Cocktail Dress Code for Wedding Guests

So, you’ve received a wedding invitation with a cocktail dress code - now what to wear?!

Cocktail attire is arguably the most fun of all wedding dress codes. It's less formal than black or white tie, sparing you the expense of a whole new wardrobe you may rarely use again. Yet, it's still elevated enough to give you that chance to dress up and feel your best.

With party season around the corner, cocktail weddings are all about shorter lengths, sparkles, pops of colour, and statement designs for women. For men, a well-tailored suit - sleek but not too formal - paired with a crisp shirt, tie, and polished shoes, hits the perfect balance.

To help you find the perfect cocktail wedding guest outfit, we’ve compiled 17 of our favourite looks for men and women. 

What is a Cocktail Dress Code for a Wedding​?

A cocktail dress code for a wedding strikes a balance between formal and casual. For women, this typically means a chic, shorter dress (midi or knee-length), featuring playful details like sequins, bold colours, or fun silhouettes. Men should opt for a sharp, tailored suit in neutral or dark colours like navy, grey, or charcoal, paired with a dress shirt, a tie, and polished shoes. In short, cocktail weddings are the perfect opportunity to dress up without the strict formality of black or white tie, allowing for more personality and flair - what's not to love?

The 17 Best Cocktail Dress Code Outfit Ideas for Guests

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Cocktail Wedding Dress Code Attire for Women

From sleek black wedding guest dresses to vibrant gowns set to make a statement, the Rock My Wedding’s Editors have picked out our 12 favourite cocktail dresses for guests this season. For even more outfit ideas, don't forget to shop our pick of the best wedding guest dresses for every season, style and occasion. 

1. Bryson Dress - £248, Reformation

The Bryson Dress from Reformation is perfect for a bold "lady in red" moment. While red dresses can be a hot topic for wedding guests, as long as you’ve cleared it with the couple, we’re all for breaking tradition. With its cap sleeves, flattering length, and flowing skirt, combined with the fiery hue, it’s an ideal pick for a cocktail wedding - striking the perfect balance between elegance and vibrancy.

2. Olive Gianna Dress - £99, Never Fully Dressed

If you can’t decide between satin and lace - why not have both? This cocktail wedding guest dress from Never Fully Dressed perfectly combines both elements, solving all your dress code dilemmas. Ideal for weddings in any season, its light, breezy style is summer-ready, while the rich, autumnal olive hue makes it perfect for cooler months too.

3. Phoenix - £49.99, Murci

While shorter dresses are usually the go-to for cocktail weddings, maxi dresses aren't entirely off-limits. If you prefer a floor-length or maxi gown, you can make it work with a cocktail dress code by choosing a more casual fabric, like jersey, or a relaxed design. This Murci dress is a perfect example - it balances elegance with a soft and stretchy material, making it ideal for a cocktail wedding.

4. Purple Velvet Tie Back Jolene Mini Dress - £79, Nobody's Child

We know that knee-length and midi dresses are usually the go-to for cocktail dress codes, but why not add a mini into the mix? This Nobody's Child option is the shortest one we’re sharing, and we love it for winter weddings thanks to its rich velvet fabric and deep purple hue. Pair it with tights, heels, and stunning accessories, and the open-back detail won’t be the only star of the show!

5. Lovette Dress in Lavender - £69, OMNES

Lavender is a standout colour for weddings, and it's a 2024 trendsetter, seen on runways and bridal parties alike. While we’ve highlighted lilac as one of the top bridesmaid colours for 2024, wedding guests can easily join in on this trend. This stunning satin cocktail dress from OMNES is a perfect choice, effortlessly transitioning your wedding guest look from day to night.

6. ASOS DESIGN Mesh Seam Detail Strappy Cami Maxi Dress in Brown with Contrast Lining - £46.40, ASOS

While we're on the topic of trends, chocolate brown is an autumn/winter 2024 essential. Brown tones naturally make a comeback in cooler seasons, but with Pinterest naming “Mocha Brown” in their 2024 colour palette, it’s particularly noteworthy this year. This rich hue is a must-consider for wedding guest dresses, and this cami-style mesh maxi dress from ASOS is a perfect choice. Its sultry, deep shade paired with the airy mesh fabric makes it ideal for a stylish and seasonal wedding look.

7. Pink Watercolour Floral Zora Midi Dress - £130, Nobody's Child

If sleek isn’t your thing, why not go for something beautifully billowy instead? As we mentioned, colour and print are supported when it comes to cocktail wedding guest dresses, and this pink Nobody’s Child number is a stunning option. While the long, airy sleeves make it a great choice for weddings all year round, we’re big fans of this dress from summer through autumn. 

8. Uma One Shoulder Dress in Lemon Yellow - £85, OMNES

If spring and summer wedding guest dresses are on your mind, OMNES is a top contender for standout pieces. Butter yellow tones have remained a favourite this year, and while our edit of the best yellow bridesmaid dresses showcases its beauty, we adore this colour for guests too. The combination of satin and yellow is effortlessly chic, and unique silhouettes like an asymmetric neckline make it a perfect fit for a cocktail dress code.

