Simple Tips for Picking Out Your Wedding Guest Dress
If you’re between twenty and thirty years old wedding season can be expensive, and stressful. Let’s at least make picking out the outfit easier.
DISCLAIMER: These are general guidelines to follow, there will always be exceptions and extenuating circumstances depending on the event you are attending.
THIS POST COVERS:
What dresses work best for each season, what is an isn’t appropriate for a wedding, what “black tie” actually means, inspiration for you next wedding outfit, and a brief discussion on menswear.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR
Knowing these things will help you determine what too wear.
COLORS TO AVOID- White, Red, and sometimes all Black
White:
I think we all know the number one rule of a wedding is to NOT wear white, no one wants to confuse you with the bride at the event, or in photos.
Red:
Red, especially a bright red, can be very distracting in photos. Not only can this take away from the bride and the bridal party, but it can ruin the ambiance of photos and the wedding video when all anyone notices is the bright red dress/suit. This does not mean that your dress can’t have some red in it, or that you can’t accessorize with red. Burgundy is also a perfectly acceptable alternative, especially if you are attending a winter wedding.
All Black:
This one is 50/50, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, I am so so about it myself. Some say black is too drab for a wedding, others say you will be mistaken for part of the wedding party/personal attendant/ mother of the bride exedra. If black is your color, try accessorizing with a neckpiece or colorful earrings to differentiate you from anyone in the wedding party.
But Black CAN be Acceptable for a Black Tie Dress code
When in doubt feel free to reach out to the bride and groom, or check the wedding website for further details on the dress code.
Avoid Dressing Like the Bridesmaids
It’s totally acceptable to fit the aesthetic of the wedding playing with their colors, the venue, the season, exedra. However you do NOT want to match the wedding party exactly or even wear something where you could be mistaken for the wedding party.
This takes away from their moment, can look confusing in photos, and can be confusing for other guests/relatives of the bride and groom. Often you can get an idea of what the bridesmaids might be wearing on the wedding website/invitation. Essentially, avoid buying a dress in the exact accent color the couple has picked, and don’t buy dresses that are specifically labeled or marketed towards bridesmaids.
Avoid Being too Reveling
This is obvious, you don’t have to dress like you are going to church, but for the most part weddings are classy affairs with children and grandparents. Probably not the time for a nip slip, although this would make for a great story!
What is Black Tie?
Getting invited to a black tie event can be very exciting, it’s time to glam it up!
Black Tie: Refers to an event that is formal, beyond business/business casual that typically takes place in the evening.
There are varying levels of black tie so it may help you to look at the venue and previous events that have been held here. You should also be able to tell a lot from the save the dates/invitation/and wedding website.
Women:
Black tie events are more broad for women, but a steadfast rule to follow is nothing above the knee. Dresses above the knee are considered cocktail and are not appropriate for black tie events. Typically you will see women wearing FLOOR LEGTH GOWNS.
There are not “strict” rules when it comes to color or patterns. Keep in mind the season and location of the wedding you’re attending, but feel free to experiment with colors, textures, patterns, and florals.
Certain fabrics appear more elegant than others, silk, organza, satin, and velvet are chic options. Some fabrics to avoid are nylon, polyester, and cotton.
If dresses aren’t your thing go for a killer pant suit and a pointed heel!
Shoes:
Avoid an open toed sandal as this can appear too casual. Flats are completely acceptable but look for closed toes. Heels of any kind are welcomed at a black tie event.
Men:
Men are easy, tuxedo, or dinner jacket with a tie or bow tie. Avoid khakis and going with OUT a coat.
Keeping the Venue in Mind?
When I say this I mean it in the most literal sense. Don’t wear a red velvet dress to a tropical wedding, and don’t wear a spring floral dress to a winter wedding. Don’t over think it, this is something we naturally do with our wardrobes anyways!
THE FOUR SEASONS
Winter
My favorite thing to see at a winer wedding is fuchsia/berry colors on the guests. Typically winter weddings will include some type of pine green in their colors, which compliments berry beautifully. Any type of shine or sparkle in your outfit tends to fit nicely at winter weddings as well.
Velvet is a “winter” fabric that looks the part, and can help keep you at least a little warm. A faux fur coat, or pea coat are amazing alternatives to a winter coat that elevate your outfit, and keep you warm.
Spring
I think we all know what to look for here: pastels, florals, and ruffles. Think fun and flirty when getting dressed for a spring wedding. Unlike winter and fall spring weddings welcome a shorter hem and short sleeves, so don’t count out a mini!
The key to nailing a spring wedding look is playing with texture. Mix fabrics, with feathers, pleats and ruffles.
Summer
Another chance to play with color, and dare I say prints! A bold print can be a fun way to spice up casual looks and make it appear more formal. Because its warm, lots of people opt. for an updo. This is the perfect opportunity to have fun with BOLD earrings.
I love to mismatch the earring to the dress, but then match the earrings to the shoes, or the purse!
Fall
A few things I LOVE to see at a fall wedding. Satin, browns/lime green/oranges, and LONG SLEEVE SHORT DRESSES. Depending on the location it may still be warm enough for a short dress with sleeves.
While I think neutrals work best for fall weddings, if you want to have a pop of color look towards blue. Blue pairs beautifully with all of the other “fall colors”. While you will stand out, your outfit will not take away from the wedding.
I hope these tips helped you pick out your next wedding guest outfit! Be sure to save this link for you next wedding, and as always stay fresh. 🙂
