Between bridal shower gifts, bachelorette party costs and gifts for the actual wedding day, stocking up on affordable wedding guest dresses just makes so much more sense than splurging on a frock you’ll only have occasion to wear maybe three times a year. Of course, “affordable” can mean different things to different people, but we think keeping things in the double-digit range is a surefire way to keep your wallet and your wardrobe happy. Here, 20 fabulous party-ready dresses none of which cost more than $100, so you can focus on celebrating your loved ones and not fretting over your credit card bill.
20 Affordable Wedding Guest Dresses (and By Affordable We Mean Under $100)
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Published Jun 17, 2022
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Affordable Wedding Guest Dresses At A Glance:
- Most Versatile: Express Satin Open-Back Midi Dress
- Best for Black Tie: Lulus Molinetto Lace Maxi Dress
- Best for Cocktail: Cupshe Ramla One-Shoulder Dress
- Best for Dressy Casual: Reformation Rou Knit Dress
- Trendiest Color: ASTR the Label Gaia Dress
- Trendiest Silhouette: Petal + Pup Andean Side Cut-Out Midi
- Most Budget-Friendly: Cupshe Tea-Length Floral Dress
- Best Mini Dress: Eloquii Halter Mini Dress
- Best for Spring: Cupshe Floral Slip Dress
- Best for Summer: J.Crew One-Shoulder Linen Dress
- Best for Fall: Petal + Pup Luella Dress
- Best for Winter: ASOS Curve Pleated Midi Dress
- Worth the Splurge: Eloquii Ruched One-Shoulder Dress
- Best for a Garden Party: ASOS Maxi Tea Dress
- Most Comfortable: Abercrombie & Fitch Smocked Puff-Sleeve Midi Dress
- Best Bra-Friendly: Express Satin Pleated Mini Dress
- Best Slip Dress: ASOS One-Shoulder Satin Dress
- Best Strapless: Lulus Satin Floral Jacquard Strapless Dress
- Best Boho Style: Topshop Floral Halter Dress
- Editor’s Choice: More to Come Jaliyah Ruched Mini Dress
Express
1. Express Satin Open-back Midi Dress
Most Versatile
This simple black midi can be made to work for just about every dress code or season with the aid of the right accessories, and the open back adds a bit of sex appeal without being too much (we don’t want to scandalize grandma). Basically, a perfect LBD.
Lulus
2. Lulus Molinetto Lace Maxi Dress
Best for Black Tie
You don’t need to spend a ton to find a fancy gown that will fit right in at a black-tie event. This tiered lace number will look gorgeous twirling on the dance floor, and looks just as beautiful with simple black shoes and pearl studs as it does with a glittering statement necklace and matching silver heels. And according to reviews, the length works well on both shorter and taller women.
Cupshe
3. Cupshe Ramla One-shoulder Dress
Best for Cocktail
We’re so glad this satin frock comes in so many different colors (eight to be exact) because we want to wear it to basically every cocktail party from now to 2027. The ruching at the waist helps create the illusion of an itty-bitty middle and the top is super flattering for just about any cup size. Oh, and did we mention it’s machine washable?
Reformation
4. Reformation Rou Knit Dress
Best for Dressy Casual
Dressy casual is a tough dress code to plan for as you don’t want to go too casual nor do you want to show everyone up in something too formal. The easiest solution? An elegant little black dress worn with some classic accessories, like strappy heels, a pearl necklace or some diamond studs.
Revolve
5. Astr The Label Gaia Dress
Trendiest Color
Barbie pink dresses are everywhere right now, but we especially adore this cowl-neck slip for its easy elegance. It also features a crisscrossed back that’s fully adjustable so you can choose exactly how much cleavage you’re comfortable showing. While most reviewers say the Gaia dress runs true to size, some suggest going down a size if you prefer a fitted look.
Petal + Pup
6. Petal + Pup Andean Side Cut-out Midi
Trendiest Silhouette
Cutouts are having a pretty major moment right now but can often look far too sexy for a wedding. This jersey midi, however, shows just the right amount of skin, and could even be adjusted to be smaller thanks to the drawstring ties. All you need are some gold statement earrings and simple black strappy sandals and you’ll be all set.
Cupshe
7. Cupshe Tea-length Floral Dress
Most Budget-Friendly
None of the other guests will believe your floral midi costs less than 35 bucks. Plus, the navy design can be made to work for spring, summer or fall and can be dressed up or down for multiple types of dress codes, meaning you’ll get even more use out of your budget-friendly score.
