Junior Rasmussen
There are many things to consider when deciding what to wear to a wedding. It's important to respect any cultural or religious dress codes, as well as the theme and venue of the wedding. If there is no specified dress code, it's generally better to overdress than underdress. For men, this might mean wearing a suit, or a tuxedo for a formal event, and for women, a cocktail dress or floor-length gown for formal events. It's also important to avoid wearing white, as this colour is usually reserved for the bride. When it comes to fabric, texture and colour can be used to dial the formality of an outfit up or down. For example, velvet is a good choice for a winter wedding, while linen is more suitable for a beach wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of outfits | One outfit is common, but some change between the ceremony and reception |
| Dress code | Depends on the wedding theme, location, and time of day. Formal, semi-formal, casual, outdoor, and festive are some examples. |
| Colors | Avoid white and similar shades (ivory, bone, eggshell). Avoid matching the bridal party. |
| Accessories | Shawls, cardigans, jewellery, shoes, bags, and coats. |
| Dress length | Floor-length gowns or knee-length dresses. |
| Dress style | Jumpsuits, sequins, beading, embroidery, floral prints, and bold colors. |
| Footwear | Heels (pumps, wedges, strappy sandals, block heels), evening flats, and sneakers. |
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What You'll Learn
Dress code: formal, semi-formal, casual, outdoor, or festive
Formal
For a formal wedding, classic attire such as suits and cocktail dresses are appropriate. For women, below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, dressy skirts with elegant tops, or pantsuits styled with heels, wedges, or formal flats are all good options. For men, a dress shirt and slacks with a tie are a safe choice. If the wedding is in the evening, darker, more formal colours are recommended.
Semi-formal
Semi-formal attire falls somewhere between casual and formal. While you don't need to wear a full tuxedo or evening gown, it's also not a situation where anything goes. For women, a shorter dress can be a good choice, especially for daytime or outdoor weddings. A midi dress is another option, which can be dressed up with strappy heels and bold earrings or kept casual with flats. For men, dress pants or khakis with a blazer or suit jacket and tie are appropriate.
Casual
Casual weddings can be challenging to dress for as you want to strike a balance between comfort and style. Jeans and a t-shirt are not recommended, but a nice blouse or chic sweater with trousers or a skirt is a good option. For warmer weather, a cute sundress is a great choice, and if it's cooler, a lightweight long-sleeved dress or blouse with a cardigan is a good option. For men, a pair of black jeans or dress pants with a blazer and dress shoes are appropriate.
Outdoor
For outdoor weddings, it's important to choose your fabric wisely to ensure comfort and practicality in varying weather conditions. Lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, chiffon, or organza are ideal for warm weather, while velvet or wool blends are good choices for cooler temperatures. For footwear, opt for something practical for an outdoor setting, such as flat sandals or Western boots.
Festive
Festive attire is a newer wedding dress code that encourages guests to experiment with bold colours, textures, and statement accessories while still keeping things chic. For women, this could mean a bold floral midi dress or a shiny sequin dress. For men, a patterned or textured suit with a bright tie or creative pocket square is a good choice.
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Dress length: long or short
Deciding on the perfect dress for a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to choosing between a long or short dress. The length of your dress often depends on the formality of the wedding and the specified attire outlined on the invitation.
For formal black-tie events, a long, sophisticated dress is more appropriate. A long dress can be dressed up or down depending on the accessories you choose. For example, a simple maxi dress can be transformed into formal attire by adding a statement necklace or an embellished belt. On the other hand, a short dress can be dressed down by pairing it with a denim jacket or a chic scarf, making it more suitable for a casual wedding or an after-party.
If the wedding is taking place on a beach or in a more casual setting, a short, breezy, and comfortable cocktail dress is ideal. A short dress is generally considered appropriate for any wedding unless it specifically states black-tie or formal. In that case, a long dress is more suitable. Additionally, the time of day can influence your choice of dress length. For evening events, darker, more formal colours are preferred, while daytime affairs call for lighter hues and airy fabrics.
Ultimately, the decision between a long or short dress comes down to personal preference, comfort, and the specific dress code of the wedding. Don't be afraid to experiment with different accessories and footwear to create a unique and stylish look that aligns with the wedding's atmosphere and your sense of style.
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Accessories: jewellery, shoes, shawls, cardigans
When choosing accessories to wear as a wedding guest, it's important to consider the dress code. If the invitation specifies black-tie, wear more elegant pieces and perhaps your nicest jewellery. Cocktail attire is a step down from formal, with dresses that are structured but shorter, and blazers and ties instead of full tuxedos. For a casual attire wedding, you can wear whatever you like, but it should still be smart and respectful. A sundress or khakis is a good option.
