SPOTTED: Best Dressed Wedding Guests
Photography: Jaclyn Armeni Photography via Amanda & Alex’s Wedding at Haig Point on Daufuskie Island
I spend hours looking through wedding galleries and one thing that kept popping out to me….!? How fabulous so many guests at our customer’s weddings are!!!! I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to be a wedding guest more in my life than when looking through these galleries and oohing and aahing at how fabulous everyone looks!! Truly, got me over here like, “I need that dress and I need an excuse to wear them all…”
So anyway, today we are sharing a round-up of some of our absolute favorite wedding guest looks that we'd happily wear ourselves to a Southern wedding.
From playful prints to vibrant color palettes and timeless elegance, here's a little inspiration for your next invitation.
Photography: Devoss Photography from Addie & Luke’s Wedding at Victory North Savannah
Color Is Always a Good Idea
Southern weddings practically beg for color.
Whether it's a garden ceremony in Savannah, a backyard celebration beneath a sailcloth tent, or a black-tie affair at an historic estate, don't be afraid to embrace vibrant hues.
Think:
Kelly green
Coral
Butter yellow
Powder blue
Lavender
Hot pink
Rich jewel tones
Color photographs beautifully and instantly feels celebratory.
Photography: Jaclyn Armeni Photography via Amanda & Alex’s Wedding at Haig Point on Daufuskie Island
Photography: Devoss Photography from Addie & Luke’s Rehearsal at Garibaldi’s
Photography: Lindsey Morgan Photography via Miley & Connor’s Wedding at their Private Residence
Florals? Always.
A beautiful floral print feels right at home at nearly every spring or summer Southern wedding. The trick is choosing prints that feel elevated rather than overwhelming.
We're especially loving:
Watercolor florals
Oversized blooms
Vintage-inspired botanical prints
Soft garden motifs
Bonus points if your dress secretly coordinates with the wedding flowers.
Photography: Lindsay Marie Photography via Amanda & Tyler’s Wedding at the Mackey House
Photography: Lindsey Morgan Photography via Miley & Connor’s Wedding at their Private Residence
Photography: East End Photography via Casey & Blaine’s Wedding at Haig Point on Daufuskie Island
Photography: Avenue D Photography at Jordan & Ben’s Wedding at the Mackey House
Don’t Be Afraid of A Statement Dress
Sometimes the best dressed guest isn't wearing the fanciest gown.
She's wearing the dress that fits beautifully, makes her feel confident, and has just enough personality.
Maybe it's:
Dramatic sleeves
An oversized bow
A fun neckline
Unexpected texture
Bold pattern mixing
The goal isn't to steal attention from the bride.
The goal is to celebrate the occasion by looking like the best version of yourself.
Photography: Sum Kai Creative via Taylor & Megan’s Wedding at the Bluffton Oyster Factory
Photography: Sum Kai Creative via Taylor & Megan’s Wedding at the Bluffton Oyster Factory
Photography: Devoss Photography from Addie & Luke’s Wedding at Victory North Savannah
Dress for the Venue
One of the easiest ways to look effortlessly stylish is simply dressing for the setting.
A few examples:
🌿 Garden Wedding → Flowy fabrics, florals, wedges or block heels.
🏛 Historic Venue → Structured silhouettes, elegant accessories, classic heels.
🏡 Backyard Wedding → Comfortable sophistication with breathable fabrics and shoes that won't disappear into the lawn.
🌊 Coastal Wedding → Light fabrics, cheerful colors, relaxed elegance.
Photography: Corryn Beckstead Photography at Madison & Stefan’s Wedding at Jekyll Island Club Hotel
Our Tips for Being the Best Dressed Wedding Guest
Read the Dress Code
Black tie, cocktail, formal, garden attire—they all mean something. When in doubt, it's always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Comfort Is Chic
If you're adjusting your dress every five minutes or taking your shoes off before dinner, it probably wasn't the right choice.
Let Accessories Finish the Look
A fun clutch, statement earrings, or colorful shoes can completely transform a simple dress.
Think About the Season
Velvet in July? Probably not.
Linen in December? Also probably not.
Dress for both the weather and the venue.
Confidence Is Your Best Accessory
The most memorable wedding guests aren't always wearing the most expensive outfit—they're wearing something they feel amazing in.
Photography: Izzy Hudgins via Emma & Aaron’s Wedding at the Grey
The One Rule We Stand Behind...
Let's be clear...
No matter how fabulous your outfit is...
If you're attending an Ivory & Beau wedding...
...there's absolutely no way you'll be better dressed than the bride. 😉
(We have a reputation to uphold.)
Photography: Britt Stepp via Logan’s Wedding at Chateau 1800
Whether your style is bold and colorful, timeless and tailored, or somewhere in between, weddings are one of the few occasions where dressing up is part of the celebration. So have fun with it, wear the dress you've been saving, and don't be surprised if someone asks where you got it.
Now excuse us while we continue adding every one of these gorgeous guest dresses to our own shopping carts...
Which look would you wear to your next Southern wedding? Let us know in the comments! 💕
Photography: Devoss Photography via Addie & Luke’s Welcome Drinks at Peregrin Rooftop at the Perry Lane Hotel
Where to Shop Locally in Savannah
And if you're wondering where we'd shop if we weren't borrowing from our own closets, our answer is easy: Morgan Rae's Boutique. As a fellow locally owned Savannah business, they've become one of our favorite places to find wedding guest dresses that feel elevated, fun, and effortlessly stylish. Whether you're attending a black-tie celebration, a garden party, a coastal ceremony, or a backyard wedding, their curated collection always has something that makes you feel confident without overshadowing the bride (because we all know that's the golden rule). We love supporting local businesses, and Morgan Rae's is one we're always excited to recommend when you're looking for the perfect wedding guest look. 💕
So on that note… anybody need a wedding guest??? Because I am SOOOO ready to dress to impress and enjoy a fun night of dancing with good company dressed to the nines!!! Just saying….
xoxo, Nic