Take It From A Wedding Planner: Nordstrom Is A One-Stop Shop For Under-$200 Summer Wedding Guest Dresses

Summer wedding season has arrived in full force, and I’m so thrilled. I love when celebrations have outdoor elements, whether it’s a ceremony in a garden or a reception in a tent. As a wedding planner, I’m always excited to see the events unfold, but the single thing I’m most excited to see is the fashion. I love admiring wedding guest dresses, and during the summer it’s always so fun to see bright colors and tons of floral prints. After spending a decade in the wedding industry and planning tons of events, I’m sharing 10 summer wedding guest dresses that you can shop at Nordstrom for under $200. 

Best Nordstrom Summer Wedding Guest Dresses Under $200

• Maggy London Illusion Yoke Crepe Cocktail Dress, $88.80 (orig. $148)
• Petal & Pup Achanti Print Pleated Maxi Dress, $109 
• Petal & Pup Naira Pleated Maxi Dress, $119 
• Ciebon Jennsen Ruched Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress, $150 
• Tie Back Tiered Maxi Dress, $159 
• Adrianna Papell Tie Front Sheath Dress, $169 
• Eliza J Floral Print Asymmetric Ruffle Sleeveless Maxi Dress, $188
• Eliza J Ruffle Front Gown, $188 
• Dress the Population Livia Fit and Flare Dress, $198 
• Eliza J Mock Neck Lace Sheath Dress, $198 

Nordstrom has hundreds of under-$200 dresses to choose from, and I had a hard time narrowing down all of the options to just 10 dresses to recommend. I was up to the challenge though, and I found options for beach, semi-formal, cocktail, and black-tie events that you could even wear more than once. A beach wedding is cause for a pattern, and this flowy, abstract dress will look perfect against a backdrop of sun, sand, and sea. If you’re attending a cocktail fete, this short Eliza J dress is perfect with its high neckline and lace detailing. And this pretty pleated floor-length gown is black tie wedding-ready—just add your favorite pair of heels for a night on the dance floor. There are plenty more dresses to shop, so keep reading below as you prep for all of the weddings on your calendar. 

Petal & Pup Naira Pleated Maxi Dress

Simply put, I love this dress for cocktail and black tie weddings. I think some of the best and most comfortable wedding guest dresses are those that are simple and classic, and this one fits that mold perfectly. The style is available in black, silver, Palm Green, and a bright Sunset Orange in sizes 0 to 16. My favorite detail is the all over pleats that make it look more unique and totally flattering with just one detail. You’ll find adjustable straps, a V-neckline, and a partial lining, too. Shoppers say it’s, “Such a flattering cut and the pleating is stunning.” They added it’s, “so flowy and perfect for the dance floor!”

Ciebon Jennsen Ruched Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress

If you’re attending an outdoor wedding in a backyard, garden, or tent, this flutter-sleeve maxi dress is for you. It’s my favorite dress that I spotted because it’s only $150, and I’m obsessed with the print. You can shop it in pink (my pick, pictured above), purple, or brown in sizes XS to XL. The flutter-y cap sleeves, midi length, and ruching are just a few of my favorite details, and I would be remiss not to highlight that this dress has pockets, too. I expect that the style will sell out quickly as customers are scooping up summer wedding guest dresses, so pick it up while you can.

Eliza J Floral Print Asymmetric Ruffle Sleeveless Maxi Dress

Bright colors and floral prints are a few of my favorite things about summer wedding guest dresses, and this gown is fit for beach and cocktail attire weddings (I think the print makes it not quite formal enough for black tie weddings). The flowers and side ruffle details would make me ask any wedding guest where they found their dress, so I think you’ll receive lots of compliments. And the bow in the back is not only pretty, but also functional: It forms when you find your perfect fit and tie it at the top. “Cinched waist. Great shape. Feels great on the body,” wrote one five-star reviewer who said the dress is “shaped, but flowy and flattering.” Shop it in sizes 4 to 14.

Dress the Population Livia Fit and Flare Dress

When a dress has Audrey Hepburn vibes, you know it’s a winner. I thought of the famous actress the moment I spotted this fit and flare dress that comes in five colors (Peacock Blue, Lavender, Garnet, Bright Fuschia, and white) in sizes XXS to XXL. It’s made from a crepe fabric that drapes beautifully, according to Nordstrom, and the cap sleeves and gorgeous deep-scoop back add even more to the allure of the dress. But the fact that it’s machine washable and has pockets completely seals the deal. Scoop this up to wear to beach or cocktail weddings this summer, and then plan to rewear it for years to come—this dress is far too classic to ever go out of style.  

Eliza J Mock Neck Lace Sheath Dress

Sheath dresses work for almost every occasion in every season, and this Eliza J style is one you’ll wear much more than once. The fully lined dress features a high neckline and a really pretty lace overlay that helps to make it feel more elegant, and it will fit in perfectly at weddings with cocktail attire dress codes. Introduce color into your look by shopping the dress in sizes 0 to 18 in denim or teal, or stick with classic black for a dress you can truly wear throughout the year.

It’s always obvious when someone loves what they’re wearing because they seem happier and much more comfortable in it, so shop for an under-$200 wedding guest dress while there are tons available at Nordstrom. In addition to the dresses mentioned above, there are even more semi-formal, cocktail, and black tie dresses to shop below, so keep scrolling while prices start at just $89.

Maggy London Illusion Yoke Crepe Cocktail Dress

Petal & Pup Achanti Print Pleated Maxi Dress

Tie Back Tiered Maxi Dress

Adrianna Papell Tie Front Sheath Dress

Eliza J Ruffle Front Gown