Choosing what to wear to a wedding can be downright taxing, especially as wedding guest dress codes become more and more confusing. But whether an invitation calls for formal, co*cktail, or garden attire, guests can prevent the most serious fashion faux pas with these universal wedding style rules. From skimpy skirts and scene-stealing sequins to bridal white and casual jeans, keep these six items tucked away in your closet as you opt instead for wedding wear that won't end up as the most talked-about part of the celebration.
21 Dresses to Wear to All of Your Summer Weddings
Clothing Outside the Dress Code
"You show up to the wedding to honor the couple. Your appearance should reflect that," says Julie Sabatino, a wedding fashion stylist at The Stylish Bride. Take the extra effort to ensure you understand what you should and shouldn't wear to a particular ceremony.
Bridal stylist Jackie Avrumson agrees. If you can't figure out exactly what "beachy chic" or "festive casual" entails, ask a bridesmaid—or the couple—for help. "I have no doubt that they would be more than happy to tell you, as they want their day to be picture perfect," says Avrumson.
Anything Loud and Flashy
One of the biggest rules of dressing for a wedding is to never outshine the couple. Avoid sequined ball gowns, sparkly tiaras, sky-high platform heels, or other articles of clothing that will draw attention away from the bride. A wedding isn't the proper time to make a bold fashion statement.
If you're at a complete loss for an outfit, Sabatino suggests sticking with a long or short black dress. Find a piece with flattering cut, and dress it up for the occasion. "There's a way to make a black dress look good in the Hamptons, and a way to make it look good in a ballroom in New York City," says Sabatino.
A White Dress
Unless you're the bride, wearing a white dress to a wedding is (still) a major faux pas. Leave all white, ivory, and champagne-hued shades alone, unless the invitation specifically designates an all-white dress code. "White and ivory are such a stark, prominent color that when you are the only one, as the bride, wearing it, all eyes are on you," says Avrumson. "It's also the day in which a bride waits to wear this color for her life event, and it's been an emotional journey getting there."
If you think a short, white co*cktail dress will pass the etiquette test, think again: As an increasing number of brides change into second looks for their reception, even a more casual frock will steal the spotlight. "Of course, nobody can mistake the bride on their day," says Avrumson. "But in the long term, this will also affect the photos, as the bride should be the pinnacle in white."
Your Everyday Attire
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. "That is honoring the occasion in my mind," she says.
At Avrumson's own wedding, where the temperatures topped 90 degrees, a male guest wore a T-shirt under his suit. "I couldn't really be upset over it because of the weather, and because it’s more important that everyone have a good time," she says. However, she does draw the line at too-casual bags. "Big faux pas for me: If you're going to be in a beautiful dress, I beg that you have a proper handbag and not the same bag you go shopping with," she says.
Revealing Outfits
"Never wear something with a lot of exposed skin," says Sabatino. Crop tops, dresses with mesh on the sides, short skirts, plunging necklines, and form-fitting gowns are more appropriate for a night out than a wedding. A skimpy outfit will attract negative attention from other guests and take attention away from the bride; it also doesn't match the solemnity of the occasion.
"It would be good to take into consideration that family members and elders are there and you’re going to a wedding, not the club," says Avrumson. "A wedding ceremony is sacred and should be respected. If you’re going to wear something low cut, make sure that the length is appropriate so you’re not overexposed."
Uncomfortable Shoes
"Think about what's appropriate for the setting and the venue," says Sabatino. If the wedding will take place on a natural landscape, consider ditching the heels for a pair of cute flats. There's no need to be in struggling with stiletto heels in grass all night, or have to go home early because of painful and insensible footwear.
FAQs
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.
What something should you never wear as a wedding guest? ›
Anything Too Casual
Even if the celebration is casual and relaxed, guests should always err on the side of formal. No flip, flops, shorts, or jeans should ever be on your list of options to wear.
What is acceptable to wear to a wedding as a guest? ›
Semi-Formal: For daytime weddings, women can wear a knee-length or midi dress, while men can wear a lighter-colored suit. For evening events, opt for darker colors and more formal attire. Dressy Casual: Women can wear a casual dress or separates, while men should wear dress pants with a collared shirt and blazer.
