What to wear as a wedding guest
You are there to celebrate, not to compete. Read the invitation, pick something you feel good sitting in for six hours, and leave white to the couple.
The short answer
Follow the dress code on the invitation. When there is none, wear something smart and festive: a dress, a suit or a dressy separates look, with comfortable shoes.
Read the invitation and the venue
A garden in June and a ballroom in November call for different clothes. Dress code, time of day and place tell you most of what you need.
Avoid white, cream and anything close to a bridal look
Leave the colour to the couple. Rich colours, deep tones and soft prints all work. If a culture or family has its own rules, follow those first.
Cover for the ceremony, change for the party
Shoulders and knees are often expected in a place of worship. A jacket, shawl or wrap handles that and comes off for the dancing.
Choose shoes you can stand in
You will be on your feet for hours, often on grass or cobbles. Block heels, flats or polished loafers beat a pair that ends the night early.
The night before
- Reread the dress code and the venue
- Try everything on, sit down and raise your arms
- Check the forecast and pack a wrap or umbrella
- Charge your phone and pack the gift and card
- Put a plaster and spare tights or socks in the bag
Common questions
What to wear as a wedding guest
Follow the dress code on the invitation. When there is none, wear something smart and festive: a dress, a suit or a dressy separates look, with comfortable shoes.
What should I do the night before?
Reread the dress code and the venue. Try everything on, sit down and raise your arms. Check the forecast and pack a wrap or umbrella. Charge your phone and pack the gift and card. Put a plaster and spare tights or socks in the bag.