What to Wear to a Wedding

You've gotten the invitation for your friends' wedding, happily circled the date on your calendar and started shopping for their gift, when all of a sudden it hits you – what are you supposed to wear??? The etiquette for proper wedding guest attire can vary greatly depending on the style of the wedding. You'll have to become a little bit of a detective, but fear not. There are clues everywhere.

Start off with the invitation. Is it in flowing engraved black script on a heavy cream paper with formal language? Odds are the wedding will be similarly formal. Does it cheekily ask you to come see them get hitched? Wedding guests should look for a nice casual outfit. And of course, it may tell you directly on the invitation - black tie, casual attire etc.

Think about where the wedding is set – if it's outdoors avoid anything that will get caught in the wind – you won't want a battle of wills between the wind and your modesty! Also, avoid high heeled shoes that will sink in the sand or in the grass. If it's in a hot location avoid the suit and go for a breezy dress to help you keep your cool. Indoors at the country club or fancy restaurant? Make your outfit slightly more tailored and dressy.






Daytime Wedding
for her

• a fun floral dress
  
• a skirt and a sweater set with slingback shoes. (H&M has some surprisingly affordable and stylish skirts right now that will work for a daytime wedding)
  
• a light colored suit – try to stay away from black, navy or anything that looks like you're going to the office.
  
• a beautiful hat that coordinates with your outfit.
  
  

for him

• In the summertime, a light-colored suit, especially linen or seersucker.
  
• Winter weddings call for warmer clothing, including wool suits, a navy blazer with charcoal pants, and perhaps a sweater and tie underneath a blazer.
  
• A dress shirt, tie and dress pants is acceptable, but dress it up with a blazer if you can.
  
• If the invitation says formal, wear a dark suit. Tuxedoes are not appropriate before 6 pm.
  

Evening Wedding
for her

• dress as you would if you were going out to the theater or to dinner.
  
• a cocktail dress – nothing too sexy but something fun to dance in. Black is fine.
  
• a dressy suit or a cocktail suit
  
• wear darker colors and look for something sophisticated
  
• avoid beads or sequins unless the invitation specifically says black tie
  

for him

• a dark suit is always appropriate
  
• If the invitation says casual or semi-formal, you can wear a blazer and slacks with a nice tie.
  
  

Black-tie optional
for her

• A cocktail dress, perhaps to the floor
  
  

for him

• If you have a tuxedo, or just like wearing one, by all means do so
  
• Otherwise, wear a dark suit. Dress as formally as you can.
  
  

Black tie
for her

• a formal dress, usually to the floor
  
• bring out those beaded purses, fancy wraps and formal jewelry that's been waiting for an occasion such as this
  
• black tie weddings almost always involve dancing, so don't wear anything too constricting
  

for him

• a tuxedo is the only appropriate thing to wear. If it says creative black tie, he should still wear a tuxedo, perhaps with a black shirt or collarless white shirt.
  
  

DON'T WEAR:

• White. (This rule has relaxed some, and you can get away with wearing a printed dress with a white background and some cream colored clothing. Just be careful not to upstage the bride.)
  
• Black to a daytime wedding
  
• Jeans
  
• Anything too sexy or revealing
  
• Anything torn, with holes, stained, too big or too small for you!
  
• Anything sleeveless or strapless to a religious wedding. Bring a wrap to cover your shoulders.