Wedding Guest Dresses

Types of Dresses to Wear as Wedding Guest

When shopping for a wedding guest dress, it’s important to keep in mind the dress code for the event. Wedding invitations should include a dress code which can help you select the perfect style. The dress code will let you know whether to buy a formal dress, a cocktail dress, or a black-tie gown.

Casual Wedding Guest Dress

Shorter styles like cocktail dresses or sundresses are a great option for a casual wedding guest. Pair the look with simple accessories like flat shoes and small delicate jewelry pieces. Your dress can be made from knit fabrics with less tailoring than more formal styles. Since a casual wedding is still a celebration, avoid the most casual styles like sneakers, athletic wear, and denim.

Semi-Formal Wedding Guest Dress

Semi-formal is a relaxed dress code for wedding guests, so don’t overthink it. Avoid full length hemlines, embellishments or very high end fabric when selecting semi-formal wedding guest dresses. Feel free to have fun with your look. Cocktail dresses and midi dresses with clean accessories are perfect for your next semi formal wedding invite.

Cocktail Wedding Guest Dress

Cocktail wedding guest dresses are a slightly less formal option for celebrating. This dress code calls for an above-the-knee hemline paired with dressy design details. The short design calls for a greater attention to fabric, so keep an eye out for rich jacquards, sumptuous satins, and lustrous velvets when shopping for your wedding guest look. Pair cocktail dresses with heeled pumps, heeled booties, or dainty ballet flats.

Formal Wedding Guest Dresses

Formal wedding guest dresses are the most common dress code. This style is always past the knee. Either a midi length dress, an ankle length dress, or a tea length dress is perfect for a formal wedding. Plan to wear high heels with your dress. As long as the design is tailored and elevated you can wear a long sleeve, short sleeve, or sleeveless dress to a formal wedding. Dresses with a touch of embellishment, like ruffles, beading, sequins, or embroidery, are an ideal choice.

Black Tie Outfit

A black tie wedding calls for the most formal dress code, save for white tie. A full length hemline on your dress is the most important detail, but it’s not the only element that makes the style black tie. You should also be looking for high-end fabric, embellishments, and tailored designs. If you want to make a statement, a full length tuxedo dress is the ultimate best-of-both-worlds look for a black tie wedding guest. Black tie accessories should include high heels, an evening bag, and fine jewelry.

Beach formal wedding guest dress

Destination weddings at a seaside or tropical locations might call for a “beach formal” dress code. For a beach formal wedding guest dress, the hemline is past the knee and the silhouette is tailored. Look for lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton, and chiffon. Boho dress details like crochet and raffia are perfect for beach formal styles. Avoid high heels. This dress code specifically means that guests should wear beach-appropriate shoes with a formal gown. Flat leather sandals in sleek silhouettes are a favorite choice for beach weddings.

Tips for Selecting Dress Colors for Wedding Guests

As a wedding guest, there’s one dress rule that you can’t ever break: don’t wear white. Avoid ivory, cream, lavender, pale gold, and pale silver as well. These colors can show up as white in photographs. You never want to compete with what the happy couple are wearing on their special day.

You can try matching your dress color to the season. Dark colors look good in winter, deep colors match the fall, brights are perfect for summer, and pastel colors match with the spring.

Is it okay to wear red to a wedding? As long as the outfit matches the dress code, feel free to wear your favorite red look. Red wedding guest dresses are a bold style statement, but perfectly appropriate for the occasion.

An LBD is always in style. Wear a black dress to your next wedding with a dress code appropriate hemline for a classic look.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What should a guest wear to a wedding after party?

For a wedding after-party, aim for an outfit that’s less formal than the wedding but still celebratory. A sleek cocktail dress, a midi dress with subtle embellishments, or even a tailored jumpsuit works well. Choose breathable fabrics, especially if dancing is part of the evening. Accessories like statement earrings or metallic flats can add a touch of glamour while keeping the look relaxed compared to the wedding ceremony.

What color should a guest wear to a wedding?

As a guest, it’s best to choose colors that complement the season and the event's formality. Pastels, jewel tones, and earth tones are safe choices, while navy, emerald, and burgundy work well for evening weddings. Avoid white, ivory, or anything that could be mistaken for bridal attire. When in doubt, neutrals with interesting textures or subtle patterns are always a reliable option.

What should a 60-year-old woman wear to a wedding?

A 60-year-old guest can look elegant in a knee-length or midi dress with a flattering fit. A-line or wrap dresses are versatile and timeless options. For a more formal event, a floor-length gown or a tailored pantsuit in luxe fabrics like crepe or chiffon is both sophisticated and comfortable. Consider adding a lightweight shawl or structured blazer for added coverage and style.

Is it okay to wear red to a wedding?

Yes, wearing red to a wedding is generally acceptable, but proceed with caution. Avoid overly bright or attention-grabbing shades and opt for deeper hues like burgundy or muted reds to ensure you don’t draw attention away from the happy couple. Keep the silhouette and styling understated for balance.

What should a female guest wear to a casual wedding?

For a casual wedding, opt for a simple dress in breathable fabrics like cotton or jersey. A floral midi dress, a sundress, or even a chic jumpsuit can work well. Pair the outfit with comfortable yet polished shoes, like block heels or dressy flats. Accessorize minimally to maintain a relaxed but put-together look.

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