Wedding season is in full swing, so your calendar may be filling up with happy ceremonies from May to November. But you might also find yourself playing accountant while trying to balance your spending on gifts, hotels, travel, and dresses. So. Many. Dresses. Even worse, not all weddings require the same dress code: What you should wear will depend on the time of day, location, and of course, what the invitation indicates—casual, semiformal, or formal.
Below, we’ve laid out inspiration for three weddings with the aim of keeping your budgeting fears at bay. These pretty (and reasonably priced) dresses can help you get through wedding season with maximum style and minimum stress.
CASUAL//
1. Anthropologie, $198 / 2. Oasis, $100 / 3. Nordstrom, $158 / 4. Anthropologie, $198
Remember that this kind of “casual” doesn’t mean jeans and a nice top—it’s a wedding! Casual weddings tend to be those outdoor affairs at the beach, on the farm, or in the backyard. A free-flowing sundress or maxi in a fun color or light floral pattern fits the feel of the occasion. With a pair of cute wedges or high-heeled sandals, you’re set for the day. And if you’re going to spend any time on a lawn, leave the stilettos at home—no need to aerate the grass!
1. Oasis, $100 / 2. H&M, $18 / 3. Francesca’s, $34 / 4. Nordstrom, $130
SEMIFORMAL//
1. Oasis, $130 / 2. Nordstrom, $196 / 3. Oasis, $115 / 4. Nordstrom, $158
Think cocktail hour. Semiformal is the most typical wedding wear: classic shifts or fancy fit-and-flare frocks with your favorite pumps. For the summer, try playing with bold and trendy colors such as cobalt blue, teal, and coral, or soft and elegant prints such as watercolor florals in pinks, purples, and grays. Step up your accessories with sparkly statement earrings and sleek heels, and you’re ready to dance the night away.
1. Oasis, $115 / 2. Bauble Bar, $32 / 3. Accessory Concierge, $25 / 4. Asos, $82 / 5. Nordstrom, $130
FORMAL//
1. Asos, $281 / 2. Nordstrom, $298 / 3. Nordstrom, $158 / 4. Asos, similar, $94
Formal or “black-tie” weddings are the rarest kind, but if you’ve found yourself invited to a black-tie matrimonial affair, have no fear! Our favorite solution is Rent the Runway, a handy site that lets you rent designer gowns, priced anywhere from $70 to $200, for special occasions rather than fork over half a month’s rent for a dress you’ll probably only wear once.
1. Nordstrom, $298 / 2. Accessory Concierge, $28 / 3. Nordstrom, $65 / 4. Nordstrom, $80
If you don’t go the Rent the Runway route, Nordstrom has our favorite (and widest variety) of gorgeous gowns, in a range of prices from reasonable to more expensive (for those who want to make an investment). ASOS also has amazing, modern dresses with pretty embellishments and cool hues.
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