Wedding Guest Attire Near Me

Deciding what is an appropriate look for a wedding can sometimes be hard to decipher. There are so many unwritten rules on how to dress, depending on the type of event. Our advice, do some research, talk to the couple, and find a store that really knows how to do wedding guest attire.

When receiving a wedding invitation, it’s often a godsend when the couple includes a dress code. Because at least you know what you’re supposed to show up wearing, and you won’t potentially embarrass yourself before you’ve even opened your mouth. And that’s because it can be really hard to know just what wedding guest attire is expected.

Formal guest attire is the most common, and usually if a couple is hosting such an event, they will make it clear on the invite. So if you see black tie, you know what the general vibe will be. But when it comes to semi-formal, or casual, it can be tricky to know what you should wear.

A good way to start out, is to do some research on the location of the wedding, specifically the venue. By looking through pictures of their past weddings, you should be able to get a feel for the types of events that typically take place there. Plus you may get a bit of inspiration for your own outfit.

The most formal types of wedding guest attire are white and black tie, white being the most formal. These events demand floor length evening gowns, smart cocktail dresses and elegant pantsuits. However, for white tie, only evening gowns are permitted. For men, tuxedos are expected for both styles of event.

If an invitation states the dress code is formal, then women have the same outfit choices as with black tie, but with a little more wiggle room in terms of skirt length. Men can wear a tuxedo, but it’s not expected, a smart suit will work just fine for this type of event.

Cocktail style weddings are slightly less formal than, a formal event, but the emphasis is still on elegant dressing. Think smart knee-length dresses, and sophisticated midi’s in a seasonally appropriate tone. For the guys, they can stick with a suit and tie, but nothing too fancy.

For semiformal and casual weddings, the dress code is dictated by the season and location of the wedding. Your guest attire needs to feel appropriate to the occasion. For instance, evening events in the Fall would suit darker, heavier fabrics, possibly longer skirts too. While during daytime celebrations in Spring, you’ll look fabulous wearing something floaty and light colored.

The same semiformal code applies to the men, which in summer typically means leaving the jacket at home, and just wearing a shirt and smart trousers.

A casual dress code is also similar to that of a destination wedding, when held in a hot country. Cotton sundress, wedges and a floppy wide brimmed hat is the attire of choice for most female beach wedding guests.

Whether the invitation says white tie, or come as you are, it’s best to remember this is a wedding. And if you are dressing closer towards a super casual look, opt for one step up in the formal dress code. You’re much less likely to be embarrassed by dressing up, than you are dressing down.

Before buying any new wedding guest attire, be sure to check with someone close to the couple, or the couple themselves, about what the bridal party is wearing. Obviously, you’re not going to wear white, but you may well subconsciously coordinate much too well with the bridesmaids. It’s fine to want to coordinate with the color theme, just don’t match it.

Outfits that are too revealing are also a no no when it comes to wedding guest attire. There may well be a small pocket of appreciation for your outfit on the day, but overall, your look will not prove popular. Again, this is a wedding, and it’s good to feel confident in yourself, but not if you’re pulling focus from the marrying couple.

If you’re unsure about your outfit, check it with close friends or family. There’s no one like mom when it comes to telling you what’s appropriate or not!