How to Dress for a Casual Wedding

It may not be your big day, but that doesn't mean you can't look fabulous at this season's slew of weddings. For a casual wedding, you will always dress down a bit from what you would wear to a formal wedding, but you can still do it in style. Keep these important guidelines in mind when choosing that perfect outfit for a casual wedding.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

For Her

1. Choose a short dress in a floral print for a casual wedding taking place during the day. Don't hesitate to go for those bold colors, such as bright yellow, if it's a summer wedding.
2. Combine a fun skirt with a sweater or button-up shirt if the wedding is in the fall or winter.
3. Wear a short dress for a casual evening wedding as well, but go for something darker, such as black or navy. A cocktail dress is often appropriate.
4. Consider wearing pants or a dressy pair of capris for a wedding outdoors. That way you won't have to constantly worry about your skirt flying up in the breeze.
5. Remember that your shoes can make or break your outfit. If the wedding is outdoors, go with flats so that your heels won't get stuck in the ground. Otherwise go for a flirty heel: peep-toed sling-backs or sandals for the summer and something closed-toed (but still sexy) for fall and winter.

For Him

6. Don a long-sleeved, button-up shirt with dress slacks for a daytime wedding. A tie and sports jacket are recommended but not mandatory.
7. Opt for a lightweight suit in linen or seersucker for a daytime summer wedding if you prefer wearing a suit to slacks and a dress shirt alone.
8. Select a dark suit for an evening wedding. Dark slacks, blazer and tie are a more casual alternative to a suit but are still be appropriate for a casual wedding.
9. Wear darker, heavier clothing for a winter wedding, including during the day. You may even want to wear a nice sweater with a tie under your blazer.

Tips & Warnings

• Always go a little dressier for an evening wedding, even if it's a casual one.
• Do not wear black for a wedding during the day. Relegate your black attire for post-6 p.m. affairs.
• Don't wear a business suit unless it's a light color (no darks, especially during the day) and has a fun and flirty edge. A wedding is a time to dress femininely.
• Never wear a dress that is primarily (much less completely) white. A white background on a print is fine, though.
• Dress appropriately for the occasion. A wedding is not the time to bring out halter tops, miniskirts or any other such attire. It may be a casual wedding, but it's better to go conservative than to look inappropriate.
• Do not wear a dark suit for an informal daytime wedding.
• If you are unsure about how casual or formal a wedding is, just remember that a dark suit is always appropriate after 6 p.m. A tie is an appropriate choice for any time of the day: it dresses up an outfit without being inappropriately overdressy.