What to Wear to a Wedding
Got your wedding invitation but still have no clue what to wear? If the bride and groom haven’t set a strict dress code, start with getting more details about the celebration: what’s the format, when will it take place and what the venue looks like. Go from there and your own taste with the rest.
If the couple is planning a grand, formal evening, go for a more polished look. For a casual wedding that feels more like a get-together with friends, you can get a little more creative with an outfit. Either way, the key is finding a balance between your personal style and the kind of event you’re heading to.
Your outfit should suit the setting without getting in the way of having a good time. With the help of Dressup.ge’s online store, you can put together a look for any kind of event in basically no time.
How to Choose the Right Outfit for a Wedding
Including a dress code on the invitation is a time honored tradition for weddings. It’s an easy way to let guests know what to expect and makes choosing a wedding outfit easier. But these days plenty of couples take a more relaxed approach, so there’s a good chance you’ll be putting your look together with no clues.
First, determine whether the event is during the day or in the evening, indoors or outdoors, and what the setting is like. An evening party at a traditional restaurant calls for a different outfit from outdoor cocktails in the afternoon.
For a formal evening, classic silhouettes are usually your best bet. For a daytime event, wedding guest outfits tend to be festive but more casual, so you’ll have more freedom there.
What Should Women Wear to a Wedding?
You don’t have to wear a dress these days, even for a formal evening event. You could go for an elegant suit, a jumpsuit, or combination of a colorful blazer with tailored trousers. The cut and fabric depend on the type of event we’re talking.
For example, your choice of special occasion dresses should align with the wedding’s style or format, rely on traditional dress code there. When it comes to dresses, choose the silhouette and length to suit the event. Go with a midi or maxi for a formal evening, or a short cocktail dress for a more relaxed daytime ceremony.
But what if you don’t feel like wearing a dress? Try a silk suit, a pretty blouse with tailored trousers, or maybe a strict but elegant jumpsuit.
Your shoes should work with your outfit, but the venue and how long the celebrations last matter too. Elegant high heels always look good indoors, while dressy flat sandals or even ballet flats might be a much better fit for a garden or courtyard ceremony.
What Should Men Wear to a Wedding?
For a formal event, a classic suit is hard to beat. But these days, unless there’s a strict dress code, the color and fabric choices are up to you. For a more relaxed event, try mixing and matching different styles of blazers, shirts and trousers.
For a laid-back wedding, choose a light-colored men’s blazer in a lightweight fabric, such as linen, and pair it with a brightly colored shirt. For evening events, many people opt for a classic blazer in a darker shade with a light shirt. But that’s been changing lately. Suits in light shades and bold colors are no longer unusual at evening events, either.
If the occasion calls for it, add a tie. It’s not essential these days, but it can give a cookie-cutter classic look a more personal touch. If the dress code isn’t too strict, a brightly colored tie with a cheeky print can be a particularly good choice to reflect the festiveness of the occasion.
Classic outfits are usually paired with elegant and low-key men’s shoes, such as Oxfords or loafers. Espadrilles are a popular option in warmer weather, too. And if the celebration is outdoors, you could even go for a simple pair of trainers in a neutral color.
How to Dress for the Season and the Wedding Venue
When you’re deciding what to wear to a summer wedding, it’s always best to look at styles that are less trendy and more like the occasion mainstays. Summer calls for lightweight fabrics, relaxed silhouettes and light colors. For a daytime ceremony, a light cocktail dress or linen suit is a great choice. If the event is outdoors and you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet, go for something you can move around in comfortably.
In the colder months, you’ll naturally need heavier fabrics and closed shoes. If the celebrations are taking place outdoors despite the chill, your outer layer matters even more, since it’ll basically be the focal point of your outfit. A smart blazer or a warm wool shawl to wrap around your shoulders should fit the rest of your look naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Wear to a Wedding with No Dress Code?
If you don’t have any details about the dress code or what the celebrations will look like, a semi-formal or “smart casual” look is a good middle ground. Keep the venue, time of day and season in mind as you choose each piece.
What Can Women Wear to a Wedding Instead of a Dress?
A relaxed linen or silk suit, a jumpsuit in a classic cut, or an elegant blouse paired with tailored trousers are all good alternatives.
Do Men Have to Wear a Formal Suit to a Wedding?
No. For a more relaxed celebration, you can mix and match a blazer, shirt and tailored trousers in various colors and fabrics. In the warmer months, you might not need a blazer at all.
What Should I Wear to a Summer Wedding?
Choose light, breathable fabrics, relaxed silhouettes and shoes that suit the venue.
What Shoes Should I Wear to a Wedding?
It depends on the event. For indoor weddings in cooler weather, women often choose classic high heels, while men opt for Oxfords or loafers. In the warmer months, open-toe sandals and breathable espadrilles are more popular.
