Wedding Guest Attire: How to Dress For a Wedding
Posted by BUY OUTLET
If you’ve ever received a wedding invite that left you completely clueless about what to wear, this article is for you! Whether it’s a destination wedding or a celebration in someone’s backyard, the team at Buy Outlet can help you break the dress code secret to ensure appropriate wedding guest attire.
Once you receive your wedding invite, check the dress code before coming here to learn how to dress for any wedding!
1. Casual
If the invitation says casual, that usually means the wedding venue will be outdoors or on the beach. You should dress comfortably without resorting to jeans, tanks, tees, or flip-flops. Focus on laid-back styles that are a little elevated. See the examples below for everyone in the family.
Women
You can explore a few different options for wedding guest attire here, including sundresses, floral mini dresses, or jumpsuits. Opt for wedges or dressy sandals to complete your look.
Men
Men’s wedding guest attire at casual weddings should include dress pants or khakis with a collared, button-down shirt. You have the option of adding a tie and sports coat to dress it up.
Kids
Your little ones may be more difficult to dress because they can be fussy about clothing, but model their attire after your own. Just make sure you’re choosing durable styles that can withstand outdoor play!
2. Semi-Formal
Wondering how to dress for a wedding that has a semi-formal dress code? This all depends on the time of day you plan on attending. For evening events, consider darker, formal colors. If you’re attending a daytime event, airy fabrics and light colors are the right choice.
Women
For a semi-formal wedding, you should choose dresses that fall below the knee or a dressy skirt and designer blouse set. You might also explore an elegant pant suit set. Style your look with nice heels or formal flats.
Men
You definitely want to wear a dress shirt and nice slacks for a semi-formal wedding. While you might not be ready for a tux or dinner jacket, a sports coat and tie are appropriate.
Kids
Kid’s semi-formal wedding guest attire is all about adding a little bit of color or pattern to their outfit sets. You can also add suspenders to a boy’s pants and a small tie to elevate the formality.
3. Festive
As a relatively new dress code, many people are confused by festive wedding guest attire. For festive weddings (bold cocktail attire), you can play around with more adventurous styles. Add sparkles, beads, brighter colors, and textured details to your ensemble.
Women
Festive attire for women encourages playful accessories and unique silhouettes. Be bold with a sequined midi dress or a floral jumpsuit, and get your sparkle on with statement jewelry! Vince Camuto and Nina Parker offer some great options here!
Men
How to dress for a festive wedding as a man can be a little scary because you might not have worn brightly colored ties or textured suits before. Don’t be afraid to branch out with a patterned vest or printed blazer from a brand like INC International Concepts.
Kids
Let the kids get just as bright and colorful as you when you explore prints and patterns in slightly more formal silhouettes. Add a vest to your little boy’s look or a pair of ballet flats to your little girl’s ensemble.
4. Formal
Only slightly less formal than black-tie weddings, appropriate wedding guest attire here prioritizes full suits and floor-length gowns.
Women
A fancy cocktail dress or floor-length gown is the best choice for formal weddings. Depending on the couple’s theme, you might be able to play around with colors and patterns, but keep your look a bit more conservative.
Men
The most acceptable attire for men’s formal wear is a white shirt, dark suit, and conservative tie. Stay away from styles that are too bright and colorful.
Kids
Children’s formal wedding guest attire should be similar to yours with suits for the boys and full skirts for the girls.
5. Black Tie
The second most formal event dress code, black tie means gowns and suits that don’t show your ankles in elevated fabrics, like silk and velvet.
Women
For sophisticated cuts and fabrics, women should explore styles from Adrianna Papell and Ralph Lauren. Definitely add jewelry and heels to your ensemble and carefully consider your hairstyle for an elegant look.
Men
Men attending black-tie weddings must wear a tuxedo. This means a black bow tie, cummerbund or black vest, and patent leather shoes are also on the table.
Kids
The perfect inspiration for black tie attire for kids is Disney! Help your little one dress like a prince or Disney princess to ensure appropriate clothing.
6. White Tie
Finally, the white tie dress code! This is the most formal option, and you’re unlikely to receive an invitation that requires it unless you're attending a royal event or state dinner.
Women
White tie wedding guest attire for women means a formal gown with jewelry, heels, and a clutch. No jumpsuits or pantsuits are allowed under any circumstances!
Men
Men should be wearing a tuxedo with tails, along with a formal white dress shirt, bow tie, vest, white gloves, and formal footwear — like oxfords.
Kids
Most of the time, children aren’t invited to attend white tie events, but in case they are, dress them the same as you would for a black tie event.
Hopefully, this guide was the key to helping you figure out your wedding guest attire for your next event. If you need to start shopping, don’t leave before browsing our collection of luxury brands at our outlet.
About the Author
Tigran Galstyan is the owner and CEO of Buy Outlet, a designer outlet store that offers the best prices, guaranteed. Galstyan is an expert on luxury fashion and is passionate about sharing his knowledge of smart shopping and styling through his brand. His blogs seek to provide chic, comfortable, and practical fashion advice for every season, every occasion, and everyone in the family.
