10 Chic Wedding Guest Dresses You Can Sew

I’ve searched and bookmarked lots of wedding guest dresses recently because of my Japanese friend’s wedding in Guam. It’s not often we get to dress up, so when an opportunity comes along it’s so nice to wear a unique, handmade outfit you sewed yourself.

Here are 10 wedding guest dresses with links to sewing patterns for next time you have a special occasion to attend. 3 of these sewing patterns are free!

1. Burda Patterns Sweetheart Dress

   This is the sewing pattern I chose to make and wear to my friend’s wedding. I used a Hawaiian print yellow fabric and added a zipper in the front for nursing access. Here’s me in my tropical front zipper dress with Dave and the beautiful bride. 

2. Pattern Runway Bow Dress

   For a cocktail wedding reception, this one-shoulder bow dress would be perfect. I can imagine it in a lilac satin, paired with a black clutch bag and black pointed heels.

3. Red Dress with Asymmetrical Skirt (Free)

   I think this flowy dress with cowl neck and asymmetrical skirt would make a lovely dress for a garden wedding. I think red is a little too “look at me” for a wedding guest to wear (remember Liz Hurley’s red Versace dress?), so I’d go for a girly floral print.

4. Papercut Patterns Midsummer Dress

   I love how the frills on this dress tone down the sexy design. I’d choose a preppy colour like dark blue or navy fabric for this dress to keep it elegant.

5. Lace Dress from Stylish Party Dresses

   As soon as I saw this dress, I thought how perfect it would be as a wedding guest dress! It would look so chic worn with a black hat or fascinator a la Duchess of Cambridge.

6. Sewaholic Cambie Dress

   A fit and flare dress is a universally flattering option for a wedding. I particularly like an extra voluminous skirt for formal occasions.

7. Rebecca Shift Dress by Sis Boom

   This sewing pattern is for the understated and chic wedding guest. This is another dress which I think would look great with a hat.

8. Peppermint Mag Red Party Dress (Free)

   Scroll down to Issue 17 to get this free sewing pattern. The retro vibe of this dress makes it perfect for a vintage theme wedding. I think it would look lovely in a vintage floral print.

9.  Colette Peony Dress

   The simplicity of this dress design means you can go crazy with the fabric choice. Imagine it with wide navy and white stripes for a seaside wedding, or in a Chanel-esque tweed.

10. M-sewing Strapless Party Dress (Free)

    This strapless number could be great option for a more formal wedding reception.

What’s your experience with wedding guest dresses? Have you ever made one before?