Do you know what to wear to a wedding? Is there a dress code or standard? Yes. Sometimes the dress code can be found on the invitation. But in cases that there is no dress code, what do you wear?
Although it can be stressful trying to find the perfect outfit, certain factors can help steer you in the right direction. Above all, if you keep in mind the theme of the event, the season, the location, and the formality, you may have an easier time deciding on an outfit.
Dressing for a wedding can be difficult at times, but once you have that specific look you’re aiming for, dressing up can be fun. Buying attire for the occasion can be a little pricey, but if you’re a great bargain shopper you can find an outfit at a fair price.
Be Cautious to Your Attire Decisions
Now, if this is your sixth wedding of the summer, it can start to get expensive if you plan to buy a new outfit for each occasion. However, you can consider recycling outfits.
Recycled outfits are acceptable as long as there is a different group of guests at the event. Also, if you don’t want anyone to notice that you’ve recycled a fit, watch your picture posting habits. It can be noticeable if you post a picture of you at the Smith’s wedding then two weeks later post another picture with the same outfit at the Johnson’s wedding.
Remember, you are attending a wedding, not a fashion show. When deciding what to wear to a wedding, it’s important for your outfit to not detract from the attention of the bride and groom. Don’t even think of wearing white unless otherwise instructed to by the bride and groom.
Some people consider wearing black to a wedding as a taboo. Typically, black is associated with mourning so many think that is should not be worn. Some people are very superstitious and could take offense for your choice in attire.
However, times have also changed. Black has become a universally neutral color to wear. Glamour gives a list of 18 acceptable black dress styles to wear to a wedding. So it’s up to you and what you feel comfortable in and whether you care about what some individuals may say that are superstitious.
Follow the Theme of the Wedding
Keep in mind what the theme is. Think of the location and the time of year. Also, keep in mind what type of wedding this is. Is it during the Spring?
If the bride and groom are from different cultures, it could be a fusion of both cultural aspects. Dress for the occasion. You don’t want to be too casual, and you also don’t want to be overdressed. If you’re having trouble finding an outfit, following the theme will help you choose the perfect wedding day outfit.
If you are attending a beach wedding, it can be tempting to wear shorts of plastic flip flops but that should be avoided unless otherwise specified on the invitation. Some weddings have specifications for the invitation. For example, a rustic wedding in Texas may specify on the invitation “Cowboy boots are welcomed.”
Here are some tips to consider when attending a wedding.
Females:
Choosing the right dress is important. You have to take into consideration the time of day, the location, the season, formality,and the theme of the event. to decide simple things such as the length and style of the dress.
Shorter dresses can be fun, especially for a summer event. But, not too short. You don’t want to come with a skimpy or revealing outfit either. Know the difference between a party dress and a wedding guest dress.
Short cocktail dressed and short business suits are appropriate for casual or daytime special events. Long dresses, midi dresses, and jumpsuits are good options as well and work in almost any weather. Avoid a ball gown unless otherwise instructed. Ball gowns are a bit over the top for a wedding.
If the weather is cold, you might want to choose a long dress with sleeves. Consider layering. Be mindful of the weather and also where the special event will be held. Will it be indoors or outdoors? Keep in mind, indoor venues typically have A/C and the temperature varies.
Remember, avoid wearing anything with too many sequins. You don’t want to get a dress that reminds people of prom or New Year’s. It’s better to opt out for simple designs when choosing a dress to wear.
Women have a variety of different shoe types to choose from. Heels are more appropriate for teenagers and women. You want to wear comfortable shoes so that you’re able to enjoy yourself. Block heels, wedges or flat sandals are always a good choice.
Remember, sometimes less is more. You don’t want to overdo it with the accessories you choose. So, choose to put 2 or 3 jewelry pieces that compliment what you are wearing.
Males:
When choosing what to wear at a wedding for men, consider the weather, the season, and formality. You don’t want to wear a tuxedo during a midday summer event.
Tuxedos are too stuffy for daytime wear so it’s best to opt for a nice suit as the safer option. Unless the event is very formal, then it’s the perfect wedding attire.
A dark suit with a black or white tie or bow tie is one way to go for males. A nice dress shirt or dinner jacket would be nice as well.
Lighter suit colors are appropriate for daytime/casual and summer weddings. Match your bow tie and sock colors to make your outfit look fun for casual weddings.
According to Esquire, darker suits are used for semiformal occasions. You’ll mostly see darker suits during the colder months of the year like during Fall and Winter.
Again, wearing white is a major no-no unless told otherwise by the bride or groom so don’t bring out your best white blazer for the ceremony.
Reminder, dress for the event. When deciding what to wear to a wedding, you don’t want to be overdressed and you definitely don’t want to be underdressed. Avoid wearing a t-shirt, open toe shoes, and clothing with holes in it.
Avoid wearing jeans. Jeans are way too casual.
Always remember that simple colors and designs are best for weddings. Weddings are not a time to take daring fashion risks or wear outdated clothes. The bride and groom will cherish their wedding photos (with your outfit in it) for years to come so looking your best is a must.
Accessorizing
Ladies, don’t forget to accessorize! Getting the right jewelry to compliment your outfit is just the icing on the cake. Girls have a large variety of accessories to choose from as well. From earrings to necklaces, to rings, to bracelets, to purses!
When it comes to accessories for men, you want to keep it refined. Put the sneakers away for the day and opt for some nice loafers or dress shoes. Put on a watch, add some cufflinks, or even add a hat.
Putting It All Together
Now that you’ve read through our tips, you’re all set to put together the perfect fit for the event. As a guest, you want to compliment the bride and the groom on their special day, but you don’t want to outshine them. You also don’t want to be overly casual.
Remember, the couple is going to want a lot of pictures of their day and they want you in it. You can’t go to an event super casual and take pictures. These are pictures they are going to keep forever and you don’t want to be known as the person that was completely underdressed.
In addition, you want to make the right choice when putting together an outfit because if you overdo it, people are going to remember your outfit and they’ll have photos of it. You don’t want the fashion police to use these photos as evidence against you in the future.
Therefore, consider the theme of the event. Will it be indoors or outdoors? Think of the season and weather of when the event will be. Wear clothes that are fitting and comfortable to be in.
All in all, consider these factors when shopping for your wedding guest outfit and have fun putting it all together.
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