Choosing the best wedding guest outfits

Is this the year that your diary has been peppered with weddings? Or perhaps it’s been a while but all of a sudden an invitation arrives. So your wardrobe might be brimming with wedding guest outfits that you have to juggle so that you don’t wear the same thing twice. Or you could be wondering what on earth to wear, since after all this time none of your frocks fit! Either way, we’re here to give you a guiding hand!

Trends and Classics

How trendy should you go as a wedding guest? Remember that wedding photos will likely crop up on social media for years to come. This means that it really is safer if you don’t choose your mate’s nuptials to experiment with catwalk extremes! Classic lines are always a safe bet, but there’s a fine line to draw between classic and dull. 

Prints and Colours

We all know the rule about not wearing white or ivory. That piece of etiquette for wedding guest outfits will never become out of date. Similarly, dressing all in black can strike a rather sombre tone in what is a joyful day. This is why prints are such a great choice for wedding guest outfits. The right print can strike a playful tone and a hit of colour scheme without being overbearing. You’re also less likely to unwittingly appear too similar to the wedding party. From florals to geometrics to animal prints, there is nothing that is out of the question these days.

Practical Layers

The nature of a wedding day means that you’ll be in a range of environments. Perhaps a church, a hotel, a barn, or a restaurant. Plus, don’t forget about walking in between service and reception venues, or in the venue grounds. Even in Summer the temperature drops in the evenings, and when rain is forecast it’s vital to be prepared! Pastel tailored jackets are very much on trend and hit a timeless classic note as well. For a more casual look, layer with light knits or a wrap. 

The Right Tone

Some wedding invitations are helpfully explicit in dress code instructions; in fact they can sometimes tip into the dictatorial..! Others are more vague and easy going. It’s important to get the tone right as a guest, or risk appearing to insult your hosts. Take guidance by the choice of venue; church services tend to be more formal than barn or garden settings, for example. Hats are another potential mine field, but people will tend to be explicit if they don’t want hats to be worn.

Seasonal Features

You’ll naturally be drawn to certain outfit features depending on the time of year. Winter weddings will tend to see a larger number of opulent velvets and sequins in tones of green and purple. Similarly, a summer wedding will be awash with ditzy florals and pastel linens. They are all classic looks, so allow yourself to follow your natural instinct here. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable – not too hot or too cold, too constricted or too unsupported. After all, the newlyweds want to celebrate with happy people, not uncomfortable people!

Following a theme

How about destination weddings like coastal or beach holidays? Or themed parties if your happy couple are into musicals, comics or history? They may get hitched on a boat or as part of a skiing holiday. Obviously all of these things will guide your wedding guest outfit down a certain route. For these extremes, you really do need to be led by your invite – and if you don’t feel comfortable dressing as a Tudor queen, maybe just choose purple instead!

While there are many considerations when it comes to choosing wedding guest outfits, it’s most important for your style to be true to yourself. After all, the happy couple want to remember their day as being surrounded by their friends and loved ones – not a bunch of strangers! So be led by styles, colours and accents that make you feel at your best. It all helps to make a positive atmosphere and wonderful wedding day! And finally, don’t forget your shapewear, check out our fantastic selection here.