Franklin Dean
Wedding guest attire can be tricky to navigate, and it's important to respect the couple and the event by dressing appropriately. While the level of formality can vary depending on the time of day, location, and style of the wedding, there are some general guidelines to follow. For women, it's best to avoid white or light colours that could be mistaken for a wedding dress, and instead opt for a floor-length gown, a cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit. Men, on the other hand, typically can't go wrong with a well-tailored suit in a dark neutral colour, although a tuxedo may be required for more formal events.
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What You'll Learn
Avoid white and light colours
When deciding what to wear to a wedding lunch, it is important to consider the dress code, the weather, and the colour palette of the couple getting married. While black is now considered acceptable to wear to most weddings, there are still some colours that are best avoided.
White is the most obvious colour to avoid as a wedding guest. Eighty per cent of brides wear white to their wedding, and it is important that the bride stands out. Even if it is not your intention, wearing white could be seen as an attempt to upstage the bride. This includes ivory, off-white, cream, eggshell, vanilla, bone, and beige. Even an outfit with a little white or off-white in it, such as a floral or geometric print, may be frowned upon, although this is less clear-cut. It is best to avoid anything that could be construed as white.
Light colours, such as pastel shades, should also be avoided. This is because they can sometimes look white in photographs, especially with a flash. A very light yellow or pale pink, for example, may end up looking like a wedding guest's cardinal sin of wearing white. Similarly, champagne, gold, and silver should be avoided, as these colours are sometimes chosen for wedding dresses.
In addition to light colours, there are a few other shades to steer clear of. Red is best avoided at Chinese and Indian weddings, as brides often wear this colour. Orange is also frowned upon, as it is seen as scene-stealing and may divert attention away from the bride in photos.
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Daytime weddings are more casual
For men, a well-tailored suit in a mid-to-dark neutral colour like grey, blue, or charcoal is appropriate. In the case of evening weddings, darker suits in navy, black, or grey are more appropriate. For daytime weddings, a white dinner jacket or a suit in a fun colour can work too.
It's important to remember that the wearer should always choose something that fits with their own personal style as well as the requested dress code. You should also pay attention to the weather and the season. If it's a summer wedding, for example, you might want to wear something with sleeves that you can remove if it gets too warm. Layers are always a good idea, as the temperature can drop in the evening.
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Dress for the weather
When it comes to wedding lunches, it's important to consider the weather forecast and choose your outfit accordingly. If it's an outdoor wedding, be mindful of the temperature and the possibility of wind. You don't want to be struggling to hold down a flowy dress or shivering in a strapless number. Opt for something that will keep you comfortable and elegant throughout the event.
For ladies, a well-fitted dress or a jumpsuit in festive colour is a great choice for a wedding lunch. If it's a summer wedding, go for lighter fabrics and maybe even a pretty yellow printed dress or a colourful number. Avoid white or anything that could be mistaken for a bridal dress, like light blue or blush pink. You don't want to be mistaken for the bride!
If it's a bit chilly outside, consider layering with a cropped jacket, shawl, or cardigan. This will keep you warm and stylish. Also, be mindful of the wind and opt for an outfit that won't require constant adjustment. A midi dress or a pantsuit could be a great choice for a breezy day.
For gentlemen, a well-tailored suit in a mid-to-dark neutral colour like grey, blue, or charcoal is a safe bet. If it's an outdoor wedding in the summer, you can go for a white dinner jacket or a suit in a fun colour. Just make sure to avoid jeans and t-shirts, and baseball hats unless specifically requested by the couple.
Remember, the key is to dress appropriately for the weather while also respecting the formality of the event. You don't want to be underdressed, but you also don't want to be in a thick suit when everyone else is in light, breezy outfits. Check the invitation for any hints about the dress code, and if in doubt, don't be afraid to ask a member of the wedding party for their insight.
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Black-tie dress codes
For men, a tuxedo is the standard choice for a black-tie dress code. A formal dinner suit is also acceptable, and a tuxedo doesn't necessarily have to be black. Dapper smoking jackets in velvet or textured materials can add flair to the attire, but a traditional silk-lapel dinner jacket is the standard choice. Pants should be well-tailored with a fitted silhouette. If you don't own a tuxedo, there are plenty of options to rent one for the occasion.
For women, a floor-length gown in a formal fabric such as silk, chiffon, velvet, or lace is traditional. However, shorter dresses in formal fabrics or with elevated details (paired with ultra-glam accessories) can also be acceptable. Women can also opt for a women's tuxedo or a formal jumpsuit. When it comes to colours, all colours are fair game except for white, off-white, or anything else that's close to white. It's also best to avoid the colour the bride has chosen for her bridesmaid dresses.
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Semi-formal dress codes
Semi-formal wedding attire is a popular dress code that falls between casual and formal, offering guests flexibility while maintaining a celebratory atmosphere. It is dressier than casual attire but not as dressy as formal attire. Wedding stylist Risa Kostis describes it as "polished and stylish but not overly dressy".
For women, semi-formal wedding attire gives the chance to opt for pieces that are more comfortable and allow for freer movement. You can wear anything from a midi to a knee-length skirt with fabrics featuring minimalistic patterns and/or muted colours. A midi dress, a chic jumpsuit, a wrap dress, or a two-piece ensemble are all good options. You can also wear a fun suit, such as a satin suit in a fun colour. If you want to wear a dress, lighter colours and fabrics are more appropriate for daytime events, while darker tones and different textures are better for evenings.
For men, a suit jacket or blazer with dress pants is appropriate. Depending on whether it's a daytime or nighttime event, you can opt for lighter or darker colours. For morning and afternoon weddings, light blues and beiges are perfect, while navy is more appropriate for an evening event. You can ditch the tie with a semi-formal dress code if you choose. Loafers and oxfords are good shoe options, but dress shoes are also acceptable.
In general, it's important to pay close attention to when and where the wedding will take place. For example, a yellow mini dress may be perfect for a summer backyard wedding but feels too flashy for a winter soiree in an elegant ballroom.
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Frequently asked questions
A formal wedding calls for a floor-length gown in sumptuous fabrics like silk and organza.
Wedding lunches are usually more casual, so opt for lighter fabrics and festive colours. Women can wear a nice daytime dress, skirt, top, or jumpsuit. Men can wear a well-tailored suit in a mid-to-dark neutral colour like grey, blue, or charcoal. Avoid wearing anything that's all-white or has a white background.
Men should wear a tuxedo, a black bow tie, a black vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes. For summer weddings, a white dinner jacket and black tuxedo trousers are also acceptable.
Women can wear a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.