What is the taboo color for wedding guests? ›
When attending a wedding, it is important to avoid wearing any color that might be too close to white or off-white. The most common shades that should be avoided are: Ivory: A pale-yellowish shade of white. Champagne: A warm beige color with a hint of gold.
What is the number one rule as a wedding guest? ›
Unbreakable Rule #1: RSVP Promptly
If you're one of the chosen few to be invited, make sure you respond promptly.
What is an inappropriate dress for a wedding guest? ›
Crop tops, dresses with mesh on the sides, short skirts, plunging necklines, and form-fitting gowns are more appropriate for a night out than a wedding. A skimpy outfit will attract negative attention from other guests and take attention away from the bride; it also doesn't match the solemnity of the occasion.
Why can't you wear red to a wedding? ›
"Tradition dictates guests avoid wearing red out of fear that it could take attention away from the happy couple,” explains Hurwitz. “Visually, it's quite bold. In a photo, your eye is immediately drawn to the color, especially if it's next to neutrals like white, black, gray, or beige.”
What colors to wear to a wedding as a guest? ›
If you're looking for something classic and timeless, dark colors like navy blue or black are always appropriate. For a more glamorous look, pastels such as lavender, light pink, or pale blue will add a touch of elegance to your outfit.
What is the most common wedding dress code? ›
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.
What is too casual to wear to a wedding? ›
What shouldn't a guest wear to a wedding? A wedding ceremony is a serious occasion, so you should always dress respectfully: Skip anything too casual (no jeans), too bridal (no formal, white gowns), or too short. "I think a micro mini dress is always too short when it comes to a wedding," says Hurwitz.
However, red and white are considered the best for weddings. Along with decorations, wedding Kimonos in Japan are often made of these two colors. The combination of white and red is supposed to bring good luck to the new couple.
What color is inappropriate for a wedding? ›
Steer clear of off-white, eggshell, beige, champagne, cream, or any other super light color that could be mistaken for white. There are so many dress options available in a variety of hues, so steering clear of these shades should not be a major issue.
What is the most popular color for weddings? ›
#1: Dark Blue
From navy or dusty blue bridesmaid dresses and royal blue suits, this flattering color was a great addition to any wedding theme or aesthetic. It also allowed couples to play up creative "something blue" wedding ideas.
What is the 2 2 2 rule wedding? ›
What if a simple framework for spending more time together could potentially improve your relationship with your spouse or significant other? Enter the 2-2-2 rule: Try and swing a date night every two weeks, a weekend away every two months and a week away every two years.
Who is the most important guest at a wedding? ›
The most important people in a wedding are typically the bride and groom, as the wedding is a celebration of their love and commitment to each other. Additionally, close family members and friends often play significant roles in a wedding, such as parents, siblings, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and witnesses.
How to stand out as a wedding guest? ›
Wear a nice brand: If you're looking to stand-out from the crowd, Vogue recommends you 'name-drop a brand that's reassuringly niche'. Avoid fascinators: Vogue believes they 'only ever look half-hearted' so instead, suggests wearing 'crystal-frosted hair clips' or 'spectacular pillbox hats'.
Is there anything you shouldn't wear to a wedding? ›
White. One of the most obvious mistakes at a wedding is to match the bride. You should avoid wearing white at all costs. This includes ivory, off-white or even a light blue hue.
What is the dress code for a guest at a wedding? ›
1) Do Consider the Wedding Dress Code
Black Tie: floor length gowns, black ties, tuxedos. Formal: floor length gowns, tuxedos optional, black suits acceptable. Semi-Formal: below the knee dresses, dress shirts, slacks. Casual: sundresses, collared shirts, khakis.
Are there Colours you shouldn't wear to a wedding? ›
Ivory, Or Anything Close To White
Creams, beiges, and any light neutrals can easily be mistaken for a white, so it's probably a good idea to steer clear.
What is the safest color to wear to a wedding? ›
Neutral shades are timeless options that won't detract from the wedding's formal atmosphere. For a more colorful look, consider wearing shades of blue, lavender, or pink to show that you're in the celebratory spirit. If the wedding is in a tropical destination, opt for colors like yellow, orange, and green.
