Wedding guests should consider the dress code and avoid certain clothing items. Dress pants, suit pants, chinos, or pleated trousers are perfect for any wedding, while denim is generally not allowed unless attending a Western-themed wedding. Shorts should be avoided, as lighter colors tend to photograph better. For more formal weddings, female guests should wear a long dress, but maxi dresses or evening gowns can be appropriate.
For Muslim weddings, head coverings or scarves are expected, but not all require them. Mini or midi dresses for women and maxi dresses for men are welcome. Casual outfits can be worn with the right accessories and shoes.
When choosing a wedding guest look, consider the bride’s beliefs and avoid wearing black suits or sweats. Men should wear white dresses, skimpy outfits, jeans, attention-stealing gowns, and clothing that is not too casual. Avoid wearing flip flops, shorts, or jeans, and dress up your attire accordingly.
The rules of what not to wear to a wedding include white dresses, skimpy outfits, jeans, attention-stealing gowns, and clothing. Don’t mistake a casual dress code for jeans and a t-shirt; those are never acceptable unless you’re attending a Western-themed wedding.
In summary, wedding guests should consider the dress code, avoid certain clothing items, and consider the season when choosing their outfit. Wearing white, trainers or unbearable heels, tight or short clothes, jeans, all black, anything too loud, and a ball gown are some of the most inappropriate attire for wedding guests.
📹 Colors to Avoid Wearing as a Wedding Guest
It’s good to be mindful about what colors to wear to a wedding? In this video, Heidi reminds us of traditional guest colors, some …
What should a woman wear to a wedding as a guest?
Wedding guests should wear a long dress. Wear high heels. Accessorize with jewelry and white silk gloves.
What shoes should you not wear to a wedding?
Trainers or uncomfortable heels. Your shoes should be comfortable, but not so comfortable that you can’t walk in them. The goal is to wear shoes that are comfortable and flattering. If you can dance all night in six-inch heels, go for it. Show off those shoes. If you think you can afford to spend more on shoes for a wedding because you’ll be sitting a lot, think again. Your feet won’t recognize it’s a special occasion. If you can’t wear high heels at other events, you won’t be able to at a wedding. Choose a kitten heel or wedge sandal. They’re easy on the feet and look great. Don’t wear trainers to a wedding. A small pair of foldable flats or a chic ballet pump will look great at the end of the night. Don’t wear lace-ups, which will make you look like you’re ready for your morning run.
Anything too tight or too short. Here’s another example of wedding day discretion. Some people treat their wedding as an excuse to buy a new outfit. It’s a reason to dress up and have fun. But remember, while you can go all out, you should still think about the bride and her taste. You can usually tell what the dress code is for a wedding by knowing what the bride likes and how she dresses. If not, ask. Don’t wear a tight or short dress to a wedding. This is a special event for everyone. All guests should dress according to the dress code and in a tasteful manner. This means no underwear lines or thigh-high hems. You don’t want to feel self-conscious or have relatives say something when you’re near them. For one night, it’s best to be safe.
Jeans. You may have found the perfect pair of jeans that fit you perfectly. You can’t wear them to a wedding. This rule is about dressing up for this special event. A wedding is a time to wear a cocktail dress, jumpsuit, or coordinated outfit, not jeans. If you don’t feel comfortable showing your legs, tights or a bold jumpsuit will help. A confident girl in a pretty dress over sheer tights or a jumpsuit will be fine. Jeans will make her look like she’s going to the supermarket after the ceremony.
Why can’t you wear red to a wedding?
Some people think that wearing red to a wedding means you’ve slept with the groom.
But both wedding planners agreed on a more modern reason for not wearing red: It could be seen as a way to steal the bride’s attention. “Red can seem sexy,” Smith said. “Naughty.” Mitchell said the color could be attention-grabbing, but it might not be a good choice for a wedding guest, depending on the dress.
Is it taboo to wear red to a wedding?
Can you wear red to a wedding? It depends on the wedding and the couple’s fashion rules. It is no longer considered faux pas to wear red to most Western and secular weddings. Bridal fashion stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz says that as couples get more creative with their weddings, they’re also getting more creative with their dress codes. This has also made wedding guest attire more varied. “If the wedding or the couple is less traditional, or the dress code is creative, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wearing red as a wedding guest,” adds Hurwitz. Don’t believe rumors that wearing red means you had a fling with the groom. There’s no hidden meaning to wedding guest attire colors. When not to wear red to a wedding. In some cultures, red is lucky and is worn at weddings. This is the same as white being worn at Western weddings. If you’re attending an Indian, Chinese, or South Asian Muslim wedding, or any other wedding where the color may have cultural significance, “avoid wearing red because it could be part of the couple’s attire,” says O’Neal. You may also want to avoid white, as some cultures associate it with death and mourning.
