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- Article tag: Bridal
Weddings are a time for celebration. You get to reunite with friends and family, witness the love between those dear to you, and party the night away.
However, while weddings are a joyous occasion, knowing what to wear as a wedding guest can be pretty daunting. Not only do you have to think about the dress code and venue, but you also have to choose an outfit that flatters you without taking attention away from the bride.
That’s why today, we’ll use our expert eye to help you find the perfect outfit for a formal wedding. We’ll also share some styling tips and outfit ideas to get you started.
Formal Wedding Etiquette: Dress Code and Other Considerations
If you’re attending a formal wedding, there are a few things to remember to ensure you’re not too underdressed on the day or committing a wedding faux pas.
Formal Dress Code
A formal dress code means ditching the sweaters, sandals, and jeans. It’s a more sophisticated version of a cocktail dress code, and your outfit should have a refined flair and appear well-fitted. Common formal attire includes maxi-length dresses, tuxedo suits, stiletto heels, and tailored blazers.
Be mindful that a formal dress code isn’t the same as a black-tie dress code, which calls for full-length ball gowns and black dinner jackets. A formal dress code offers more room for flexibility, meaning you can opt for bolder colors and the likes of midi-length dresses and flats, provided your outfit is still polished.
Wedding Etiquette
As a guest at a formal wedding, you should typically avoid wearing white or off-white colors like cream, nude, and ivory. This is especially the case if you’re wearing a maxi-length dress. Wearing white takes attention away from the bride and will draw the spotlight on you for all the wrong reasons.
Some brides are more than happy for their guests to wear white, especially if they have a specific theme in mind or there are cultural differences at play. However, unless your friend has specified that white is permitted, avoid this shade (and similar hues) at all costs.
You should also avoid wearing light colors like pastel yellow and pale blue. While these colors may not draw eyes in person, when photographed, they often become washed out and appear as white. This is particularly the case if your friend has opted for a wedding photographer with a light and airy editing style.
Wedding Party Colors
As a wedding guest, you usually want to avoid wearing the same colors as the wedding party. This prevents awkward mix-ups on the day and ensures the bridal party will stand out in the wedding photos.
Usually, the wedding color palette and any other important information will be detailed in your invitation. However, if you can’t find anything specifically mentioned, take a close look at the actual design of the wedding invite. You can usually find stylistic nods to the color or theme in its design. For example, if the wedding invite incorporates eucalyptus or ivy foliage, this would usually suggest the party color is green.
When in doubt, don’t be afraid to reach out to the bride or groom directly and ask for clarification regarding party colors, wedding theme, or dress code. Just make sure to ask them well in advance and not the day before the wedding! They’ll likely be very overwhelmed at this stage, and they won’t have the mental energy or time to respond.
Shoes
A formal wedding calls for a sophisticated pair of shoes that’ll help tie the overall look together. However, be sure to prioritize your comfort, too — you’ll likely be on your feet the whole day and doing a whole lot of dancing!
If you’re not comfortable with stiletto heels, consider a low, thick heel instead, such as a wedge or block heel. You can also opt for a wide fit to give your feet more breathing room and keep those pesky blisters away.
If you struggle with heels, a pair of pointed-toe flats is usually a safe option since they’re comfortable yet still provide that dressy, sophisticated vibe.
Men should stick with the classics; think oxford shoes, brogues, and slip-on loafers. Keep to high-quality materials, such as leather suede, and neutral colors, such as black, brown, and tan.
Season and Weather
Don’t forget to dress appropriately for the season when attending a formal wedding. If you’re attending a summer wedding, opt for lightweight, breathable materials like chiffon to ensure you’re comfortable and don’t overheat throughout the day. In the winter, layer up and stick to warm materials like velvet. Make sure to check the weather forecast before the big day too.
Venue Location
Venue location is just as important when thinking about a formal wedding guest outfit.
If the venue is a luxury hotel and involves a five-course wedding dinner, you’re going to want to err on the “black-tie” leaning side of formal. However, if the ceremony is held outside and there’s a slightly more boho feel, you can probably get away with strappy, low heels for shoes. You may also be able to experiment with floral patterns or playful ruffles.
Your Natural Features
Wedding guest attire comes in a vast range of colors, designs, and silhouettes, and certain styles will be better suited to your natural features than others.
While it can be tricky to determine specifically which styles will flatter you, always consider what you feel the most comfortable in. Consider previous outfits you’ve worn and loved, in addition to the styles you typically find your eyes drawn to when window shopping.
Picking an outfit that you feel at ease in is sure to let your confidence shine through. It will also allow you to focus on enjoying the day itself rather than stressing over your appearance.
Accessorize
Accessories can help tie your look together and allow you to express your personality. You can elevate your look with a sophisticated belt, clutch bag, silver earrings, or a pendant necklace.
Just make sure that your natural features remain the focus; too many accessories can overwhelm your outfit and ruin the overall look.
Formal Wedding Outfit Ideas for Women
Below, we’ve gathered some of our favorite formal wedding outfit ideas. They offer that perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. They’re also sure to flatter your natural features without breaking wedding etiquette or taking attention away from the bride.
A-Line Ruffled Dress: An A-line ruffled dress is playful, feminine, and romantic. You can keep the look subtle with ruffles on the bodice or sleeves, or go for a more showstopping look with a ruffled skirt.
Satin Drape Midi-Length Dress: A satin dress with a drape cut is modern and universally flattering. Pair with a matching clutch bag to catch the eyes of other guests without stealing the spotlight from the bride.
Floral Maxi Dress: A floral maxi dress won’t just keep you cool at a summer wedding; the style is also sure to accentuate your natural beauty, draw attention to your neckline, and offer a whimsical yet elegant vibe that very few dress styles can match.
Asymmetrical Maxi Dress: An asymmetrical cut is a great way to express your creative side while keeping in line with the formal theme. You can elevate the look further by pairing the dress with contrasting jewelry.
Sleek Tailored Jumpsuit: A jumpsuit is effortlessly chic and will allow you to dance the night away. Stick to a tailored fit to keep your look in line with the formal dress code, and pair with black heels.
Formal Wedding Outfit Ideas for Men
Now for the Gents! Here are some staple outfit ideas that are sure to suit the formal occasion:
A slim-fit suit with a white shirt and brogues for a classic look. Stick to neutral shades such as navy, gray, and beige.
A charcoal gray suit with a sophisticated wristwatch and embellished cufflinks.
A burnt orange suit with a pair of leather dress shoes. Ideal for the fall season.
A three-piece wool suit to keep you snug and stylish in the winter months.
Remember What a Wedding Is All About
While dressing for the occasion is important, don’t get too stressed and overwhelmed by it all. At the end of the day, what matters is being there to share your support and love for the happy couple! As long as you feel confident in what you wear, and it adheres to the couple’s dress code, you can’t go wrong with your outfit.
Be sure to check out our catalog for more formal wedding outfit ideas. From elegant maxi-length dresses to stunning jumpsuits, you’ll find a look that suits your features and the occasion in no time.
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