Dress code for wedding guests: This is how the perfect outfit succeeds.

Nov 02, 2022Einladung Store
Dresscode für Hochzeitsgäste: So gelingt das perfekte Outfit. - Einladung Store

Life is not easy as a wedding guest: you can't steal the show from the bride in terms of fashion, so anything that is too short, revealing or conspicuous should be left in the closet on that day. But what should the perfect guest outfit look like? We have put together some tips for you.

Pay attention to the dress code

Does the wedding couple specify a dress code in the invitation? Great, because that takes part of the decision away from you. Stick to the guidelines, because the bride and groom have certainly put some thought into it. 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 is taking place in a registry office, a sheath dress would be appropriate. If the bride and groom say "I do" in a city park, you can also wear a maxi dress and flowers in your hair. If the celebrations are taking place in a castle, you can wear a long evening dress. So always keep the whole setting of the celebration in mind.

Abendkleid in Pflaume
to the article
rauchblaues Kleid mit Lochstickerei
to the article
Abendkleid lang dunkelbau
to the article
Hosenanzug taupe
to the article
Langes Abendkleid in Mauve
to the article
Druckkleid ecru-fuchsia
to the article

The absolute no-gos for wedding guests

Have you ever worn a white dress as a guest at a wedding? Hopefully not. The colour 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 colours are taboo for guests - unless the bride requests it. Perhaps you still 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 talked about more than the bride's.
Find out here which colors and looks you should also avoid at weddings:

  • Stick to the “too rule”: Anything that is too conspicuous, too short or too sexy should be avoided on this day
  • Even if it is the color of love: striking tones like signal red can be problematic and steal the show from the bride
  • The colour black symbolises mourning and should therefore not be worn at a wedding. Do you love stylish black? Then it helps if you brighten up the outfit a bit with a different coloured bag, a brooch or a scarf
  • Particular sensitivity is required for church weddings: the dress should not be too short or too low-cut and the shoulders should be covered. So keep a cardigan or shawl in your handbag. After the church, you can show more skin 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.

What you can wear as a wedding guest

The fashion magazine Vogue sums it up:

"Her role is to look charming but not too charming; 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 wedding guests. After all, the wedding should be one of the most beautiful days of the bride and groom's lives and you as a wedding guest play an important part in that with your presence.

So what does the perfect look for wedding guests look like?

With a knee-length cocktail or sheath dress in pretty pastel colors like pink, lobster or soft yellow  for example, you are generally on the safe side.

Jersey-Etuikleid rosé
to the article
Spitzen-Kleid in Gelb
to the article
Cocktailkleid hummerfarben
to the article
Kleid rosé weite Ärmel
to the article

If you like something a little more eye-catching and want to spread good cheer, you can go for a summer dress with floral patterns. Here too, always keep the setting of the wedding in mind.

kurzes Abendkleid Blüten
Kleid Pink floral raffinierte Wickeloptik
Kleid floral grün

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 the season, you can simply style it with a matching top, blouse or lace shirt. The skirt should definitely be at least knee-length. But midi and maxi skirts are also great. The great thing about this look? You can simply change the top during a long wedding day. This way, your outfit is also suitable for a party in the evening.

Maxi-Stufenrock floral
to the article
Maxirock festlich silberfarben
to the article
Maxirock bunte Streifen
to the article
Floraler Midirock
to the article

Styling from top to bottom: The perfect shoes and accessories

Great 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 other accessories to match the dress. There is another special feature here: unlike with dresses, you can choose light colors like cream for the shoes and accessories.

Aim high - on high heels

to the article
to the article
grünblauer Pumps
to the article

Show us your toes - in beautiful sandals

Sandals and clogs are a wonderful alternative to pumps, especially in summer. Whether in classic metallic tones or in bold trendy colors, open shoes are a beautiful addition to your summery look on your wedding day.

weiße Sandalette
to the article
Sandalette in Silber
to the article
pinkfarbener Sabot
to the article
to the article

Tip

No matter how comfortable your shoes seem to be.Be sure to pack flat shoes that you can quickly slip into in the evening. Your feet will thank you and you won't have to vacate the dance floor after just a few hours.

Ballerina in Blautönen
to the article
to the article
to the article

Accessories always work

Accessories are the little eye-catchers that give an outfit even more expression without drawing too much attention. So they are perfect for your look as a wedding guest.

Tasche mit Sternchen-Applikation
to the article
Armbanduhr bicolor
to the article
to the article
Ohrhänger mit Glasstein
to the article
to the article
Collier mit Kunstperlen
to the article

Don't be left out in the cold with simple and practical tips

Is rain forecast for the big day? The day in summer is much too cold? Or is it even a winter wedding that you are celebrating? Don't panic! Every wedding outfit can be made weatherproof! With the following tips and tricks you will be prepared  you for all eventualities:

  • mini umbrella; fits in every handbag and can be a chic accessory in the right color
  • trench coat; can be combined wonderfully with dresses. But make sure that the overall colour scheme matches and wear, for example, a beige coat with shoes of the same colour
  • cardigan or bolero; protects you from cold churches and windy days. If it is even colder, you can reach for an elegant coat.
  • tights; always a good decision! The skin-colored version in 15 or 20 denier is the right choice. If that's too thin for you, you can also go for opaque versions. But here too, the color of the tights should harmonize with the dress.
  • If it is pouring with rain, leave your sandals in the car and replace them at least for the time you are outside with sturdier shoesOnce it's warm, you can show off your high heels again.
pinkfarbener Blazer
to the article
sandfarbener Jersey-Blazer
to the article
hellblauer Blazer mit Stehkragen
to the article

Can it be a bit more casual?

Not everyone likes to wear a dress. But blue jeans shouldn't be. We recommend  Instead, for example, wear pastel-colored wide trousers combined with lace tops or plain-colored shirts. Suits, culottes and overalls are also currently very popular with wedding guests.

Overall bunt
to the article
weite Hose in Papaya
to the article
Hosenrock grün
to the article
Hosenanzug hellblau
to the article
Overall mit rosa Spitzenoberteil
to the article
pinkfarbenen schmale Hose
to the article

What a man should wear

Your companion would be well advised to choose a subtle, dark suit or dark trousers with a jacket. That way, he will never run the risk of looking smarter than the groom. Dark blue suits are still very trendy this year. In any case, however, no matter what the temperature is, the jacket should not be taken off until the groom has taken his off.

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.