Designer A-Z 
Wedding Guest Dress Code – What To Wear
Wedding guests should be appropriately dressed for a wedding. It is important to remember that weddings are usually quite a formal affair and people take the time to dress up and look their best. We at Girl Meets Dress have gathered tips for all wedding guests this summer – The do’s and dont’s, what to wear to a daytime church wedding and evening reception and explain the most common wedding-guest dress codes.
Wedding etiquette dictates that any dress code should be explained in the extra information that goes out with the wedding invitations. Between “black tie optional” and “semiformal,” the language can be tricky to decipher. But we’ve got you covered. Here are the most common wedding-guest dress codes explained;
“White Tie”. This the most formal of all dress codes (think: White House state dinners). White Tie dresses to wear for weddings are usually formal floor-length evening gowns.
Elliot Claire –
“Black Tie”. This is the next most formal wedding dress code, and usually means the wedding is an evening event. You can go a bit dressier and wear a formal floor-length gown, or choose a short, dressy cocktail dress as a Black Tie wedding attire.
Adrianna Papell –
“Formal” or “Black Tie Optional”. The wording here indicates something slightly less formal than black tie is acceptable. But the event is still formal enough for one to be appropriate. A long dress, dressy separates, or a formal cocktail dress.
Ariella –
“Semiformal” or “Dressy Casual”. Take your cues from the time of the event – Wear darker, more formal colours for an evening wedding; opt for light colours and fabrics for a daytime event. A cocktail dress or a long, dressy skirt and top works fine.
Stella McCartney –
“Festive Attire”. This one can leave many guests confused. In general, guests are given the permission to have fun and play with their outfits. Opt for cocktail-party attire featuring bolder colours and accessories.
ChiChi London –
“Casual”. This indicates the wedding will likely be held outdoors or on the beach, meaning the event will be much more laid-back, especially when it comes to attire. That said, jeans, shorts, and tank tops are probably not appropriate unless they’re specifically noted as acceptable. A summer sundress is appropriate (just make sure the fabric isn’t overly formal). Appropriate shoes should be chosen if the wedding is outside or on grass.
Self-Portrait –
Not every invitation has a dress code outlined. You can take on clues by looking whether the invitation itself is formal or casual. After six usually means to dress more formally than during the day. Churches, synagogues and even hotel ballrooms tend to be more formal than a park, garden or a beach. If you absolutely cannot figure out how to dress by looking at the invitation, don’t be shy. It’s better to ask the bride, groom or their families!
Hats are traditional, but by no means compulsory, at weddings. Just remember to choose your hat carefully making sure it compliments your height, body and outfit. Keep in mind that traditionally ladies decorate hats on the right hand side and be careful when greeting/kissing others when wearing a bigger headpiece.
Bundle Maclaren –
Wedding dress code – What not to wear!:
– Avoid wearing white – Unless you are invited to a white-themed wedding, don’t take attention away from the bride. Head-to-toe outfits in white or cream should never be worn and all black, unless cleverly accessorised, may look too sombre. Some consider Red to be unsuitable for guests to wear as it might draw to much attention.
– Don’t wear anything too short or too low-cut. Even worse, don’t wear something that is both too short and too low-cut. Consider wearing appropriate underwear or Spanx! The main point is to be careful to not show off too much.
– Many churches and synagogues require that women’s shoulders be covered, so if you want to wear somehing a little sexy for the reception, make sure to bring along a scarf or jacket so that you can cover up for the ceremony or change attire in between
– Don’t dress formal to a casual wedding and vice versa! Being overdressed for a wedding is just as uncomfortable as being underdressed.
Browse for more wedding guest dresses to rent at Girlmeetsdress.com ! We have a wide variety of evening wedding dresses, cocktail dresses for weddings, black tie wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses for weddings available online.
