How to Dress for a Wedding Guest: The Basics

Summer, fall, winter—no matter the season, weddings are a time to celebrate love and come together with family and friends.

But if you’re not careful, they can also be a time where you break the bank on a new outfit.

Whether you’ve been invited to a black-tie affair or more of an outdoor rustic ceremony, we’ve got you covered with our wedding guest attire 101 guide below!

How to Dress for a Wedding Guest: The Basics

Wedding Guest Attire 101: The Basics

It’s that time of year again where the wedding season is upon us! If you’ve been invited to a wedding as a guest, you might be wondering what the dress code is and what kind of outfit you should wear.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help! When it comes to wedding guest attire, there are a few basic things to keep in mind.

First, it’s important to consider the time of day and location of the wedding. A daytime wedding will generally be more casual than an evening wedding, so keep that in mind when choosing your outfit.

Secondly, it’s always a good idea to err on the side of being more formal rather than less. You don’t want to be the only guest who is underdressed!

With those things in mind, let’s take a look at some basic wedding guest attire guidelines. For daytime weddings, a nice sundress or a skirt and blouse combo is always a good choice.

If the wedding is taking place outdoors, you might want to consider bringing a cardigan or wrap to keep you warm. For evening weddings, a cocktail dress or dressy pantsuit is usually the way to go.

Again, it’s always better to be slightly over-dressed than under-dressed, so err on the side of caution when choosing your outfit. When it comes to accessories, keep it simple.

A statement necklace or pretty earrings are a nice touch, but you don’t want to go overboard. And, of course, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes!

You’ll be on your feet for a large part of the day, so you don’t want to be uncomfortable. Finally, remember that it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to wedding guest attire.

Bear in mind the type of wedding you are attending. If it is a culture you are not familiar with, do some research! We have some posts to guide you. What is appropriate Indian wedding guest attire and Catholic wedding guest attire, are popular questions we get asked!

If you’re ever unsure about what to wear, it’s always better to ask the bride or groom ahead of time. They’ll be happy to give you some guidance so that you can be sure to look your best on their big day!

Key Takeaway: When in doubt, ask the bride or groom what they envision for wedding guests’ attire.

What to Wear to a Summer Wedding as a Guest

It’s summertime and wedding season is in full swing! If you’ve been invited to a wedding as a guest, you may be wondering what the dress code is and what sort of outfit you should wear.

Wedding guest attire can vary depending on the time of day and location of the wedding, but there are some general guidelines you can follow. For a summer wedding, it’s best to avoid anything too heavy or formal.

Opt for light, airy fabrics in cool colors. If the wedding is during the day, a sundress or maxi dress is a great option.

For an evening wedding, a cocktail dress or even a nice pair of pants with a dressy top would be appropriate. No matter what you wear, be sure to avoid anything that is too revealing or sloppy.

As far as shoes go, comfort is key. You’ll likely be on your feet for most of the day, so you don’t want to be stuck in heels that are too high.

A nice pair of flats or sandals should do the trick. And last but not least, don’t forget to accessorize!

A pretty clutch and some sparkly jewelry can really make your outfit pop. Following these guidelines, you should have no problem finding the perfect outfit to wear to a summer wedding as a guest.

Just remember to keep it comfortable, stylish, and appropriate for the occasion.

Key Takeaway: For a summer wedding, dress in light, airy fabrics in cool colors. A sundress or maxi dress is a great option for a daytime wedding, while a cocktail dress or nice pants with a dressy top are more appropriate for an evening wedding.

What to Wear to a Fall Wedding as a Guest

When it comes to wedding guest attire, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the formality of the event.

Is it a black-tie affair?

A destination wedding?

A backyard soiree?

Once you’ve got the level of formality down, you can start thinking about what to wear. If you’re still stuck, consider the time of day, the location, and the overall theme of the wedding.

For example, a daytime wedding will likely be more casual than an evening affair. A beach wedding will be more casual than a formal church ceremony.

And a rustic barn wedding will be more casual than a grand ballroom gala. With all of these factors in mind, here are a few fall wedding guest dresses to consider.

For a casual fall wedding, consider a sundress or maxi dress in a autumn-inspired print or color. Pair it with a cardigan or jacket to ward off any chill in the air.

If the wedding is on the more formal side, opt for a mid-length or long dress in a rich jewel tone. Add a touch of elegance with some sparkling jewelry and a pair of heels.

And for a truly unique look, consider a vintage-inspired dress or separates. No matter what you choose to wear, be sure to stay comfortable and confident.

After all, it’s the best way to enjoy any wedding!

