Heading to a wedding this year? M&S has some seriously good dresses you might want to consider. While we’d all love to pull something out of our wardrobes that fits perfectly and looks stunning, finding the perfect wedding guest outfit is never that easy. Whether it’s weight gain or the weather, it always seems like we have nothing to wear (or is that just me?). But while it’s always annoying having to go searching for the perfect look, you won’t need to go too far if you’re a fan of M&S.
Everyone’s favourite brand, worn by the likes of Holly Willoughby and Vicky McClure, has so many stunning outfits you can wear to the countless nuptials you’ve inevitably got coming up this summer. And it’s good to be prepared, because while those events might feel like a lifetime away, wedding season is fast approaching.
There are a few things to consider that might help in your quest for the perfect wedding ‘fit. Firstly, we need to talk about practicality. Sure, we’d all love to wear a thigh-skimming sequin dress with sky-high heels that make your legs look like Kate Moss’, but when you’re hobbling through the mud to get to your car at 2am and shivering while you do, you might regret it. If you’re someone who often gets chilly or if the big day in question is in early spring, opt for long-sleeved dresses and longer hemlines to keep you warm. Make sure you can layer up with a coat you already own, or even a cardigan when you get chilly later on. Thicker fabrics also help with this such as velvet or satin.
The colour of your dress also needs serious consideration. Winter weddings are usually the perfect time to opt for wintery hues, like dark greens, navy blue, rich purple, bold red or simple black. When the weather warms up, opt for pastels and lighter hues. It goes without saying that you need to avoid white at all costs, and while we’re on the topic, white shoes might not be too practical either.
Let’s talk price point. It might seem easier to head to expensive brands to find your frock of choice, but it really isn’t necessary. Marks & Spencer is my first port of call for pretty much everything. These days, they don’t just stock their own brands like Autograph, Per Una and M&S Collection. You can find a number of great brands to choose from, like Nobody’s Child, Ghost, Sosander, Jaeger and many more, all of which have killer dresses for winter weddings.
Keep scrolling for the best winter wedding guest dresses from M&S this year, handpicked by yours truly. Need help with accessories? Read our guides to the biggest shoe trends and bag trends for 2024 for a helping hand.
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Satin Halter Neck Maxi Column Dress, £195, Ghost
Satin Halter Neck Maxi Column Dress, £195, Ghost – buy now
Sure, M&S’ in-house brands are great – but it also stocks Ghost, which is probably one of the best occasionwear brands out there. If you like satin dresses that scream elegance, you gotta try ’em. This stunning halter maxi is the perfect all-round wedding guest dress. Chic, stylish and timeless, these might be pricey, but they last.
Embroidered Tie Neck Midaxi Tiered Dress, £69, M&S Collection
Embroidered Tie Neck Midaxi Tiered Dress, £69, M&S Collection – buy now
Perfect for spring weddings, this gorgeous green tiered dress with cut out detailing is perfect for those who want to cover up their arms (or don’t!). That colour is beautiful too.
Pure Linen Knee Length Shift Dress, £99, Jaeger
Pure Linen Knee Length Shift Dress, £99, Jaeger – buy now
Jaeger is another great label stocked by M&S. If you prefer shorter-length dresses, this could be for you. The long sleeves provide some coverage, but the linen fabric makes it breathable.
Floral Round Neck Midi Tea Dress, £39.50, M&S Collection
Floral Round Neck Midi Tea Dress, £39.50, M&S Collection – buy now
Remember that viral polka dot Topshop dress? Well M&S’ gives it a run for its money and it’s under £40. Prints always work for weddings, but you could wear this throughout summer too.
Polka Dot V-Neck Maxi Tiered Dress, £55, M&S Collection
Polka Dot V-Neck Maxi Tiered Dress, £55, M&S Collection – buy now
For a little more, you can get this stunning polka dot V-neck maxi instead. I love the puff sleeves and the tiered detailing!
Organic Cotton Bardot Midi Waisted Dress, £68, Nobody’s Child
Organic Cotton Bardot Midi Waisted Dress, now £68, Nobody’s Child at M&S – buy now
Added to the list of best wedding guest dresses is this Organic Cotton Bardot Midi Waisted Dress from Nobody’s Child. Its flattering waisted shape, shirred off-the-shoulder bodice, and voluminous long sleeves offer a cosy and elegant option for the occasion.
Satin Balloon Sleeve Maxi Waisted Dress, £127, Ghost
Satin Balloon Sleeve Maxi Waisted Dress, now £127, Ghost at M&S – buy now
Red used to be a controversial colour to wear to weddings, but in 2024 it’s the hottest colour to be seen wearing. It’s one of the biggest trends of the season, so what better place to wear it than to a wedding? This gorgeous satin dress from Ghost is elegant, yet practical.
Round Neck Pleated Belted Midi Tea Dress, £149, Phase Eight
Round Neck Pleated Belted Midi Tea Dress, £149, Phase Eight – buy now
Go that little extra mile and invest in Phase Eight’s stunning pleated dress in orange and purple. With a belted detail to cinch in the waist and all over pleats, it’s undoubtedly one of the more sophisticated options M&S stocks.
Satin V-Neck Button Front Midaxi Tea Dress, £179, Ghost
Satin V-Neck Button Front Midaxi Tea Dress, £179, Ghost – buy now
Ghost’s satin V-neck button front dress comes in a number of colours, but fuchsia is my personal favourite. It makes a statement, and still looks cute.
Floral Midaxi Tea Dress, £130, Monsoon
Floral Midaxi Tea Dress, £130, Monsoon – buy now
I don’t know about you, but I love any dress that’s just that little bit extra. I can’t deal with boring dresses and Monsoon’s floral midaxi is anything but. What a gorgeous print!
Satin Cut Out Detail Midaxi Column Dress, £159, Ghost
Satin Cut Out Detail Midaxi Column Dress, £159, Ghost – buy now
Love an LBD? When all else fails, stick to what you know. You absolutely can’t go wrong with this cut out midaxi from Ghost, and it can be worn over and over again.
Wedding guest dresses FAQs
If you’re heading to a wedding, those are the best dresses from Marks & Spencer to invest in now. But if you’ve still got questions, I’m answering them below.
What’s best to wear to a winter wedding?
When attending a winter wedding, always check the weather conditions and dress accordingly. Consider a stylish coat, thermal layers, and appropriate footwear, and avoid light and airy fabrics like chiffon. Instead opt for heavier materials like velvet, wool, or brocade to keep you warm. It’s worth wearing long sleeves and longer hemlines too!
What colour should I wear to winter weddings?
For a winter wedding, consider going for dresses in rich, deep colours like burgundy, emerald green, navy, or classic black. These hues not only align with the season, but also add elegance to your wedding look.
What dress should I wear to a winter wedding?
It’s down to you, but I recommend wearing dresses with long hemlines and long sleeves. You don’t want to get chilly, do you?
