George Boyle
When it comes to choosing what to wear to a wedding, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the dress code specified by the couple should be respected, whether it's black-tie, semi-formal, or casual. Secondly, the venue and time of day are important—a beach wedding will be more casual, while an evening event calls for darker, more formal colours. It's also crucial to avoid wearing white, off-white, or colours that are too similar to the bridal party's attire. Modesty is key, especially for religious ceremonies, and it's always a good idea to bring a shawl or sweater to cover up if needed. Finally, comfort is essential for a busy day of celebrations, so choosing an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable is a priority.
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What You'll Learn
- Dress code: Check the invitation, the couple's website, or reach out to them. Common dress codes include white-tie, black-tie, formal, and casual
- Avoid black: Wearing black to a wedding is considered inappropriate as it symbolises disapproval of the marriage
- No whites or ivory: These colours are reserved for the bride
- Cover up in places of worship: If your dress has thin straps or no straps, bring a shawl or wrap to cover up
- Season and location: The season and location of the wedding influence the style and fabric choice. For example, a beach wedding calls for a less formal dress, while a fall wedding suits richer fabrics
Dress code: Check the invitation, the couple's website, or reach out to them. Common dress codes include white-tie, black-tie, formal, and casual
When it comes to wedding attire, the dress code is the most important factor to consider. This information is usually included on the invitation or on the couple's wedding website. If it is not, you can always reach out to the couple to ask about their expectations.
Common wedding dress codes include white-tie, black-tie, black-tie optional, formal, cocktail, semi-formal, and casual. White-tie is the most formal wedding attire, usually reserved for royal events. Women should wear floor-length evening gowns with jewellery, heels, and an elegant clutch. Men are expected to wear a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, a vest, a bow tie, white or grey gloves, and formal footwear such as derby shoes or oxfords.
Black-tie is the next step down from white-tie and usually indicates a formal evening event. Women typically wear floor-length gowns, and men wear tuxedos. However, black-tie optional is slightly less formal, and while men can still wear tuxedos, a dark suit and conservative tie are also acceptable.
For a formal wedding, women can wear a sophisticated cocktail dress or an elegant pantsuit, while men should wear a suit and tie. Semi-formal, or dressy casual, is a step below formal. Women should opt for a tea-length, knee-length, or midi dress, and men should wear a suit and tie. The time of day and season can also provide insight—darker, more formal colours are best for evening events, while light hues and airy fabrics are preferred for daytime affairs.
Casual wedding attire usually indicates an outdoor or beach wedding, so the atmosphere and dress are more laid-back. Women can wear a summer sundress or a floral mini dress, while men can choose dress pants or khakis with a collared shirt and the option of a tie or sports jacket.
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Avoid black: Wearing black to a wedding is considered inappropriate as it symbolises disapproval of the marriage
When it comes to weddings, the dress code is the most important factor to consider when deciding what to wear. The season and location of the wedding also provide valuable insight. For instance, a summer wedding usually calls for shorter styles in lighter colours, while a fall wedding might favour darker jewel tones and richer fabrics.
However, one colour that has traditionally been avoided at weddings is black. Wearing black to a wedding has long been considered inappropriate as it symbolises disapproval of the marriage. In the past, black was reserved solely for mourning, with widows expected to wear black for at least a year after the death of a spouse. As such, wearing black to a wedding indicated that you were in mourning and thus, disapproved of the marriage.
Today, however, wearing black to a wedding is largely considered acceptable, especially for evening weddings and black-tie events. Wedding expert Ashley Smith notes that "black is often considered the most formal, polished, and flattering colour". It is a versatile and sophisticated option that can be styled in various ways. Bridal stylist Anny Choi agrees, stating that "the rule feels antiquated. Black is a great staple option that you can rewear to different weddings".
That being said, it is important to consider the nuances of the specific wedding you are attending. If the couple's dress code asks for something else, such as 'bold tropics', it is best to avoid wearing black. Additionally, if you are part of the groom's family, wearing black may still be interpreted as a sign of disapproval of the bride, so it might be wise to opt for a different colour.
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No whites or ivory: These colours are reserved for the bride
When it comes to wedding attire, there are a few unspoken rules and considerations to keep in mind. The dress code, time of day, season, and location of the wedding all play a role in guiding your outfit choice. One of the most well-known wedding fashion rules is to avoid wearing white or ivory as a guest. These colours are traditionally reserved for the bride, and wearing them could be seen as upstaging her.
