What To Avoid Wearing To a Wedding

Wedding etiquette decoded.

Last Updated on April 17, 2023

Love them or hate them don’t know about you, but weddings excite me to a whole different level. The process of it all gives off a warm feeling—saving the date, getting wedding gifts, and choosing a flawless dress. Flawless. The last thing you want is to commit to a fashion faux pas.

Wedding fashion rules have evolved significantly, resulting in fewer restrictions on what guests can wear. But, with this newfound freedom comes the responsibility to ensure that your outfit aligns with and respects the wedding’s theme.

Regardless of the type of wedding you’re attending, there are always etiquette and dress code to follow. Whether the dress code is black-tie, semi-formal, or casual, the rules serve as a roadmap to ensuring the couple’s happiness on their special day.

daisyoliviaj wearing a sister jane co-ord — @daisyoliviaj

It has been my experience to witness, on multiple occasions, wedding attendees clad in extravagant attire or even mimicking the bride’s wedding herself.

Unless there’s a close bond between the guests and the couple, only then there will be adherence to the dress code.

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, though. Remember to still enjoy the process of choosing the perfect wedding guest dress as you do when shopping for yourself.

You can check out some spring summer fashion trends, and make sure you arrive at the wedding in style but still abiding by the dress code.

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What to avoid wearing to a wedding

When choosing a wedding guest outfit, it’s best to opt for formal attire and avoid casual pieces like jeans, T-shirts, shorts, and sneakers. A dress, jumpsuit, tailored pieces or a respectable two-piece are the best options.

Go for elegant and stylish options that will help you look and feel your best without overshadowing the bride.

When it comes to colour and design, it’s wise to avoid bold and attention-grabbing choices such as sequins, animal prints, and bright hues.

Choose more subdued and sophisticated colors that won’t be mistaken for the bride’s white dress, such as pastels, jewel tones, or earthy hues.

Can you wear florals to a wedding?

Wearing florals to a wedding is a great choice! In fact, it is generally considered appropriate as long as the invitation does not explicitly advise against it.

Floral prints are versatile and can work well for weddings held in any season and with various themes. So, if you’re a fan of floral patterns, don’t be afraid to incorporate them into your wedding guest outfit.

Can you wear cream to a wedding?

We all know you can’t wear white to a wedding, but what about cream?

I’d avoid wearing cream, off white, or ivory to a wedding as it may take away the spotlight from the bride, and there’s no point risking it.

But there are still plenty of beautiful options available for guests to choose from. If you’re uncertain about the dress code, it’s always a good idea to ask the bride to avoid any awkwardness on the big day.

If the bride has requested those colours as part of the wedding theme, guests can confidently wear them of course but unless it’s specified, steer clear.