What to Wear to a Wedding: Outfit Ideas & Dress Codes Explained
Don’t hold back the RSVP; master the art of dressing for every kind of wedding with our ultimate guide
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There’s a lot to consider when piecing together a wedding guest look. Along with being the last invitee to make a purchase from the wedding gift list or trying to find a reasonably priced hotel near the venue, there’s nothing more stress-inducing than deciding what to wear to a wedding and that last-minute scramble to find something appropriate.
If there’s no wedding dress code included on the invitation, you may well find yourself in fashion limbo. But if there is a dress code for the wedding, it’s not always clear exactly what is meant – we’ve all been through the low-key drama of trying to interpret ‘smart casual’.
To help take the worry out of knowing what to wear (and what not to wear) for a wedding, we’ve shared our shortcuts to help you navigate the season with ease, with some additional tips from Jody Plows, CEO of Nobody’s Child. Plus, we’ve also decoded the most common wedding dress codes to make shopping a little easier.
On the lookout for a last-minute wedding guest outfit? We’ve even included a few new-season pieces that will supercharge your wedding-guest wardrobe in an instant. Let the celebrations begin!
What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest
Follow the Wedding Dress Code
While as wedding guests we do have more freedom than ever before, thanks to the rise in both informal and ‘smart casual’ celebrations, this isn’t the occasion to showcase your inner rebel. If there’s a wedding dress code on your invitation, you need to follow it.
Don’t know your white tie from your black tie? Here’s our mini guide to navigating wedding ceremony dress codes – and remember, if in doubt, ask the couple!
- White tie wedding: the most formal of all dress codes. This involves wearing either a single-breasted black tailcoat with white waistcoat and bow tie, or a full-length dress. They’re not always the kind of outfits many will have lurking in their wardrobes, but you can rent all the suit elements.
- Black tie wedding: slightly less formal, this calls for either a midnight blue or black dinner jacket (or tux), a dress shirt and a bow tie. Dress hemlines should ideally be floor-length again, but you can get away with some cocktail styles. Note that you may also see 'black tie optional', which more or less means, ‘please arrive looking smart, but a dinner jacket isn’t essential’ (do wear a dark suit though).
- Cocktail attire: for guys, a smart suit and tie will suffice; for the gals, keep things on the smarter side, whether that be in a dress, trouser suit, or jumpsuit.
- Smart casual wedding: the most dreaded of dress codes, smart casual can mean different things to different people. Note that it’s probably better to overdress than underdress and so we'd go with the same kind of looks as for cocktail attire.
- Garden party wedding: not a traditional dress code, but still a popular choice. Keep your look chic but slightly more relaxed – floral midi dresses are perfect or wear a suit without the tie.
Investigate the Venue
No wedding dress code on the invitation? Play detective and start by googling the venue – it’ll give you a great starting point when it comes to deciphering the look and feel of the day.
If it’s a woodland setting with giant tipis that’s giving serious wedding festival vibes, for example, that cute cocktail dress and stiletto heels probably won’t feel quite right. Chic stately home? Go in a more formal direction…
“If you’re heading to a destination wedding, opt for lightweight fabrics such as linen, which will keep you cool in warmer climates thanks to its breathability and ease of movement,” adds Jody. “Additionally, subtle cut-out details are particularly fitting for the sunshine and allow you to strategically show a hint of skin.”
You could even ask the couple for a steer on their wedding style to help you decide – then put your own personal twist on the look.
Red Linen Pluff Sleeve Midi Dress – Ro&Zo
This chic red dress can be dressed up or down - the puff sleeves and midaxi length make it super versatile.
Green Peek Back Jersey Dress – Glassworks London
Same goes for this striking green gown - glam it up with glitzy heels and accessories to formalise it, or go for sandals and simple details for a more low-key look.
Shop for the Season
While we all know the great British weather is seriously unpredictable, the time of year will help you gauge what kind of look to embrace. You may want to choose long sleeves and warmer fabrics like velvet and jacquard for a winter wedding, while chiffon, cotton and linen will be your best friends for summertime celebrations.
Jacquard V-Neck Midi Dress – Coast
This beautiful jacquard dress would look right at home at a wedding with a cooler climate - the thicker fabric will be appreciated, and you can add a cover up or jacket to keep you extra cosy.
Wave-Print Cotton Mini Dress – Kitri
Breathable cotton is perfect for a sunny celebration! This cute Kitri dress is ideal for a mid-summer celebration.
Consider Appropriate Colours
Do some research before the wedding to check whether any colours may be culturally inappropriate. It goes without saying that white shouldn’t be worn to a western wedding – but include printed white dresses, off-white, cream, or any other colours such as pale blue that may photograph as white in that category too (in fact, if you have to question it, it probably isn’t appropriate).
Likewise, red is a typical bridal colour at many Indian and Chinese weddings, so avoid it for the same reason.
You may also want to do a little digging to find out what colour the bridesmaids are wearing, so you don’t get mistaken for a member of the wedding party. Otherwise, give yourself free rein to go as vibrant and colourful as you like:
“Soft pastels and artful prints are a popular choice for summer weddings,” says Jody, while you generally can’t go wrong in a printed midi or floral number, no matter what the time of year: "Florals are still popular year-round, but right now they’re transitioning from classic ditsy prints to more artistic floral patterns, including hand-drawn and hand-painted designs," she adds.
