What Guests Should Wear To a Wedding

Receiving an invite to a wedding is an exciting moment for almost everyone. However, it’s often followed by the dreaded question—what should I wear? Many types of parties have rules and expectations, especially when it comes to guest attire. But none are so essential as the rules that go with wedding attire. Choosing the wrong outfit can be a devastating mistake. Luckily, what guests should wear to a wedding isn’t a complete mystery. There are a few safe options that can make choosing your outfit an easy bet.

Dressing for Formal Weddings

For most weddings indoor and out, formal dress is traditional. Women will wear an evening gown and the men should wear a neat suit. This is always the safest assumption for any invitation simply labeled as formal. Choose something elegant but not too loud or showy so as not to draw attention away from the bride and groom. (There are degrees of formality as well.)

White tie formals are the strictest. Women should only wear floor-length dresses and men should wear tails with a white tie. Black tie formals are just below white tie, so women can again expect to wear full length dresses. Men should wear a black tie with a tux. For less rigorous formality, a good rule of thumb is to wear office-appropriate formality at the very least.

Dressing for Thematic Weddings

Besides the more standard look of formal weddings, sometimes there may be a theme. It’s always best to check with the organizers of the event if you’re not sure what they intend for guests to wear. However, there are plenty of popular themes you can plan for. To start with, remember that no matter what the theme is, it’s still a wedding—so formality isn’t thrown out the window yet. Still dress formally and respectfully, simply within the conditions of the theme. For instance, festive and beach parties are two wedding themes that are popular these days.

For both, expect brighter colors. Play into the theme a little with thoughtful accessorizing. For beachwear, women should consider tea or cocktail dresses. A cocktail or party dress is perfect for a fun, festive-themed wedding. The rule of thumb is your outfit needs to stay classy and appropriate. The safest bet for women is still always going to be longer dresses. We carry a wide array of evening dresses online with different cuts and styles for any occasion.

What To Avoid

When it comes to what guests should wear to a wedding and what they shouldn’t, color is a key factor. Many people may be surprised to hear that color is perfectly acceptable. While for the most part men tend to wear standard formal black suits, women get to be a little more creative. The main point is never to wear white.

Pale tones including ivories and cremes are still traditionally reserved for the bride. The next most important thing to keep in mind is the attire of the bridesmaids. Choose a dress that isn’t too similar in style or color to theirs, or it’ll be an invitation for awkward situations. As long as you avoid that, express yourself with other colors. As long as you avoid dressing too similar to the couple who are the main event, you can explore a wide range of styles and colors without stepping on any social faux pas.