Wedding Guest Attire Etiquette

July 9, 2018

a show stopping guest of wedding dress

Champagne, dancing, toasts, and a display of the commitment of love; who doesn’t love weddings? Being a wedding guest comes with such freedom. It has been such a long since I have just been a guest, rather than in the bridal party in some sort, and to be honest I look forward to the day! 
 
But when it comes to choosing our ensemble for the occasion, many women find themselves stumped! One of my most frequent questions that I get in real life and via direct messages is what to wear for a wedding. I understand it can get confusing when dress code slogans like casual, semi formal, formal, black tie, and white tie are being thrown around. But don’t worry, I am going to break them all down for you in today’s post! June is usually dubbed “wedding season,” but I figured anytime is as good as ever to brush up on your  wedding guest attire etiquette! 

blue floral beaded shoulder dress

What to Wear to a White Tie Wedding 

This is the fanciest it gets. Prepare to have your Oscars red carpet moment. Basically anything long, gorgeous, beaded and elaborate goes. This is not a drill! And it is definitely not optional. A long dress is most definitely required, the more glamorous, the better. But just remember it might say white tie, but you can absolutely NOT wear white! 

ornate floral beaded open back Topshop dress for guest of a wedding

What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding 

Unless the invitation says “Black Tie Optional,” it is assumed you wear a long gown. Optional under these circumstances just means you don’t have to wear a long dress, but the setting is formal enough that you will not feel overdressed if you do. Take it down a notch from your Oscar Red Carpet gown. Beading and glamorous is definitely welcome here though. This is basically the best Cinderella moment you will get as an adult, so enjoy it! Also welcomed: bold diamonds and jewels, metallic heels, and glittery bags. 

The most gorgeous Topshop dress to wear to your next wedding

If the Invitation says Cocktail or Formal Attire

This the the most “traditional” dress code for a wedding. Think of your classic short cocktail dresses and suits. If you really are not a dress lady, this is when you can get away with a pant suit if you must. Don’t make this too complicated. Simply a nice dress will do. Think as if you were going to fancy restaurant with your bow, wear what you would for that type of occasion. The dress I am wearing in these photos would be perfect. 

what to wear to a black tie wedding

What to Wear for a Casual Wedding

DO NOT WEAR JEANS! Casual in this sense does not mean your high school t shirt and short shorts either. I honestly would still opt for a beach/casual dress or a nice shirt and blouse. It is still a wedding for heaven sake. If you know it will be outdoors, simply wear some classy sandals with your low key dress. A nice pair of dress pants and fancy blouse would work here as well. But I actually think the best option is a sleek jumpsuit or romper! 

wedding dress code etiquette

Don’t allow the stress of finding the perfect look to ruin the fun in picking out your outfit. Stay calm and give yourself plenty of time before the event to look around both online and in store. And if you have any other wedding related attire questions, I would be more than happy to answer them or even help you choose your look! 

Thanks for reading! Stop back for even more style posts coming later this week! 

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