Five Style Rules That’ll Make You the Best-Dressed Wedding Guest
Wedding season is just around the corner. If you’re looking forward to a friend’s special day but have no idea what to wear, consult our handy guide to this season's top trending wedding guest dresses, as well as go-to tips and tricks to help you choose the perfect style.
Top Five Rules for Your Wedding Guest Attire
1. The Non-Negotiables
There are a few golden guidelines you should always follow when choosing your wedding guest attire. First off, white is a BIG no-no. Avoid similar shades too, like cream, ivory, champagne or pale gold or silver. The only time to break this rule is when the couple specifically requests an "all-white" theme.
Tip: If possible, it’s also best to avoid the wedding party’s colour scheme. You don’t want to show up in a dress that will get you mistaken for a bridesmaid.
2. Decode the Dress Code
Always check the invite or ask the couple for their wedding dress code. Here’s a quick guide to what specific dress codes mean: Smart-casual/semi-formal blends comfort and style. Women can wear a midi dress, skirt and-top combo, or a dressy jumpsuit. Men should wear a dress shirt and slacks (tie optional). Cocktail is a popular option that’s a bit dressier. Women should wear a cocktail dress with a knee-length, tea-length, or midi hemline. Men should wear a suit and tie. A formal dress code is where things get a little more serious. Women can wear a floor length gown, a fancy cocktail dress or a dressy pantsuit. Men can wear a dark suit or even a tuxedo. Black tie is strictly formal, meaning floor-length gowns for ladies and tuxedos for gents. And white tie is the most formal you can get. Women must wear a floor-length evening gown while men wear a tuxedo with tails.
Tip: When in doubt, err on the side of formality; it’s always better to be a bit overdressed than underdressed.
3. Get Specific
Every wedding is unique, so let the couple’s chosen venue, season and time of day guide you when choosing your wedding guest outfit. Time and venue matter. For example, a formal ballroom calls for a more upscale look, while a beach wedding allows for lighter fabrics and more relaxed styles. Daytime weddings lean toward lighter colours and prints, while evening events are made for darker, richer tones. Dress with the season in mind and you’ll fit right in. Spring and summer are great times for pastels and florals in breathable fabrics like linen and chiffon. Autumn and winter are more suited to jewel tones and heavier fabrics like velvet or satin.
Tip: Get your footwear right. If the ceremony is on grass or sand, leave the stilettos at home and opt for wedges or block heels to avoid sinking.
4. Dress for Comfort and Confidence
You’ll likely spend the wedding sitting, standing and dancing for several hours, so make sure you choose an outfit that fits you well and allows for easy movement and lasting comfort. Regardless of the season, bring a wrap or blazer for chilly evenings or air-conditioned venues. And if you’re wearing heels, bring a backup pair of flats so you can dance the night away without unwanted blisters.
5. Shine, But Don’t Outshine
This is the couple’s special day, and they should be the centre of attention. While everyone wants to look their best at a wedding, avoid wearing anything that’s overly loud, sparkly or revealing. Save that show-stopper outfit for an occasion where you’re the star.
Our Favourite Wedding Guest Outfit Trends:
1. Floral Fancy
A flowery dress is a failsafe option for a warm-weather wedding. Florals are highly versatile, available in all sorts of prints from dainty to maximalist, and colours to complement any wedding palette. Here are some romantic florals you’re sure to fall for:
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2. Chocolate Brown
It may not be the first colour you think of when dressing for a celebration, but the right brown dress can be sophisticated and chic. It’s also a softer alternative to black. This rich shade will look particularly elegant at an Autumn/Winter wedding.
Browse these brown gowns for some inspiration:
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3. Sleek Slips
A strappy slip dress in silk or satin is another great go-to choice for a wedding celebration. This flattering style can easily be dressed up or down with the right shoes and accessories.
Find a selection of elegant slips here:
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4. Tailored Jumpsuits
If you prefer not to wear dresses, a formal or semi-formal jumpsuit can look very chic, especially in brown or black. Look for good tailoring and tasteful embellishments. Let the dress code guide your choice of fabric, fit and footwear.
Get the look with these dressy jumpsuits:
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5. Feel-Good Hue
As the dopamine-dressing trend continues, optimistic and eye-catching colours are in. Choose a dress in a solid bold colour like rich teal or fresh green, and keep your accessories neutral.
Choose your favourite hue and let it shine:
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Get set for an unforgettable celebration with the perfect wedding guest dress from River Island.