If you're wearing a colourful dress, such as a red dress, the key is to keep accessories simple. Avoid pairing red with another fiery colour, like orange, or with brown, green, or yellow. Black, white, shades of pink and blue, or even more red, are good options. Avoid tie-dye accessories and mixing metallics.
For a beach wedding, choose light, fun, and minimal accessories to match the tone. For outdoor weddings, wear wedges or flats to avoid stilettos sinking into the ground. For indoor or formal settings, high heels or embellished pumps add sophistication and glamour. If the wedding is rustic, opt for simpler, more natural accessories, whereas a black-tie event allows for more opulent choices.
When it comes to jewellery, choose pieces that aren't too loud or distracting, but still feel true to you and align with the occasion. Simple, classic accessories with a hint of sparkle are always a good idea.
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No-gos: white, ivory, bone, eggshell, or anything too flashy
When it comes to what not to wear to a wedding, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is generally considered a faux pas to wear white or anything too close to white, such as ivory, bone, or eggshell. This is because the bride should be the one wearing white, and you don't want to risk blending in with the bridal party or, worse, upstaging the bride. Lighter colours like pale yellow with a white lace overlay or a very pale blue dress should also be avoided as they can photograph as white. If in doubt, opt for a neutral colour instead.
Another thing to avoid is anything too flashy or over-the-top. This includes sequins, animal prints, and bright red outfits, which might be fun for a night out but are not appropriate for a wedding. The focus should be on the bride, not your outfit, so avoid anything that could be considered a distraction. While it's fine to show a little skin, especially in the summer, don't go too overboard. If in doubt, err on the side of modesty.
In terms of specific items, it's generally best to avoid everyday bags like totes or crossbody bags. Instead, opt for a clutch or small shoulder bag to elevate your look. If the wedding is in a church or another religious institution, remember to dress modestly and respectfully. You can always bring a shawl or sweater to cover up if needed.
Lastly, while black is usually acceptable for a formal or semi-formal wedding, particularly in the evening, be mindful of the time of day and season. For example, black opaque tights and closed-toe shoes can work for an afternoon wedding, but for a cocktail or black-tie wedding, you might want to leave the black tights at home.
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Layering: coats, capes, cardigans, shawls
When it comes to layering, there are several options to consider when dressing for a wedding. Coats, capes, cardigans, and shawls can all be great choices, depending on the weather, dress code, and your personal style.
If you're attending a wedding during the cooler months, a coat or cape can be a stylish and functional choice. While a coat may be necessary to keep you warm, it doesn't have to ruin your outfit. Bridal stylist Hope LaVine suggests that as long as your dress follows the dress code, "most jackets and accessories work for all dress codes." Consider a nice coat or cape in a colour that complements your outfit. For a black-tie wedding, you may want to opt for a fancier coat, such as a cape with fur trim, to elevate your look.
Cardigans and shawls are another great option for layering, especially if you're concerned about modesty or want to add a fun element to your outfit. For a simple dress, a cardigan with feathers, fringe, sequins, or embellishments can be a great choice and will keep you warm during an outdoor wedding or in a venue with strong air conditioning. A shawl can also be a good option to bring, especially if you're attending a wedding in a church or a venue with a more modest dress code.
When choosing your layers, it's important to consider the weather and the formality of the event. Even if it's a summer wedding, evenings can be chilly, so bringing a light jacket, shawl, or cardigan is recommended. For black-tie weddings, you'll want to opt for more formal layers, such as a dressy coat or an elegant shawl. For casual weddings, you have more flexibility, and a denim jacket or leather jacket may be appropriate.
Lastly, remember that intentionality is key when it comes to layering. Choose layers that complement your outfit and avoid anything that looks like a last-minute addition. By coordinating your colours and accessories, you can ensure that your layers elevate your look rather than detract from it.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the venue and theme. If it's a traditional church setting, dress conservatively. If there's a cultural element, wear something in homage to the culture without mocking it. If there's no theme, dress to match the style of the venue.
Don't wear white—this colour is reserved for the bride. Avoid red as it may be seen as upstaging the bride, especially at traditional Chinese weddings. Be cautious with black.
Wear lighter, more casual fabrics like linen.
Men should wear tuxedos or dark suits. Women should wear floor-length gowns or cocktail dresses in formal fabrics.
