George Boyle
Wedding guest attire can be a tricky topic to navigate, with dress codes ranging from black-tie to casual. The most important factor to consider when deciding what to wear to a wedding is the dress code, which is usually specified in the invitation or on the couple's wedding website. If no dress code is listed, it is recommended to reach out to the couple or a member of the wedding party to ask about their attire expectations. The location and venue of the wedding are also important to take into account, as they can influence the formality of the dress code and the practicality of your outfit. For example, a black-tie wedding outdoors may require different footwear than an indoor wedding. The season and time of day are also important factors, with summer weddings calling for lighter colours and shorter styles, while fall weddings tend to feature darker jewel tones and richer fabrics.
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What You'll Learn
Dress code: black tie, white tie, semi-formal, casual, etc
The dress code for a wedding can vary, and often it's not as simple as "formal" or "casual". Here is a breakdown of what each dress code might mean:
Black Tie
Black-tie weddings are the most formal type of wedding attire. For women, this usually means a floor-length gown, although a formal cocktail dress can also be appropriate. Men typically wear tuxedos or nice suits. The colour white should be avoided, as well as any colours that are too similar to white. Black is a safe colour choice, but jewel tones are also a good option, especially for fall weddings. Pastel hues are more suited to summer weddings.
White Tie
White-tie weddings are the most formal and rarest type of wedding attire. This dress code calls for full evening dress. For men, this means a black tailcoat with tails and matching trousers. For women, a full-length gown is appropriate.
Semi-Formal
Semi-formal attire is less formal than black-tie but still requires a certain level of elegance. Women can wear anything from a mid- to knee-length skirt with minimalistic patterns and/or muted colours. Pants, jumpsuits, or tailored suits are also appropriate. Men should wear a suit jacket or blazer with dress pants. Ties are optional.
Casual
A casual wedding attire code means guests can wear something slightly more elevated than everyday clothes. For men, this could mean pants and a blazer without a tie, or a nice shirt and slacks. Women can wear a sundress, jumpsuit, or two-piece set. It's best to avoid jeans, shorts, and sneakers.
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Location: beach, garden, church, etc
Beach Wedding
For beach weddings, it is important to consider the location and time of day when choosing your attire. Beach weddings tend to be more relaxed and tropical, so guests should opt for light, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, chiffon, or silk, and colourful outfits that complement the beach environment. Flowy maxi dresses, knee-length sundresses, and lightweight suits are popular choices. Avoid heavy jewellery and accessories, and instead, accessorise with a hat, sunglasses, and sandals. If the invitation specifies formal attire, a longer gown in pastel hues or floral prints is a good option, paired with sand-friendly heels and a scarf for when the sun goes down.
Garden Wedding
Garden weddings are usually more laid-back and are often influenced by the season and location. In warmer climates, opt for lighter fabrics like linen or cotton, and brighter colours or floral prints. In cooler climates, choose heavier fabrics like wool or velvet and richer colours. A midi or maxi dress in a floral print is a classic choice, and you can add a statement clutch and jewellery to accessorise. For men, a light-coloured suit or blazer is a good option.
Church Wedding
Church weddings often call for a more modest dress code, so it is best to avoid showing too much skin. A little black dress is suitable for more modern churches, and wearing black is generally more acceptable than wearing white. If you are wearing an off-shoulder dress, bring something to cover up like a pashmina shawl for the summer or a cashmere knit for the winter. For men, a dark-wash pair of jeans can be dressed up with a nice top and accessories, but avoid anything too casual like sweats or loungewear.
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Season: summer, winter, spring, fall
Summer
Summer weddings can take place anywhere, from a beach to a ballroom, so it's important to consider the venue and dress code. If the invitation doesn't specify a dress code, take cues from the location and time of day. A beach wedding calls for a more relaxed look, while an evening wedding at a formal venue may require a more elegant outfit. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and consider layering with a light jacket or cardigan in case the temperature drops. For women, a light-coloured sundress with a floral print is perfect for a casual summer wedding. For a more formal event, consider a floor-length gown in a bold colour or metallic fabric. Men can add a touch of personality to a classic suit with a patterned tie or pocket square.