Wearing white or ivory as a guest to a wedding is often considered poor etiquette. Even if the bride is wearing a different colour, it is generally advised to avoid these shades to respect the bride's traditional choice. While some may argue that no one will confuse the bride with a guest, it is still considered respectful to avoid these colours altogether. However, there are ways to incorporate white or ivory subtly, such as through accessories or a printed dress with white or ivory details.
The level of formality of the wedding also plays a role in determining the appropriateness of wearing white or ivory. Daytime or casual weddings are more likely to see guests in these colours than formal evening affairs. Additionally, the bride's choice of dress can be a factor. If the bride is wearing a dramatic white ballgown, an all-white guest outfit may be seen as competing for attention. On the other hand, if the bride opts for a more casual ivory or off-white dress, she may be less concerned about guests wearing similar colours.
It's worth noting that the tradition of the bride wearing white stems from the idea of purity and innocence associated with the colour. While this tradition has evolved, with brides now favouring more universally flattering shades like ivory, the sentiment remains. As a result, guests are encouraged to choose other colours to avoid taking away from the bride's special moment.
When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose a different colour. Bright colours, pastels, and darker jewel tones are all excellent choices for wedding guest attire, depending on the season and formality of the event. Ultimately, the goal is to look appropriate, stylish, and respectful while celebrating the happy couple's big day.
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Cover up in places of worship: If your dress has thin straps or no straps, bring a shawl or wrap to cover up
When it comes to wedding attire, it's important to consider the dress code, the time of day, the season, and the location of the wedding. If the wedding ceremony is taking place in a place of worship, it is respectful to adhere to any customary dress expectations.
If your dress has thin straps, no straps, or is off the shoulder, it is advisable to bring a shawl, wrap, or something similar to cover up. This is particularly relevant if the place of worship is a church, as they can often be cold due to their stone construction. A cover-up can also add a touch of formality to your outfit, which is appropriate for the setting.
There are many options to choose from when selecting a cover-up. You could opt for a shawl, a pashmina, a blazer, a cardigan, or a cape. These can be found in a variety of styles and materials, such as lace, faux fur, or feathers. If you want to add a unique touch, consider a custom-made piece. You can also choose a colour that complements your dress, such as a neutral tone or a shade that matches your accessories.
It is worth noting that some places of worship may not have strict requirements for shoulder coverage. It is always a good idea to research the specific customs and expectations of the place of worship or ask someone familiar with the location.
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Season and location: The season and location of the wedding influence the style and fabric choice. For example, a beach wedding calls for a less formal dress, while a fall wedding suits richer fabrics
The season and location of a wedding are key factors in deciding what to wear. The dress code is the most important consideration when choosing an outfit, but the season and location of the wedding will influence the style and fabric of your dress. For example, a beach wedding calls for a less formal dress, while a fall wedding suits richer fabrics.
If you're attending a summer wedding, opt for shorter styles in lightweight fabrics and soft colours. A simple sheath in a bright colour or print is a good choice, and an A-line or full-skirted dress will be comfortable and fun for dancing. You could also wear a two-piece set or a romper for a fun, alternative look.
For a fall wedding, richer fabrics like velvet and silk are more appropriate. Darker jewel tones are a good choice for this season, and you might want to consider a maxi dress in a rich hue, such as bronze.
Winter weddings call for outfits with wool, cashmere and velvet, as well as blazers, jackets and heavier shoes.
If you're attending an indoor wedding, you might want to consider a long-sleeved dress, or something that can be worn with a shawl or wrap, as it can get cold inside.
It's also important to avoid wearing white or off-white to a wedding, as this is the colour traditionally worn by the bride. Black is also generally discouraged, as it can be seen as a sign of disapproval of the marriage. Bright, flashy colours are also best avoided, as they may be seen as disrespectful to the bride. In terms of style, it's also worth noting that weddings are becoming less traditional, so guests have more freedom with their outfits.
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Frequently asked questions
Firstly, avoid wearing white or colours that are very similar to white, such as light yellow with a white lace overlay or a very pale blue. It's also best to avoid colours that match the wedding party unless the bride has specifically requested that guests wear them. If the wedding is taking place in a church or other religious institution, it's important to dress modestly. If you want to wear a deep V-neck, consider a dress that covers you up elsewhere, like one with thick shoulder straps or a floor-length skirt.
Formal weddings are usually black-tie events, which means floor-length gowns for women. However, if the wedding is described as black-tie optional, you may be able to get away with a cocktail dress or a dressy pantsuit. If the wedding is semi-formal, you could opt for a tea-length, knee-length, or midi dress.
For a casual wedding, you could wear a summer sundress or a floral-printed mini dress. If the wedding is taking place outdoors, be mindful of the wind and avoid wearing a short, flowy dress that you'll have to hold down all evening.
