Earlier today I received a call from someone who was attending a wedding as a guest on the weekend. His dilemma – what to wear. He ummed and aahed about a suit with or without a waistcoat, or just chinos and a shirt, and then he asked about wearing a tie that matched the wedding’s colour scheme. This is the advice I gave him, and it’s relevant to anyone unsure as to what to wear as a guest to a wedding.
1. It’s better to be overdressed than under-dressed
This is probably the key to dressing for a wedding, and for probably any event really. It’s rare that you’d go to a wedding and say someone is too smart, but if you’re sloppily dressed you’re certainly going to stand out, and not for the right reasons.
Here’s the thing: You can always remove a tie, or a jacket. But once you’re in jeans and a t-shirt and everyone else is dressed to the nines, you’re just going to look a fool. The only exception might be a tuxedo – save that for when it’s actually required.
That said, check the wedding invite for a dress code. Some will have one, others won’t. If you’re unsure, ask the bride or groom. Which leads me onto tip number 2…
2. “Wear anything you want” does not mean wear anything you want
It happens all the time. You ask the bride (or usually the groom) what the dress code is for their wedding, and their response is: “whatever you want, it’s pretty casual”.
It is never “pretty casual”. Even if it is. I’ve been to weddings where guests wore jeans and shorts because precisely they had been told there wasn’t a dress code. And then the bride is wondering why no-one’s made any effort for her wedding! Go back to my first point – dress up. You really can’t go wrong. The worst that can happen is people tell you how great you look.
3. The wedding colours are for the wedding party, not guests
The final point is about the wedding’s colour scheme. Some guests want to wear items that relate to the colours the bride has chosen, but there’s a problem with that. The colour scheme, when it comes to what to wear, is designed for the bridal party i.e. the groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, pageboys etc. Unless you’re in that bridal party, you’d be best to steer clear of trying to match them.
Think of it a bit like a stage show. The actors, in this case the bridal party, all wear the same colour to identify themselves as being in the cast. They’re the ones putting on the show. You’re there to watch the show. Get it? It’s a bit like the rule that women shouldn’t wear white to a wedding, although this isn’t nearly as bad as that!
There are of course exceptions to this – occasionally the invite will mention the colour scheme as part of the dress code, or the bride will specifically ask you to wear a royal blue tie. Again, if in doubt, ask. But remember tip number 2…
So there you have my 3 top tips for what to wear, or not, to a wedding. Normal fashion sense still applies of course, and there are plenty of style sites that can help you find the right shoes or how to fit a jacket properly. Just don’t stress too much about it, no-one’s paying too much attention to you. After all, the star of the show is a lady in white…
I'm a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies of dressing appropriately for various occasions. Having explored the realms of style and fashion for years, I've not only kept up with the latest trends but have also delved into the timeless principles that govern dressing for specific events. Now, let's delve into the advice given in the article about what to wear as a wedding guest.
The author emphasizes the importance of being overdressed rather than underdressed when attending a wedding. This resonates with my own experience and understanding. The key takeaway here is that it's rare to be considered too smart at a wedding, but being sloppily dressed will undoubtedly make you stand out for the wrong reasons. The flexibility of removing a tie or a jacket is highlighted as a remedy, but once you've settled for casual attire like jeans and a t-shirt, standing out in a negative way becomes inevitable.
The second tip addresses the common scenario where hosts claim there's no specific dress code, often saying, "Wear anything you want; it's pretty casual." The author warns against taking this statement at face value, advising readers to interpret it as an opportunity to dress up rather than an invitation to embrace casual wear. Drawing attention to personal experiences where guests misinterpreted the casual nature of the event and showed up in jeans and shorts, the author emphasizes the importance of making an effort and dressing appropriately for the occasion.
Lastly, the article touches upon the wedding's color scheme. It emphasizes that the chosen colors are primarily for the wedding party, including the bride, groom, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. Guests are advised to steer clear of trying to match the wedding party's colors unless explicitly mentioned in the dress code or requested by the bride. The analogy of a stage show is used to explain the concept, where the bridal party represents the cast wearing the same color to identify themselves, while guests are there to enjoy the show.
In conclusion, the author provides three valuable tips for wedding guests: prioritize being overdressed, don't take "wear anything you want" too casually, and avoid attempting to match the wedding party's colors unless explicitly instructed. These tips, coupled with normal fashion sense, ensure that guests make a positive and appropriate impression at the wedding without stressing too much about their attire.
