocktail dress has all the essential features of a classic black dress, plus some elevated details that really take it to the next level. We need it, like, yesterday.
31: Embroidered Floral Petite Cocktail Gown
For those that like their petite cocktail dresses for weddings with a side of flowers, this striking gown checks all the boxes. Style it with your hair tied back to let those embroidered floral details shine. And the flowy body of this gown is perfect for summer and spring.
32: Black Lace Petite Sheath Dress
With a mix of floral and geometric lace, this black petite cocktail dress is unexpected, in the best way. Let the intricate details take center stage and pair it with classic black pumps and a matching bag — perfect for a monochrome look that is anything but boring.
33: Hot Pink Ruffled Petite Cocktail Gown
Hot pink petite cocktail dresses for weddings? Yes, please!! We have heart eyes for the ruching details and flattering pleats on this look. Talk about a seriously fun and flirty vibe!
Are you prepared for wedding season?
Choosing the perfect cocktail dresses for weddings is just the first step to getting your wardrobe ready for an event-filled year. Next, it’s time for our favorite part: picking out some rockin’ kicks!
The classic shoes to wear with cocktail dresses for weddings are a pair of elegant heels — and we’ve got you covered with a roundup of our very favorites. But, different events can call for different shoes, and we also love western boots as an on-trend and ultra comfy option for summer celebrations or outdoor parties.
If one dress just isn’t enough (because same), don’t forget to check out our lists of wedding guest dresses for spring, summer, fall, and winter. And be sure to let us know in the comments what style you’re most excited to wear to your next soirée!
