As a wedding guest, it's not easy: you can't steal the show from the bride in terms of fashion and should therefore leave anything that is too short, revealing or flashy in the closet on the day. But what should the perfect guest outfit look like? We have put together a few tips for you.
Pay attention to the dress code
Does the wedding couple specify a dress code in the invitation? That's great, because it takes some of the decision off your hands. Stick to the guidelines, because the bride and groom have certainly thought of something. The wishes and preferences of the hosts should definitely be respected.
If the bride and groom have not specified a dress code, the three W's come into play: Who? When? Where? If the wedding takes place in the registry office, a shift dress would be appropriate. If the bride and groom are saying "I do" in the city park, a maxi dress and floral decorations in the hair are fine. If the celebrations are taking place in a castle, a long evening dress can be used. So always keep the overall setting of the celebration in mind.
The absolute no-gos for wedding guests
Have you ever worn a white dress as a guest at a wedding? Hopefully not. The color white is reserved for the bride alone! This also applies to dresses in shades of cream, champagne, ivory and whatever else they are called. White colors are taboo for guests - unless the bride requests it. Perhaps you remember the wedding of Prince William and Duchess Kate? Kate's sister and bridesmaid Pippa looked magical in her outfit, but her white dress was almost more talked about than that of the bride.
Find out here which colors and looks you should also stay away from at weddings:
- Stick to the "too rule": Anything too flashy, too short or too sexy should be avoided on this day
- Even if it's the color of love: eye-catching shades like signal red can be problematic and steal the show from the bride
- The color black symbolizes mourning and should therefore not be worn at a wedding. Do you love stylish black? Then it helps if you brighten up the outfit with a different colored bag, a brooch or a scarf
- Special sensitivity is required for church weddings: The dress should not be cut too short or too cleavage-baring and the shoulders should be covered. So have a cardigan or stole ready in your handbag. After church, more skin can be shown again
Tip: Are you good friends with the bride and groom? Then ask the bride what she thinks of your outfit or what ideas she has. Because: every bride and every wedding is different and maybe your bride and groom want unusual colors.
This is what you can wear as a wedding guest
The fashion magazine Vogue sums it up:
"Your role is to look glamorous, but not too glamorous; to stand out without standing out too much - a very subtle role". - Vogue
I think that this description can also be applied to the outfits of all the wedding guests. After all, the wedding should be one of the most beautiful days of the bride and groom's lives and you as wedding guests play an important part in this with your presence.
So what's the perfect look for wedding guests?
With a knee-length cocktail dress or sheath dress in pretty pastel colors such as pink, lobster or soft yellow, for example, you are generally on the safe side.
If you prefer something a little more eye-catching and want to spread a good mood, you can go for a summer dress with a floral pattern. The same applies here: always keep the setting of the wedding in mind.
Rock around the clock
A great alternative to a dress is a combination of a skirt and a top. Depending on the time of day and season, simply style a matching top, blouse or lace shirt with it. The skirt should always be at least knee-length. But midi and maxi skirts are also great. The beauty of this look? You can simply change the top in between on a long wedding day. That way, your outfit is also party-ready in the evening.
Styling from top to bottom: The perfect shoes and accessories
Gorgeous high heels are always a good idea and go perfectly with dresses. They can be matched to the color of the dress or combined with the other accessories to match the dress. There is another special feature here: unlike with the dresses, you are welcome to choose light shades such as cream for the shoes and accessories.
Aiming high - on high heels
Show off your toes - in beautiful sandals
Sandalettes and sabots are a wonderful alternative to pumps, especially in summer. Whether in classic metallic tones or bold trendy colors, open-toed shoes are a beautiful addition to your summery look on your wedding day.
tip
No matter how comfortable your shoes seem to be. Make sure you pack flat shoes that you can slip into quickly in the evening. Your feet will thank you and you won't have to leave the dance floor after a few hours.
Accessories always work
Accessories are the little eye-catchers that give an outfit even more expression without attracting too much attention. Perfect for your look as a wedding guest.
Don't get left out in the rain with simple and practical tips
Rain on the horizon for the big day? The day in summer is far too cold? Or is it even a winter wedding you're celebrating? Don't panic! Every wedding outfit can be made weatherproof! With the following tips and tricks, you'll be prepared for all eventualities:
- Mini umbrella; fits in any handbag and can be a chic accessory in the right color
- Trench coat; can be wonderfully combined with dresses. However, make sure that the overall color scheme matches and wear a beige coat with shoes in the same color, for example
- Cardigan or bolero; protects you from cold churches and windy days. If it's even colder, you can opt for an elegant coat
- Tights; always a good choice! The skin-colored version in 15 or 20 deniers is the perfect choice. If this is too thin for you, you can also opt for opaque versions. But the same applies here: the color of the tights should harmonize with the dress.
- Leave your sandals in the car when it's pouring rain and replace them with sturdier shoes , at least for the time you're outside. You can then show off your high heels again when it's warm.
Can it be a little more casual?
Not everyone likes to wear a dress. But it shouldn't be blue jeans. Instead, we recommend pastel-colored wide pants, for example, combined with lace tops or plain-colored shirts. Suits, culottes and overalls are also very popular with wedding guests at the moment.
What the man should wear
Your companion is well advised to choose a discreet, dark suit or dark trousers with a jacket. This way, he will never run the risk of looking fancier than the groom. Dark blue suits are still very much in vogue this year. In any case, no matter what the temperature, the jacket should only be taken off when the groom has taken his off too.
The perfect look for wedding guests
As you can see, the question of the perfect look as a wedding guest is very tricky. I hope I was able to help you with the tips and rules and wish you a beautiful (and fashionably stress-free) wedding season.
