Wedding Guest Etiquette: What to Wear?

Wear the appropriate attire to your next wedding.

The etiquette for wedding attire is typically dependent on the style of the wedding. Factors such as location, time and family background are great indicators for the type of wardrobe to bust out for your friend's special day. Invitations offer solid clues as to what to wear and may even flat out tell you exactly what the dress code is. For ladies, a fun, flirty dress usually works well. And gentlemen can never go wrong with a classic suit.

Outdoors Attire

For women, floral patterned dresses are perfect for outdoor, daytime weddings. Go with appropriate-length dresses with pastel colors and light fabrics. Leggings also coordinate nicely. If the wedding is on the beach, be sure to wear sandals. Otherwise, traditional heels are good, but strappy shoes are even better. If a dress is not preferable, a light-colored suit will do wonders. However, avoid dark colors at all costs. Daytime weddings give off a lighthearted and playful atmosphere. Heavy, dark colors bring down that aura. Accessorize with a hat. As for men, suits will always work, particularly dark ones--but grays and navy would also be very suitable. However, unless the invitation specifies that the wedding is formal, a tuxedo is not necessary. A dress shirt, tie and pants topped with an optional blazer match nicely for warmer temperatures. The most important thing to keep in mind for outdoors attire is to dress comfortably, according to TheKnot.com.

Formal Attire

Formal attire for women can be achieved with a simple, black cocktail dress accessorized with jewelry, says WeddingChannel.com. Long dresses that go to the floor or flowing gowns also fit in this category. Pumps always go well with evening attire. Be careful of being too inappropriate. Strapless dresses and attire that bears too much cleavage are a no-go. Darker colors and sophisticated-looking outfits look much better. For men, tuxedos are the norm.

Semi-Formal Attire

Semi-formal attire is similar to outdoors attire. Skirts, sundresses, or colorful dresses for the ladies are always appropriate. Avoid floor-length dresses. For the men, a blazer is not necessary. A dress shirt, slacks and a tie will complete the look perfectly.

Winter Attire

Weddings that take place when the weather is cold may often require guests to bring extra clothing. For the ladies, be sure to wear a fur wrap or a coat. Go for sheath dresses, not dresses made out of flowing material, as they may get caught in the wind. Closed-toed shoes will keep your feet warm and prevent them from freezing in the cold. For the men, wool suits and a sweater beneath the blazer are appropriate.

What Not To Wear

Don't be overly suggestive or show too much skin. Though weddings are meant to be fun and joyous occasions, keep to a mildly conservative dress code, recommends TheKnot.com. For women especially, wearing white is not allowed. You don't want to upstage the bride. Men don't have to be too troubled about what to wear because unless otherwise specified, suits are always the standard wear. For men, avoid multicolored garb and oddly patterned ties.

References

• The Knot: Guest Attire
• Wedding Channel: What to Wear

Resources

• The Knot