How Should A Wedding Guest Dress?
There’s nothing better than being invited to a friend or family member’s wedding. It means celebrating their marriage with them and creating new memories that last a lifetime. As a guest, deciding what to wear can often be difficult, so you’re likely to be thinking about your outfit long before the event.
Many factors can influence the outfit you choose, from the dress code and venue to the season. Finding out the details of a wedding before you start looking for an outfit is essential to ensure you choose a suitable one. As weddings are typically booked in advance, it can be easy to procrastinate and put off planning your attire until the event draws closer. However, this can result in unnecessary panic, especially if you don’t know what to wear!
If you’re unsure about what to wear for an upcoming wedding, don’t worry. We’re here to provide you with all the information you need about what to wear and what not to wear as a wedding guest, so you can relax and look forward to the big day.
Contents
- How to choose your wedding guest outfit
- What colours should a wedding guest wear?
- What colours shouldn’t a wedding guest wear?
How to choose your wedding guest outfit
Stick to the dress code
The dress code is the most important factor when choosing your wedding guest outfit. Most couples will set a dress code for guests to adhere to based on the theme of the event and the time of year it is taking place. For example, those planning a winter wedding could be more likely to set a formal dress code. In contrast, those planning a summer wedding may be inclined to set a casual dress code to allow guests to feel more comfortable in warmer weather.
Here are a few of the most popular dress codes chosen for weddings:
Black-tie
A black-tie dress code is one of the most formal, requiring you to look your best. As black-tie weddings are typically held in the evening, they have many differences compared to other wedding themes.
Women should wear an elegant floor-length gown long enough to cover their ankles, paired with sophisticated low or mid-heel shoes and classic jewellery and accessories. If the dress code allows, you can opt for a mid-length cocktail dress or a structured pantsuit to give your outfit an edge.
Men should wear a tuxedo complemented by a black bow tie, black vest and black patent leather shoes for a more refined aesthetic.
Formal
A formal dress code allows you to wear something slightly less formal than black-tie. While a full-length gown is still acceptable, it isn’t a requirement so you can explore various options such as cocktail dresses, pantsuits and jumpsuits in various high-quality fabrics such as satin and velvet.
With a formal dress code, you also have more freedom regarding the length of your gown and the accessories you can pair with it. While you can choose whatever length you feel the most comfortable and confident in, we recommend avoiding hemlines that sit above the knee, as this can appear informal. You can also elevate your look using various accessories, including fascinators, statement shoes, and bags for a pop of colour.
Men can still wear a tuxedo if they wish; however, they can also wear a formal suit, shirt and tie.
Casual
A casual dress code allows you to showcase a more relaxed wedding guest outfit, as formal attire isn’t required. This dress code indicates that the event will likely be outdoors, making it an ideal option for spring and summer weddings. Although you probably won’t be able to turn up in shorts and a vest top, many lightweight clothing pieces are appropriate for this occasion.
A floaty summer dress or jumpsuit paired with wedges or heeled sandals will give you an excellent balance of smart and casual. Block colours create a dressier look, but you can also get away with introducing fun prints to your outfit, whether you opt for a chic polka dot dress or bright, floral shoes. You can even accessorise with your favourite statement sunglasses to complete your look.
Men can incorporate various garments into their casual wedding guest outfit, including smart trousers, a collared shirt and a knitted sweater for warmth.
What colours should a wedding guest wear?
Wedding guests have many options when choosing which colours to wear to an upcoming wedding. While a black-tie dress code might involve some restrictions, formal and casual dress codes allow you to wear any colour you like.
If you’re heading to a winter wedding, we recommend selecting rich, deep colours such as navy blue, burnt orange, emerald green and burgundy to complement the season’s colours. For a summer wedding, light, bright colours will help to keep you cool in warmer weather, so combine neutrals and pastels for a beautifully curated look.
What colours shouldn’t a wedding guest wear?
As a wedding guest, only one colour should be avoided at all costs – white. Wearing a white dress to a wedding is the ultimate wedding guest faux-pas, as it is often seen as an attempt to upstage the bride. You should also avoid any variations of white, such as off-white, cream, champagne and beige, to stay on the safe side.
If you can, you should also find out what colour the bridesmaids’ dresses are so that you don’t turn up to the ceremony wearing the same shade. This will help you avoid unnecessary awkwardness and allow other guests to distinguish the bridal party from other guests.
Now that you have all the information you need to find a suitable wedding guest outfit, it’s time to go shopping! At Yumi, we offer a beautiful selection of women’s occasionwear ideal for any wedding guest. Take a look at what we have to offer and choose from gorgeous subtle, and statement designs.
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