What Type of Dress Should A Wedding Guest Wear?

Although the wedding is definitely all about the happy couple, you’re likely to not want to turn up wearing a black bag, so one of the questions on most people’s minds is What type of dress should I wear to a wedding? Well, there are certainly a few do’s and don’ts for weddings, from not wearing white to the length of the dress and much more. At the end of the day, although it’s about the happy couple you’re going to want to look and feel your best for the benefit of them and yourself.

So, one of the advantages you have on your hands is time, with weddings you are typically given plenty of notice of the big day, which means you have a lot of time to shop as well. Yes we know, you’re going to order lots of different dresses and send most of them back, but it’s what we all do to find the perfect dress, plus you might keep an extra one or two for another occasion. Keep reading below to find out more about the do’s and don’ts of what to wear to a wedding.

There are lots of things to consider when picking a dress for a wedding or an outfit, from if the wedding has a strict dress code to if there’s a particular theme and much more. Below we’ll cover some of the main do’s and don’ts when it comes to wedding outfits, to help you make a more informed decision over what you should wear and what you definitely shouldn’t wear.

Although check with the happy couple if there’s a particular dress code or theme for the wedding, this will certainly make it easier to choose a dress or outfit for the big day. The couple might want people to dress formally or they might have a relaxed approach, or they might have a colour they want people to avoid to wear.

Unless you really don’t like the bride or you want to intentionally upstage them, then wearing white (and that includes shade of white/ivory), is a big NO! White is the colour typically reserved for the bride alone and even if they aren’t wearing white, then the last thing you want to do is look like you’re trying to be the bride on the big day.

One big thing to consider is the venue, if someone was getting married at a posh hotel, then you’re going to want to ensure you dress for the occasion. The dress you wear for the wedding should match that of the class of the venue and the style, plus if it was an outside wedding, then you’re going to want to wear a few layers to keep you warm. In addition to this, you also need to consider the time of wear the couple is getting married, if it’s a warm day then a dress will be perfect, but if it’s in the winter, would a jumpsuit or trouser suit be a better option?

Unless it’s the particular theme or type of wedding you’re going to, then you might want to avoid wearing black on the big day. Black is a colour that’s typically reserved for funerals or mourning and if everyone is dressed brightly, then you’ll definitely stand out wearing black and probably for all the wrong reasons as well.

If you know what other guests or friends are wearing to the wedding, then don’t be afraid to ask them. Asking friends what they are wearing to the wedding, will help you to make a better choice overall. Plus you can also make sure you don’t buy the same outfit that someone else is wearing as well.

Look, if you haven’t been chosen as a bridesmaid then that could be a good thing, as you get to freely enjoy the day. But don’t fall into the trap of buying a dress that looks too much like a bridesmaid dress either, especially if it’s in the same colour. But as long as you know what the bridesmaids are wearing, then you might find a bridesmaid dress that is completely different but will still look great at a wedding.