Stylishly Broke: Wedding Guest Dresses Under $50

So something super exciting happened the other day, I got invited to a wedding! This is exciting because a) I've never been to a wedding before, b) I am still getting over a rather serious case of royal wedding fever and c) I now have an excuse to buy a new dress.

Of course my first thought was "What will I wear?". There are lots of different guidelines for dressing for a wedding depending on the formality of the event. Generally though, unless the wedding is super formal, a dressy cocktail dress or a more plain dress dressed up with heels and jewellery is acceptable for most weddings. Dresses shouldn't be too sexy or skimpy, it's a wedding not a nightclub. And of course, a long white dress should only be worn if you're aiming to get into a cat fight with the bride and be blacklisted from all future weddings in your social circle.

If you don't already have something suitable in your closet (which I do, but will buy something new anyway) it can be hard to find a suitably special dress without breaking the bank. I've spent the last couple of hours compiling this list of suitable wedding guest dresses under $50. As always, click on the description to be linked to where you can buy the dress. Enjoy!

Asos Pleated Double Layer Halter Dress - $30.83 (Down from $68.50)

This also comes in green and nude, I actually liked the nude better but it was a little too close to white. This would be especially good for an outdoor summer wedding, it looks super floaty and comfortable!

A Wear Sculpted Sleeve Dress - $41.10 (Down from $59.94)

Perhaps a touch casual, but the colour and sleeves are divine and it could be dressed up. It might look a little short in the photo, but the model is 5'10" (178cm) so it would be a suitable length on those of us not blessed with that kind of height.

Paprika Bow Front Chiffon Baby Doll Dress - $42.81

How cute is this? Might have to be paired with a bolero though if they wedding is a bit more conservative. It also comes in blue and orange, I would probably go with the yellow or the blue:

Modcloth Carefree as can be Dress - $49.99

According to the dress guidelines I linked above, it's a faux pas to wear a black dress to a daytime wedding, but acceptable for a nighttime wedding. I would dress this up with light shoes and accessories, so it didn't look too funeral-y (is that a word? It is now).

Delila's Pleated Dress - $39.50 (Down from $49.50)

If you want to wear bold shoes or accessories, I think a more plain dress is the way to go, so your outfit isn't too busy or showy. This dress is like a blank canvas waiting to be dressed up. It also has a super cute oversize bow on the back:

Forever 21 Metallic Paisley and Tulle Dress - $34.80

Probably better for an evening wedding. How amazing it it for that price?

Forever 21 Surplice Scroll Dress - $24.80

Another amazing Forever 21 dress for an amazing price! If their shipping to Australia wasn't pricey I would be buying this right now. America and the UK get all the good chain stores, it's not fair.

Ally Fashion Lace/Pleating Mesh Layer Dress - $39.99

Gorgeous. Dotti also does a version of this dress, only theres is $99.99 and looks pretty much the same. Ally Fashion is Australia based so they have cheap shipping to anywhere in Australia.

Ally Fashion Pleating Top Dipping Hem Maxi - $29.99

Dorothy Perkins Cream Lace Panel Dress - $30.65 (Down from $68.95)

So understated and elegant, but still a little bit special, it's perfect for a wedding.

Dorothy Perkins Coral Rose Ruffle Dress - $38.30

Another floaty dress perfect for a garden wedding in a great colour.

Dorothy Perkins Coral 50's Structured Dress - $35.95

Great if you want something a little more structured and formal, and the belt it comes with is adorable.

The rest of the dresses I'm going to post are from AX Paris and H&M, both companies which have amazing dresses that look way more expensive than they actually are. Neither company delivers to Australia yet though, which makes me want to burst into tears, bang my fists on the ground and scream "WHHHHYYYYY?!". Just because we can't buy though, doesn't mean we can't look and drool. And if anyone really wanted one of the dresses and has family or friends in the UK (which I do, yay!) you could be really nice to them and see if they can receive your order and forward it to you.