Guide to wear to a wedding as a guest

Receiving a wedding invitation from your families and friends can be exciting. But sometimes, the wedding guest dress code that accompanies might leave you completely clueless. After all, it is never easy to decide what to wear to a wedding.

There is always a set of etiquette and dress code for the type of wedding you attend. Whether it is black tie, casual or festive wedding, these are the rules that you will need to follow during your outfit selections. 

So what are the golden rules of wedding guest attire? What are the top do’s and don’ts when considering what to wear? We have written a comprehensive wedding guest attire guide to help you with styling appropriately and stylishly for the life-changing event of your family and friends.

What are the do’s and don’ts?

Don’t wear white

Always keep in mind that it is not appropriate for guests to wear white to a wedding. You should stay away from outfits that are in white, cream or ivory. Only wear those colours if you are asked by the couple to wear white.

Don’t wear skimpy pieces

You should avoid wearing something that is too revealing, too short or too tight. Crop tops, see-through dresses, mini skirts and plunging necklines are more appropriate for the bar or a Friday night. All eyes should be on the bride during the wedding. A skimpy and flashy outfit will dominate attention in photographs or take away the attention from the brides. 

Don’t wear jeans and sneakers

Keep your everyday jeans in the closet for weddings. Jeans, T-shirts, shorts and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest, even if it is for a casual themed wedding (unless they specifically noted that as acceptable). It is important to show your respect to the bride and groom by dressing yourself formally and presentably.

Don’t go bold

Step away from wearing crazy prints, sequins, animal prints or other flashy designs to the wedding. As mentioned, the focus should always be on the bride. You don’t want to be the center of attention during their big day.

Do follow the dress code

Always read the invitation before you prepare for your outfit. Make sure you are wearing something that is appropriate for the wedding dress code. You will need to wear a formal gown if the bride and groom have specified that they are having a black tie affair. If it is casual, it means the event will be much more laid-back, a summer sundress and wedges will be appropriate for the wedding.

Do find out the colour of the bridesmaids’ dresses

You would not want to look like a bridesmaid when you are not the one. Find out what colour they are wearing and make sure that you choose the colour which is not similar to the bridesmaids to avoid embarrassment.

Do think of your footwear

Comfortable shoes are a must-have item if you love to dance! Wearing high heels to a garden or beach is totally impractical as your heels will be constantly sinking to the ground. You can choose to wear wedges or flats to the wedding, as long as it does not look too casual.

Do check the weather

Make sure you know the forecast before you leave your house. You might need to prepare for the crazy winds or heavy rains during their big day. Avoid wearing short and flowy dresses during a windy day as you will have to hold down for the whole celebration. Bring a jacket or a cardigan to keep you warm if you are attending the outdoor party. The weather turns quite chilly during the evening.