WHAT TO WEAR: A Wedding Guest Guide (2024)

FAQs

WHAT TO WEAR: A Wedding Guest Guide? ›

Women should embrace wrap dresses, midi dresses or elegant jumpsuits. For men, if it's a daytime wedding, a light sport jacket, button-down shirt and relaxed chinos fit the bill. In the evening, go for darker colors, as later weddings tend to be more formal.

Women should embrace wrap dresses, midi dresses or elegant jumpsuits. For men, if it's a daytime wedding, a light sport jacket, button-down shirt and relaxed chinos fit the bill. In the evening, go for darker colors, as later weddings tend to be more formal.

It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally. Sabatino suggests that men show up in a jacket and tie, even when the invitation says casual.

The staff suggests that if a wedding is taking place at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night; any ceremony after 6 p.m. should be strictly co*cktail.

Like most formal occasions, formal wedding reception guest attire usually goes hand in hand with a black tie dress code—think a floor-length gown, heels and jewelry for women, and a tuxedo or a black, navy or grey suit for men.

For evening events, darker, more formal colors are recommended, while light colors and airy fabrics work best for daytime affairs. Women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, a dressy skirt and top, or an elegant pantsuit (styled with heels, nice wedges, or formal flats).

To bring a bolder statement, go for brighter colors like magenta and coral. If you're attending a wedding in the evening, there are certain colors that can help you look your best and make an impression. If you're looking for something classic and timeless, dark colors like navy blue or black are always appropriate.

Can you wear pants to a wedding? Pants are totally acceptable. Here are some ways to wear pants to a wedding with confidence.

As long as the event calls for a particular level of formality and you won't upstage the couple or the wedding party, it's safe to wear black to the wedding.

I have advised readers that while bare legs are fine even at the most formal events, hosiery also is perfectly acceptable as long as it's skin tone and sheer. I've just returned from a wedding where I wore my new bargain ($10!) black sequined mini and consignment store jeweled black shoes (also $10).

Do you wear the same outfit to the ceremony and reception? ›

If your gown is restricting movement or if you want to protect it from being damaged, it's a good idea to change your wedding dress for the reception, allowing you to sit and dance comfortably.

It's a way to describe an overall aesthetic that is basically not-all-the-way-formal-but-please-don't-wear-jean-shorts. It's about dressing up what you'd wear casually.

Even if the wedding has a more low-key dress code, I promise you: It is not that casual. Meaning no sweats, shorts, jeans, T-shirts—you get my point. "If you have to choose between being underdressed or overdressed, it's always better to be overdressed," Swann explains.

Black Tie Dress Code

This is probably the most common of the formal wedding dress codes, and again, the name refers to menswear, specifically a tuxedo worn, in any colour, with a black tie.

Formal: For women, you can wear a formal dress of any length, a trouser suit or dressy separates. For men, a dark suit, white shirt and conservative tie is appropriate. Men can also opt to wear black tie when the formal dress code is specified if they wish.

If you're invited to a dressy casual wedding, think casual formal attire meets laid-back chic. It's about creating an elegant casual outfit that still allows room for a little creativity and personal flair. In other words, it's the green light to wear those fancy casual outfits you've been dying to show off!

Men: Tuxedo with tails, white shirt, vest, and bow tie. For additional accessories, consider formal footwear. Women: Formal, floor-length evening gown in luxe fabrics such as lame, velvet, and taffeta. For additional accessories, wear jewelry and heels.