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Summer may be known as the official wedding season, but with the pandemic putting big days on hold for two years, the knock-on effect is that many couples are tying the knot every time their dream venue is open.
So if you are lucky enough to be a guest at the ceremony or the big party afterwards, you may find yourself in a difficult situation when deciding what to wear.
Layers are a good idea in transitional seasons like spring and fall, while winter adventure weddings will require warmer fabrics. After all, you don’t want to end up being the bride’s “something blue”.
The hunt for the perfect wedding dress gets tougher if you’re trying to dress curves: tailored formalwear and plus-sizes aren’t always a marriage made in heaven. However, more brands are embracing extended sizes and showcasing fancy dresses to include a more inclusive demographic of women.
We’ve rounded up the best looks of the season that will have you saying “I do” to it. They are ideal for weddings, but also great for any formal occasion where just dressing up to the nines.
Shop our edit of the best plus size guest dresses below
River Island Plus Orange Pleated Swirl Maxi Dress
Size: 18 – 24
Has a single dress ever said “let’s party” so wonderfully? This stunning maxi is ready to shimmy and shake on the reception dance floor with multicolored swirls that ooze so much ’70s cool that it’s shot straight to the top of the most wanted list.
The V-neck and pleated fabric are both flattering and easy to move in, and the range of colors means you can combine it with all kinds of accessories. Love.
Buy Now £48.00, River Island
Coast Plus Statement Embroidered Maxi Dress
Sizes: 18 – 26
We know black is an unusual choice for weddings, but this maxi makes the case for going to weddings in the cooler months. The long sleeve is covered in pastel colored embroidery and is pretty enough to wear without stacks of jewellery. Add heels and a clutch and you’re ready to party!
Buy Now £215.20, Coast
Monsoon Hattie Embellished Wrap Dress Blue
Sizes: 8 – 24
A wrap dress is one of the easiest styles to pull off. Monsoon’s version, called Hattie, comes in a beautiful blue with an embellished gauze that’s hard to say no to. It’s pretty enough to wear with just a touch of accessories, but a nice pair of heels and a nice clutch bag are essential additions.
Buy Now £150.00, Monsoon
Coast Plus Size Pearl Embellished Tulle Skirt Dress
Sizes: 18 – 26
Whether you’re in the bridal party or a wedding guest, Coast’s dreamy pink dress will have you feeling equipped in style. The top half has long sleeves with pearl and sequin embellishments, showing off the glamourous.
Buy Now £143.20, Coast
Warehouse Plus Satin Color Block Column Midi Dress
Sizes: 18 – 24
For a sleek, frill-free look that you don’t often see in plus sizes, head to Warehouse where you’ll find this column dress that promises to stand out in wedding snaps. With a block stripe of colored satin on the front and black on the back, it’s an edgy look that will work well for center doses.
Buy now £47.20, in stock
Coast Plus Size Floral Embroidered Midi Dress
Sizes: 18 – 26
We all know that florals are a surefire winner for weddings, but as the weather cools, so can your palette. This winter floral look is ideal for cold weather weddings with embroidered flowers that stand out against an elegant navy background.
Buy Now £127.20, Coast
Warehouse Plus Size WH x The British Museum Sparkle Floral Maxi Dress
Sizes: 18 – 24
From its second collaboration with the British Museum comes this ethereal flowy maxi from Warehouse. With an ultra-low V-neckline, billowing sleeves and shimmering fabric, it’s a comfortable yet stylish ensemble you can wear from morning to night.
Buy now £103.20, in stock
ASOS DESIGN Curve layered midi dress in soft texture in sage green
Sizes: 16 – 30
Put some extra layers between yourself and the cold – and look amazing doing it – thanks to this soft midi dress from ASOS Design. Covered in fringe that looks best as you jiggle to a classic wedding disco, add a pair of strappy sandals and consider the dress code nailed.
Buy Now £50.00, ASOS
Rixo juni in tomato palm
Sizes: 6 – 8 p.m
The cult fashion brand offers fancy dresses in sizes 6 to 20 in the UK. With a square neckline and a flared skirt, the June cut is ideal for attending summer and Indian summer weddings. The tomato palm print is a timeless look that won’t date, so you can whip it out for hot events when the occasion calls for it.
Buy Now £275.00, Rixo
Reformation Gatsby Dress Es
Sizes: 18 – 26
A plunging neckline and high leg slit keep the air flowing around this glamorous dress from Reformation, making it perfect for weddings and garden parties where you need to take your style up a notch.
Buy Now £505.00, Reformation
Monsoon Annalisa midi dress with sequins, black
Sizes: 8 – 24
If you’re heading to the wedding – just part of the day, you can get away with sartorial no-nos, such as black. But only if, like this Monsoon midi, it’s finished with a flourish of tiny gold sequins to keep the look from being too somber. The longer length is balanced with a sweetheart neckline to flash some flesh, but not so much as to be distracting.
Buy Now £130.00, Monsoon
ASOS EDITION Curve embroidery midi dress with blouson sleeves with contrast embroidery
Sizes: 16 – 30
Play Little House of the Prairie in this high-neck dress finished with broderie anglaise in a contrasting navy stitch. The full sleeves and midi length are perfect for late summer and early fall weddings.
Buy Now £104.00, ASOS
Reformation Juliette Dress Es
Sizes: 18 – 24
Live a Dolce Vita summer all year long in Reformation’s gorgeous floral print dress that comes with a thigh-high split to give your pins some breathing room (not to mention dancing).
The figure-hugging dress runs on the smaller side, so choose a size up if you’re not sure what’s right for you.
Buy Now £248.00, Reformation
ASOS EDITION Yellow midi dress in jacquard colored curved waist
Sizes: 16 – 30
This year it will be a bumper wedding. Get ready for all the weddings in your diary with a killer dress that’s sure to come second to the bride. This floral jacquard dress with romantic puffed sleeves is a beautiful proposal for formal events.
Buy now £145.00, ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Curve in red midi dress with folded pleat and off shoulder pleat
Sizes: 24 – 30
Serving night opera vibes from Beautiful woman, this off-the-shoulder midi dress makes a serious case for jumping straight into your online basket, especially if you have a glam reception coming up. One for guests who are comfortable speaking out, it would be a huge mistake to miss. Huge.
Buy now £70.00, ASOS
11 Honore Gloria Maxi
Sizes: 14 – 20
A date dress that will make you feel like a million bucks without actually wearing it. This strappy maxi has enough ruffles to skim over your curves without losing shape. Wear with heels and cherry red lipstick.
Buy Now £268.00, 11 Honore
Erdem Positano Dress Summer Background Cotton Poplin
Sizes: 14, 22
For the girls who have ever stared longingly at a wallpaper print wishing they could wear it, comes this highly detailed number from Erdem. Made from light and breathable cotton poplin, the airy design puts modern flowers in the spotlight.
Buy Now £715.00, Erdem
