What to Wear to a Wedding
Updated on July 30, 2024
As the wedding invites continue to flow in, finding an outfit to fit every dress code can be quite the task. So, whether you're a close friend, family member, or plus one, our guide to stylish guest attire has you covered.
Whether the wedding is a sleek city soirée, a lush garden party, or a rustic vineyard celebration, when it comes to planning your outfit, the devil is in the details. Decoding the event’s dress code can go a long way in finding the perfect outfit to wear.
Is it a beach wedding? Think flowing silhouettes, bold accessories, and sandals. Formal wedding? Opt for a long dress or jumpsuit in luxurious satin, sequins, or silk. Relaxed wedding? Opt for matching sets, suiting, or dresses in pared-back fabrications.
Read on for our tips on what to wear to a wedding, whatever the season, location or aesthetic.
1. What to wear to a wedding as a guest
Wedding season is exciting, but it can also be intimidating, particularly when you have more than one coming up. Yet, outside of a few general guidelines, modern dress codes and standards for weddings are relatively flexible.
Gone are the days when wearing dresses to a wedding was your only option: stylish separates are now embraced, and they can be just as polished as a classic cocktail dress while offering more flexibility with styling and movement. Think – sleek suiting and sets in eye-catching hues and prints.
Jumpsuits are a carefree alternative for outdoor weddings, particularly when the wind picks up. Likewise, a matching long skirt and top can be an unexpected, yet effortless recipe for success, and give you the versatility to wear pieces again and again post wedding season, filtering through your capsule wardrobe with ease.
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2. What to wear to a winter wedding
When that winter chill takes hold, your secret to success is layers. After all, you’ll probably be braving the wind and then moving inside to a cosy space where you’ll be dancing the night away. Want a shortcut to looking sharp? Tailored jackets or blazers are your answer. These days, suits come in a wide range of weights, fabrics, and fits so there are plenty of opportunities for finding a stylish version to keep you warm come wedding season. For a directional way to style the blazer, pair a silky cami underneath and drape it over your shoulders for a cape-like effect. Or belt the blazer to enhance your silhouette.
3. What to wear to a beach wedding
A beach wedding calls for a flowing maxi dress, an elegant jumpsuit, or even a matching set. Keep an eye out for pieces in summery hues, from soft pastels to bold shades. Look to fabrics like airy linen or cotton to maximise comfort. Or, for a different take on the theme, pair dress shorts with a matching linen blazer and a chic yet practical mini bag.
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4. What to wear to a formal wedding
Not quite black tie but dressier than cocktail, a formal dress code gives you the freedom to choose an outfit that sits somewhere in between. This means that anything from a cocktail dress to a floor-length dress works perfectly here.
Black is an effortless choice for modern formal weddings, and, depending on the style, they often transcend seasons, so can be worn time and time again. Opt for dresses in materials and textures that are effortlessly luxurious, like silk, satin or viscose. But don’t feel like you only have to stick to dresses – a sleek jumpsuit or pantsuit can be just as glamorous for a formal wedding. Wear your jumpsuit as a one and done fashion statement, or look for matching blazer and pant combinations in a daringly vivid colour, preferably with a sharply tailored waist, to really up the style stakes.
Accessorise with the latest footwear and handbags, and add a touch of sparkle with elegant jewellery. If in doubt, keep it minimalistic – fine gold or silver jewellery complements rather than outshines.
5. What to wear to a garden wedding
With fresh air and flowers blooming, the key here is to take your inspiration from the location. In other words, when your wedding invite requests garden party attire, don’t be afraid to bring that same sense of romanticism into your outfit. You can never go wrong with a floral print, be it a micro floral or bold oversized blooms.
The key to this theme lies in the colour scheme: think dresses, jumpsuits, and matching sets in soft, gentle pastels, such as peach, lilac, rose, or sage. If those colours don’t feel like you, take a less literal approach to the theme by choosing dresses, skirts, or tops in earthy tones, inspired by forest shades.
