What to wear to a

Wedding

A wedding! A day of celebration and in the UK, it’s still a formal affair where a dress code is often requested. A wedding is a festive and special occasion, and your outfit is part of the celebration.

We still see it too often: guests arriving at a wedding in everyday or casual clothing. Sneakers and jeans at a wedding. If the couple have clearly stated this, then this is fine. But it becomes awkward when it’s not intended.

A wedding day is one of the most important days in a couple’s life. Lifelong memories are made and usually faithfully captured by a photographer or videographer. So why not be immortalized in style? The dress codes most commonly used at weddings are: Tenue de Ville, Black Tie, Party and Casual Chic. These dress codes are all accessible, stylish, yet also festive.

In short

Weddings for women

  • The dress code on the invitation is leading
  • The season and location should also influence the style of the outfit.
  • The tone should be festive and chic
  • Only the bride should dress in white!
Do's & don'ts

The perfect wedding outfit

Is there a dress code on the wedding invitation? Then this is of course the most important factor when deciding what to wear. But even if there isn’t an official dress code, there are still tried-and-true wedding fashion tips to help you dress appropriately for the occasion. 

So, what to wear? For women, wedding fashion can be elegant evening or cocktail dresses with accessories that accentuate.

Swap your everyday handbag out for a smaller, chic bag that matches your outfit and shoes. A well-chosen clutch or purse can really become the pièce de résistance of an outfit.

A wedding day often ends on the dance floor. So, it’s a good idea to choose an outfit that you can kick up your heels in! Think of knee-length dresses with a feminine cut and matching heels.

Not a fan of dresses or skirts? Jumpsuits in a beautiful fabric or tailored pants paired with a gorgeous blouse are a great alternative. Add a finishing touch with a fitted jacket and you’ll have a look that can (almost) steal the show.

Tips & inspiration

Wedding clothes for women

If there is no dress code specified on the invitation, the wedding location can give you some cues to choose what to wear. An outfit you wear to a stately castle will be miles apart from an outfit for a beach wedding.

For a wedding at the city hall, a cocktail dress with a pashmina to wrap around is stylish and appropriate. At formal locations and especially in places of worship, it’s good etiquette to cover up bare shoulders and avoid revealing necklines.

Women should avoid wearing white. Only the bride has free reign to wear white at a wedding! The golden rule for outfits as a wedding guest is don’t wear an outfit that is primarily white and avoid all shades of white. The bride should be allowed to shine in her wedding dress.

A wedding is usually not the occasion to wear your sexiest outfit. A little décolleté is fine, but it shouldn’t be too revealing. The same applies to miniskirts or dresses.

Accessories have the power to really elevate an outfit.  Heels are very flattering but remember you may have to stand in them all day and even dance in them at night. So, try to choose shoes that are comfortable or take advice form the experts: bring a pair of chic flats to step into when the going gets tough.

DRESSCODE.CO.UK
Your Online Styleguide
In short

Wedding for men

  • The dress code on the invitation is leading
  • The season and location should also influence the style of the outfit.
  • A suit or dress shirt is appropriate
  • Dress shoes
  • Personal grooming is essential
Do's & don'ts

The perfect wedding outfit

Is there a dress code on the wedding invitation? Then this is of course the most important factor when deciding what to wear. Even if there isn’t an official dress code, a wedding is an event that calls for appropriate and stylish wear. Even if you see them being worn, jeans don’t fit the wedding dress code.

For men, you can’t go wrong with a well-fitted suit. Combine this with a white of pastel dress shirt, and a tie or bowtie. If there is a colour theme, it’s a thoughtful touch to coordinate your accessories accordingly.

For a summer wedding, a black suit isn’t recommended. Grey, blue or other colours are more appropriate and comfortable.

Tips & inspiration

Wedding clothes for men

Filled pockets are not flattering for the cut of a suit, especially not in photos. So, carry as little as possible in your pockets or divide them between your pants and jacket pockets.

The jacket can be worn during the day and in the evening, you can take it off. If you are wearing a three-piece suit, keep the vest on.

The vintage or Bohemian Chic look is becoming more popular for men at weddings. Think of suits tailored in tweed and checks that evoke an old-world feel. Suspenders or a vest in a complementary colour to the jacket can really give character to an outfit.

A bowtie to complement the rest of your outfit is a great finishing touch. Always make sure your belt, sock and shoes match, and your dress shoes are clean and not scuffed. Try not to weigh your pockets down. It’s best to leave your wallet and large keychain at home.

Top