Regardless of the type of wedding you've been invited to attend, there's always a set of fashion etiquette rules you're typically required to follow. No matter if it's a ballroom, destination, or rooftop affair, these rules are in place to guide your outfit selections, while keeping the couple happy and satisfied on their special day.
For starters, dress codes are a way to help guests choose their day-of attire, and following these pre-determined guidelines is absolutely necessary when it comes to your wedding fashion choices. Outside of that, however, there are certain garments all guests should stay away from, no matter what the dress code dictates.
Ahead, with the help of a few experts, we've outlined what not to wear to a wedding for every type of celebration. From avoiding the color white to sticking to formal attire, here's everything you need to know.
Here's What Every Guest Should Avoid Wearing to a Wedding
According to etiquette expert Lisa Grotts, there's not much a couple can do about what guests wear to their wedding other than state the dress code on the invitation. “If the guests and couple are close friends, they will respect the dress code," she shares. Therefore, as a guest, it's your job to ensure that you're respectful of the couple's wishes, while also steering clear of the below wedding guest fashion mistakes.
Anything White
This should go without saying, but it is never okay to wear white to a wedding. This also includes attire in lighter shades that might come across as white and white garments with prints. "We also think it’s important to avoid soft colors in general, such as pale yellow or blue, as these can read white in low light situations," shares Sydney Watters Dunbar, style director at Watters.
When in doubt, ask someone for their advice on whether or not your ensemble is the right shade for a wedding. "You can talk to the bride about what she would like people to wear, or connect with one of the attendees to help,” says etiquette expert Elaine Swann. Dunbar also adds, "Our general rule for a wedding is that if we are even questioning if we should wear a certain outfit or not, we won’t! This way we don’t have to be worrying about it (or what other guests are thinking) and can enjoy our night."
A Look That Matches the Wedding Party
As a guest, you don’t want to blend in with the wedding party (or even mimic it), so try to get intel ahead of time about what shades and colors the bridal party and the groomsmen will be wearing. From there, select an outfit that's completely opposite from their tones.
To help you figure this out, “Look at the invitation because it’s the first source of information for what colors you should or shouldn't wear to a wedding,” Swann shares. So if you notice a repetitive royal blue or fern green, it’s probably best to avoid those colors and any similar shade.
Attire That Is Too Revealing
It’s one thing to select an outfit that makes you feel confident, empowered, and sexy, but it's another situation if you show up to a wedding in a look that could potentially offend other guests and children. “You’ll want to consider the wedding’s dress code for guidance on how formal or casual your selection should be. From there, choose something that will make you look and feel your best,” notes BHLDN senior stylist Lindsey Love, without showing off too much skin. Simply put, keep your selections modest, with little hints of playful sexiness through slits, mesh, and open-back dresses.
Anything Too Casual
We get it, no one wants to quit their coziest clothing like yoga pants, slippers, and jeans, but it's important to remember that these have no place at a wedding. 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.
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.
What is not appropriate to wear as a wedding guest? ›
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 appropriate to wear to a wedding as a guest? ›
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.
How do you answer wedding dress code questions? ›
3. What should I wear?
- “The wedding is casual, so please feel free to wear whatever you'd feel best in!”
- “The wedding is semi-formal, so we encourage you to wear co*cktail attire [for evening events] / Sunday best [for daytime events].”
- “The wedding is formal, so we encourage you to wear black tie attire.
Turns out, wearing red to a wedding means to some that “you've slept with the groom.” “Old Wives' Tale, but yeah,” Mitchell explained. However, both wedding planners agreed on a more modern reason for not wearing red: It could be seen as a way to grab the attention away from the bride.
Is it okay to wear black to a wedding? ›
Couples usually specify the guest code at the bottom of their invitations and on their wedding website, so if you've been invited to a formal affair, black is a resounding “yes.” That being said, black can still work for more casual attire guidelines, but make sure to assess the other coexisting conditions first.
What is the dress code for a female wedding guest? ›
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).
What is the best color to wear as a guest 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.
How do you know what dress code to wear to a wedding? ›
Here are some samples of how to disclose your wedding dress code on your invitation.
- White Tie. White Tie Celebration: Please join us in your most royal formalwear.
- Black Tie. A Formal Affair: Our venue requires Black Tie attire.
- Black Tie Optional. ...
- Creative Black Tie. ...
- co*cktail. ...
- Semi Formal. ...
- Festive Attire. ...
- Garden Party.
"If no dress code is provided, I don't think you can go wrong with a semiformal or co*cktail-attire appropriate outfit. After all, it's better to be overdressed than underdressed, especially at an event like a wedding," says Hurwitz.
How to Communicate a Dress Code to Your Attendees
- Put It on the Invitation. The simplest way to tell your guests what they're expected to wear is to put a dress code in the invitation. ...
- Time of Day Is a Big Hint. ...
- USE THE CORRECT DRESS CODE WORDING.
Smart casual is professional but a little relaxed - a polished take on more casual pieces of clothing as well as casual or fun items paired back with smarter pieces. Items are typically less structured and the formality downgraded from traditional corporate wear.
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.
What to wear to a wedding when attire is not specified? ›
These days, if the wedding invitation doesn't specify the dress code, you should assume “semi-formal.” This is a great mix of comfort and style, which is probably why it's gotten so popular over the years! Men can ditch the suit jacket and instead wear some nice pants with a button-down shirt.
Is it bad to wear the wedding colors as a guest? ›
The colour scheme, when it comes to what to wear, is designed for the bridal party i.e. the groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, pageboys etc. Unless you're in that bridal party, you'd be best to steer clear of trying to match them. Think of it a bit like a stage show.
What is the dress code if you are invited to a wedding? ›
Formal or Black Tie Optional
For men, they should wear a dark suit with a shirt and tie (if they don't wish to wear a tuxedo). Women should wear a floor-length gown, knee-length co*cktail dress, a pantsuit, or dressy separates.
