George Boyle
Choosing what to wear to a wedding can be a tricky task, especially with the many dress codes out there, from white-tie to black-tie, black-tie optional, formal, cocktail, semi-formal, and casual. The most important thing to remember is to avoid wearing white or colours that match the wedding party. You should also avoid anything too casual, such as jeans or t-shirts, and instead opt for something more formal. If you're unsure, it's always best to ask the couple or another guest for advice.
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What You'll Learn
- Dress code: black-tie, white-tie, semi-formal, casual, etc
- Colours: avoid white, ivory, cream and red
- Seasonality: choose deep colours in autumn and winter, and lighter colours in spring and summer
- Accessories: clutch bags, pashminas and jewellery
- Don't upstage the wedding party: avoid over-the-top designs and showing too much skin
Dress code: black-tie, white-tie, semi-formal, casual, etc
Black-tie
Black-tie weddings are the most formal type of wedding attire. Women should wear floor-length gowns, and men should wear tuxedos or suits. When choosing a colour, avoid anything close to white, as well as the colour chosen for the bridesmaids' dresses. Black, jewel tones, and pastel hues are all good choices. For men, black is the safest colour choice, but a deep navy or midnight blue can also work.
White-tie
White-tie is a rare and formal dress code, reserved for royal and public ceremonies, weddings, balls, and other select social events. For men, the dress code includes a white shirt with a wing collar and single cuffs, fastened with studs and cufflinks, a white bow tie, a low-cut waistcoat, and a black tailcoat. The trousers have two galons down the outside of each leg, and the shoes are patent leather court shoes. For women, the dress code is a full-length evening dress.
Semi-formal
Semi-formal attire is less formal than black-tie attire and allows for more flexibility in colour and style. Women can wear short or long dresses or dressy jumpsuits, and men can wear lighter-coloured suits. For daytime weddings, men can also wear linen shorts with polo shirts, collared shirts, or a light sweater.
Casual
Even if the wedding has a low-key dress code, it is still important to dress up. Avoid sweats, shorts, jeans, and t-shirts. If in doubt, it is always better to be overdressed.
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Colours: avoid white, ivory, cream and red
When deciding what to wear to a wedding, it's important to keep the focus on the bride and not your outfit. Colours to avoid include white, ivory, cream and red.
White is a no-brainer when it comes to colours to avoid as a wedding guest. It's still worth stating though—unless the bride has specifically requested that guests wear it. If you want to wear something close to white, try a neutral shade. Ivory and cream are also off the table as they are too similar to the shades of white typically reserved for the bride.
Red is also best avoided, especially if the wedding has guests from cultures such as Indian, Pakistani and Chinese, where it's discouraged. In general, it's best to avoid anything that could be considered 'over the top' such as sequins, animal prints and bright colours.
If you're stuck for ideas, it's always a good idea to consult the wedding invitation or website, which can give you an idea of the colour scheme and how formal the event will be. This will help you decide what to wear. For example, autumn and winter weddings tend to call for deeper colours such as burgundy, navy and forest green, while spring and summer weddings are a great opportunity to lighten things up with blush pink, light grey and pale yellow.
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Seasonality: choose deep colours in autumn and winter, and lighter colours in spring and summer
When choosing an outfit for a wedding, it's important to consider the season. The colours you wear should generally align with the time of year. For autumn and winter weddings, opt for deep, rich colours such as burgundy, navy, and forest green. These hues are perfect for creating a cosy and elegant look during the colder months. You can also layer up with a black cashmere pashmina, which is a great way to keep warm and can be dressed up or down.
For spring and summer weddings, it's time to lighten up your colour palette. Blush pink, light grey, and pale yellow are perfect choices for a fresh and cheerful look. Summer is also a great time to show a little skin, but remember to keep it modest—you don't want to distract from the bride! If you're attending a wedding in a place of worship, be mindful that some religions have rules about skin exposure, so opt for a modest dress or suit.
The fabric of your outfit should also be considered when dressing for the season. Lighter fabrics like silk or linen are more suitable for spring and summer, while autumn and winter call for heavier fabrics like wool, velvet, or thicker silks. This ensures you're comfortable and stylish no matter the weather.