What is not acceptable to wear to a wedding?
Your everyday clothes. Even if the dress code allows casual attire, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, and sneakers are never appropriate for a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing up. Sabatino says men should wear a jacket and tie even if the invitation says casual. “That’s honoring the occasion,” she says. At Avrumson’s wedding, a man wore a T-shirt under his suit in 90-degree heat. I wasn’t upset because of the weather. It’s more important that everyone has a good time. However, she doesn’t like too-casual bags. A big mistake: If you’re wearing a beautiful dress, don’t bring the same bag you go shopping with.
Show-off outfits. Don’t wear revealing clothes, says Sabatino. Crop tops, dresses with mesh, 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 and take attention away from the bride.
Can you be overdressed for a wedding?
10. Follow the dress code. Swann said it’s better to overdress than underdress. But read the room. Don’t wear a tux or ballgown to a backyard wedding. Keep it low-key. Swann says the location affects what you wear. If it’s a destination wedding, you’ll be wearing resort-style attire. If it’s at a high-end hotel, you’ll know the theme. The time of day the ceremony is taking place also affects your style. In the morning, you can wear brighter colors and flowy fabrics. Later in the evening, you’ll wear formal attire with black and gold accents. This is just a general guideline, but it’s a good one to follow.
What colors shouldn’t you wear to a wedding?
White or ivory. Ready to wear that white dress? Don’t do it. While it’s a common wedding guest mistake, some people forget the rule. We’re here to remind you that white or white dresses with patterns are off-limits. There’s always an exception. If the bride has asked guests to wear white, don’t wear white to someone’s special day.
Champagne, beige, or white. Avoid off-white, eggshell, beige, champagne, cream, or any other light color that could be mistaken for white. There are many dress options in different colors, so avoiding these colors should not be hard. Brands like Reformation, Lulus, Revolve, and ASOS have lots of wedding guest dresses in different colors, styles, and sizes.
The same color as the bridal party. While you may not know the color of the bridesmaid dresses, find out what they plan to wear to avoid wearing the same color. Ask the couple, a bridesmaid, or anyone at the wedding. Don’t get mistaken for a bridesmaid or family member.
Can I have bare legs at a wedding?
I’ve said that bare legs are fine at formal events, but hosiery is also acceptable if it’s the right color and sheer. I just got back from a wedding where I wore my new $10.
This question came in just as I was about to talk about this…Dear Answer Angel Ellen: My son is getting married in November. I’m wearing a black sequined sheath. I have black sequined pumps that will look great with the dress. I’d rather wear tights because it’s November and the shoes are tight. Should I wear bare legs or hosiery? What color should I wear? Dear Sharri, I’ve just refined my advice on this question, thanks to some trial and error. People often ask The Angel about what to wear to weddings. Should you wear bare legs or hosiery to a wedding?
What is the best color to wear as a guest to a wedding?
For a bolder look, try brighter colors like magenta and coral. If you’re attending a wedding in the evening, certain colors can help you look your best. If you want something classic and timeless, dark colors like navy blue or black are always appropriate.
Is it OK to go barefoot at a wedding?
Is there a wedding etiquette rule about this? No, it’s not OK to go barefoot at a wedding. No, you can’t go barefoot at a wedding. But when it comes to throwing caution to the wind, we’ve all seen it and many of us have done it.
📹 WEDDING GUEST OUTFIT DOS AND DON’TS | WHAT TO WEAR VS. WHAT TO AVOID
HERE ARE THE ‘DO’ OUTFITS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE – THE TIPS ON SCREEN ARE NUMBERED SO YOU CAN MATCH …
Although I would ALWAYS respect the wishes of the bride, my mother decided to wear her beaded ecru blouse and matching skirt to my wedding. I did NOT care!!! I also had a friend who wore a full-on white dress with matching white duster, and I did NOT care!! It didn’t even occur to me that someone was trying to compete with me in dress. My self-esteem did not depend on anyone who dressed in ANY color. As I was attending law school at the time, I knew that everyone was just wearing what they had available. I was just thankful that those who could come to my wedding, did so. I’m now going to a wedding this summer and can’t wear anything in my closet because of all of the color restrictions. This is NOT by bride’s mandates; it is merely because of other people’s expectations. So, I can’t wear a white dress with blue trim because it is too white. I can’t wear a white top with black skirt and a colorful scarf because I was told that both white and black were taboo colors. I look hideous in red, apricot, and pink, not to mention that as an older (plumper!) woman, I need something that flatters my figure. ARGGH!