Winter
Winter weddings are a great opportunity to wear dresses and suits made from heavier fabrics like crepe, velvet, and corduroy. Long-sleeved dresses and suits are a good choice for staying warm. Navy blue and black are classic colour choices, but jewel tones like ruby red and emerald green can add a stylish touch. Layering is key for winter weddings, especially if the event is partially outdoors. A cosy shawl can be a chic and functional accessory. For suiting, a herringbone tweed blazer with a long-sleeved dress shirt is a stylish and warm option.
Spring
Spring is a great time to invest in a versatile wedding guest outfit that can be dressed up or down. Pastel and dusky pinks are popular colours for spring wedding guest attire. A suit in a contemporary dusky pink can be worn as a full suit or styled with other pieces for various spring and summer events. For women, a pink polka-dot dress or a maxi dress is a perfect choice for a spring wedding.
Fall
For fall weddings, it's important to consider the weather and opt for outfits that can be layered. A festive jumpsuit or sequined mini dress can be a great choice for a cocktail attire wedding, offering a chance to recycle holiday party looks. Jewel tones, metallics, and floral prints are also perfect for the season. For semi-formal attire, satin midi dresses and blue or black suits are a good choice, but don't be afraid to experiment with seasonal accessories like a faux fur stole.
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Colours: avoid white, cream, champagne, etc
When deciding what to wear to a wedding, it is important to avoid certain colours. The most important colour to avoid is white, as this is the colour traditionally worn by the bride. It is also best to avoid off-white, ivory, eggshell, beige, and other light colours that could be mistaken for white, such as cream, champagne, and very light shades of gold and tan. Lighter colours tend to photograph as white, so it is worth bearing this in mind when deciding on an outfit. You should also avoid wearing the exact shade of the wedding party, as you may be mistaken for a member of the bridal party.
It is also important to consider the season and location of the wedding when choosing your colours. For example, florals and cheerful colours are a good choice for a garden wedding, whereas a Tuscan wedding might call for neutral hues. For a wedding in a church, it is respectful to ensure your shoulders are covered. For a formal wedding, the dress code is usually the 'dressiest', with tuxedos and floor-length gowns being the standard. For a semi-formal wedding, the dress code is more relaxed, with suits, slacks, and a dinner jacket with evening or cocktail dresses being appropriate.
It is also worth noting that, while black used to be considered unacceptable to wear to a wedding, it is now generally considered acceptable, especially for evening weddings. However, it is still important to ensure your outfit is not too similar to the bridal party's or too casual.
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Style: modest, sparkly, monochrome, etc
Modest
If the wedding is a religious ceremony, the couple may request modest attire. This usually means covering your arms and shoulders, and wearing skirts that go down to at least the knees. You can still look trendy while being modest—try a deep neckline with a floor-length skirt, or a dress made of a thick material like velvet.
Sparkly
While some sources suggest avoiding sparkly or scene-stealing sequins, others encourage it. It's your choice whether you want to stand out or not, but remember to be respectful of the couple. If you want to sparkle, try a bold beading in a chic geometric pattern, or a sultry sequin number with a couture-inspired bustier bodice.
Monochrome
Monochrome is a super easy trend that will always be in fashion. It's chic, classic, and can be very flattering. Colour blocking with black and white is a great way to achieve this look. You can also add delicate lace detail to break up the white with a pop of black.
Formal
Formal attire is a common wedding dress code. This usually means a jacket and tie for men, and a dress for women. Formal attire is respectful to the couple, and to the occasion.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common wedding dress codes are white tie, black tie, black-tie optional, formal, cocktail, semi-formal, and casual.
It is generally advised to avoid wearing white or any colour that can be construed as white so as not to compete with the bride. It is also best to avoid wearing anything too casual, such as sweats, shorts, jeans, or T-shirts.
The dress code is usually indicated on the wedding invitation or the couple's website. If it is not specified, you can ask the couple or a member of the wedding party. You can also take cues from the wedding's location, season, and theme.