“In terms of styling, they look great with sleek, minimalist accessories for a fresh, on-trend look that embodies both classic charm and contemporary flair.”
Floral Abstract One-Shoulder Linen-Blend Dress – Nobody’s Child
You can't go wrong with florals at a wedding, and we love this brightly colourful floral print wedding guest dress.
Lace-Trim Midi Dress – Rixo
If you prefer something in a more muted palette, Rixo has some gorgeous dresses that are a little more subtle, but still stand out in their own way.
Keep Sparkle Subtle
Unless the dress code specifically demands it (and we’ve seen many a case where guests have been asked to dazzle!) don’t go overboard with the sequins, crystals and other metallic embellishments. Save that all-over sequin mini for party season and add interest to your look with jewellery and accessories instead.
Bring a Cover-Up
If the couple have chosen a formal or religious ceremony, it’s appropriate to cover your shoulders (and possibly even your arms) for that part of the day.
That doesn’t mean, of course, you have to opt for a long-sleeved outfit. If you find yourself wondering what to wear over a dress for a wedding, just make sure you have a cover-up like a chic blazer, shawl or jacket to hand. It’ll also come in useful for any outdoor parts of the day – and for the evening when the temperature drops.
Coral Orange Linen Blend Blazer – Oliver Bonas
This chic linen blend blazer will keep you warm and looking cool.
Ditch the Denim
Yes, even the colourful denim – those pale pink jeans may be beautifully cut but denim in all its forms has an ultra laidback association that just isn’t right for someone else’s big day. Even if the wedding invitation states ‘casual’, we can guarantee it won’t be denim casual.
Have a Shoe Strategy
You’ll likely be on your feet for much of the day – and that’s before you hit up the dance floor – so comfort is obviously key here. But as a general rule, flip flops are a no-go unless it’s a more informal beach wedding. And don’t even get us started on trainers… (yep, even if they’re box fresh).
If there’s a fair bit of walking from venue to venue, consider slipping a pair of flip flops or ballet pumps into your handbag that you can change in and out of, otherwise choose a pair of shoes that you know you’ll be able to last the day in.
If you want to wear heels, don’t assume big occasions equals stilettos – work on-trend chunky, wedge or block heels instead (and give the manicured lawns a break).
Crochet Sandals – Parfois
Can't do heels? These sandals are ideal - and perfect for holidays too. It's all about cost per wear, right?
Ruched Velvet Knot Platforms – Me + Em
If you can't bear to be without a little height, platforms are the way to go for all-day comfort.
Re-Wear the Classics
It really is true, you don’t have to buy something new for every wedding you get invited to – simply use these dos and don’ts of wedding guest dressing to put together a look from your existing wardrobe.
If you want to wear something different, consider more sustainable options like hiring your wedding guest outfit (Selfridges Rental, Nobody’s Child, ByRotation and Hurr are just a few great examples) or shop for second-hand and vintage pieces.
“Rental allows customers to indulge in high-quality occasionwear without having to commit to purchasing a new outfit for each event,” says Jody. “Additionally, I would always encourage buying versatile pieces that can be styled multiple ways, allowing for different looks with minimal investment,” she adds.
Where to Buy Wedding Guest Outfits
Just a few of the dress destinations to know for great wedding guest attire
Mint Velvet
Already a staple for gorgeous workwear and holiday clothing and accessories, Mint Velvet really comes into its own for wedding season with some incredible occasionwear that you’ll be able to style for events beyond the big day.
Rixo
London-born label Rixo always serves up the most fabulous, free-spirited prints and breathtakingly beautiful fabrics – and those who love outfits with a vintage twist will be especially spoilt for choice. Check out the Rixo Rental service if you’re looking to part with a little less cash.
Kitri
We’ve never met a Kitri dress that wasn’t cute! They’re also incredibly well made, and you can shop a whole curated edit of wedding guest dresses online. Look to its beautifully printed midi and mini dress options, many of which feature striking prints for a bold statement.
Debenhams
You’ll find a wide range of occasionwear brands under the Debenhams umbrella, including the likes of Coast, Godiva, Oasis, Karen Millen, and Wallis, all boasting a variety of formal dresses, separates, jackets, and accessories. The online department store regularly has a sale on, so if you’re looking for affordability, this has it in spades.
Sister Jane
From flirty dresses and separates to the cutest of cover-ups, Sister Jane’s joyful pieces are nothing short of divine. Many of the designs are already wedding-ready but can be dressed down for a weekend brunch look, too.
Phase Eight
Phase Eight’s dresses and jumpsuits fit like a dream – and we’re huge fans of the more recent extended size ranges. Pick up a selection of complementing accessories from here, too, including cover-ups and clutches, shoes and more.
ASOS Design
If anyone knows what to wear to a wedding, ASOS does. It may stock a wide range of brands, but its directional own-label pieces are always our go-to for affordability and style. The Curve range is also excellent.
Reiss
From stylish jumpsuits and polished party dresses to chic suits, Reiss’s tailored pieces cut a clean and sophisticated silhouette that perfect for every kind of wedding. Shop the outlet online to bag yourself a bargain.
Outfit sorted? Now you can start thinking about the perfect wedding present. Check out our edit of beautiful wedding gifts for the happy couple that they’ll treasure forever.
