Wedding Guest Dress Code
The golden rule: never compete with the bride and groom. Before choosing your outfit, find out how the couple will be dressed. It would be awkward if guests showed up dressed more formally than the stars of the day. For women, it’s especially important not to wear the same color as the bride’s dress. As a general rule, avoid white and—yes—even black for weddings. And if the couple has special requests for guest attire, follow them 100%.
When selecting your outfit, consider the season, time of day, venue, and the effort (and expense) the couple has invested in the event.
Season, Time & Venue Matter
Season: Choose fabrics and shoes suited to the weather. Summer weddings rarely require outerwear, making the investment lower than for a winter celebration.
Time of day: If the wedding is after 5 PM, guests can opt for more evening-appropriate attire, such as a cocktail dress or darker suit. For daytime weddings, a navy suit for men and a bright, cheerful dress for women works beautifully.
Venue: The location often dictates formality. A luxury restaurant calls for an elegant dress or suit with formal shoes, regardless of the season. For a casual garden or beach wedding, you can be more relaxed—but still festive and polished. Avoid jeans, sportswear, or beach attire unless specifically requested by the hosts.
For Female Guests
Dresses: A dress with sleeves is always a safe and elegant choice. Keep it tasteful—avoid plunging necklines, ultra-short hemlines, skin-tight fits, or overly sparkly gowns that draw too much attention. You’re there to celebrate the couple, not to be the main attraction. Formal jumpsuits or tailored trouser suits are also great alternatives.
Length: Mini dresses are generally too provocative for weddings, and floor-length gowns are often reserved for the bride or evening galas. The exception? In Southern Europe (Italy, Greece, Spain), long dresses are common for guests. Still, be mindful—if your gown is more formal than the bride’s, it may look like you’re competing.
Twin Set PennyBlack Marella
Patterns & Fabrics: Florals, polka dots, lace, and light sheer fabrics work well. Avoid animal prints, which rarely suit a formal wedding. Cotton, linen, and knit fabrics feel less dressy, so reserve them for more casual settings.
Colors: Skip white and ivory entirely—these belong to the bride. Avoid wearing the same color as the bridesmaids. Steer clear of black for daytime weddings, and avoid dull or overly casual shades like brown, orange, or flat gray. Excellent choices include jewel tones, silver, gold, fuchsia, coral, turquoise, and most blues and greens. Red can be too bold unless styled tastefully.
Accessories: Hats can be a beautiful touch at weddings, so take the opportunity if you like them. Sheer tights are still considered essential for formal, traditional weddings—especially in cooler months. For summer, closed-toe shoes make this easier to manage. Elegant wraps, shawls, or capes are the best outerwear match for formal dresses.
Twin Set Twin Set Marella
For Male Guests
For a classic wedding, a navy suit (or a rich Parisian blue) is the safest and most versatile choice. Pair it with a formal tie in silver, pastel, or with a subtle pattern, and add a pocket square for instant polish. A crisp white shirt—preferably with double cuffs—will elevate the look further. Don’t forget a belt, and choose black lace-up shoes for maximum formality. If the evening includes a formal dinner or dance, a cocktail suit works for most, but a tuxedo (black tie) is only appropriate if specified on the invitation. Guests at high-end venues often change between the ceremony and the reception, sometimes even in their cars.
Boggi Milano Boss Boss
Casual or Beach Weddings
Even in relaxed settings, aim for “casual elegance.” Women can choose a dress, skirt and blouse combo, or chic trousers in festive colors. Men can wear a linen shirt with long sleeves and matching linen trousers, or a light suit without a tie. Never wear jeans, shorts, cargo pants, or slogan T-shirts unless the hosts have requested them.
Church Ceremonies
While no one will turn you away for bare shoulders, it’s good etiquette to cover them during the service. Bring a wrap, shawl, or bolero, and keep necklines modest.
Parents of the Couple
Mothers should follow the same guidelines as other guests but with even more care—avoid white, ivory, and anything too provocative. A chic dress or suit in flattering colors and quality fabrics like lace, silk, or modern blends is perfect. A tasteful hat can be a beautiful touch. The bride’s mother traditionally wears the larger hat, while the groom’s mother opts for something smaller. Fathers should invest in a modern, well-fitting suit—navy is always a winner—paired with a crisp white shirt and a formal tie.
12 Golden Rules for Wedding Guests
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Never wear white.
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Dress up—weddings are special occasions.
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Avoid overly tight, sexy dresses.
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Skip animal prints and bold slogan prints.
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The right bra makes all the difference.
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No jeans—unless the couple requests them.
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Men: no short-sleeve shirts.
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Avoid all-black outfits for weddings.
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Parents of the couple should coordinate outfits in advance.
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Honor the couple’s requests for dress code.
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Break in new shoes before the wedding day.
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When in doubt, dress slightly more formally than less.
All outfits shown in the photos are available at Emporium.si.