FAQs
Women should embrace wrap dresses, midi dresses or elegant jumpsuits. For men, if it's a daytime wedding, a light sport jacket, button-down shirt and relaxed chinos fit the bill. In the evening, go for darker colors, as later weddings tend to be more formal.
What to wear to a wedding reception as a guest? ›
Women should embrace wrap dresses, midi dresses or elegant jumpsuits. For men, if it's a daytime wedding, a light sport jacket, button-down shirt and relaxed chinos fit the bill. In the evening, go for darker colors, as later weddings tend to be more formal.
What is the dress code if you are invited to a wedding? ›
The wedding party will be in formal wedding attire, and it's optional for all guests. For men, they should wear a classic suit or tux including a tie, and formal evening wear (floor-length dresses or evening pantsuits) for women.
What to wear to a wedding after party as a guest? ›
Semi-Formal Attire
For a semi-formal affair, think classic and sophisticated. Whether it's a knee-length dress or a sleek jumpsuit, semi-formal attire is all about looking polished and put together. Feel free to wear your dancing shoes and grace the dance floor with style!
What color dress code for wedding guest? ›
If you're looking for something classic and timeless, dark colors like navy blue or black are always appropriate. For a more glamorous look, pastels such as lavender, light pink, or pale blue will add a touch of elegance to your outfit.
What is not appropriate to wear as a wedding guest? ›
Lean towards dressing up, even for "casual" weddings.
Even if the wedding has a more low-key dress code, I promise you: It is not that casual. Meaning, stay away from sweats, shorts, jeans, T-shirts.
Do you dress up for a wedding reception? ›
The dress code should be spelled out for you on the invitation. From black tie and semi-formal to dressy-casual and beach celebrations, the style of dress can vary. You may have been absent from the ceremony, but you promise to have and to hold onto your great style at the reception.
What to wear to a wedding reception evening for females? ›
Ladies should wear a floor-length gown, a tea-length dress, or even a classy jumpsuit. Rich fabrics like silk, velvet, or satin are all beautiful options, and you should opt for dark colours or jewel tones. If you're a fan of glitz and glamour, a little bit of sparkle doesn't go amiss at a formal wedding reception!
What is the smart casual dress code? ›
What Is Smart Casual? Smart casual is an approach to dressing professionally that mixes trendier pieces in with classic staples. The goal is an appearance that's clean and professional but doesn't look too formal. You want to look pulled together but a bit interesting and approachable.
Is it okay to wear black to a wedding? ›
Black is usually best suited for formal celebrations, as the color is "very conservative and very polished-looking,” Smith shares. Couples usually specify the guest code at the bottom of their invitations and on their wedding website, so if you've been invited to a formal affair, black is a resounding “yes.”
1) Do Consider the Wedding Dress Code
Black Tie: floor length gowns, black ties, tuxedos. Formal: floor length gowns, tuxedos optional, black suits acceptable. Semi-Formal: below the knee dresses, dress shirts, slacks. Casual: sundresses, collared shirts, khakis.
Should wedding guests wear their hair up or down? ›
Can I wear my hair down as a wedding guest? Wearing your hair down is a beautiful and timeless choice for wedding guest hairstyles — especially if you have long or thick hair. Consider beachy waves, romantic curls, or even a half-up half-down.
Is it OK to wear wedding colors as a guest? ›
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.
What colour is taboo for wedding guests? ›
If you're a stickler for etiquette, then you should also avoid wearing colors similar to white, says bridal stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz. "That means ivory and cream, of course, but to be extra safe, I'd also think twice about silver, champagne, blush, and pale blue, which can read as white in photos," she says.
What is the safest color to wear to a wedding? ›
Safe Choices
The safest bets are colors that work for almost any type of wedding, though you may avoid them when attending a beach wedding. Navy, black, and charcoal grey fall into the “safe” category – all ideal for an evening wedding or one that has anything from a formal to an informal dress code.
What are the dark colors to wear to a wedding? ›
As a general rule, "wearing black is totally acceptable, as the hue is very versatile," says bridal stylist Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride. Make the shade work for you—at any type of wedding—with these ideas for choosing the right fabrice, length, and accessories.
What do you wear to a wedding reception only? ›
If you're looking for something less traditional, a reception-only wedding allows you to ditch the formal wedding dress in favor of a white co*cktail dress or a summery maxi dress. You can also choose not to have a wedding party — although you may still want to ask some of your closest friends to give speeches.
What should a woman wear to an evening wedding reception? ›
Ladies should wear a floor-length gown, a tea-length dress, or even a classy jumpsuit. Rich fabrics like silk, velvet, or satin are all beautiful options, and you should opt for dark colours or jewel tones. If you're a fan of glitz and glamour, a little bit of sparkle doesn't go amiss at a formal wedding reception!
What is the dress code for a reception? ›
Simply put, women should wear a formal, floor-length evening gown—no exceptions—with jewelry, heels, and an elegant clutch. Men are required to wear a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, a vest, a bow tie, white or gray gloves, and formal footwear, such as derby shoes or oxfords.
Do you wear black to a wedding reception? ›
Black is usually best suited for formal celebrations, as the color is "very conservative and very polished-looking,” Smith shares. Couples usually specify the guest code at the bottom of their invitations and on their wedding website, so if you've been invited to a formal affair, black is a resounding “yes.”