Wedding season is approaching, which means we've already begun mentally riffling through our wardrobes to answer the age-old question: What to wear to a wedding? Whether you’ve received your first wedding invitation or your 100th, the one thing that's always top of mind is sorting out your wedding guest outfit.
These days, it seems like the scope for weddings has seriously broadened. Where once upon a time there was a pretty classic wedding guest dress template to follow, nowadays, couples are seizing the opportunity to have a wedding that truly matches their personality. (Case in point, the bride and groom who opted for a backyard ceremony, white Cecilie Bahnsen dress and ballet flats for their South London wedding. And that means the rules of wedding guest attire are evolving, too.
Still, we all have to walk that fine line when it comes to deciding what to wear to a wedding. We want to look striking, somewhat fun, but still appropriate. We want to make sure we’re properly dressed for the setting—an outfit you’d wear to a destination beach wedding is not likely to be the same one you’d wear to a grand English countryside affair, (Bridebook states 39% of Millennials and Gen Z couples plan rustic-style weddings, including having a barn or farmhouse as their wedding venue) or Indian Wedding.
We want to take the opportunity to dress up, without making any wedding faux pas. We have to take seasons, dress codes and comfort into account, too. Practical aspects may not be the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for a wedding guest outfit, but it's certainly something to account for.
So, what does one actually wear to a wedding when there are so many elements to consider, let alone still look chic?
For transitional months, opt for sleeved styles (such as the blouson offerings below) or a classy throw-on (a scarf or blazer, for example) to keep you warm during the ceremony. The chances are you'll whip it off just before gracing the dance floor. Seasons will also factor into the colours you choose to wear, in conjunction with the dress code, of course.
There are some more upbeat, saturated colour ways spotted during winter wedding guest season, while summer weddings always see an influx of gorgeous floral prints and slinky cuts.
There are a few more basic ground rules worth referencing before rushing to the big day in a blush dress panic, and we’ve broken them down with some simple, foolproof outfit ideas that will ensure you’re the best-dressed guest at all manner of nuptials. From the trusty classics to the modern styles that push back against old-fashioned conventions, consider this your guide on what to wear to a wedding, no matter how big or small.
What to Wear to a Wedding: 9 Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas
1. Romantic Silhouettes
Style Notes: A wedding is the perfect time to embrace the romance of vintage-inspired silhouettes. Think puffy sleeves, Bridgerton-worthy corseting and voluminous skirts. This works particularly well if you're at a countryside wedding. If your dress has a bold shape, keep the accessories minimal—sleek strappy sandals and a minimalist bag will do the trick.
Shop the Wedding Guest Look:
This satin dress features a gorgeous waterfall cowl drape at the back and thigh-high slit. Throw on under a blazer to wear through cold months.
The shape might be simple, but the tulle overlay makes it so special.
The addition of the neck tie gives this dress a wholly romantic feel.
How gorgeous is this fabric?
2. Bold Colours
Style Notes: Take weddings as the opportunity to embrace dopamine dressing and opt for a bold colour. Blue, lavender and butter yellow look set to be popular choices this year. Pro tip? Try and find out what the bridesmaids are wearing so you don't accidentally end up looking like part of the wedding party.
Shop the Wedding Guest Look:
Bring Barbiecore to wedding season.
This marigold colour could work for weddings at any time of year.
A beautiful burgundy tone.
A beautiful option if the wedding is black tie.
3. A Black Dress—Yes, Really
Style Notes: The modern world has ushered in many wonderful changes, and right now the one I'm most grateful for is the acceptance of wearing a black dress to a wedding. Black once was the mark of doom and gloom, but now it's an undeniably chic wedding dress option, particularly for city nuptials.
Shop the Wedding Guest Look:
A feather trim always looks so elevated.
You'll get so much wear out of this dress.
Jacquard always makes for a strong wedding guest look, especially in this black polka dot.
A versatile dress that could be worn for multiple weddings with just a few accessory switches.
4. Brown Gowns
Style Notes: If you typically gravitate to black pieces but can't get over the worry that it just won't be appropriate for the upcoming wedding, brown is a brilliant alternative. This season, there are plenty of tempting styles to choose from.
Shop the Wedding Guest Look:
The combination of draped velvet and soft chiffon makes this tiered wedding guest dress such an elegant option.
Don't sleep on Jigsaw for your wedding guest needs.
The draped design makes this dress look all the more expensive.
This dress looks like a designer find thanks to its close bias cut.
5. Floral Prints
Style Notes: When it comes to prints, florals are a failsafe wedding guest option. From ditsy florals to maximalist prints—there's sure to be a joyful design for you.
Shop the Wedding Guest Look:
DÔEN always delivers a fresh take on feminine dress styles, and this number is no exception.
This floral dress has a vintage vibe by taking inspiration from '40s prints.
A floral dress that's on the minimal side.
There's so much to love about this gown, but my favourite detail are the whimsical ruffles.
6. Slip Style
Style Notes: Another reliable wedding guest dress is the trusty slip dress. This slinky style can be mixed and matched with so many different accessories to create fresh outfits. I personally love pairing one with an oversized blazer and strappy heels.
Shop the Wedding Guest Look:
Why not go for this stunning yellow hue?
This rich pink is such a great wedding guest colour.
This cotton-blend twill option is so elegant for summer weddings. But pair a long coat, which brings out the lace trim, for cooler months, too.
Another excuse to give the black-at-weddings a try.
7. Match the Setting
Style Notes: When it comes to a destination wedding, it's important to embrace the setting by opting for fabrics, colours and styles that look completely well-suited to the environment. For a beach wedding, a bohemian-style maxi dress is a great bet, while nuptials in a grand estate in France call for something much more sophisticated.
Shop Wedding Guest Look:
This is giving me Spanish or Italian wedding vibes.
If you're lucky enough to be headed to a Scandi wedding, you can't go wrong with a sleek Khaite dress.
This slip style would look particularly apt for a Mediterranean wedding.
The colour, the shape, the details—it's all so good. This is crying out to be worn to a destination wedding.
8. A Tailored Look
Style Notes: Dresses just not your thing? Don't worry—a sleek, tailored silhouette is a gorgeous, fashion-forward alternative. A strapless number like a jumpsuit is perfect for a city wedding, but for something more traditional, opt for a sleeved style.
Shop Wedding Guest Look:
A silky take on a tuxedo-inspired jumpsuit.
This is sure to get a lot of nods of approval.
Just look at the olive hue.
The halter neck takes this jumpsuit up a notch.
9. Flat Footwear
Style Notes: Accessories are your wedding season best friend—after all, a few clever swaps can make your go-to wedding guest dress feel brand new again. Footwear is perhaps the trickiest part to figure out, as you need something that you'll be comfortable in all day and night. Luckily, this year flat footwear is at the top of the fashion charts, and as Bettina proves, is more than polished enough to work for wedding attire.
Shop the Wedding Guest Look:
These shoes are dancefloor ready. Plus, you can always trust on Aeyde for comfort.
Bring the mesh shoe trend to your next wedding.
The soft suede, horse bit detail and bow accent make this new season Gucci style so covetable.
Fuse two of the biggest accessories—the suede loafer trend with the western belt trend—with this sumptuous blue-grey style.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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