10 Dresses Too Risky to Wear to a Wedding, If You Want to Stay Friends With the Bride

The Reformation Germain Dress ($278) totally passes. The fitted column silhouette and bouquets of flowers mean your look feels elegant, but not too bridal.

The Reformation Peppermint Dress ($388) is a true bridal white, and the leg slit takes this look to glamour territory.

This Badgley Mischka Hi-Low Ruffle Recut Gown ($795) is floaty and beautiful, but it's way more appropriate for a guest than it is for the woman of the hour.

The bride might wear something like this Anaak Airi Gypsy Dress ($487, originally $695) to her rehearsal dinner or Sunday brunch following the reception. You might not see her walking down the aisle in it, but it's a very light colour and may run the risk of photographing too light.

This Ganni Floral Lurex Gown ($405) would be fun for a fancy party when you know guests are planning on dressing to the nines. It's metallic, but it doesn't have a crazy train or show-stealing train.

There are plenty of brides who don't wear white and instead opt for champagne. Especially in the case of a wedding where the bride likes simple, flattering pieces, you wouldn't want to walk in wearing something too similar, and this Galvan Phoebe Satin Bustier Gown ($1,550) could be just that.

You'll look and feel gorgeous in this halter-neck, tiered Anthropologie Garden Party Dress ($150, originally $240), which is perfect for the dance floor and is definitely splashed with enough colour thanks to the floral print.

Sure, it's a jumpsuit, not an incredible gown, but this Anthropologie Trinity Jumpsuit ($280) is pure bridal white, and there's no denying that it's beautiful with its delicate tie sleeves. Save this for a fancy work event in the Summer instead.

This yellow polka-dot Zara Dress ($40, originally $70) is flirty and fun. You could even make it look a touch more casual with a pair of ballet slippers for a daytime wedding. Accessorise it with a fun minaudière in lilac.

The details on this Zara Lace Dress ($30, originally $50) make it perfect for the chill, bohemian bride. The colour is too spot-on bridal, so even though it's gorgeous, it's too romantic for someone who's just a guest.

If you have a quirky sense of style, we say go for it in this Silvia Tcherassi Benita Dress ($1,795), especially when you know the dress code is "fabulous." The rainbow checks and black accents make this an acceptable colour scheme for a friend or family member.

No, this Ronny Kobo Astrid Dress ($538) doesn't sweep the floor or feel super extravagant, but that doesn't mean it won't look too white to the bride. It comes in a subtle leopard print, too, but the colorway still classifies this one as a no-no for wedding guests.

Of course you can wear this ASOS DESIGN midi dress in Spot and Floral With Lace Trim Detail ($79) to a wedding! The flirty little details like the crisscross tiers and splashy print make it perfect for nuptials that take place outside.

This TFNC Plus Pleated Midi Dress in White ($95) could end up being the bride's idea of a reception dress made for dancing. Maybe she'll dazzle it up with embellished Converse, so don't go there — even though this tea dress is by no means a gown.

This H&M Long Chiffon Dress ($119) comes in an unmistakable blush tone. No one will think your maxi looks too white in photos or when you're on the dance floor in the bride's circle.

This H&M Pleated Long Dress ($60) is definitely elegant enough for bridal territory, so wear it with sophisticated espadrilles on holiday for a romantic dinner date instead.

This Jenny Packham Amelie Draped Embellished Tulle Gown ($4,415) will earn you major points as the best dressed guest at the wedding. It shows you put a lot of effort into your look (so you must be good friends with the bride!) but you also probably know what she's wearing and that your column sheath doesn't hold a candle too her gown.

Sure, it's got sequins, but this Jenny Packham Silvie Embellished Tulle Gown ($5,460) is still white. If attending a wedding party that calls for something this snazzy, we bet the bride doesn't mind attention (wink, wink), so just let her shine and wear this to your next gala.