41 Cocktail Dresses for Weddings

Attending a wedding as a guest can be a joyful occasion, but it can also induce stress when deciding what to wear. For cocktail weddings specifically, the dress code implies a level of formality while still allowing some flexibility. As you search for the perfect cocktail dress for an upcoming wedding, consider these 41 cocktail dresses for weddings.

The Cocktail Dress Code

Before diving into dress specifics, let’s review the cocktail dress code. Cocktail attire typically calls for knee-length dresses and suits; unlike black tie events, which require floor-length gowns, cocktail dresses hit right at or above the knees. The level of formality also sits below business formal but above smart casual.

Some additional cocktail dresses for weddings guidelines include:

• Hemline above the knee

• Cocktail hat or fascinator optional

• Dressy fabric like satin, lace, or chiffon

• Coordinating accessories

• Avoid overly revealing styles

• Stick to solid colors or minimal patterns

The ambiance aims to feel celebratory yet remains tasteful. With these tips in mind, the featured dresses balance style and appropriateness for a special occasion like a wedding.

Little Black Dress

You can never go wrong with a bit of black dress. This wardrobe staple adapts well from day to night with the right accessories. Amp up the look with metallic shoes or a sequined handbag for a wedding. Black dresses also pair nicely with pops of color through your jewelry, headpiece, or shawl.

Lace Dress

Lace exudes both romance and elegance, making it well-suited for weddings. It adds ornate detailing to your cocktail dress, whether with all-over lace or trim touches. Play with different lace styles like floral Chantilly or geometric Alençon patterns. Neutral ivory or blush pink lace makes a soft, bridal-inspired statement.

Satin Dress

Satin cocktail dresses take on an instant glamour and sheen. Light reflects off the fabric’s luminescent finish, perfect for an event like a wedding full of moments worth photographing. Choose from jewel-toned satin in rich shades like emerald, ruby red, or sapphire blue. Or opt for neutrals like black, white, or nude satin.

Sequined Dress

Make a glitzy entrance in a sequined cocktail dress. Tiny sequins allover a dress or concentrated in specific areas add shimmer and interest. For a wedding, stick to matte sequins for a refined finish over glossy, disco-ball-like ones. Try a sequined lace overlay for a blend of textures.

Metallic Dress

Similar to sequins, metallics impart flash and sparkle. Gold, silver, bronze, and gunmetal dresses make modern metallic choices. Or go for a trendy metallic like rose gold, copper, or champagne. Add metallic through a foil print or shimmery fabric. Due to their eye-catching nature, balance a metallic dress with minimal accessories.

Patterned Dress

Patterns help a dress stand out from the sea of wedding cocktail attire. Small-scale prints like polka dots, florals, or geometrics work better than loud, large patterns. Ensure the print appears elevated rather than playful — for example, romantic florals over oversized cartoon graphics. Please stick to one patterned garment and pair it with colored shoes and accessories.

Wrap Dress

A wrap dress makes an effortlessly chic choice for cocktail attire. The signature crossover front flatters varying body types. Jersey wrap dresses have stretch while wrapped styles in silky material drape elegantly. Look for a wrap dress with short or 3/4-length sleeves, ideal for many weddings’ seasonal timing.

Long Sleeve Dress

In addition to wrap dresses, extended sleeve options appropriately cover the arms for weddings, especially for ceremonies held in places of worship. They also balance shorter hemlines. Look for dresses with sheer illusion sleeves or designs with intricate sleeve details like embroidery, keyholes, or flutter styling. Strategically placed cutouts also add allure while still keeping covered.

Velvet Dress

Velvet dresses interpret the cocktail dress code with ultimate richness and texture. The plush, smooth fabric appears refined, making it worthwhile for special occasions like weddings. Jewel-toned velvet makes a sumptuous choice in colors like emerald, sapphire, and ruby. Or opt for black, white, or nude velvet for a classic approach.

Midi Dress

If you want more coverage than a short cocktail hemline, pick a midi dress that hits below the knee but above the ankle. Many midi styles meet the requirements of cocktail attire when dressed up with heels and accessories. Look for options in luxurious fabrics like satin or silky crepe. Tea-length dresses with a feminine full skirt also work beautifully.

