It’s not just the couple getting married and their wedding party who have to worry about what they’ll wear on the big day, it’s wedding guests too! Choosing the perfect clothes for wedding guests leaves many people stressed, confused and over budget.
As wedding officiants, we get to see all of the wedding guests up close – plus we have to worry about our own officiant outfits too. So we know all about wedding fashion!
Below we’re answering your top questions about wedding guests outfits, from how to interpret dress codes and save money to what to wear to a beach wedding, Halloween wedding or helicopter wedding. Ready? Let’s get best dressed!
What are the different wedding guest dress codes?
The first thing that often stumps guests when they try to choose their outfit is the dress code. What the heck is semi-formal and how is that different than smart casual or cocktail?
We know it can be pretty confusing. Especially since different dress codes mean different things depending on where you’re located and your age group.
Plus, with many couples trying to come up with their own unique dress codes these days (like “dress to impress” or “here to party”), it’s even harder for guests to interpret the rules.
Here are the major wedding guest dress code categories and what they mean:
- White Tie: This is the most formal dress code. We’re talking black tuxes with bow ties and gloves or evening gowns with heels and jewelry.
- Black Tie: A step down from white tie, black tie will still see tuxes (but you can lose the gloves) and floor-length dresses.
- Formal or Black Tie Optional: Now you can swap out that tux for a formal suit and consider a cocktail dress or pantsuit instead of an evening gown.
- Cocktail: The hemlines are getting shorter as a tea-length or midi dress is acceptable or else a suit and tie.
- Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual: You can finally factor comfort into your outfit choice. Think a nice top and skirt, elegant pant-suit, knee-length dress or shirt and tie with slacks.
- Daytime or Casual: Sadly, casual does not mean sweatpants and flip flops. The experts suggest sticking to sun dresses, khakis and collared shirts.
- Theme: If it’s a Great Gatsby wedding, come in your best flapper dress or top hat. Is the couple obsessed with Bridgerton? Bust out your regency era finest! (PS: Only dress for the theme if specifically instructed to do so.)
Still not sure what to wear? Phone a friend.
If you’re close enough to the couple getting married, ask them what they mean by their dress code and if they can provide some examples or sign off on an outfit you’re considering.
If you can’t ask the couple, talk to another wedding guest and see if your interpretations of the dress code are aligned.
How can I buy my wedding guest outfit on a budget?
Weddings aren’t just expensive for the couple getting married. They’re expensive for guests too! Consider that on top of your outfit you might also be paying for hair/makeup services, transportation, accommodation and wedding gifts.
To save your wallet, here are some great ways to put together your guest outfit on a budget:
- Shop your own closet: There’s no reason why you can’t wear a formal outfit more than once. If you already have a gorgeous look at home, go ahead and wear it to the wedding.
- Thrift: Not only is thrifting trendy but it’s eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Hit up the secondhand stores near you to find the perfect wedding outfit.
- Rent: There are lots of formal clothing rental companies that allow you to wear an amazing outfit for a fraction of the price, as long as you send it back once you’re done with it.
- Swap with friends: Maybe you don’t have anything appropriate to wear to the wedding in your closet, but your friends might. A closet swap can be a great way to find free and new-to-you outfit options.
- Shop sales: If you end up needing to buy something new, do your best to shop the sales. Many retail stores have regular sales throughout the year or coupons you can find online. Otherwise, see if you can wait for Black Friday!
What clothes for wedding guests are off limits?
It’s hard to say that certain clothes for wedding guests are always off limits, as every couple gets to make their own rules (remember when Kim Kardashian asked all her guests to wear white?).
Plus, the rules vary a lot based on location, culture, age group, etc. For example, in some Indian and Chinese weddings, the bride will wear a red dress, meaning this colour may be off limits to guests.
But generally speaking you don’t want to wear:
- White: In traditional Western weddings, white is reserved for the bride(s) only.
- Black: Once again in traditional Western weddings, black is often seen as a funeral colour and a bit depressing to wear to a celebratory wedding.
- Anything against the dress code: If the dress code specifically says no jeans or that you must wear a tux, you don’t want to stray from those rules if you can help it.
