Take It From A Wedding Planner: These Are Nordstrom’s 10 Best Spring Wedding Guest Dresses

Since elementary school, I’ve always had a fascination with events. So when I got the chance to work with a wedding planner 10 years ago, I jumped at the opportunity to become involved in one of the most monumental days a couple and their families will experience, and I’ve stayed involved in the industry ever since. Other than watching two people get married, one of my absolute favorite things about a celebration is admiring the fashion.  

During cocktail hour, I always have a few minutes to admire all of the great wedding guest dresses. Bright colors, lace, florals, and ruffles are some of the details that always catch my eye, and they’re particularly prominent in spring. So, I thought I would share 10 spring wedding guest dresses that you can pick up at Nordstrom for under $200, and I made sure to choose options for casual, cocktail, and black-tie events.  

Best Nordstrom Spring Wedding Guest Dresses Under $200

• Sam Edelman Smocked Plissé Midi Dress, $98
• Dress the Population Tiffany One-Shoulder Midi Dress, $148
• Maggy London Illusion Yoke Crepe Cocktail Dress, $148
• Dress the Population Catalina Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress, $182
• Sam Edelman Pleated Asymmetric Hem Satin Dress, $138
• Wayf The Ines V-Neck Tulip Gown, $138
• CeCe Floral Puff Sleeve Linen Blend Dress, $139
• Eliza J Embellished High/Low Chiffon Dress, $188
• Eliza J Ruffle Front Gown, $188
• Dress the Population Alicia Mixed Media Midi Dress, $198

Deciding what to wear to a wedding is almost always the trickiest part, and figuring out the dress code is the first step. Typically, shorter dresses like this Dress the Population Catalina Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress are great choices for more informal fetes, while midi-length frocks like this Dress the Population Alicia Mixed Media Midi Dress are meant for cocktail receptions. If black-tie is on the invitation, stick to long gowns, like this Eliza J Embellished High/Low Chiffon Dress. Of course, there are many more options to shop below, so keep reading while stock and sizes are available.

Sam Edelman Smocked Plissé Midi Dress

The pleats on this Sam Edelman dress make it an instant classic that you can wear for years, and you can choose from black, navy, turquoise, coral, and hot pink in sizes 0 to 14. Thanks to the midi length, high neckline, and smocked waist detail, I think it’s best to wear this style to informal or cocktail weddings. The polyester-like dress is fully lined, and it has a hook and eye closure in the back. To keep wearing this dress after the wedding day, add a cardigan or a blazer for a more business-friendly look. 

Dress the Population Tiffany One-Shoulder Midi Dress

When you’re choosing a dress for a cocktail dress code, sticking to a midi-length is one great tip to ensure that your dress is formal enough but not too over the top. And this one-shoulder dress definitely fits the bill. It has the suggested midi length, and it feels more elegant thanks to its one-shoulder style and modern bow details. Plus, the dress has another great benefit: It’s machine washable. The light blue (Sky) is my favorite for a spring wedding, but it’s also available in 13 other colors, too (the off-white is perfect for a bride to wear to a dressier engagement party, bridal shower, or rehearsal dinner). Shop it in sizes XXS to XXL. 

Maggy London Illusion Yoke Crepe Cocktail Dress

Although spring is a time for pastels and even bright colors, you can never go wrong with a classic black dress for a cocktail wedding dress code—and this crepe dress is one you shouldn’t miss. It has short sleeves and a back-zip closure, and the illusion jewel neckline that dips into a beautiful V is my favorite aspect of this dress. It’s only available in black, but it’s the only color that truly suits this timeless style. One shopper who “received no less than six compliments on the dress,” said, “It’s amazing… You will [have] something to wear to every event.”

Dress the Population Catalina Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress

This Dress the Population machine-washable dress is one of the most versatile styles that I found, and many shoppers say it’s flattering. It’s made from a comfy crepe fabric that’s designed to “swing and sway” as you move, and it even has pockets. You’ll also find a plunging V-neckline and a hidden zip closure in the back of the dress, which you can shop in sizes XXS to XXL in 14 colors that range from bright shades like Rouge, Bright Fuschia, and Poppy to timeless options like black and navy. You’ll also notice that the dress is available in off-white, which is great news for brides who are shopping for pre-wedding events. Pair this style with sandals for an informal wedding, or dress it up with heels or wedges for a cocktail spring wedding.

