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Dress Codes, Decoded! 20 Gorgeous Dresses to Wear to Any Type of Wedding, on Any Budget

Dress Codes, Decoded! 20 Gorgeous Dresses to Wear to Any Type of Wedding, on Any Budget

Wedding dress codes can be tricky - especially when trying to stay within a budget. These 20 beautiful dresses will allow you to be the best-dressed guest with absolutely no stress

By Kami Phillips

April 12, 2018 11:05 AM

Products in this story are independently selected and featured editorially. If you make a purchase using these links we may earn commission.

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WHITE TIE

Credit: Getty (3)

Our Muses: Mandy Moore, Jennifer Lopez and Zoë Kravitz

The most formal dress code for weddings, white tie requires a floor length gown. It’s your chance to take a cue from celebrities on the red carpet and go glam. You can never go wrong with a black dress, but if you feel like wearing color, go for it (as long as the wedding theme allows)!

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Needle & Thread

Buy It! Prism Ditsy Lace-Trimmed Embroidered Tulle Gown, $560; net-a-porter.com

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Likely

Buy It! Maxson One-Shoulder Column Evening Gown, $378; neimanmarcus.com

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Hale Bob

Buy It! Navina Sequin Bird Dress, $290 (orig. $362); orchardmile.com

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Lulu's

Buy It! V-Neck Trumpet Gown, $84; nordstrom.com

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BLACK TIE

Credit: Getty (3)

Our Muses: Malin Akerman, Mandy Moore and Hilary Swank

A tea length or floor length dress is the way to go for a black tie wedding. Play it up with patterns, embellishments, color, cut-outs or a fun silhouette but just remember to make sure it’s formal enough.

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Milly

Buy It! Mckenzie Twist Strapless Polka-Dot Silk Chiffon Gown, $795; neimanmarcus.com

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Cooper St.

Buy It! Floral Ruffle Trumpet Gown, $289.95; lordandtaylor.com

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Jarlo

Buy It! Freda Knotted Strapless Mermaid Gown, $195; nordstrom.com

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Aqua

Buy It! Tiered Floral Gown, $218; bloomingdales.com

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BLACK TIE OPTIONAL

Credit: Getty (3)

Our Muses: Lupita Nyong'o, Kim Kardashian and Leslie Mann

Slightly less formal than black tie, this allows guests the option of a long dress, formal cocktail dress or dressy separates.

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Ulla Johnson

Buy It! Penninah Dress, $690; revolve.com

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H&M

Buy It! Pleated Dress, $54.99; hm.com

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Mango

Buy It! Appliqué Asymmetric Dress, $169.99; mango.com

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Likely

Buy It! Lovelle Dress, $378; shopbop.com

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FESTIVE

Credit: Getty (3)

Our Muses: Naomi Watts, Sofia Vergara and Saoirse Ronan

Playful, fun dresses are a go for a “festive” dress code. Guests should feel free to experiment with patterns, prints, textures, and styles – and to pick pieces with color!

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TiMo

Buy It! Semi Couture Gown, $545; freepeople.com

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Bec & Bridge

Buy It! Marvellous Mini Dress, $240; shopbop.com

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Shoshanna

Buy It! Balmwell Off-the-Shoulder Dress, $595; anthropologie.com

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LPA

Buy It! Halter Wrap Dress, $218; revolve.com

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CASUAL

Credit: Getty (3)

Our Muses: Lea Michele, Nicole Richie and Amal Clooney

Usually, a dress code with the word “casual” in it indicates a beach or some kind of outdoor wedding with a low-key atmosphere. Sundresses and printed maxis are the perfect option for this type of wedding.

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Mara Hoffman

Buy It! Mei Lace-Up Dress, $475; anthropologie.com

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Free People

Buy It! One Bali Nights Dress, $168; freepeople.com

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MSK

Buy It! Metallic Print Pleated Blouson Gown, $95.99 (orig. $129); macys.com

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J.Crew

Buy It! Tiered Gingham Gown, $178; jcrew.com

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Dress Codes, Decoded! 20 Gorgeous Dresses to Wear to Any Type of Wedding, on Any Budget

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WHITE TIE

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Needle & Thread

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Likely

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Hale Bob

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Lulu's

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BLACK TIE

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Milly

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Cooper St.

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Jarlo

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Aqua

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BLACK TIE OPTIONAL

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Ulla Johnson

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H&M

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Mango

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Likely

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FESTIVE

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TiMo

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Bec & Bridge

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Shoshanna

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LPA

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CASUAL

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Mara Hoffman

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Free People

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MSK

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J.Crew

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