Rhiannon Hendricks
Dress codes for weddings can be a challenge to interpret, especially when the code is casual. The term casual might sound simple, but it actually means a slightly lifted version of everyday clothing, like business casual. As a wedding guest, you want to honour the couple by wearing something nice, but you don't want to overdress and feel out of place. So, how do you dress for a casual wedding?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dress Code | Smart casual, dressy casual, beach/garden casual, resort casual |
| Location | Outdoors, beach, garden, backyard, courthouse |
| Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter |
| Clothing | Dresses, jumpsuits, suits, trousers, blouses, sweaters, skirts |
| Colours | Earthy, pastel, bright, blue, green, lavender |
| Patterns | Floral, gingham, abstract, plaid |
| Footwear | Flats, wedges, sandals, block heels, mules, boots |
| Accessories | Statement earrings, bold necklaces, hair clips, headbands |
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What You'll Learn
- What not to wear: jeans, sneakers, stilettos, t-shirts, tank tops?
- Dress code types: dressy casual, beach/garden casual, resort casual
- Dresses: florals, bright colours, ruffles, sequins, sparkles
- Accessories: statement earrings, bold necklaces, hair clips, headbands
- Practicality: comfort, weather, season, venue, couple's personality
What not to wear: jeans, sneakers, stilettos, t-shirts, tank tops
Jeans, sneakers, stilettos, t-shirts, and tank tops are all items that should be avoided when dressing for a casual wedding.
Jeans are generally not wedding-appropriate, unless the invitation specifically requests denim. If you prefer trousers, opt for a jumpsuit or dress pants. Similarly, t-shirts and tank tops are not suitable for a casual wedding. Instead, opt for a dressy top like a blouse or a chic sweater.
When it comes to footwear, stilettos or sky-high heels are not the best choice, especially if the wedding is held outdoors. You don't want to sink into the ground or twist your ankle. Sneakers are also not recommended, as they are too casual. Instead, choose comfortable flat shoes like mules, flat sandals, or even western boots.
It's important to strike a balance between comfort and style when dressing for a casual wedding. Pay attention to factors like the season, venue, and personality of the couple. You can also take cues from the invitation and the wedding's theme. Remember, the key is to honour the couple by dressing nicely without overdressing or appearing too casual.
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Dress code types: dressy casual, beach/garden casual, resort casual
Dressy Casual
Dressy casual is one of the most popular wedding dress codes, but it can be tricky to decipher. It is less formal than a black-tie event but still requires some fashion rules to be followed. The time of day, season, and location of the event should guide your style choices. For a daytime dressy casual wedding in a warm climate, a cotton or light fabric shift dress is a good option. Alternatively, a button-down shirt tucked into chinos is also appropriate. For weddings in the evening, a midi dress with statement jewellery or a light-coloured suit is a good choice. The venue can also be considered for inspiration—for example, a winery or upscale restaurant calls for a dressier outfit, such as a sleek jumpsuit or blazer and slacks. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed, so jeans, shorts, casual shirts, and athleisure are best avoided.
Beach/Garden Casual
Beach and garden weddings are heavily influenced by their settings. For beach weddings, popular colours and patterns include pastels, neons, florals, and other botanical prints. For footwear, nice loafers, boat shoes, or dressy sandals are appropriate. Flip-flops, denim, and shorts are usually not suitable. Men can wear khaki or chino pants, a button-down shirt, or a solid-colour polo. Women can wear a simple sundress, a midi dress, or dressy separates, such as a nice top and skirt. A garden party formal dress code combines formal attire with a relaxed, outdoor vibe. For women, this could be a chic midi dress in a floral print, and for men, a light-coloured suit or blazer. The key is to choose stylish yet practical outfits. The season and location of the event should also be considered—for warmer climates, opt for lighter fabrics like linen or cotton, and don't shy away from bright colours. For cooler climates, choose heavier fabrics like wool or velvet and richer colours.
Resort Casual
Resort weddings can be as formal or informal as the couple chooses, so guests should select attire that fits the theme and formality of the ceremony. Resort weddings generally call for more casual and comfortable fabrics and accessories, with colour, prints, and fun outfits encouraged. Floral accessories and light colours or bold prints can elevate your casual look. Women can wear a simple sundress or a breezy maxi dress, while men can wear a classic long-sleeve button-down shirt and dressy pants with a colourful blazer or patterned sport coat.
