It’s an honor to be invited to someone’s wedding. Make sure you show them you appreciate the gesture by wearing appropriate attire. Not sure what that actually means? No worries. While you should always check if the specific wedding you’re attending has a dress code, the following Dos and Don’ts will ensure you avoid a fashion faux pas.
DO: Know What Certain Terms Mean
A wedding invitation doesn’t need to explicitly state the dress code to give you an idea of what you should wear. Does it suggest “casual” attire for a wedding that’s taking place during the day? A skirt or a sundress and a pair of stylish but supportive sandals should do the trick. A dark cocktail dress and neutral heels is a better option if you’re asked to wear “formal” clothing. Pay attention to these terms, and find out what they mean if you’re not familiar with them.
DON’T: Wear White or Black (Maybe)
You should never wear white to a wedding unless otherwise specified. This is one of the oldest rules in the book. That’s because brides traditionally wear white. If you show up in white, it seems as if you’re trying to draw more attention to yourself.
It may also be a good idea to avoid wearing black. This rule isn’t as strict, so you might want to ask about it, but people often associate black with funerals. That’s not the kind of vibe you want to bring to a wedding.
DO: Wear Prints or Brights
Luckily, if a wedding is taking place during the summer, you can absolutely get away with adding color to your outfit. Muted prints in particular make for acceptable wedding attire.
DON’T: Wear Anything Too Revealing
You want to look your best when attending a wedding. That said, you shouldn’t wear clothing that’s too revealing. One, it’s another example of drawing too much attention away from the people the day is actually about. Two, it may not be appropriate if there are younger children in attendance.
DO: Use Your Accessories
Accessories can help you add more color and glamour to an outfit if you’ve gone with something muted. They can also help if you’ve been invited to several weddings. If you can’t justify shelling out money for a new outfit each time, you can use accessories to transform a look.
DON’T: Rely on One Pair of Shoes
This is more about your comfort than look, but it’s still important to keep in mind.
Spending hours on the dance floor may sound like fun, but it will get painful if you only have heels to wear. Bring along a pair of comfortable flats to slip into when you can’t handle heels anymore and want to give your feet a break.
Again, these are general suggestions. You also want to check the invitation and ask the couple about any dress requirements. By getting their input and following this guide, you’ll be one of the best-dressed at the wedding.
Written By: Clarissa Rivera