9. Aurora Pink Heart Print Maxi Dress - £195, KITRI Studio

Ideal for cocktail weddings, the Pink Heart Print Maxi Dress from KITRI Studio is the perfect balance of bold and playful. The vibrant pink hue and heart motif add a fun twist to the classic maxi silhouette, while the elegant shape ensures it works for both daytime and evening celebrations. Whether you’re attending a summer soirée or a winter reception, this dress is a versatile statement piece. 

10. Nova Tie Back Dress in Magenta - £89, OMNES

As you can tell, we’re big fans of OMNES, and their classic Nova dress in Magenta is perfect for a cocktail wedding guest look. The sleek satin finish exudes elegance, while the open tie-back design adds a playful touch, making it ideal for transitioning from ceremony to reception, striking the perfect balance between refined sophistication and fun, party-ready style.

11. Ghost Florence Backless Halter Neck Midi Dress, Black - £97.50, John Lewis

While we can’t resist a pop of colour at Rock My Wedding, there’s no denying the timeless elegance of a black wedding guest dress! Ghost, known for its stunning bridal pieces, delivers again with this satin gown. Its chic backless design and matching scarf make it a sophisticated yet daring choice for a cocktail wedding. Perfect for those looking to make a refined yet bold statement, it’s the ultimate go-to for an effortlessly stylish evening look.

12. Velvet Ruched Twist-Front Midi Dress - £198, Reiss

Looking for a chic winter cocktail dress to keep the cold at bay? Long-sleeve velvet styles are the perfect solution. Not only does velvet offer a luxe feel, but with added details like a twist front and flattering ruching, it’s both a unique yet stylish option for winter weddings. 

Cocktail Wedding Dress Code Attire for Men

While cocktail dresses for women are a well-known go-to, what about the men? For a cocktail wedding, tuxedos are a bit too formal but don’t discount suits altogether. A smart, tailored suit in neutral or dark shades like navy, grey, or black is still a sleek and stylish option, better suited to a cocktail dress code. Paired with a classic tie, a crisp dress shirt, and polished shoes, this look will have you hitting the right style notes. Want to get to grips with all the various wedding suit styles? We've put together a complete guide. Otherwise, let’s dive into our top 5 favourite looks for men attending cocktail weddings.

13. Super Slim-Fit Suit Jacket & Trousers in Stretch Fabric - £59.99 - £119.99, Mango

This Mango suit is perfect for a cocktail wedding, offering a sleek and modern look. The stretch fabric ensures both comfort and style, while the super slim fit gives a sharp, tailored silhouette ideal for those wanting to keep things contemporary. Pair with a crisp shirt and smart shoes for a look formal enough for the occasion, yet relaxed enough to fit the cocktail dress code.

14. Ted Baker Tailored Fit Black Twill Suit - £120 - £219, Moss Bros

The Ted Baker Tailored Fit Black Twill Suit from Moss Bros is a sleek yet versatile option for cocktail weddings. The tailored fit makes it ideal for guests wanting a classic look, while the black twill fabric adds a subtle texture that elevates the outfit. Keep it simple with a tie or add a pop of personality with accessories to make it cocktail-wedding-ready.

15. Ultimate Performance Sharkskin Suit Jacket - Ink Blue - £80 - £169, Charles Tyrwhitt

If you’re looking for the ultimate cocktail suit, look no further than Charles Tyrwhitt. Its unique sharkskin fabric gives off a subtle sheen, perfect for adding a little extra flair to a formal event without being too flashy, while the ink-blue shade offers a refreshing alternative to classic black or grey. 

16. Micro Grid Check Suit Jacket - Grey - £60 - £139, Charles Tyrwhitt

Grey is a classic colour for wedding guest suits, and we have to recommend yet another Charles Tyrwhitt style. The micro-grid pattern ensures this suit stands out from the crowd, without being too bold, making it a versatile choice for various settings. Pair it with the matching trousers, and you’ve got an effortlessly cool, cocktail-ready look.

17. Linen Blend Pinstripe Suit - £44 - £76, Jacamo

While darker suits tend to be preferred for cocktail weddings, the dress code in the warmer months may require a lighter hue. The lightweight linen blend ensures comfort while maintaining a polished appearance, and the subtle pinstripe adds a touch of sophistication. The best thing about this suit is the easy styling - dress it up with a crisp shirt and a smart tie, or keep it more relaxed for a laid-back celebration. For more options for the warmer months, check out our favourite summer wedding suits. 

Cocktail Dress Code Ideas & Beyond

So whether you’ve been invited to a wedding with a cocktail dress code, or simply exploring your wedding guest outfit options, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re attempting to get to grips with all the different wedding guest dress codes, such as white tie or beach attire, or shopping seasonally, currently on the hunt for summer, autumn or winter wedding guest dresses - our Editors have found all the best styles, ensuring you look and feel the part on the big day.