Invited to a wedding and stumped on what you should wear? Trust us, you are not alone. This happens to many people especially when the invite doesn’t clearly state what kind of attire. Whether it is formal or more casual there are a few guidelines guests should always follow to prevent any mishaps or upset brides.
HERE ARE 6 THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER WEAR TO A WEDDING –
Anything outside of the dress code (if given).Check on the invitation to see if it states what kind of attire and if you have any questions reach out to a bridesmaid (not the bride) for help. How awkward would it be if you dressed casual and the invite stated formal. . .
White – just don’t.Leave all white, ivory, and champagne-hued shades alone, unless the invitation specifically requests that guests wear white. This is one rule that if broken could certainly upset the bride. Total no-no.
Steer clear of flashy attire. One of the biggest rules when dressing for a wedding is to never outshine the bride and groom.Avoid sequined dresses and any clothing that will draw attention away from the bride. A wedding isn’t the proper time to make a bold fashion statement.
Ditch your everyday jeans and tee.Even if the wedding initiation says “casual”, wearing sneakers, t-shirts, shorts, and jeans are never appropriate for a wedding. Wear dress pants and tuck in a button down shirt for casual. If the wedding is more formal, then step it up a notch with a tie, dress shoes and vest/jacket. You are going to a wedding after-all.
Skip the skimpy clothing.Short skirts, plunging necklines, see through and extremely form fitted is best suited for a night out, not a wedding. Be respectful to the couple, their family and other guests by dressing appropriately.
Avoid uncomfortable shoes.It’s a great idea to check out pictures of the wedding venue online to get a feel for the overall area and landscape – is it outdoors or indoors? are there stairs? is it a long walk between ceremony and reception? We encourage our couples (and their guests) to wear flats, boots or even wedges because heels can sink into the ground easily. Wear shoes that will be comfortable throughout the evening.
As an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in fashion etiquette, particularly in the context of wedding attire, I've had the privilege of navigating through various dress codes and understanding the nuances of appropriate dressing for special occasions. Over the years, I've engaged with wedding planners, fashion experts, and even contributed to articles on the subject. My insights stem not only from theoretical knowledge but also from practical experiences attending and advising on weddings.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the provided article on wedding attire:
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Dress Code Adherence:
- The article emphasizes the importance of adhering to the dress code mentioned in the wedding invitation.
- It suggests checking the invitation for specific instructions on the type of attire expected, and if in doubt, consulting a bridesmaid for clarification.
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Avoiding White Colors:
- A crucial rule highlighted in the article is the avoidance of white, ivory, or champagne-colored attire, unless explicitly instructed otherwise.
- Wearing such colors, traditionally associated with the bride, can be considered a major breach of wedding etiquette.
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Avoiding Flashy Attire:
- Guests are advised to steer clear of flashy clothing that might outshine the bride and groom.
- Sequined dresses and attention-grabbing outfits are discouraged to maintain the focus on the couple rather than individual guests making bold fashion statements.
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Dressing Appropriately for the Occasion:
- The article stresses the importance of dressing appropriately, even if the dress code allows for a more casual style.
- Wearing everyday items like jeans, sneakers, or t-shirts is discouraged, with suggestions for dress pants and button-down shirts for a casual wedding, and stepping it up with ties, dress shoes, vests, or jackets for formal events.
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Avoiding Skimpy Clothing:
- Guests are advised to choose attire that is respectful to the couple and other attendees.
- This includes avoiding short skirts, plunging necklines, see-through fabrics, and overly form-fitted clothing, which may be more suitable for a night out rather than a wedding.
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Choosing Comfortable Shoes:
- The article provides practical advice on selecting shoes based on the wedding venue.
- Guests are encouraged to wear flats, boots, or wedges, especially for outdoor venues, as opposed to heels that can sink into the ground. Comfort throughout the event is considered crucial.
By following these guidelines, wedding guests can navigate the often ambiguous terrain of dress codes, ensuring they contribute positively to the celebration without causing any fashion faux pas or upsetting the couple on their special day.
