Knowing what to wear to a wedding has never been so easy, of course, only if you follow the rules that we share with you in this article.
Can a guest wear white or black? Are plunging necklines allowed? What are the best colours for the summer? How should I dress if rain is forecast? Can I go to the ceremony in jeans? All of the answers to these questions are below!
So, if you have a wedding ahead and you don’t know what to wear, then this post is for you. We will tell you what to wear and what not to wear on the big day, what to wear according to the seasons of the year, according to the wedding venue…whether you are a male or female guest.
Although we already anticipate that, after hearing these rules, you will end up being an expert in wedding protocol. Pay attention to all the rules and you will get your look right!
Can you wear white to a wedding if you are a guest?
Rule no. 1: Don’t wear white to a wedding!
No! Never wear white to a wedding, since the bride, and sometimes the groom, are the only ones who should wear this colour. This also includes beige, ivory, cream or ecru.
Although it is true that there are exceptions, for example if the bride and groom set a dress code in which they say that the guests must go completely in white, for example at an Ibizan wedding.
Can necklines be worn at a religious wedding?
Rule no. 2: Always respect religious protocol
In religious weddings, when celebrated in a Catholic church, cathedral, hermitage or chapel, it is frowned upon that guests attend with wide necklines, large openings, miniskirts or bare shoulders.
Therefore, if you want to wear a neckline, to avoid showing too much, it is advisable to wear a shawl to cover yourself in the ceremony. Best to be careful!
Can I wear black to a wedding?
Rule no. 3: Avoid wearing black
This is because black has always been considered a taboo colour to wear at weddings, since it reminds of mourning, sadness, death or fear. They are not at all the feelings that are given off on a day as happy as a wedding.
But, if you are one of those who cannot get by without this colour, you can always wear a series of black accessories, they give your style a touch of sophistication and elegance in a subtle way, such as a small handbag or some fine sandals.
What can I wear to a winter wedding?
Rule no. 4: For a winter wedding: warm and elegant
At winter weddings, women can find the perfect excuse to wear that long and festive dress of which they have always dreamed of walking in, with sequins and jewels.
The most appropriate thing to opt for are thick fabrics to combat the cold of the night, such as velvet, knitted or wool dresses that cover the long sleeves.
And in terms of colours, bottle green, emerald, ruby, electric blue or red are very festive and appropriate for a winter wedding.
Men should follow similar guidelines, like wearing a dark coloured wool suit to stay warm and elegant, a waistcoat, shirt and tie – whatever keeps you warm! Have you thought about a burgundy velvet blazer or a dark grey corduroy suit?
What is the best outfit for an autumn wedding?
Rule no. 5: At an autumn wedding: layers everywhere
Sometimes it can be difficult to decide what to wear to an autumn wedding as the weather is very unpredictable. That is why the most important thing is to dress in layers, to be able to adjust the outfit according to the weather.
Since autumn shades are often dark and muted, it’s best to add a pop of colour with a statement necklace, pashmina, or lipstick that goes perfectly with floral patterns, tartan or suede fabrics.
If your shoulders are bare, it’s probably a good idea to pack a jumper or a jacket in your bag, just in case the temperature drops in the evening.
For men, it’s best to mix textures and patterns combined with a wool coat or with a silk tie. Don’t be afraid of wearing colour! For example, by wearing a navy-blue or brown suit and coloured details on ties, bow ties, lapels or pockets.
What do I wear to a wedding in the middle of summer?
Rule no. 6: For a summer wedding: light and colourful fabrics
Dressing for a summer wedding is about looking stylish while staying cool. So the best option is to use breathable fabrics so that you don’t get too sweaty during the outdoor ceremony.
Try on dresses in light and airy fabrics such as silk, chiffon, cotton or linen and summer and tropical colours, with flowers and prints.
Dressing lightly is even more important for men, as they tend to sweat more easily. So linen or cotton suits in pastel or light colours will be a great option.
What is the best outfit for a spring wedding?
Rule no. 7: If the wedding is in spring, rain-proof clothing
Spring weddings are beautiful, with all those fresh flowers and green grass, but watch out! The rain forecasts in spring are usually high, so be careful with your look, since wet grass and mud can backfire on your shoes and the bottom of the suit.
So, avoid long dresses that can drag mud and take a spare of closed shoes, also take a small umbrella for impromptu showers.
Opt for floral embroidered fabrics that are in tune with spring, such as small squares, bows, midi cuts, ruffles, cheerful tones and the occasional illusion lace.