When it comes to a garden wedding, like any outdoor setting, choose your accessories carefully. We recommend opting for a shoe with a block heel or strappy leather sandals, particularly if you’ll be sipping cocktails in a grassy garden or winding your way through pebbled pathways. Add a finishing touch with some delicate jewellery, and you’ll be ready to toast to the happy couple in style.
6. What to wear to a cocktail wedding
Cocktail dressing is the dress code for exactly what it sounds like: cocktail hour, the time when the sun is setting and the party is getting started. As the dress code of choice for the in-between time bridging day and night, this means that there’s plenty of leeway for you to choose between a spectrum of different attire. When it comes to cocktail wear, don’t be afraid to embrace a bit of texture – jacquard, velvet or even sequins are all excellent options, while silk and sateen are your go-tos if you’re looking for something more classic. If separates are more your aesthetic, look for structured tops and pants in flowing, luxurious materials. More casual pieces can be dressed up with strappy heels and eye-catching accessories to make the cut for cocktail hour. Think – dazzling drop earrings that catch the light. When it comes to cocktail wear, don't be afraid to embrace texture – velvet, ruching, draping, or even sequins are excellent options, while silk and satin are your go-tos if you’re looking for something more refined.
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7. What to wear to a casual wedding as a guest
Casual weddings are on the rise. Whether it’s at a local restaurant or even the happy couples garden, it’s hard to know exactly how casual to dress while still looking appropriate for a wedding. We recommend still sticking to a midi or maxi dress but reconsidering the fabrication and styling. Opt for linen over silk or satin, strappy flats over sky high stilettos, and woven clutches over high shine mini bags. Suiting works perfectly too, but consider relaxed fits and soft hues that can be worn long past the ceremony.
The unspoken rule of dress codes determines that it’s generally okay to be overdressed rather than under-dressed, and elevated comfort is the name of the game.
8. What to wear to a summer wedding
Firstly, when considering what to wear to a summer wedding, think cool and breathable fabrics like cotton and linen in loose silhouettes that won’t cling to the body. Depending on how formal the dress code is, you may even be able to dress up a beach maxi or linen set, though it depends on the venue and level of formality, of course. Sleeveless summer maxi or midi dresses allow you to bare your shoulders and stay comfortable no matter how high the mercury soars.
Another point that’s well worth considering when it comes to summer weddings: your colour palette. When it comes to deciding what colour outfit you’re going to wear, opt for earthy neutrals or pastel colours to help your cause; lighter colours will absorb less heat from the sun. Sleek prints and bright shades are also welcome, or dresses and longer skirts in playful or unique silhouettes.
Always be prepared with a backup plan: don’t forget to grab a stylish pair of sunglasses and a lightweight blazer for when the sun goes down. You can always add a pop of colour or an added level of sophistication to your outfit with a bold evening bag. Complete your look with strappy sandals or garden-friendly wedge heels. For the most breathable footwear option, stick to open-toed designs, or slingback pumps.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear black to a wedding?
Long gone are the days that wearing black to a wedding is a faux pas. That said, black is most suited to black tie weddings, formal weddings, and city weddings.
Can you wear white to a wedding?
While the old standards are a lot more relaxed than they used to be, for the sake of reducing confusion (and for politeness), avoiding white is still recommended. However, if you already know the bride isn't wearing white and she is happy with your proposed outfit, this might not be an issue.
What should be avoided in wedding attire?
As long as you’re comfortable and feel confident, we think you should wear what makes you feel like your best self. If you have any reservations, reach out to the couple or someone close to them.
What is appropriate footwear for a wedding?
It depends on the dress code. Keep in mind if you'll be dancing all night and make sure you have broken in your new heels. If you're attending a garden wedding, opt for block heels or flats to avoid sinking in to soft surfaces like grass.
What accessories can you bring to a wedding?
When it comes to styling accessories for a wedding outfit, it's all in the details. We recommend bringing a handbag that fits all the necessities; like lipstick, keys, a phone, a wallet, and any other non-negotiables. Jewellery can be minimal and styled with its matching metal, or lean into maximalism and colour clash with bright and bold pieces.