Slip Dress

A fluid slip dress embodies minimalist elegance. Look for options in satin, silk, or crepe de chine that skim softly over your frame. Delicate spaghetti straps or strapless styles showcase the shoulders. Make sure slits or hemlines remain tasteful for a wedding. Accessorize a slip dress to help it avoid looking too lingerie-like.

Halter Dress

A cocktail dress with a halter neckline highlights the shoulders and neck area. The ties or straps at the neck leave the shoulders and décolletage primarily bare. Ensure the front and back aren’t too low-cut or revealing for a wedding. A halter style looks stunning with swept-up formal hairstyles. Add a necklace that complements the neckline.

One Shoulder Dress

One-shoulder dresses make asymmetric style statements. The single strap can sit on one shoulder or cross the front or back diagonally. Look for ruched one-shoulder dresses for figure-flattering shapes. Pair with a statement earring on the opposite bare shoulder. Wrap a shawl or blazer over the dress for the ceremony if needed.

Off-the-Shoulder Dress

Show off your shoulders and collarbone area in a chic off-the-shoulder cocktail dress. The strapless neckline elegantly exposes the shoulders and arms. Just ensure the top doesn’t slip too low and reveal too much. Pair this flirty neckline with curled hair and dangly earrings to decorate your décolletage.

Illusion Neckline Dress

Illusion details trick the eye in stunning ways on cocktail dresses. Sheer mesh panels create see-through cutouts at the neckline or sides of a dress while still keeping you covered. Look for illusion accents at the shoulders, waist, neckline, or back for striking style. Pair with seamless undergarments to complement the sheer sections.

Cutout Dress

Cutouts add allure to cocktail dresses through strategically placed openings that reveal only peeks of skin. Look for cutouts at the waist, shoulders, back, or front accented with crisscross straps or hardware. Avoid styles with large or numerous cutouts that bare too much skin for a wedding—place cutouts where you feel comfortable and confident.

Strapless Dress

From sleek satin column dresses to flowy chiffon styles, strapless dresses make timeless, elegant choices appropriate for black tie, formal, and cocktail dress codes. For weddings, add a shawl or cover-up for ceremonies out of respect, depending on the circumstances. Look for sweetheart, straight, or off-the-shoulder strapless necklines.

Skater Dress

Pick a skater dress with a nipped-in bodice and full skirt that flares out at the waist for a flirty feminine choice. Look for short cocktail-length options in chiffon, tulle, or lace. Pair with minimal accessories to let the bouncy skirt shine. Skater dresses work well at both casual and formal weddings. Belt a fitted silhouette, or choose a sleeveless dress with intricate neckline details.

Sheath Dress

Sheath dresses embody elegance with fitted silhouettes that gently skim the body. Look for cocktail-length sheaths in crepe, scuba, or structured satin. Avoid overly tight styles and stretch fabrics that look too casual. Instead, pick structured materials that keep a refined shape. Add metallic or sequin accents for sheath dresses to cocktail events.

Shirt Dress

For an alternative to body-hugging sheaths, pick a shirt dress. These feature a classic button-down shirt top with a straight skirt. Often made of silky material, shirt dresses project modest sophistication, perfect for weddings. Look for options with dressier detailing like satin fabric, a matching self-belt, or ruffle hem accents.

T-Shirt Dress

An updated T-shirt dress works for cocktail attire when made of luxe fabrics like silk or crepe. The tunic-length shape skims the figure, usually with short sleeves or sleeveless. Opt for solid colors rather than graphic prints. Dress it up with statement earrings, strappy heels, embellished belts, or a leather jacket.

Slip Skirt Dress

These dresses pair a cami-style slip top with a flowy skirt. Spaghetti straps and a cowl neck show just enough skin, while the skirt keeps coverage classy. Look for Midi or tea-length hemlines for weddings. Add a belt to define the waist. Slip-skirt dresses work in relaxed, formal fabrics like jersey, satin, and chiffon.

High Low Dress

Also called a mullet dress, this high-low style features a short front hem with a longer train in the back. Keep the back train trailing only a little for cocktail length. The contrasting hem lengths add drama and movement. Pair with strappy heels that get shown off in the front. Avoid overly casual torn or jagged high-low hems.

Sweater Dress

Stick to dressier knit fabrics like thin cashmere or fine merino wool for cocktail attire. Shift styles in jewel tones or neutrals make great sweater dress options. Look for some waist definition through a belt, seam details, or even a peplum hem. Add a blazer or leather jacket and pull the look together with boots or heels.

