You have a wedding coming up but you don't know what to wear. Don't worry—it's normal to feel unsure about the perfect outfit for a wedding. Whether it’s a daytime, afternoon or evening celebration, we’ve got the key tips to help you look flawless. You'll be a hit!
What to Wear to a Daytime Wedding
When choosing your wedding guest outfit, the first thing to consider is whether the couple has requested a specific dress code. Sometimes, the invitation specifies a dress code for the guests, and that’s the first thing to keep in mind. If not, and you’re attending a daytime wedding, it’s time to turn to the guidelines for daytime wedding etiquette.
When it comes to attire, the protocol for a daytime wedding is clear: women should choose short cocktail dresses; either knee-length or midi length. Avoid mini dresses—weddings aren’t the place for them; instead, opt for an elegant dress made from quality fabric or a cocktail dress, but steer clear of anything overly fancy.
A pastel dress with subtle accents like embroidery, knots, or draped detailing is one of the best ways to nail the question of what to wear to a daytime wedding—and get it just right. You can also go for more vibrant colors, especially for summer weddings, when shades like fuchsia, pistachio, and turquoise often feature in the looks of younger guests.
Prints are another great option for daytime weddings and can be a lot of fun to style when paired with the right accessories for this kind of event. For example, if it's a summer daytime wedding, you can wear a wide-brimmed hat, a very stylish accessory that elevates any look. Larger hair ornaments are also suitable for daytime weddings, though it’s not mandatory to wear one if you prefer a more natural look.
When it comes to shoes, you should avoid high heels—anything over 8 cm—for a daytime wedding. Instead, go for mid-height heels or even wedges, if they suit your outfit. If you're not a fan of heels, you're in luck. Flat shoes are perfectly acceptable at daytime weddings, and they’re becoming an increasingly popular choice.
What to Wear for an Evening Wedding
When it comes to choosing what to wear to an evening wedding, doubts often surge—because really there's no 'right' answer.
You could go for a long dress or, if comfort is your thing, a knee-length cocktail dress with fancy detailing like feathers or beadwork. These details elevate your look, setting you apart from the more casual daytime wedding attire—without going full evening gown.
If a dress isn’t your style, you can still look incredibly elegant at an evening wedding in a stylish jumpsuit or a two-piece outfit with a blazer and tailored trousers. The key is to feel confident and avoid overly plain looks, so pairing your two-piece outfit with a beaded clutch bag can be the perfect way to add a touch of sophistication.
When it comes to colors, opt for more subdued tones at an evening wedding than you would wear for a daytime wedding. Navy blue, burgundy, and purple are all excellent choices if you're wondering what to wear for an evening wedding. That said, it’s best to avoid wearing black. Dress codes are getting more relaxed, but you should reserve black for later evening weddings.
To clear up any remaining doubts about what to wear to an evening wedding, let's think about the accessories. You can go for shoes with a higher heel and more pointed toe for these events. Just remember that weddings do go on for a long time, so you need to think about comfort.
What to Wear to a Late Evening Wedding
When you're wondering what to wear for a late evening wedding, a long dress is probably your first port of call. They're one of the only wedding ceremonies suited to a floor-length guest dress, and it's common to really go for it, wearing the kind of outfit you wouldn't normally wear. You could go for a short cocktail dress, if that's a more comfortable style for you.
Dress up for a late evening wedding in a sensational dress with beadwork, cut-outs or slits. But always keep in mind the number one wedding attire rule: don't upstage the bride. Long cocktail dresses with beadwork or feather detailing are the perfect look for this type of ceremony. You could pair yours with high-heeled shoes and a clutch or bag with a chain strap so you can dance the night away on the dance floor. Jewel colors like emerald green or Klein blue could be your perfect answer to the what to wear to an evening wedding question, but even black is acceptable when you attend a wedding later in the evening..
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Common Wedding Attire Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
To get the perfect guest look, avoid all these common pitfalls:
· You don't want to compete with the star of the day—the bride—and that means no white or very light tones like beige or ivory.
· Don't show too much cleavage or leg, and don't go too tight. It's a wedding, not a night out with the girls. You need to respect the rules and avoid attracting attention for all the wrong reasons.
· Avoid uncomfortable shoes. Weddings last for hours, so you need to wear shoes that suit the dress code and type of event, as well as your feet. If you're going to a wedding in the country for example, a pair of stiletto heels are completely inappropriate. Keep that in mind!
· Don't go too far with really showy jewelry or over-the-top hair and makeup. It's all about less is more if you want to look elegant at a wedding. If you choose a striking dress, go for neutral accessories; and vice versa. To look perfect, you need to balance your look.
Conclusion
Now you know all the secrets on what to wear to a wedding. There's no need to stress about finding a stellar look for your next wedding. Just stick to the protocol—and the couple's wishes. Every ceremony is different, so if you want to hit the right notes just respect the rules and you're guaranteed to look and feel great:
- Winning look for daytime weddings: midi dress in lighter hues, mid-height heel, wide-brimmed hat or a large hair ornament.
- For early evening weddings: cocktail dress or a two-piece outfit with heels and a small but fancy clutch bag.
- Late evening weddings: long dress in darker tones with beadwork or feather detailing, but nothing too showy. And add some high heels. And don't go for a hat or XL hair ornament; they're not right for the moment.