While you want to look your best, it's essential not to outshine the wedding party. Avoid wearing white or colours that match the wedding party. You can get an idea of the wedding colours from the invitation or website, and if in doubt, a multicoloured or patterned dress is a safe choice.
Lastly, don't forget to dress appropriately for the location. Outdoor weddings may call for a wrap dress or a pretty floral print, while indoor weddings in places of worship might require a more modest option like a maxi dress or a lace dress.
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Accessories: clutch bags, pashminas and jewellery
Accessories are an important part of your wedding guest outfit. Here are some tips to help you choose the right ones:
Clutch Bags
A clutch or small shoulder bag is an elegant choice for a wedding. It will elevate your whole look and give you somewhere to put your essentials. Choose something clean and minimal, in a colour like black or muted metallic, which will go with every outfit. If you're wearing a black-tie outfit, a clutch is a must-have accessory.
Pashminas
A pashmina is a great accessory to have for colder weather weddings. It can keep you warm and also looks elegant. A black cashmere pashmina is a good choice as it goes with any outfit and is also perfect for travel.
Jewellery
Jewellery is an important accessory for a wedding, especially for white-tie events. For women, jewellery can add a touch of glamour to your outfit. For men, accessories like cufflinks, tie pins, and pocket squares are a great way to add some personality to your look.
It's important to remember that your accessories should complement your outfit, not distract from it. Choose pieces that are elegant and understated, rather than over-the-top. You don't want to be the centre of attention at someone else's wedding!
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Don't upstage the wedding party: avoid over-the-top designs and showing too much skin
When attending a wedding, it's important to remember that the day is about celebrating the happy couple. As a guest, you don't want to upstage the wedding party with your attire. Here are some tips to avoid doing so:
Avoid Over-the-Top Designs
While it's great to show some personality and style, especially in more relaxed dress codes, you don't want to be the centre of attention. For men, this means avoiding a tuxedo unless the dress code specifically calls for black-tie attire. A smart blazer and slacks or a suit and tie are usually a safe bet for less formal weddings. For women, steer clear of short, flowy gowns that might result in an accidental wardrobe malfunction. Instead, opt for a dress that's both stylish and comfortable, perhaps with a fun silhouette like a one-shoulder or maxi dress.
Don't Wear White or Light Colours that Photograph White
This is an obvious one, but it bears repeating: don't wear white to a wedding. It's the bride's colour, and you don't want to risk matching them or the bridal party. Off-white, light yellow with a white lace overlay, and very pale blue can also photograph as white, so it's best to avoid these shades as well. If you want to wear something light, go for a neutral or pastel shade.
Stay Away from Black
Although wearing black to a wedding is usually acceptable, it's best avoided if the wedding is on a beach or during a warmer season, as it will absorb heat. Additionally, black is often associated with funerals, and you don't want to be misinterpreted as sombre at a joyous occasion.
Avoid Showing Too Much Skin
While you want to look your best, showing too much skin can be inappropriate for a wedding. For men, this means avoiding open-toed shoes and flip-flops, and, of course, no shirtless options. For women, ensure your outfit isn't too revealing, especially if it's a windy day—you don't want a wardrobe malfunction!
Consider the Couple's Colour Palette
You don't want to be mistaken for part of the bridal party, so stay away from colours that match the wedding party unless otherwise stated. If you're unsure, don't be afraid to ask a member of the wedding party for guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important to consider the location, weather, and what you know about the couple when choosing an outfit. If you're unsure about the dress code, ask someone in the wedding party for advice. It's also a good idea to avoid wearing white or colours that match the wedding party.
For women, a floor-length gown in a sumptuous fabric like silk or organza is a good choice. Men should wear tuxedos, with a black bow tie, black vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes.
Even if the wedding is casual, it's still important to dress up. Avoid wearing sweats, shorts, jeans, or T-shirts. For women, a dressy pantsuit or a simple cocktail dress could work. Men can wear a dark suit, a white shirt, and a conservative tie.
It's usually best to avoid wearing white to a wedding, as this colour is typically reserved for the bride. In some cultures, such as Indian, Pakistani, and Chinese, it's also considered inappropriate to wear red to a wedding.
