Wedding Guest Dress Etiquette

The bride and groom’s wedding day is probably the most important day of their lives. It’s a privilege to be invited along as a wedding guest and to join them in celebrating their special day, therefore it’s essential to dress the part. 

Some couples may suggest a dress code on their invitations, which can be really helpful when it comes to picking out some suitable wedding guest dresses, as you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for. 

Wedding Guest Dress Etiquette – What To Wear As A Guest

Other couples are more relaxed and trust you to come wearing something appropriate for their big day. If you want to make sure you’re the best wedding guest you can be, simply take a look at our wedding guest dress etiquette guide below. 

Avoid wearing a wedding guest dress that’s too revealing.

Weddings are formal events, therefore when attending as a guest you should wear a dress that suggests dignity and sophistication. Ever Pretty have plenty of suitable wedding guest dresses to choose from, with cuts and designs to suit all body shapes. 

Do not wear flip flops – at least, not to the ceremony. 

Unless the bride and groom have specifically stated that flip flops can be worn, it’s best to avoid them. Many wedding guests wear heels or formal flat shoes to the wedding ceremony and then opt to discreetly change into more comfortable footwear at the reception. 

Think about your colour choice.

When choosing a wedding guest dress, you must think about your colour choice. Traditionally, it’s considered extremely rude and unacceptable to wear a white dress to a wedding while attending as a guest. It’s also widely regarded as unacceptable to wear all black to a wedding, as this colour choice is usually reserved for more solemn affairs, such as funerals. Don’t be afraid to wear bright, bold colours when choosing a dress, but avoid loud patterns such as animal print. 

Make sure you’re comfortable.

When attending a wedding as a guest, you will be expected to do a lot of standing, sitting, walking, eating, and dancing. It’s therefore imperative that you’re comfortable in your wedding guest dress. Don’t choose anything too tight that will make bending over, eating, and dancing uncomfortable. It’s also a good idea to think about the weather – even in summer. Summer evenings can get chilly, even if you’re dancing the night away. Because of this, it’s a good idea to bring an elegant wrap or cardigan that compliments your wedding guest dress and keeps you warm. 

Accessories for your wedding guest dress.

When picking out a wedding guest dress, you don’t want to choose anything that is sparkly or overly glamorous. After all, you don’t want to take the attention away from the bride! If you love sparkles, instead of choosing a dress covered in sequins or gems, invest in some good quality accessories to liven up your outfit. Some wedding guests also choose to wear a stylish, formal hat. It’s not very often that women get to attend such formal events where a hat is acceptable, so why not make the most of it?

Final words on wedding guest dress etiquette.

Ultimately, unless given a dress code, you are responsible for picking out a wedding guest dress that is formal and appropriate for the day. Be sure to avoid anything that may take the attention away from the bride, and don’t wear a dress that is too revealing. If you’re worried about choosing a wedding guest dress, don’t be afraid to ask others for advice or even reach out to the bride and confirm your choice is appropriate. Most importantly, make sure that you are comfortable in the wedding guest dress that you have chosen. 

*Collaborative post.