Eloquii
8. Eloquii Halter Mini Dress
Best Minidress
This flirty mini also comes in a marigold hue, but we’re partial to the icy lilac above. The A-line silhouette is just flippy enough to move beautifully while you dance without running the risk of a Marylin Monroe moment. One thing to note on sizing: According to reviews, the bust runs a little small, so you may want to size up to accommodate a larger chest.
Cupshe
9. Cupshe Floral Slip Dress
Best for Spring
Spring weather can be fickle—one day it’s sunny and warm, the next it’s raining and chilly—but this midi will keep you comfortable no matter what Mother Nature has in store. The back also has an adjustable tie so you can better fit the bust to your figure.
J.Crew
10. J.crew One-shoulder Linen Dress
Best for Summer
This linen mini is super breathable to combat hot, humid weather in style, and is also fully lined so you don’t have to worry about your undergarments showing through. The silhouette is just the right balance between loose and fitted, maintaining some semblance of a figure without the material clinging to you and showing sweat marks all the faster.
Petal + Pup
11. Petal + Pup Luella Dress
Best for Fall
This one-shoulder twist on a classic slip dress is one of Petal + Pup’s best-selling styles. The ruching at the waist is incredibly flattering and great for masking that post Champagne toast bloat. Some reviewers suggest it runs a little large, so we suggest double checking the size chart before you order, just to make sure.
ASOS
12. Asos Curve Pleated Midi Dress
Best for Winter
Stand out from the inevitable sea of black frocks with this stunning deep blue embroidered number. And we love that we can wear a regular ‘ol T-shirt bra instead of a strapless. Many reviewers mention the neckline being a little low, but there is also amble fabric to pin or sew it up a bit higher it you want a more modest look.
Eloquii
13. Eloquii Ruched One-shoulder Dress
Worth the Splurge
This one-shoulder number is surprisingly sexy and the ruched material looks stunning on figures of all types. The dress is also fully lined, so you don’t have to stress over your undergarments. You can also adjust the ruching to make it a little shorter or longer to hit right where you need it to.
ASOS
14. Asos Maxi Tea Dress
Best for a Garden Party
Don’t let all those colorful blooms show you up. The light green color of this backless gown works for just about every skin tone, and the button detail in front adds a sweet touch that’s also practical—the buttons can be undone to show more leg if you want.
Abercrombie & Fitch
15. Abercrombie & Fitch Smocked Puff-sleeve Midi Dress
Most Comfortable
We came for the dainty floral print but stayed for the incredibly comfy smocked design on this knee-length frock. The sleeves can also be pulled down for an off-the-shoulder neckline if you prefer.
Express
16. Express Satin Pleated Mini Dress
Best Bra-Friendly
For those who loathe strapless bras and would rather not go braless either, this mini with an asymmetrical hem can be worn with your favorite T-shirt bra. The material is even thick enough that you don’t need to bother searching for nude bras or panties. Plus, we love the ‘80s-inspired pleating for a vintage nod that isn’t too on the nose.
ASOS
17. Asos One-shoulder Satin Dress
Best Slip Dress
There are plenty of classic slip-dress silhouettes out there, but we actually prefer this one-shoulder design for an unexpected twist on the ‘90s style. It’s sexy, simple and ready for a spin on the dance floor.
Lulus
18. Lulus Satin Floral Jacquard Strapless Dress
Best Strapless
The jacquard material of this strapless number has a slight shimmer in the floral design, making it feel even more special, even without the addition of glittering jewelry. Reviewers suggest it mostly runs true to size, but if you’re between sizes we suggest going for the larger to better accommodate your hips and rear while sitting.
ASOS
19. Topshop Floral Halter Dress
Best Boho Style
Don’t let the tent-silhouette fool you—the open back on this halter adds a touch of sexiness to prevent you from looking totally shapeless. And because it has a high neckline, all you need are some fun drop earrings to complete your look (and a pair of colorful sandals, of course).
Revolve
20. More To Come Jaliyah Ruched Mini Dress
Editor’s Choice
PureWow’s fashion editor Abby H. recently wore this mini to a cocktail wedding reception with the sleeves pulled down for an off-the-shoulder silhouette. “I got so many compliments on this little cutie and it was also surprisingly comfortable. I will say, however, it runs small and there is little to no stretch. I sized up when I ordered and I am very glad I did”
