Appropriate Wedding Guest Outfits

Deciding on the appropriate wedding guest outfits you might want to wear to a wedding may be just as important as the gift you buy for the couple or the date that you bring. An outfit should be chosen depending on the type and the formality of the wedding. Typically as a rule, suits and dresses are appropriate, but do avoid the color white, as the bride should be the only one to wear it on her special day.

A Traditional Church Wedding
A traditional church wedding is the most formal of all weddings, so dress should be very formal as well. Men should wear suits and ties unless otherwise specified. Traditional dress for certain religions may be required for attendees, but the bride and groom will make note of that ahead of time. Women should wear dresses that should not go far above the knee and do not reveal too much skin. This is a day when all eyes should be on the bride, not on your cleavage.

An Outdoor Wedding
An outdoor wedding is most likely more casual than a traditional church wedding, and it will probably be in warm weather. Wear something that you will be comfortable in and not too hot. Choose light fabrics, such as cotton or linen and ladies can wear a dress without sleeves. Also be conscious to wear something that will behave in the wind; a wedding is the worst place to have a wardrobe malfunction. Men should wear chinos or khaki pants with a polo collared or button down shirt. Men should probably wear a jacket or sports coat for photos but it may be alright to take it off for the ceremony. Be conscious of the shoes that you wear, as heels on a beach or on grass may not be practical.

Nighttime Versus Daytime
Color will play a big role in your wedding outfit depending on the time of day the wedding takes place. A black cocktail dress may be more appropriate for a night wedding, but a floral pattern or a brighter color may be appropriate for the daytime. Dress hemlines will also differ according to time of day, as a night wedding will more likely be a black tie affair and will require a floor length dress. Flashier jewelry and purses will also only be appropriate for a night wedding, as are very formal hair updo's.

If you are really struggling with what to wear, contact the bride and groom and ask their expert opinion. It is likely that they have an idea of how they would like their guests to look.