Bodycon Dress

A bodycon dress hugs every curve for a sensual silhouette. The fitted stretch fabric sculpts the figure, so be sure the length remains tasteful and not too short. Look for bodycon dresses in structured jerseys, bandage fabrics, or latex-style materials. Pair with a blazer or kimono topper to give this daring silhouette more elegance and coverage.

Mini Dress

Mini dresses inherently turn heads thanks to their ultra-short hemlines. For a wedding, stick to tasteful options emphasizing the upper half through details like illusion necklines, cold shoulder cutouts, or off-the-shoulder straps. Consider wearing fitted shorts or shapewear underneath for more comfort and confidence. Accessories like embellished heels and jewelry finish a mini dress elegantly.

Printed Silk Dress

Flowy printed silk dresses with short fluttery sleeves channel vintage bohemian sophistication. Retro floral prints, paisley designs, or artful abstract prints elevate the look. Cinched waists, tie-neck details, and scarf hemlines add interest. Soft-printed silk keeps the vibe refined enough for weddings. Accessorize with platform sandals and flower crowns or headbands.

Ruffle Dress

Romantic ruffled dresses suit weddings’ celebratory moods. Look for girly cocktail options with ruffle skirts, cascading shoulder ruffles, or flutter sleeve trims. Stick to one area of ruffles to keep the look refined — for instance, a solid dress with a ruffle hem. Pair ruffle dresses with sleek heels and minimal jewelry.

Tiered Dress

Opt for a tiered cocktail dress with staggered layers of breezy ruffles or frills for a flowy chic style. Lightweight chiffon and crepe work beautifully. Look for slimmer silhouettes with tiered skirt accents rather than an overly voluminous shape. Tiered dresses pair well with defined waist belts and strappy heels at weddings.

Bell Sleeve Dress

Make a statement with billowy bell sleeves. This sleeve shape features close-fitting tapered sleeves flared in an exaggerated bell shape around the wrist and arm. Look for bell sleeves on otherwise simple silhouettes to let the sleeves shine as the focal point. Bell sleeves add drama for photos and dancing at weddings.

Cape Dress

Transform your cocktail dress into something extraordinary by topping it with a sheer cape overlay. Capes add striking fluid movement and a stylish layer to fancy basic dresses. Look for breezy chiffon or lace cape additions to your favorite cocktail dress. Keep accessories minimal to let the cape stand out.

Fringe Dress

Make a dazzling entrance in a fringed cocktail dress accented with swingy details. Art deco-inspired geometric fringe adds modern flair. Try metallic or beaded fringe for added glitz. Fringe along the neckline, skirt hem, shoulders, or sleeves incorporates motion and texture. Just keep silhouettes streamlined so the fringe doesn’t overwhelm you. The swingy accents pair perfectly with the energetic dance floors of weddings.

Bow Dress

Sweet touches of bows lend cocktail dresses a wrappable present vibe ideal for weddings. Look for bows at the waist, straps, back neckline, or skirt hem. Bows range from structured and prominent to dainty accent ties. Avoid overloading on too many bows and keep silhouettes refined. Bow details cleverly gift wrap dresses with charm.

Pleated Dress

Pleats range from knife-edge folds to soft, ruffled textures. Dress options include all-over pleating, just pleated skirts, pleated straps or bibs, or a single crease down the front. Pleats add dimension through their pronounced texture and architectural shaping. Look for pleated cocktail dresses that seem unique yet comfortable enough for celebrating at weddings.

Puff Sleeve Dress

Puff sleeves balance cocktail dresses’ shorter lengths with their coy volume. Dramatic balloon sleeve poufs add flair while sheering off near the elbow and wrist keeps them refined. More tailored puffs offer subtler volume. Look for off-the-shoulder and strapless necklines to showcase puff sleeves. They add a sweetly romantic vibe perfect for matrimonial celebrations.

Trumpet Hem Dress

Also known as a tulip skirt, trumpet hems are shorter in the front and gradually taper into a wider flare near the bottom. The flouncy skirt shape resembles flower petals suited to the floral ambiance of weddings. Trumpet hems have flatter, curvier figures. Pair with single-sole heels to complement the hem—belt-fitted bodices to define your waist above the flared skirt.