Sam Edelman Pleated Asymmetric Hem Satin Dress

Out of the hundreds of spring wedding guest dresses that I found online at Nordstrom, this asymmetric pleated style is the one that stood out the most for cocktail attire. It’s available in light blue (Glacier), black, navy, and hot pink in sizes 0 to 14. It’s sleeveless, which means it will keep you cool even during a warmer outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour, and the asymmetrical pleats turn it into a faux wrap dress. It’s made from polyester that’s designed to look and feel like satin, which makes it even more luxurious, and just like Nordstrom suggests, it’s best to pair this dress with strappy heels. 

Wayf The Ines V-Neck Tulip Gown

The key to finding a black-tie wedding guest dress is to stick to floor-length options. Although the length is important, that doesn’t mean you have to shy away from color. In fact, the kelly green shade of this dress that you can pick up in XS to XL is my favorite thing about it. Other than the fun shade, the flattering V-neckline, tulip skirt, and slight pleats at the waist are also worth highlighting about this style. Plus, you won’t have to worry about getting the straps altered because they’re adjustable to allow you to find your perfect fit on your own. 

CeCe Floral Puff Sleeve Linen Blend Dress

A spring wedding wouldn’t be complete without a few floral dress sightings, and I can’t stop thinking about this CeCe dress that you can shop in sizes XS to XL. Because it’s made from a linen-blend (55 percent linen and 45 percent rayon), I would keep this dress on your list for less formal outdoor weddings and cocktail-style receptions. The puff sleeves definitely add interest, and so does the V-neckline, floral pattern, adjustable tie at the waist, and ruffle midi-length hem. This dress simply slips over your head for ease, and it’s even machine washable (but you’ll want to line-dry it). Keep in mind that this style is also a perfect one to wear to any pre-wedding events that you’re invited to, especially bridal showers and rehearsal dinners. 

Eliza J Embellished High/Low Chiffon Dress

When you’re shopping for black-tie wedding guest dresses, don’t rule out high/low hemlines—they’re some of the most popular at almost every formal celebration that I plan. This chiffon gown is made from 100 percent polyester, and it flows beautifully. You’ll also find that the sleeveless style has a V-neckline, full lining, and a hidden zippered closure in the back. My favorite detail, however, is the beading embellishment at the waist because it instantly dresses it up even more. Shop this dress in sizes 2 to 18, and add strappy heels, simple jewelry, and a clutch to complete your fun wedding-ready look. 

Eliza J Ruffle Front Gown

Ruffles are my favorite dress detail, so this Eliza J black-tie wedding guest gown immediately caught my attention. It’s available in classic shades like black and navy, and you can also pick it up in hunter green, blue (pictured above), wine, and fuschia in sizes 0 to 18. The bateau neckline and slight back V create an elegant look, while the ruffles that stream down the waist to the side slit help it stand out. The sleeveless dress is fully lined and made from 88 percent polyester and 12 percent spandex, so it will move with you whether you’re mingling or out on the dance floor. 

Dress the Population Alicia Mixed Media Midi Dress

The Dress the Population Alicia Mixed Media Midi Dress immediately made me think of ballet, and I love it for that exact reason. The combination of the crepe bodice and chiffon skirt makes this monochromatic dress feel more special for a cocktail attire wedding, and the scalloped lace hem is the perfect finishing touch. A deep V-neckline, hidden back zipper, and full lining help to complete the style, which is even machine washable. Plan to order this ballet-like dress in 15 colors, including black, off-white (perfect for brides), electric blue, blush, lavender, and dark magenta in sizes XXS to XXL, but realize that Nordstrom does recommend sizing up if you’re in between sizes. Keep this dress on hand for summer weddings, too, as one shopper writes, “It was great for a wedding on the hottest day of the year. Really fun to dance in.”