There are few things more nerve-wracking than deciding what to wear to a wedding. Wedding guest attire
can be complicated—especially if the invitation is vague. If you have
been invited to a wedding and aren't quite sure what to wear, keep in
mind there are certain guidelines to follow based on the time of day for the ceremony as well as the formality.
As a very
general rule, women wear dresses and men should wear a suit. Your suit
should not be black, and your dress should not be white. However, as
soon as you add in dress code requirements like "black tie optional," or
"cocktail attire," you have a much more specific look to achieve.
Wedding Types & Dress Codes
- Informal, Daytime: For her, an informal daytime or morning wedding means a sundress, skirt and top or even pants (but no jeans), and no high heels required. For men, slacks or chinos and a shirt (tucked in) works great. Avoid sneakers and opt for oxfords or loafers.
- Informal, Evening: For her, an informal evening wedding suggests a dress, and allows for a lot of flexibility. You could wear a maxi dress and flat shoes, or a little black dress and heels. For men, the dress requirements are the same as informal daytime, but you may want to add a jacket; no tie needed.
- Semi-Formal, Daytime: For women, a semi-formal daytime wedding suggests a cocktail dress and heels or dressy separates. For men, a suit and dress shoes; tie is optional but always looks smart. In the summer months, a light-color or linen suit will work, but go with a heavier fabric for a fall or winter wedding.
- Semi-Formal, Evening: For women, a semi-formal daytime wedding suggests a cocktail dress and heels or dressy separates; an LBD is an excellent option. For men, a suit and dress shoes; tie is optional but always looks smart. (If the wedding begins after 6 p.m., definitely wear a tie.)
- Black Tie Optional: For women, black tie optional weddings mean you can wear either a cocktail dress and heels or a formal dress. (Trendier dressers may opt for a jumpsuit as well.) For men, you have the option of a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie, with black dress shoes.
- Black Tie: A black tie wedding requires a formal dress for women, or your dressiest cocktail attire. For men, a tuxedo (or black suit with a black tie) is required.
- White Tie: A white tie occasion is the dressiest of them all, and women will want to wear a long, floor-length gown and their best jewelry. White tie attire for men means a tuxedo worn with a white bow tie and vest, the jacket may have tails. Dress shoes should be black patent leather. (Don't worry, this formal dress is usually reserved for royal ceremonies and debutante balls.)
Wedding Guest Style for Her
These days, women have a lot of freedom and almost innumerable options available to them for wedding guest attire. The most important guideline for women is not to wear white, off-white or ivory.
This an old-school rule but it still applies, as you don't want to show
up the bride on her special day. (The only exception here is when the
invite specifically states that it is a "white wedding," in which case
guests are encouraged to wear all-white as well.)
For daytime weddings, remember not to wear black or sequins, as those are colors and details best reserved for evening occasions. (The sparkle will make you look overdressed.)
Even
if you're attending the wedding of a young friend, remember how many
wedding guests are older, including the families of the bride and
groom—especially those who paid for it. Out of respect for the occasion
and those closest to the couple, overly sexy, low-cut, revealing or high-hemmed outfits should be avoided.
That's not to say you can't look feminine and attractive—just be
reasonable. If you have any doubts, consult other guests, friends or
your mom for advice. (Most likely, if you have to ask, there's your
answer.)
If the invite does not give a dress code, use your best
judgement. A cocktail dress, little black dress or even a full-length
jumpsuit will work just about anywhere. High heeled pumps or sandals are
always a good bet as well. Your shoes have the ability to dress your
look way up or way down, so choose a pair of shoes based on the formality of your dress and you'll achieve the right balance.
Do not bring a large purse to a wedding. Carry a small clutch or a small cross-body bag. Mini bags
are on-trend right now, but a classic metallic or satin clutch will
never do you wrong. All you need to bring is keys, a credit card and ID,
your phone and lipstick—no tote bag required.
No matter what time of day or the vagueness of an invitation, it's safe to say that jeans or shorts are never appropriate.
This is a special occasion and often a religious ceremony, so show
respect for the couple by putting in some effort. The venue, time of day
and character of the hosts should give you all the clues you need to
show up looking fantastic and appropriate.
Wedding Guest Style for Him
Lucky for you, men, dressing for weddings isn't particularly difficult. You will always look appropriate in a suit and tie, no matter what. How easy is that?
If
you want to get into specifics though, there are some guidelines that
men should follow in order to look their best at a wedding. For example,
a summer or spring wedding means you can wear a suit (or shirt and
chinos for informal daytime) in lighter fabrics and colors. (Think linen
and cotton blends.) For fall or winter weddings, you may want to wear a
wool or wool-blend suit in a dark color like grey or charcoal.
If the wedding is strictly black tie, stick to a traditional tuxedo and avoid "getting cute"
with it. A black bowtie and polished black dress shoes are a must. You
may get an invite that suggests "creative black tie" or even something
like "Texas Formal," in which case switch out your dress shoes for black
cowboy boots or wear a playful vest under your jacket.
Unless it is a black tie or formal wedding, a navy blue suit is the most tasteful and appropriate option there is. (Do not wear a black suit,
as they are reserved for very formal occasions and funerals.) Just make
sure it is tailored, and your accessories fit the occasion.
A
white shirt and tastefully patterned tie (think subtle stripes or swiss
dots) will work for any occasion. Don't be afraid to add a pocket square
or unique cufflinks to add some personality to your look.
By Cynthia Nellis
Women's Fashion Expert