- Anything too flashy: Sure, you’re a star, but this wedding isn’t really about you. Don’t choose an outfit that’s going to pull focus from the couple.
- Anything offensive: That shirt with the swear words on it? Yeah, let’s leave that at home.
- Anything too casual: Unless you’re specifically told it’s okay, steer clear of jeans, sweatpants, flip flops and tank tops.
- (op) The wedding party colours: If you want to be extra careful, check in to see what the wedding party is wearing. If they’re all in lilac, skip the lilac pantsuit you were thinking about.
What if I’m plus size? Pregnant or nursing? Over 60? Very tall, etc.?
If you Google “wedding guest outfit” and don’t feel represented by the images that pop up, you are not alone. Most of us are not thin, white models with unlimited budgets who look good in anything!
The key is to choose an outfit that works for you. It’s much more important that you feel comfortable and confident than it is that you are perfectly on theme and look like you walked out of the pages of a wedding magazine.
What should wedding guests wear to a…
…beach wedding?
For a summer beach wedding think light materials and light colours, fun and floral prints, and sunglasses! If the ceremony is actually on the beach, consider what footwear will be most practical. And pack a light sweater for cool beach nights.
…winter wedding?
A winter wedding usually means darker colours, longer sleeves and heavier materials. Rejoice that you won’t be sweating through that suit jacket! If it’s snowing, think about trading heels for boots and looking for a more formal (yet warm) coat.
…courthouse wedding?
Courthouse weddings or elopements are generally more casual and have a smaller guest list. Dress smart, but not overly formal or fancy. These intimate weddings are often conducted with everyone standing, so ensure your outfit (and your shoes!) are comfortable enough to stand in.
…Halloween wedding?
If the couple is hosting a Halloween wedding, double check that costumes are encouraged. If they are, go ahead and lean into the theme and arrive in costume. Opt for a fun costume while avoiding anything too racy, too gory or too anti-wedding (Bride of Chucky, we’re looking at you).
…helicopter elopement?
If you’re lucky enough to join the limited guest list for a helicopter elopement, you’re in for a very special wedding day! Enjoy the views but dress appropriately. Mountaintops can be cold and covered in snow so choose closed-toe shoes and consider layers, such as leggings under your dress/pants.
How do I make wedding guest outfits less stressful?
With weddings becoming bigger and bigger every year, it only makes sense that figuring out what to wear as a wedding guest could cause some stress. And if you’re a wedding guest who is on a budget, doesn’t wear standard sizes or is facing a confusing dress code, it can be that much more stressful.
When the stress starts to get to you, just remember: This wedding is not about you (harsh, but true). Sure, you want to look nice. But ultimately, this is not your day and all eyes will not be on you. Rather than be offended, think of this as your permission to care a little bit less about your outfit. You can breathe easy!
If you’re still feeling stressed, make sure you give yourself lots of time to find or decide on an outfit. The last thing you want to do is have to rush to pick something at the last moment.
It can also be helpful to set a budget, especially if you’re worried about ballooning wedding expenses. Commit to a number that you feel comfortable spending and try not to go over it. See our tips above for outfit shopping on a budget.
4 clothes for wedding guests rules
Before you start shopping (or thrifting) for your wedding guest outfit, keep these four important rules in mind:
- Dress practically. Trust us, you won’t feel so gorgeous if you’re stuck in a pantsuit that you can’t sit down in without ripping. Skip anything where the zipper won’t stay up, you can’t move your arms or you otherwise feel uncomfortable.
- Dress for the weather. Sure, that wool suit is stunning, but it won’t feel so great during a sweltering beach ceremony. Neither will that sheer mini dress at a New Year’s Eve outdoor wedding in Whistler.
- Dress for your body. Choose an outfit that works for the beautiful body you have and makes you feel comfortable and confident. Opt for colours, patterns or silhouettes you know work for you, rather than things that happen to be trendy.
- Don’t forget your footwear. Factor your shoes into your outfit equation. Do they work for the weather and venue? Are they comfortable enough to wear all night? Do they match the rest of your look?
