Lifestyle Style 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 Published on April 12, 2018 11:05 AM Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 01 of 25 WHITE TIE 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)! 02 of 25 Needle & Thread Buy It! Prism Ditsy Lace-Trimmed Embroidered Tulle Gown, $560; net-a-porter.com 03 of 25 Likely Buy It! Maxson One-Shoulder Column Evening Gown, $378; neimanmarcus.com 04 of 25 Hale Bob Buy It! Navina Sequin Bird Dress, $290 (orig. $362); orchardmile.com 05 of 25 Lulu's Buy It! V-Neck Trumpet Gown, $84; nordstrom.com 06 of 25 BLACK TIE 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. 07 of 25 Milly Buy It! Mckenzie Twist Strapless Polka-Dot Silk Chiffon Gown, $795; neimanmarcus.com 08 of 25 Cooper St. Buy It! Floral Ruffle Trumpet Gown, $289.95; lordandtaylor.com 09 of 25 Jarlo Buy It! Freda Knotted Strapless Mermaid Gown, $195; nordstrom.com 10 of 25 Aqua Buy It! Tiered Floral Gown, $218; bloomingdales.com 11 of 25 BLACK TIE OPTIONAL 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. 12 of 25 Ulla Johnson Buy It! Penninah Dress, $690; revolve.com 13 of 25 H&M Buy It! Pleated Dress, $54.99; hm.com 14 of 25 Mango Buy It! Appliqué Asymmetric Dress, $169.99; mango.com 15 of 25 Likely Buy It! Lovelle Dress, $378; shopbop.com 16 of 25 FESTIVE 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! 17 of 25 TiMo Buy It! Semi Couture Gown, $545; freepeople.com 18 of 25 Bec & Bridge Buy It! Marvellous Mini Dress, $240; shopbop.com 19 of 25 Shoshanna Buy It! Balmwell Off-the-Shoulder Dress, $595; anthropologie.com 20 of 25 LPA Buy It! Halter Wrap Dress, $218; revolve.com 21 of 25 CASUAL 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. 22 of 25 Mara Hoffman Buy It! Mei Lace-Up Dress, $475; anthropologie.com 23 of 25 Free People Buy It! One Bali Nights Dress, $168; freepeople.com 24 of 25 MSK Buy It! Metallic Print Pleated Blouson Gown, $95.99 (orig. $129); macys.com 25 of 25 J.Crew Buy It! Tiered Gingham Gown, $178; jcrew.com