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Dresses: florals, bright colours, ruffles, sequins, sparkles
Florals, bright colours, ruffles, sequins, and sparkles can all be incorporated into your outfit when attending a casual wedding. Here are some tips to help you style your look:
Florals
Floral prints are a great choice for a casual wedding, offering a stylish and romantic feel. Opt for lighter prints during spring and summer, and deeper, moodier florals for fall and winter celebrations. A floral dress is a perfect option for a beach or garden wedding, adding a cheerful and elegant touch to your look. If you want to wear something other than a dress, consider a floral blouse or a skirt.
Bright Colours
Adding a pop of colour to your outfit is a fun way to celebrate the couple's special day. Colours like yellow, pink, and green are perfect for outdoor settings, while brown is excellent for fall weddings. You can also opt for a colourful dress, like a bold pink floral maxi dress or a yellow taffeta gown.
Ruffles
Ruffled dresses and outfits are a dramatic and feminine trend for casual weddings. They add texture and dimension to your look, with options ranging from vintage to modern styles. Ruffles can be made from organza or tulle, providing flow and structure to your outfit. Consider a ruffled mini dress or a dress with ruffled details along the neckline or skirt.
Sequins and Sparkles
Sequins and sparkles are a bit more tricky as they can be considered too bold or shiny for daytime events. However, liberating fashion trends have made it possible to wear sequins during the day if styled correctly. To wear a sequined dress, consider toning down the look with other clothing pieces and accessories. If you want a more subtle approach, opt for a sparkly top or skirt instead of a full sequined dress.
Remember, when dressing for a casual wedding, it's essential to balance comfort, practicality, and style. Consider the season, venue, and couple's personality when choosing your outfit.
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Accessories: statement earrings, bold necklaces, hair clips, headbands
When it comes to accessories, you can elevate your wedding guest outfit with statement earrings, bold necklaces, hair clips, or headbands.
Statement earrings are a great way to draw attention to your face and can be chosen to match your chosen style, be it vintage, classic, modern, or chic. Chandelier earrings, for example, can be a gorgeous addition to a strapless wedding gown or a sweetheart neckline. Dramatic statement earrings or dainty drops can also complement a vintage or classic look.
If you're wearing a dress with a low neckline, you might want to opt for a bold necklace. While a "chunky statement necklace" might feel like a relic from the 2010s, you can still make a statement with a "big but light" pendant on a thin chain.
Hair clips and headbands are also a great way to accessorize for a casual wedding. Bridal hair clips often feature pearls and flowers, and headbands can be an elegant way to top off your look, especially if you're not wearing a veil. Headbands can come adorned with pearls, crystals, flowers, or a combination of these elements.
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Practicality: comfort, weather, season, venue, couple's personality
When it comes to practicality, there are several factors to consider when deciding what to wear to a casual wedding.
First and foremost, comfort is key. You want to feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the day, so opt for breathable fabrics and easy-to-move-in silhouettes. This is especially important if the wedding will be held outdoors or in a warm climate. For women, a comfortable option could be a nice pair of slacks with a blouse, an elevated jumpsuit, or a day dress. Men can go for a smart shirt and slacks with sneakers or boots.
Next, consider the season and weather conditions. If it's a summer wedding, lightweight and airy fabrics such as linen or cotton are ideal. Sundresses, jumpsuits, and skirts with blouses are perfect for women, while men can opt for short-sleeved shirts and slacks. For a winter wedding, layer up with a blazer, sweater, or a chic midi dress.
The venue and setting of the wedding also play a crucial role in your outfit choice. A beach wedding calls for a more relaxed and breezy look, with tropical dresses and sandals for women, and guayabera shirts or linen shirts for men. On the other hand, a backyard wedding might allow for an even more informal attire, with jeans and a nice shirt being a suitable option.
Lastly, consider the couple's personality and the overall vibe they want for their wedding. Are they fun-loving and playful, or do they lean towards a more elegant and sophisticated style? This can help guide your outfit choice and ensure you align with their vision for the celebration.
Remember, even at a casual wedding, it's important to look polished and put-together. Avoid overly casual items like flip-flops, athletic sneakers, or sweatpants. Instead, opt for comfortable yet stylish options that reflect your personal taste and the unique setting of the wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
Casual wedding attire is a slightly lifted version of everyday clothing. It is important to balance comfort and practicality with style. Think business casual with a festive twist.
For women, a sundress with sandals or wedges is a good option for an outdoor casual wedding. For men, dress pants or khakis paired with a collared shirt work well. You can also wear a jumpsuit, a colourful skirt set, or a pantsuit.
Avoid stilettos or sky-high heels, sneakers, jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, flip-flops, and athletic wear. Also, avoid wearing mostly white, buttery yellow, or pale pink colours or prints as these can be too casual and may blend in with the bride's dress.
