A Guide to Modern Wedding Guest Dress Codes

So you got the wedding invitation, the excitement set in, and then you think, what am I going to wear? How to choose a wedding guest dress? What does this  dress code mean? Read along as I clarify things for you and give you some tips on what to wear and how to accessorize for any dress code. We will also talk a little bit about the season.

Understanding The Guest Dress Codes

The guest dress codes for weddings reflect the ambiance of the wedding, the style of the wedding, and the wedding venue. As with all etiquette rules and codes, they are made so everybody feels comfortable. If no dress code is given, use the formality of the venue, the type of wedding, and the time of year as guides. And the obvious wedding dress code etiquette applies to all weddings.

The Various Guest Dress Codes Explained

Black Tie

Floor-length formal gowns in luxurious fabrics. Think silk, satin, lace, beaded, sequins or embroidery. Red carpet style! Beautiful jewelry. This type of wedding is likely to be in a venue with a beautiful ballroom for dancing at the reception. You want to look and feel like an old-time Goddess from the silver screen.

Go to the salon and get a professional blowout or updo if you are not good at doing your hair at home.

Wear beautiful heels but no stilettos. Come to think of it, don’t wear stilettos at any wedding unless it’s a theme wedding and the theme dictates this sort of shoe. Wear elegant heels, not too high. Always, always think elegant when picking out your wedding dress attire.

Formal or Black-Tie Optional

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Here, you can go with floor-length gowns, such as in black tie or a fancy cocktail dress. Ankle-length dresses can work as well. Again, I emphasize fancy. These are formal invitations. Dress accordingly.

Cocktail

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I love shopping for cocktail dresses. For me, they are the easiest to find. They are usually knee-length or a little above. Don’t go too short. You never want to go too short at weddings. Throw on a pair of kitten heels or even flats as long as they match the formality of your cocktail dress. Cocktail dresses were invented as something to wear for cocktail hour, not quite a formal nighttime affair but not daytime, but they can work for night-time affairs as well nowadays. That was back in the day. ;-)

Semi-formal or Dressy Casual

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This one may be a little hard to understand, but these options are all fine. If you have doubts, ask the bride.

Go for a dress that is not as fancy as a cocktail but not something you would wear to work. A cocktail dress would work, something like a little black dress but not as glittery as a cocktail dress might be. Slip dresses are very nice and feminine; they remind me of Kate Moss. Flowing skirts with a beautiful top work as well. A maxi dress would also be good. Something like a party dress would be the way I would describe it.

Use high-end accessories and a clutch. Be sure that you look festive. I think clutches are the best bags to use unless the wedding is casual. I love those clutches made out of metal. They add a nice shine to your look.

Casual

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I should not have to say this, but I will: casual is not an excuse to wear jeans. You can wear beautiful sundresses if the weather allows, maxi dresses with a cardigan, or a wrap if the weather is not very warm. Wear them with wedges, dressy sandals, or espadrilles. I love any excuse to bring a beautiful shawl. Feel free to wear a little more jewelry, if you wish, than you would a more formal affair.

Tropical or Destination

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Oh, I love beach weddings! Bring out the linen fabric! Bring out the sundresses! Wear chiffon! Put on a pair of beautiful sandals or go barefoot if you are in the sand at the beach. Bring a handbag large enough to put your sandals away if needed in a plastic bag and store them in and a wrap to throw on if it gets a little chilly at night.

Whatever you buy for this wedding you will be able to wear again and again so that part is nice. Rock a nice pair of sunglasses if the wedding is just before sundown or during the day. I think most will be near sundown to take advantage of that golden hour of magical light. I forgot to mention that I always go to weddings with a fresh manicure and pedicure.

Themed Weddings

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Themed weddings are fun, but you need to stay in character! If you are not knowledgeable about said theme, Google it. There is nothing more to be said here, dress accordingly, but dress well. You still need to look elegant. Some themed weddings are all-white clothing and nothing more.

Seasonal Considerations

These considerations are kind of obvious, so I won’t go into great detail.

Warm- Use lightweight fabrics like chiffon, linen, or cotton. Wear lighter colors as is appropriate for Spring and Summer.

Cold- velvet, lace, or wool. Wear darker, rich Fall and Winter shades of attire. Closed-toe shoes.

Wedding Guest Taboos

• No white clothing.
• No clothing that is so light it may photograph as white.
• Nothing is revealing or overtly sexy. No body con dresses, please! Horrors!
• No stiletto heels.

I hope you enjoyed my guide. Some of my fondest memories and most beautiful clothing have been while being a wedding guest. I love the shopping process and the getting ready process and then the wedding and reception itself.

I always cry at weddings. I am a romantic at heart. I have re-worn the dresses I have bought, all I did was accessorize them differently. Your choice of accessories can make or break a look. They can dress things up or down. Never disregard the power of accessories. Now go out and have fun!