How to choose a wedding guest dress?

Wedding guest dress etiquette

Are you invited to the wedding this year, maybe many weddings not only one? It is very honourable to be invited to the wedding. Firstly, it is a special event. Secondly, usually in an intimate environment only with the closest friends and family! Weddings are so special, celebrating the love of two people! It is also not so difficult to be a good wedding guest, you just need to show up, bring a gift, and dress appropriately. However, when you start thinking- what does it mean “dress appropriately”? How to choose a wedding guest dress?

Guide to choosing your wedding guest dress
Photo by Chalo Garcia on Unsplash

In this blog article, above all, I will tell you about what you should take into consideration when picking your wedding guest outfit. Most importanty, how to choose the right wedding guest dress? Next, what to wear and what not to wear when attending a wedding.

What to take into consideration before choosing a dress?

How to choose a wedding guest dress according to the location

Location of the wedding
Photo by Irina Murza on Unsplash

This is a very important step! You can not choose the same dress for the beach wedding, wedding in nature (grass) and to wedding inside the castle or ballroom for example!

Check the location in google maps, how it looks like, is it in the city or outside, how it looks like in the picture! In addition, it is very important to know is if the wedding will be held inside or outside- in the garden!

If the wedding is on the beach, firstly, you will want a lighter dress, probably on the straps or short-sleeved, not too long! Secondly, the footwear will be different- probably flip flops or flats instead of high heels! However, take a spare pair in case the wedding moves inside (some restaurant, for example).

If the location is church or palace, you will most likely want something more classy and majestic, a full-length dress would be great for those locations!

Topic or theme of the wedding (classic or thematic wedding)

Photo by Eliza Szablinska on Unsplash

Read your invitation letter carefully- is there a theme or topic of the wedding? I know couples who have made a prince and princess kind of wedding in the castle. Some made it Hawaiian type of wedding on the beach!

You can usually tell it by the design of your invitation, or it will be written clearly (the theme and dress code). For instance, the theme can be color-based. As a result, there is no other option than wear that color! However, if nothing states the theme, then you need to get ready for the classy romantic wedding.

How to choose a wedding guest dress according to weather

How to choose the right dress as wedding guest
Photo by zelle duda on Unsplash

Season and the weather is a very important factor. That is to say, we all know that most of the weddings happen in summer altought there are many winter or spring weddings as well. You should be prepared for the wedding according to the season. Is it the rainy season? Is it winter and you should have a faux fur or jacket to keep you warm? On the other hand, if it is the hottest month of the summer, you should have a silk scarf to put around your shoulders during the ceremony, then take off during the party!

I would advise you to be ready for any weather! Be prepared for if it gets windy or rainy, have a cute umbrella or nice jacket with you that goes well with the dress!
Remember that this is an important event with a lot of photos being made, dress for it like for the red carpet or the first date!

Let’s talk about the etiquette of the wedding

The length: maxi or mini

Et
Photo by Amelia Bartlett on Unsplash

The etiquette is very important when we talk about how to choose the wedding guest dress. The most difficult decision to make- mini, maxi, or maybe midi? I have been to three weddings until now and have gone for the midi option. This year I am planning on buying the maxi dress! Firstly, I am a short and curvy girl and I always try to avoid maxi dresses. Secondly, I feel like I get lost in them (it is also difficult to buy a maxi dress that is not too long for me).

If you have to ask if the dress is too short, it probably is! I would say that the most mini you can go is a little bit above the knee. In other words, the length that you would wear to go to the office or a job interview (nothing more mini than that).

Most importantly, maxi or mini dress depends if it is the day wedding or night wedding. Therefore, it should be shorter if it is a day (especially in summer), and full-length during the night! In the end, you do not want to wear a full-length dress during a hot summer day on the beach.

What colors to choose and NOT to choose?

Best wedding guest dresses
Photo by Conner Ching on Unsplash

Firstly, we all know that white is a big NO. The same goes for anything similar to white, like off white and ivory! Secondly, I would not suggest wearing all black, it is not a funeral. Especially on summer weddings! Thirdly, all red dress is also something too much and you do not want that. Any golds, metallics, or overly sparkly- you are not the diva here, the bride is!

Next important detail is to find out what color dresses the bridesmaids will wear. To clarify, you do not want to be mixed with them, that would be awkward! I will go to one wedding this year and I messaged her right away asking about this!

However, you are allowed to wear bright colors or beautiful pastels if you attend summer weddings!

Discuss with your partner

Match colors with partner
Photo by mari lezhava on Unsplash

How to choose a wedding guest dress without discussing it with your partner. Ask him what he is planning to wear, what colored shirts or ties. For example, I love matching couples. However, shirt color can seem too much, but you can match his tie color to your dress!

Firstly, buy your dress, then the shirt or tie for your man! However, it is much more difficult to buy the dress than the shirt or the tie.

Invest in accessories

Wedding guest outfit
Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash

Invest in your accessories- shoes, jewelry, and bags. Especially if you are on the budget and attending a lot of weddings. Firstly, accessories help you to change up your outfit significantly. Secondly, they can help you to pull your dress from one year to another year, just by using trendy accessories!

Do not be the diva also applies to accessories- do not choose too sparkly, colored, and cheap-looking accessories. They must be classy and statement.
For a winter wedding, faux fur is a great accessory and it will also keep you warm!

Wedding is not the right time to wear see-through and daring outfits!

Photo by Enzo Silva on Unsplash

Firstly, choose a good quality material dress! Most importantly, something that fits you perfectly, is not too small nor too big. In addition, make sure it does not look see-through, not in life nor photos. Secondly, avoid daring outfits, this is not a club! No one wants to see too much of your chest or booty, it is not the right time for that!

To sum up, wear something that you do not have to be ashamed of yourself, do not make the other guests feel ashamed not your partner! Be a classy lady and earn the respect as good-looking wedding guest.

Do not dress too casually

The basic dress from Zara is not exactly how you can pull this off! Except if it is stated that way, and you celebrate it in the hot dog restaurant, you should not dress too casually!

Shoes are an important part of the dress

Shoes are so important part of the outfit. It would not be me if I would ignore talking about the shoes. You will be on your feet for many hours, probably dancing and probably a little tipsy.

For classy weddings choose classy high-heels sandals or pumps and, most importanly, avoid using stripper type of shoes. If you wear high-heels, bring flats with you in case your feet hurt and you want to change up for the party!

You will want to wear wedges or flats and avoid wearing heels, if the ceremony will be held on sand or grass. In this case, also avoid light-colored shoes to avoid them getting stained!

For beach ceremonies, you can bring a pair of flip flops, however, always have a backup pair of classy shoes in case the event moves to another place.

How to be the best dress wedding guest
Photo by Thomas AE on Unsplash

To sum it up!

In conclusion, if you are in doubt, ask the bride or groom. It depends on which side of the family are you. Better to ask than turn up at the wedding in the wrong outfit! Ask about the theme, the location, and bridesmaids! However, do not be too curious and annoying, they have a lot of stress on their shoulders in order to think of your dress.

Now, do you know the answer to how to choose a wedding guest dress? I hope your mind is much clearer now and you can enjoy the whole process of buying your perfect wedding guest dress.

Extra 18% off sitewide at ZAFUL (Valid till 2021)

Some links on where you can shop for your wedding guest dress!

Want to dive more into the fashion world? Read these articles about style and outfits!

Please follow and like us:

Comments are closed.

error

Share with other Petites!