Wedding Guest Outfit: Overdressed Or Underdressed?

When it comes to wedding attire, there are a few rules to keep in mind. Firstly, it is generally advised to avoid wearing white or any variations of white, such as cream, eggshell, or champagne, as these colours are typically reserved for the bride. Additionally, it is important to respect the dress code specified by the couple and avoid anything that is too casual or too revealing. While it is better to be overdressed than underdressed, guests should avoid wearing anything that could be considered too formal, such as a black tuxedo for men or a floor-length ball gown for women. It is also advisable to avoid matching the bridal party's colours to ensure you don't blend in with the wedding party. Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance between looking well-dressed and respectful while avoiding upstaging the bride and groom.

It's better to be overdressed than underdressed

It is generally better to be overdressed than underdressed at a wedding. While you don't want to upstage the bride and groom, it is still important to dress to impress. A well-dressed group of guests will only enhance the couple's appearance and make the event more special. It is also a good idea to stay true to your personal style, regardless of the occasion.

Being overdressed is more appropriate than being underdressed. It is also a great way to make new friends, as it will draw people to you and make you feel more comfortable. If you are underdressed, you may feel uncomfortable and out of place. It is always better to lean towards dressing up, even for "casual" weddings. This means staying away from sweats, shorts, jeans, and t-shirts. If you are truly unsure about the dress code, don't be afraid to ask the couple or someone in the wedding party for advice.

It is also important to remember that the wedding is not about you, so don't dress like it is. Avoid wearing white or any variations of white, such as cream, eggshell, or champagne. Also, stay away from anything that is too revealing or too casual. Even if the wedding is casual and relaxed, dress with respect. For men, instead of an overly formal black tuxedo, opt for a suit or a blazer. For women, a nice dress or jumpsuit is always a good choice.

Lastly, make sure you don't match the bridal party. Try to find out in advance what colours and styles the bridal party will be wearing, and choose an outfit that blends nicely or is completely different. You don't want to blend in with the wedding party or, worse, mimic the bride or groom.

Don't wear white

Wearing white to a wedding has been considered a social faux pas for over a century, with the colour—along with its closest relatives, such as ivory and cream—traditionally reserved for the bride alone. This tradition began with Queen Victoria, who wore a white satin gown when she married Prince Albert in 1840. Photographs of the wedding were widely published, and brides began copying Victoria's style, making white wedding dresses popular.

Today, the etiquette around wearing white as a wedding guest is more relaxed, but it is still generally advised against. Wedding planner Brandi Hamerstone says, "You don't want to be mistaken for the bride in a white or lace gown... You don't want to stand with the bride and look as though you were attempting to look bridal on someone else's day."

If you're set on wearing white, there are some ways to do so without upstaging the bride. Firstly, avoid floor-length or full-length silhouettes, as these are more likely to resemble a wedding dress. Instead, opt for a shorter hemline, such as knee-length or midi. Secondly, choose a distinctive shape, steering clear of bridal styles like chiffon or A-line skirts and cinched waists. Go for something with asymmetrical lines and a modern, edgy feel. Thirdly, add some colour to your outfit, either with a print or pattern, or with bright accessories. Monochrome is a good option for adding colour in a chic, elegant way. Finally, consider the fabric of your outfit. A casual or fashion-forward fabric like cotton, wool, or linen is less likely to resemble a wedding dress.

There are a couple of exceptions to the "no white" rule. If the couple has specifically requested that guests wear white, it is appropriate to do so. Similarly, if you know the bride isn't wearing white, it's less risky to choose a white outfit. This is especially true for same-sex weddings with two grooms. However, it's important to note that even in these cases, you should still avoid anything that could take the focus away from the couple, such as a very eye-catching outfit.

Don't match the bridal party

One of the biggest fears of wedding guests is showing up and accidentally matching the bridal party. This is a valid concern, as you don't want to blend in with the wedding party or, even worse, mimic the bride. So, how do you avoid this fashion faux pas?

Firstly, try to get some information ahead of time about the shades and colours the bridal party and groomsmen will be wearing. If you are close to the bride or groom, you can simply ask them what colours to avoid. If you are not close to the couple, you can always ask someone who is, such as a member of the bridal party. They will surely not mind a quick message about what to wear to the wedding. Another option is to look at the invitation, as this often provides some clues about the colours to expect. Avoid any colours that are prominently featured on the invitation, as well as similar shades.

If you are still unsure, it is generally better to be overdressed than underdressed. However, being overdressed does not mean you should wear something formal and stuffy. Stay true to your personal style, but also be mindful of the other guidelines regarding wedding guest attire. Avoid wearing white or any similar shades, such as ivory, nude, or blush. Also, steer clear of revealing clothing and extremely casual attire, such as flip-flops, shorts, or jeans.

In conclusion, by doing a little research beforehand and following some basic fashion etiquette rules, you can easily avoid matching the bridal party and feel confident and appropriate at the wedding.

Avoid anything too casual

While it is generally better to be overdressed than underdressed at a wedding, it is important to avoid anything too casual. Even if the wedding is casual and relaxed, it is important to dress with respect for the couple and the occasion.

For women, a casual dress is a good option. If you are worried about your dress being too fancy, you can always dress it down with your hair, makeup, and accessories. A simple hairstyle, such as a bun, and dainty jewellery can help to tone down an outfit. You can also bring a pair of flat sandals or neutral flats to change into for the reception. If you are still unsure, it is always a good idea to ask the couple or someone in the bridal party for advice.

For men, a suit or a blazer is more appropriate than an overly formal black tuxedo. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed, but you don't want to be mistaken for the groom! So, if you are worried about being too overdressed, a nice pair of trousers with a relaxed shirt can be a good option.

In general, it is best to avoid anything that could be considered too casual, such as yoga pants, slippers, jeans, sweats, shorts, t-shirts, or flip-flops. Even if the wedding is informal, these items are not appropriate and can be disrespectful to the couple.

When in doubt, ask

So, what can you do to avoid this fashion faux pas? Well, first of all, take a close look at the invitation. The invitation will usually give you a lot of information about the dress code. For example, if it's a black-tie event, you know to dress formally, and if it's a backyard wedding, you should lean towards more low-key attire. The invitation will also often give you a clue about the colour scheme, so you can avoid accidentally matching the bridal party.

If you're still unsure, don't be afraid to reach out to the couple or someone in the wedding party. They will be happy to give you some guidance and would much rather you ask than show up in an inappropriate outfit. It's also a good idea to check with the venue, as they will be able to give you an idea of what most people wear to weddings held there.

If you're really stuck, remember that it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed. So, if you have a choice between a more casual or a more formal outfit, always choose the latter. Just remember to avoid anything that could be seen as upstaging the bride and groom, such as a wedding dress or a black tuxedo, and you'll be fine!

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