What to wear to a pre-wedding party

Casual and sturdy: dark jeans, a good top and comfortable shoes you can stand in. A traditional German Polterabend involves smashing crockery, so wear closed shoes and nothing precious.

Dress code 2 · Casual
All year. It is often in a garden or yard, in the evening before the wedding.

Two outfits that work

Women’s

Dark jeans, blouse, white trainers

  • dark blue jeans
  • cream blouse
  • white leather trainers
  • olive jacket

Jeans and a blouse are relaxed enough for a yard party and smart enough for photos with the couple.

Men’s

Jeans, checked shirt, boots

  • dark jeans
  • blue checked shirt
  • brown boots
  • dark jacket

Jeans and boots protect your feet from broken china, and the jacket handles a cool evening outdoors.

By weather

Hot22° and up A light top, shorts or light trousers, and closed shoes for the broken china.
Mild10° to 21° Jeans, a shirt and a light jacket for the evening.
ColdBelow 10° A warm jacket, a hat and sturdy boots for an outdoor party.

Do and don’t

Do
  • Wear closed, sturdy shoes
  • Choose clothes that can take a splash or a bit of dust
  • Bring a jacket for the evening
  • Bring something to smash if the family asks: old crockery, no glass
  • Bring a small gift or a card
Don’t
  • Wear sandals or open shoes near broken china
  • Wear white or a very dressy outfit
  • Bring glass, mirrors or anything that could injure someone
  • Wear something you would hate to get dirty

Check the night before

  • Ask the hosts what is planned and what to bring
  • Check the forecast and the venue
  • Put out closed shoes
  • Pack old crockery in a bag if asked
  • Pack a gift for the couple

Questions people ask

What is a Polterabend?

A German party the night before the wedding, where guests smash old crockery for good luck, and the couple clears it up together.

Should I bring something to smash?

If the family asks, bring old porcelain or ceramic; never glass or mirrors, which are bad luck and sharp.

Can I wear a dress?

Yes, a casual one, with closed shoes. Avoid thin soles near the china.

Should I dress up?

No. It is a casual party, and it can be loud and dusty.

FeinLens

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FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.

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