Cropped Dress

Take the hemline even shorter with a cropped cocktail dress hitting high on the thighs. Look for flirty flared shapes and strategic embellishments at the upper neckline and shoulders to counterbalance the shorter cut. Add opaque tights if the abbreviated lengths make you self-conscious. Heeled booties echo cropped lengths. Bring a wrap to wear during ceremonies at more formal weddings.

Fit and Flare Dress

The contrast of a fitted bodice and fuller skirt looks feminine and flattering in a fit and-flare dress. Tailored and embellished tops balance the skirt’s volume. As the name suggests, the silhouette fits closely through the waist and flares into an A-line or circle skirt. This shape suits various body types since the skirt skims over the hips. Belt-fitted bodices further accentuate your waist.

Peplum Dress

Peplum details add playful flair to cocktail dresses. Ruffled, tiered, or pleated fabric poufs outward along waistlines, either in the front and back or all around. This fluttery peplum trim nips in waists before skirts kick out. Peplums work well on pencil skirts, fit and flare silhouettes, or bodycon styles. Avoid overload by keeping the rest of the dress simple to let the peplum shine.

Plunging Neckline Dress

A plunging neckline is one way to give your cocktail dress added allure. Look for deep V-neck shapes or crisscross front details that dip lower to expose some décolletage. Illusion panels add coverage and visual interest. Just be wary of lengths too revealing for weddings. Strategic adornments like necklaces or shoulder embellishments draw attention upwards and balance the drama.

Keyhole Dress

Keyhole cutouts give cocktail dresses a subtle peekaboo element—these teardrop, oval, or circle-shaped openings accent necklines, shoulders, backs, or waists. Highlight keyholes with necklaces or earrings that complement the shape and placement. Jeweled accents or contrast trim make keyholes stand out even more. They infuse elegance with throat and shoulder-baring allure.

High Neck Dress

High necks and Dresses are covered on the opposite end of the neckline spectrum. Look for options with mock necks, slight turtlenecks, or collared closures. Sheer mesh or lace high necklines prevent a stuffy feel. Neck and shoulder cutouts, bare arms, or open backs balance high necklines’ modesty. Sophisticated high-neck dresses work across formal, black tie, and cocktail dress codes.

Mermaid Dress

Mermaid dresses conform close to the body through the hips and legs. The snug pencil skirt flares below the knee into a wider trumpet hemline. She also called a fishtail dress; the mermaid shape pairs daring sex appeal with elegance. Look for luxurious fabrics like satins, crepes, and taffetas that hold the close fit best. Show off sparkly heels under the flared hems.

Midriff Dress

Baring a peek of the midriff is still famous for cocktail attire. You can search for dresses with sheer mesh cutout waists, cropped tops, and high slits or open backs to reveal just a hint of skin. However, it’s essential to ensure that strategic cutouts at the stomach are balanced with modesty.

Cowl Neck Dress

A draped cowl neck features crumpled fabric that elegantly swoops across the front of dresses. The lush gathered texture adds dimension, especially in silky fabrics like satin, silk, and crepe that drape beautifully. Cowl necks come in different depths, some more revealing than others. Ensure plunging cowl necks don’t dip too low. Add a necklace that aligns with the cowl’s shape.

Cold Shoulder Dress

Cold shoulder dresses feature cutouts that bare the shoulders while covering the arms. Off-the-shoulder variations take the look even further for total shoulder exposure. Ensure cold shoulder cutouts don’t extend too far down the arms, keeping the look chic rather than sloppy. This flirty shoulder-revealing detail pairs perfectly with cocktail occasions.

Ribbed Dress

Look for slim-fitting ribbed dresses in Midi or short lengths for cocktail attire. Form-fitting ribs add textural interest and shapely flattery. Opt for sleek vertical ribbing over horizontal, which tends to accentuate width. The stretchy fabric comfortably contours curves. Add a moto jacket or faux fur stole to balance modest ribbed silhouettes.

Wrap Top Dress

Wrap dress details also translate elegantly to the bodice and tops of cocktail dresses. Crisscross-wrapped fronts flatter figures while adding architectural asymmetry. Look for surplice wrap tops on sheath silhouettes or flowing midi dresses. Jersey wrap tops offer comfort and stretch, while silky ones appear luxe. Wrap-around bow accents add even more flair.

Halter Neck Dress

A cocktail dress with a halter neckline highlights the shoulders and neck area. The ties or straps at the back of the neck leave the shoulders and décolletage primarily bare. Ensure the front and back aren’t too revealing for a wedding. A halter style looks stunning with swept-up formal hairstyles. Add a statement necklace that complements the neckline.