I think most of us know not to outshine the bride or wear white/ivory. If a woman does, she’s likely doing so. Brides, I hope you are more thoughtful than to expect your guests to wear high-end clothing or certain colors to match the “theme”. Your bridal party will be doing that I would hope you would cherish the presence of your guests over luxury ensembles. Though the day truly is about you and your husband, don’t toss to the curb the feelings and finances of your guests. Thanks.
Hello Heidi! Thanks for this article. I would appreciate some input. I am attending my other half’s daughter’s wedding end of October. Ceremony and reception outdoors in a covered area starting at 4pm at a fancy ranch with fall colors decor. Sunday Best attire! The groomsmen are wearing all black tuxes, bridal party satin dresses in fall colors. Bride said I can wear my color and style of choice. I will be escorted in. Sunday’s Best has me confused. Forecast right now expected to be 75 cooling to about 56 later. Thoughts and insight?
Hello, my son is getting married this coming October in Massachusetts in a rural town in Berkshire County. I have a beautiful black patterned evening cocktail dress that is similar shape to the one you’re wearing. It’s a Jacki-O feature neckline with a jewel. I wanted to wear boots considering it’s an outdoor ceremony at the country club and it’s probably going to be chilly at 4 o’clock it’s certainly going to be dark. Am I allowed to wear boots with a 2 inch heel no black traditional? Thank you! It’s pretty casual over here lol
Thank you. What if you don’t like wearing dresses? And all of yours are sleeveless. My arms are not pretty and I don’t want anything that doesn’t have 3/4 sleeves. I love your choices, but they are not for the people who don’t have your body type. Can you show practical and inexpensive choices for the rest of us please? Thank you.
Excited to be invited to weddings?? NO! 🙄 How about DREADING IT….at least Summer weddings! All the rules are exhausting enough, but most brides are young and not thinking of older guest’s concerns – at least not women guests – such as: 1) Why are they always getting married in the Summer??? Do they think we all want to be sweating with nice clothes on and frizzy hair and make up melting?? Why would THEY, themselves want to be hot and uncomfortable in an expensive wedding dress? I’ve never understood this! 2) And some of us don’t like our bodies and don’t want to be in sleeveless, strapless styles which is 90% of what everyone wears and what designers make. Even some of us that are ok with our bodies are more conservative and feel more comfortable covered. I always said these things even in my 20s, but now well into my 40s having MASSIVE hot flash issues and a bit of weight redistributed (and not in the right places 🤷♀️) what are we to do?? If someone invited me to an evening wedding in October or November, I’d have many things to wear! I own great black dresses – some with pretty embellishments (like the dress you’re wearing here in this article) but all thats out there in stores or online for Summer are florals (which I despise.) Therefore, even though black is accepted now, I think its a bit much for a 🌞 Summer wedding in the sunny mid-day. Also age is an issue. 40s and 50s are that awkward, in-between midlife time where we shouldn’t dress too young or revealing, yet we don’t want to choose styles that make us look old and frumpy.
As a direct descendant of the very fashionable and erudite Sir Dickie Stickapopple we always wear a black bowler hat with an ostrich feather prominent,preferably to the front and at a jaunty angle,this denotes noble origins with some unexplained flaws in pedigree. The dress code requires a family Kilt and indeed a Sporran made from the private regions of a Himalayan Yak,the ensemble is complete only with red Wellington Boots,yup that’s us,,mad as a bag of frogs !
I worked with a nice woman but she had little to no common sense. We were both going to a mutual friend’s wedding. I told her she needed to wear underwear, which she rarely did. I should have told her how to dress as well. She came to the wedding in a short white lace dress. I couldn’t believe it. She said, don’t you like my dress and I said yes, very pretty but not appropriate. She couldn’t understand why until I told her that a white lace dress is what the bride usually wears, not the guests.
Red, groom, black, funerary, white, no no, blah, blah, blah. I have no intention of buying any new clothing. I have two “wedding ” dreses. Both are black. No one will suffer by what I wear. The “rules” about red or purple in reference to the groom made my eyes roll. Get a grip, people. Everyone will be looking at the bride.
