Deborah Chan
Wedding guest dressing is an art. It's a fine line between looking striking and fun, while still being appropriately dressed for the setting. When deciding what to wear to an English wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the time of year and season will help determine the look. For summer weddings, floral prints and lighter fabrics like linen, cotton and chiffon are a good choice. For winter weddings, you might opt for more saturated colours. The time of day and formality of the wedding are also important factors. For daytime weddings, bright and colourful dresses are a popular choice, while for evening weddings, darker colours and more sophisticated styles are often worn.
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What You'll Learn
Dress codes: Consider the type of wedding and season
When deciding what to wear to an English wedding, it's important to consider the type of wedding and the season it's taking place in. If there's no dress code included on the invitation, you can draw inspiration from the season and wedding type.
For a summer wedding, you might want to embrace floral prints and slinky cuts. If it's a countryside wedding, vintage-inspired silhouettes like puffy sleeves, voluminous skirts, and Bridgerton-worthy corseting can be a great choice. On the other hand, a winter wedding guest might opt for more saturated colourways.
The setting and formality of the wedding also play a role in your outfit choice. For example, a beach wedding will likely call for a different outfit than a grand English countryside affair. Similarly, a casual wedding will have a different dress code than a formal or semi-formal one. If you're attending a traditional British wedding, the dress code is typically formal, with men wearing morning coats and women wearing knee-length dresses or skirts with jackets and hats.
The time of day is another factor to consider. A cocktail dress might be more suitable for an afternoon or evening wedding, while a church-type dress could be more appropriate for a morning wedding. If the wedding has a religious ceremony, you may want to ensure your outfit adheres to any religious requirements, such as covering your shoulders.
Lastly, don't forget to consider your comfort. Weddings often involve a lot of standing and dancing, so choose shoes that you can walk and dance in comfortably. You might also want to bring a pair of flats to change into if you plan to wear heels.
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Colours: Avoid white, and possibly black
When it comes to colours, there are a few things to keep in mind when dressing for an English wedding. Firstly, it is generally considered a faux pas to wear white to a wedding, as this is the colour traditionally worn by the bride. Wearing white could be seen as an attempt to upstage the bride, which is not appropriate. If you do wish to wear pale colours, it is respectful to check with the host first and provide them with a photo of your outfit.
Black is another colour that has traditionally been considered inappropriate for weddings, as it is a sombre colour that could be seen as funereal. However, opinions on this vary, and some believe that it is now acceptable to wear black to a wedding, especially to an evening reception. If you usually wear black, you can go ahead, but be sure to add some colour with your accessories.
For daytime weddings, bright and colourful dresses are a good choice. Florals are a popular option, especially for spring and summer weddings, and can be styled with minimalist accessories. Lighter fabrics such as linen, cotton and chiffon are perfect for the warmer months. For a formal daytime wedding, a polished dress is appropriate, while a semi-formal daytime event calls for something modest and conservative, which could be colourful or floral.
For evening weddings, darker colours are often a good choice. A formal evening or black-tie wedding calls for a long gown, while a semi-formal event offers more flexibility.
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Hats: Wear one if it's a church wedding
Hats have become a staple in British wedding guest attire, particularly for church weddings. If you're attending a wedding in England and are unsure about whether to wear a hat, there are a few things to consider.
Firstly, check the dress code. If the wedding is taking place in a church, hats are quite normal and expected. You could also ask the couple where the reception is being held and check their website for dress code information. If you're still unsure, you could email the venue to ask what is usually worn for similar events.
If you decide to wear a hat, choose one that complements your outfit and the season. For example, a wide-brimmed hat can be a lovely choice for an outdoor wedding, providing shade from the sun. If you're worried about blocking someone's view during the ceremony, opt for a smaller hat or a fascinator, a popular alternative to a hat that is usually attached to the hair with a comb, headband, or clip. Fascinators can be a good choice for more formal weddings, but they are not always well-liked. If you want to make a statement, a hat is the way to go.
It's worth noting that while hats are a common choice for female guests, men can also wear them. Top hats, for example, are a formal option that can define the entire ensemble. If you opt for a top hat, remember to remove it when inside the church or reception venue, even for photographs.
Finally, keep in mind any personal preferences or traditions. For instance, the mother of the bride often wears a hat, as it makes her stand out and easier to spot in a crowd. Ultimately, the decision to wear a hat or not is a matter of personal style and comfort.
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Footwear: Choose wedges or platforms over stilettos
When it comes to footwear, it's important to consider the setting and terrain of the wedding venue. Stilettos, for example, may not be the best choice for certain surfaces like gravel, cobblestones, or grass, as they can sink into the ground and be uncomfortable or unstable to walk in.
Instead, opt for wedges or platforms, which will provide more stability and comfort on uneven or soft surfaces. Wedges and platforms come in a variety of styles and heights, so you can still look elegant and dressed up while being practical and comfortable.
If you want to bring a pair of flats to change into later, pack a pair of jewel-tone satin flats that will be comfortable for dancing the night away. Just remember to never go barefoot on the dance floor!
Additionally, consider the time of year and weather conditions. If it's going to be cold, you may want to choose closed-toe wedges or platforms, or opt for shoes in materials like satin or velvet that will keep your feet a little warmer.
By choosing wedges or platforms over stilettos, you can ensure both style and stability as you navigate the wedding venue and celebrate with the happy couple.
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Men's attire: A stylish suit, with or without a tie
When it comes to men's attire for an English wedding, a stylish suit is the way to go. The suit can be in a lighter fabric such as linen or cotton, especially if it is a summer wedding. Light blue, tan, or olive green are all excellent colour choices.
While a tie is not as necessary as it once was, it is still a good idea to wear one unless you can pull off an open-necked shirt with style. If you decide to go without a tie, make sure your shirt is nice, and consider leaving the top button undone to look more relaxed.
If you are attending a formal wedding, a dark-coloured suit is a good choice. For a black-tie wedding, a tuxedo is the traditional choice, while a morning suit is more common at white-tie weddings.
It is important to consider the season and location of the wedding when choosing your attire. For example, a beach wedding will call for lighter and more relaxed clothing, while a wedding in the English countryside may be more formal.
Lastly, remember to pay attention to the dress code on the invitation and ask the couple if you are unsure what to wear.
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Frequently asked questions
The dress code for an English wedding can vary depending on the season, time of day, and formality of the event. For a daytime wedding, bright and colourful dresses are a good choice. Floral prints are a popular option, and you can add a hat as a finishing touch. For evening weddings, opt for darker colours and more sophisticated styles. Gowns are appropriate for formal evening weddings, but be mindful of the atmosphere—you don't want to look like you're trying too hard.
Hats are commonly worn to English weddings, especially if the ceremony is held in a church. If you're unsure, you can always opt for a fascinator or a hairpiece.
It is generally considered a faux pas to wear white to a wedding, as it may be seen as upstaging the bride. Black was once considered inappropriate, but this is becoming less taboo, especially for evening receptions. It's also worth noting that red is acceptable, but some may find it caution-worthy.
