"Help, I Don't Know What To Wear To This Wedding!"

I hear this all the time. "I never know what to wear to a wedding. Why is this so hard?"

Because.

Etiquette is hard.

But fret not my dear reader for I have you covered. Here we go!

Things You Should Wear To A Wedding:

For women, the best rule of thumb is, if you can wear it to church, you can probably wear it to a wedding. Dresses and skirts should be finger tip length long as you will be doing a lot of sitting and it's not fun having to constantly pull down your dress. Soft pant suits are a great option for a woman who may want to dress in a more conservative way, or just simply has some reservations about a skirt or a dress. That's totally fine girl, you be you.

dress160901504_2
Great Example of Look for a Formal Wedding - SheInside.com
Most solid colors and patterns are probably fine, but always take your queues from the invitation. If the invitation is very formal or shows the wedding is in a ballroom, then it's a good idea to go with a more formal cocktail dress in a neutral colors. Navy is one of my favorite colors! If the invitation is more informal or says it will take place outside, it is probably safe to go with a lighter sun dress. Personally, I think black is fine for a woman to wear to a wedding, but the older generation may not agree, so wear black sparingly just in case.

It's a little easier for men's clothing. Collared, long sleeved shirts, an interesting tie, and slacks are perfect for casual daytime weddings. Navy or black suits work for more formal affairs. Again, look at the invitation to inform you whether it is formal or casual.

No matter what, comfort is key. Make sure you can dance the night away!

Things You Should NOT Wear To A Wedding:

Strappy Halter Mini Dress
The color and length are fine, but the neckline is too low. - Forever21.com
It's best not to go very formal or very informal. As a guest, it is not your time to wear that amazing gown you have owned for years and only wore once. Gowns are reserved for the bride and her bridesmaids. I would also shy away from all over sequins. They reflect a lot of light and can be hard to photograph. Being a walking disco ball is great for a club, but not so great for a family gathering.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, unless specifically stated on the invitation, jeans are too informal. T-shirts are always inappropriate. I would still suggest a button up shirt for a man even if the invitation said t-shirts were fine.

Very sexy dresses are great for the bachelorette party in Vegas, but go ahead and leave them in the closet for the ceremony.

All white dresses and all white suits are never okay to wear to a wedding unless you are specifically asked to do so by the bride and groom. White and off white is reserved for the wedding party.


There you have it! The rules are pretty simple once you know them. Stick to these (also maybe don't try dancing on the tables) and you will make the perfect wedding guest!

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