Ruched Dress

Strategically ruched dresses elegantly hug curves and camouflage trouble spots. The scrunched gathered texture flatters figures. Look for ruched cocktail dresses with ruching at the waist, through the midsection, down skirts, or at the shoulders. Jersey fabrics bunch up best, but satin and silk also create flattering ruched looks. Just don’t overdo it with excessive ruching.

Jumpsuit

Jumpsuits make chic alternatives to dresses for cocktail attire. Look for tailored wide-leg versions in luxe fabrics like crepe, satin, or velvet. Structured off-the-shoulder, halter, or strapless tops work beautifully. Drapey side sashes create waist definition on otherwise loose silhouettes. Heels show off the wide leg shape. Just be sure your jumpsuit allows for easy bathroom access.

Romper

Shorts-style rompers also substitute dresses with style and comfort. Look for dressier versions with wide-leg silhouettes, cuffed shorts, and embellished tops. Pair with heels to elongate the legs and balance the shorts. If your romper feels too casual, dress it up with metallic shoes, jewelry, a fascinator, or a shawl. A cocktail-length romper makes an easy outfit you can dance comfortably in.

Two Piece Set

Look for dressy two-piece sets with embellished crop or bra tops and high-waisted Midi or short skirts. Matching sets appear pulled together. Intricate lace, sequin, or beadwork elevates the look from daywear to cocktails appropriate for special events like weddings. Separates allow more customization to get the ideal fit. Add statement earrings to dressy crop tops.

Cocktail Pantsuit

Bring power dressing in a stylish pantsuit to cocktail events. Look for tailored versions with wide-leg pants or cropped cigarette silhouettes. Silk or satin fabrics appear dressier than basic business versions. Opt for plunging necklines, bare shoulders, or back cutouts on tops to feminize the menswear vibe: statement heels and jewelry polish off suits with panache.

FAQs

What is considered a cocktail dress?

Cocktail dresses hit at or above the knee. They are less formal than long evening gowns but dressier than casual daywear. Cocktail attire calls for swanky fabrics, dressy silhouettes, elegant accents like lace and sequins, and coordinating accessories.

How short should a cocktail dress be?

Cocktail dresses range from mini to Midi, but the most common lengths hit from just above the knee to a couple of inches below. Tea-length dresses ending around the mid-calf also suit cocktail occasions. Avoid exceedingly short skirts to keep cocktail attire refined.

What shoes do you wear with a cocktail dress?

Opt for heels rather than flats with cocktail dresses. Pointy toes, strappy styles, and ankle strap sandals all elongate the legs beautifully with short hemlines. Metallic, beaded, and jewel-tone shoes add glamour. Avoid towering stilettos for cocktail events where you’ll mingle and dance.

Are jumpsuits considered cocktail attire?

Yes, a dressy jumpsuit makes perfectly appropriate cocktail attire. Look for tailored wide-leg versions with a minimalistic halter, strapless, or off-the-shoulder styled tops. Drapey sashes or belts create waist definition. High heels complement the wide pants. Just ensure your jumpsuit allows for easy bathroom access.

What colors work for cocktail dresses?

Deep jewel tones, metallic shades, and bold colors make great cocktail options. Black, white, and nudes dress beautifully with luxe accents like lace, sequins, or satin fabrics. Printed dresses should stick to classy small-scale patterns and avoid overly bright colors. Just stay away from casual, solid colors like khaki or mustard yellow.

Conclusion

Cocktail weddings offer sought-after in-between where you avoid full formalwear but can still wear chic specialty attire. Despite the name, focus more on the stylish details of cocktail dresses rather than visions of boozy libations and tiny appetizers. Look for luxe fabrics, strategic embellishments, and lengths hitting above the knee to follow the cocktail dress code.

With the 41 Cocktail dresses for weddings options covered, you hopefully feel inspired to shop for the wedding pictured in your head. Maybe it’s the perfect little black dress, romantic lace choice, or glittering sequined number. Hotels are perfect for weddings, offering a seamless blend of elegance and convenience. Whatever cocktail dress you choose, embrace the chance to style yourself beautifully, confidently arriving at the wedding ready to celebrate in your party-worthy yet tasteful dress within the luxurious ambiance of a hotel.