For men, it’s best not to use too dark or too cold colours, so it’s like what happens in autumn: grey, brown or blue, combined with coloured accessories will be the winning bet.
What is the dress code for a beach wedding?
Rule no. 8: At a beach wedding: comfort in the sun and sand
First you have to be attentive to the wedding invitation, as it will specify whether the dress code is formal or informal. However, always take into account the sun, sand, wind and water when choosing your style.
A midi or long dress is the ideal option, since with the wind a very short dress can rise and reveal things we do not want to reveal.
Pair it with flat sandals and a hat or a sun headdress, some necklines to stay cool, and tropical and nautical colour patterns.
The sun and sand can be uncomfortable for a man wearing a three-piece suit, so it’s best to opt for a light linen or cotton suit to keep cool.
As for the colour shades, there’s nothing better than the subtle ones, such as light blues, that are in tune with the sea, or even pale pinks, combined with nautical shoes.
What can you wear to an informal wedding?
Rule no. 9: At an informal wedding, ALMOST anything goes!
It’s normal for the word “informal” to cause some uncertainty when choosing your outfit for the wedding, but don’t worry because this means that almost anything goes, yes, including short trousers or sleeveless tops.
You just have to think what you would wear to a dinner with friends or family, a meeting or at work. For example for women, wide leg trousers, shorts, jumpsuits, pleated mini dresses, t-shirt dresses or wedges.
For men, some Bermuda shorts, casual shirts or braces, but no jackets or ties. In addition, for footwear comfort can prevail over elegance.
What should I wear to a formal wedding?
Rule no. 10: If you are going to a formal wedding, elegance and style
If you read the word “formal” on the invitation, don’t be scared. It’s much simpler than it seems.
For women, it is the perfect occasion to show off elegant heels, flashy bags, asymmetrical necklines, sequins, etc. Both a cocktail dress and a long dress will work well.
Men are sure to be right with an elegant pair of cufflinks and a pair of shiny shoes paired with a matching tuxedo jacket or trousers. The most classic option is a tie with a waistcoat or sash and braces.
What is most appropriate for an evening wedding?
Rule no. 11: For evening weddings, no big headdresses or hats
This is something that is allowed for weddings that are celebrated in the morning, since, during the day, with the rays of sun, it is accepted that guests wear hats or wide-brimmed sun hats. But at an evening wedding when the sun goes down these accessories are unnecessary.
An afternoon-evening wedding suggests a more formal evening atmosphere, where long dresses are more appropriate than short ones.
It is best to use jewel shades, blue or even metallic gold or silver, but without being too overloaded. On the other hand, men are sure to be right in a dark tuxedo.
Can you wear trainers to a wedding?
Rule no. 12: Leave your trainers at home
Although it may be an informal wedding, trainers are a sign or carelessness and indifference to the event, since a wedding is a unique and special occasion.
So put away your trainers and go for a pair of nice and comfortable shoes.
Can you wear jeans to a wedding?
Rule no. 13: Say no to ripped and worn jeans
Unless they are explicitly indicated in the invitation or on the wedding website, these types of garments are not appropriate for such an event.
Set aside clothing with holes, rips or stains for another time, even if it’s a famous designer dress with an intentional tear. It is not a suitable choice for a wedding guest.
Can I wear the same colour as the bridesmaids?
Rule no. 14: Make sure the colour of your dress does not match with that of the bridesmaid
Unless the bride and groom indicate otherwise, the colours that combine with the wedding colours should be avoided, as with this case with the colour of the bridesmaids, since you can cause confusion by looking like one of them.
So, find out about the colour that the bridesmaids will wear, and decide on another option.
Can I dress as elegant as the bride and groom?
Rule no. 15: Never stand out more than the bride and groom
Remember that this is the most important day for the couple, so trying to draw attention away from them or divert it can not only look quite bad and make the couple uncomfortable, but you can also feel completely out of place yourself.
Can you dress sexy to a wedding with necklines and illusion lace?
Rule no. 16: Don’t show more skin than necessary
This applies to both men and women, since there are many guests who think of a wedding as if it were a catwalk.
Remember that less skin, sometimes, is more elegance, so avoid those low necklines or those dresses that look like a second skin sticking to your body. Better save these outfits for a night at the night club.
Because this time, less is more.
Now you are ready to start to look for the style for the wedding you are invited to, but always remember to follow these rules to be the perfect guest.
And you already know that you can always count on us at Perfect Venue to help you find what best suits you.
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