Lots of good advice here. I once observed a wedding party at a hotel I was staying at. The woman who stood out (in a sea of sorbet colours and prints and big hats) wore a dark blue skirt suit. The jacket was not the corporate blazer style we see all the time now, but a slim-fitting 1950’s style jacket that came in at the waist. She wore no hat and her only decoration was a white carnation buttonhole. Absolute class.
Yes, neutrals and muted tones tend to be particularly elegant, and bright colours can look garish and cheap, depending on the fabric. However, bright coloured, high-quality garments may really suit the joyous spirit of a wedding. I find that my colour choice depends on the season and the location. Whenever the sun shines brightly and/or I spend time in Mediterranean countries, I am drawn to bright colours. Sometimes, neutrals and muted colours actually depress me.
Thank you sooo much, this article is exactly what I’ve been waiting for! Attending a wedding this June, got the dress, shoes, and bag, but I’m unsure on the fascinator that’s in my cart. Being super petite at 4’11″ I want my outfit to look cohesive because of my size but not too matchy-matchy. Been referring to my Pinterest boards for inspiration but you just gave me the final word on the hat. Btw, this format with pictures on the side totally rocks! And, Lydia, Elegance is your name and sophistication is your game. Thanks again!
I was hoping for tips what to wear out of our existing wardrobe. A article consisting of outfits built out of clothes you’ve recommended over the years in your past articles on other subjects would have been nice. I can think of a few I’ve seen on your website which would be lovely at a wedding just from the top of my head.
Wonderful guidelines but hope you don’t mind me adding another; if there is a possibility you will be in a photo with a bride who is wearing white do not choose a very light shade in a garment as it can read as a white depending upon environment, whether the photos will be in black and white rather color etc.
Omg Lydia you nailed it with jumpsuits 🙈 I wore a beautiful Navy one to a really elevated evening and got into the WC and realised I had to struggle with the Zipper down and then up again 🙈 had to come out and ask another lady to unzip me to use bathroom so embarrassing. Hubby zipped me in at home so hadn’t thought it through never bought another one and it’s in my wardrobe to date cost a fortune looks stunning on but not practical at all 💕
Dear Ms Lydia, You are an angel…your tips are practical, realistic, elegant and….attractive! Thank you, thank you for including the ” renting ” idea; so sustainable and helpful…against over-consumerism !!! Your article is fantastic; your aim is attained! So helpful!! I am so eager to see…others of the same manner! :)) Thank you! helene 🙂
Hi Lydia, sorry I am a novice regarding YouTube. My questions aren’t wedding related I’m afraid so forgive me for that. However I have come across one of your articles where you are wearing some beautiful white pants. It’s a shorts article from 7 months ago. (3 major shifts in fashion trends) I love those trousers.😊 Could you possibly inform me as to where you purchased them from please. Also I am after a classy white shirt. I wondered if you could recommend a good retailer for me. I have subscribed. Thank you 🇬🇧
Where I live ( a rather rural area of the U.S.) I’ve been to weddings where the bride has spent a fortune on her dress, the groom has a stunning tuxedo and yet many of the guests have come wearing jeans and t-shirts or cargo shorts and tank tops! (No I’m not kidding!) When I attend a wedding I try to look chic but not stand out in the crowd….Unfortunately, I often do stand out because I’m one of the few that have dressed appropriately for a wedding! LOVED your article 🥰🥰 I have a wedding to attend this summer…these tips will come in handy.
Great article. You didn’t talk about showing skin. How much, where, and where not? Advice from a mother of the bride: It’s a good rule of thumb to show only one area of skin. Either show your shoulders or arms or chest or back. Or a covered up top with exposed leg (depends on wedding formality). Not more than one (maybe two) areas of skin, or you’ll take away the bride’s spot light. Also, wear comfortable shoes you can dance in. I’ve seen girls get barefoot on the dance floor, then someone drops their champagne glass, and you can guess what happens next…… Unless you’re on a beach or grassy lawn, keep your shoes on. Also be respectful of religious decorum. If the ceremony is in a place of worship, bring a wrap for any exposed shoulders, arms or back.
I can get behind most of your tips but colour and pattern(size) are very much dependent on the person and culture as well. Some people don’t look good in muted colours even less so in an earthy palette. Same goes for bigger or smaller patterns. If we’re assuming a traditional white wedding I would suggest to stay away from any solid pale colour that could be confused with white, when overexposed to light. Also don’t wear something too dark because most men will probably be in a suit and if the ladies wear black, navy, charcoal gray and forest green the pictures might look a bit dull and moody😅 or if they print them in black and white it might look like a funeral.