Key Takeaway: When choosing a wedding guest dress, consider the formality of the event, the time of day, the location, and the overall theme of the wedding.

What to Wear to a Winter Wedding as a Guest

If you’re anything like me, you love getting dressed up for a wedding. But if you’re also like me, you hate being cold.

So what’s a girl to do when she’s invited to a winter wedding?

Here are a few tips on how to dress for a winter wedding as a guest, without freezing your butt off:

1. Choose a Dress or Outfit That Has Some Sort of Sleeve.

This will help keep you warm, without having to sacrifice style.

2. If You’re Really Cold-Natured, Consider Wearing Tights or Leggings Under Your Dress.

This way, you can still wear that killer pair of heels without your feet turning into ice cubes.

3. Layer, Layer, Layer.

Wearing a cardigan or jacket over your dress is a great way to add warmth, without looking too bulky.

4. Accessorize with a Scarf, Shawl, or Wrap.

Not only will this keep you warm, but it can also add a pop of color or pattern to your outfit.

5. Make Sure Your Coat Is Warm and Stylish.

This is one item you definitely don’t want to skimp on. A good coat will keep you warm all night long, and make you look good too.

Key Takeaway: If you’re attending a winter wedding, be sure to dress in layers and choose an outfit with some sort of sleeve.

Plus-Size & Petite Women’s Guide: What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest

If you’re a plus-size or petite woman, you know that finding the perfect dress to wear to a wedding can be a challenge. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

First things first, let’s start with what not to wear to a wedding. You want to avoid anything that is too casual, like jeans or shorts.

You also want to stay away from anything that is too formal, like a ballgown. And while you might be tempted to wear a white dress, it’s best to avoid that as well, unless you know for sure that the bride is okay with it. Traditionally it is rude to wear white to a wedding as a guest.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about what to wear to a wedding as a guest. If you’re plus-size, you’ll want to look for a dress that flatters your figure.

A-line dresses are a great option, as they tend to be very flattering. You’ll also want to make sure that the dress is not too tight, as you don’t want to be uncomfortable all night.

If you’re petite, you’ll want to look for a dress that is shorter in length. A tea-length dress is a great option, as it will show off your legs without being too short.

You’ll also want to make sure that the dress is not too loose, as you don’t want it to look like you’re swimming in it. Once you’ve found the perfect dress, it’s time to accessorize.

If you’re plus-size, you’ll want to avoid anything that is too bulky, like a large necklace. Instead, opt for something dainty, like a pearl necklace.

If you’re petite, you can go with a bigger necklace, as it will help to fill out your frame. When it comes to shoes, you’ll want to avoid anything that is too high.

Finally, don’t forget to bring a wrap or shawl, as it can get chilly in the evening. Now that you know what to wear to a wedding as a guest, you’re ready to start shopping for the perfect dress.

Just remember to keep your figure type in mind, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect dress for you.

Key Takeaway: When choosing a dress to wear to a wedding as a guest, it’s important to keep your figure type in mind. A-line dresses are a great option for plus-size women, while petite women should look for a dress that is shorter in length.

FAQs in Relation to How to Dress for a Wedding Guest

What is appropriate to wear to a wedding as a guest?

A wedding guest typically wears a dress or skirt and blouse, or a suit.

What color dress should you wear to a wedding as a guest?

The color of the dress you wear to a wedding as a guest should be appropriate for the formality of the event. For example, if the wedding is taking place in a church, you would want to avoid wearing a dress that is too short or revealing.

What should you wear to the Wedding rehersal?

Depending on the celebration, obviously. Remember that the attire you choose for the rehearsal dinner should be less formal than what you do for the wedding. You’ll probably be asked to dress in a semi-formal suit the night before if the big event is a black tie affair.

What should you not wear as a wedding guest?

A wedding guest should not wear white, as this is traditionally the color of the bride’s dress.

Conclusion

For example, “I’m so glad we could make it”.If you want to make a statement with your dress, make sure that your shoes are equally as bold.

A pair of bright colored stilettos or a glossy pair of black pumps are always a good choice.For a more casual or relaxed wedding, you can wear a sundress or a bohemian-style dress.

A summery dress is perfect for an outdoor or beach wedding.If you don’t know the bride and groom very well, it’s best to avoid white. White is reserved for the bride only. If you want to dress up a little bit, consider a dress with a print or lace details.

You can also add a simple cardigan or blazer on top.

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all your wedding needs, look no further than WedBuddy. We’ve got everything you need to make sure your big day is perfect, from dress code tips to budgeting advice. So whether you’re the bride or groom, mother of the bride or groom, best man or maid of honor, we’ve got you covered!