What to Wear to a Wedding: The Ultimate Guide for Every Dress Code, Season & Guest
Don’t hold back on that RSVP; master the art of dressing for every kind of wedding with our tips and wedding guest outfit ideas
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There’s a lot to consider when piecing together a wedding guest look. Along with being the last invitee to make a purchase from the wedding gift list or trying to find a reasonably priced hotel close to the venue, there’s nothing more stress-inducing than deciding on what to wear to a wedding and that last-minute scramble to find something appropriate.
If there’s no wedding dress code included on the invitation, you may well find yourself in fashion limbo, in which case your best bet is to draw inspiration from the season and wedding type. If there is a dress code, perhaps it’s not always clear exactly what is meant – we’ve all been through the drama of trying to interpret 'smart casual'!
So, to help take the worry out of what clothes to wear (and what not to wear), we’ve shared our shortcuts to help you navigate wedding season with ease. We’ve also decoded the most common wedding dress codes to make shopping a little easier.
And if you’re on the lookout for a last-minute wedding guest outfit, we’ve even included a few new-season pieces that will supercharge your wedding-guest wardrobe in an instant. Instagram captions at the ready!
What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest
Whether it’s a registry office wedding or a destination do, the height of summer or the depths of winter, we’ve got you covered with tips, outfit inspo and more
- What to Wear to a Wedding by Season
- What to Wear to a Wedding by Venue & Wedding Type
- Wedding Dress Codes Explained
- Wedding Guest Outfits: Best-Dressed Top Tips
What to Wear to a Wedding by Season
While we know the great British weather is seriously unpredictable, the time of year will help you gauge what kind of look to embrace
What to Wear to a Spring Wedding
Anything happening from March until June has the potential to be on the chilly side. So while gorgeous midi and maxi dresses that evoke the feeling of springtime with floral prints, pretty pastels or bright hues are a must, you’ll also likely need a cover up in the form of a cardigan or blazer, or – at the very least – a bold sleeve.
Love & Roses Animal Print Ruffle Sleeve Midi – Next
Is it animal print? Is it floral? Well, it's both actually. This chic dress can be dressed up or down – the cute ruffled sleeve and midi length make it super versatile.
- Sizing: 8-22
Anya Floral Midi Dress – Nobody’s Child
This pretty dress in the season's must-have (and universally flattering) butter yellow hue from Nobody's Child is also available to rent. The floaty balloon sleeves are perfect for spring.
- Sizing: 4-18
What to Wear to a Summer Wedding
Lighter fabrics like linen, cotton and chiffon will undoubtedly be your best friends for summertime celebrations, and – much like spring – you generally can’t go wrong with a printed midi dress or floaty floral number. You might even dare to bare in a shorter hemline.
“Soft pastels and artful prints are a popular choice for summer weddings,” says Jody Plows, CEO of Nobody’s Child. “Florals are a popular choice year round, whether you choose ditsy prints or more vibrant, artistic floral patterns like hand-painted designs.
“In terms of styling, these kinds of prints look great with sleek, minimalist accessories,” she adds.
When it comes to the guys, it's usually fine to stray away from a super formal suit (unless the dress code calls for it) and stick to something in a lighter fabric – such as linen or cotton – instead. Light blue, tan or olive green are all great options.
Ordinia Dress in Wedding Floral Multi – RIXO
An investment piece, this lightweight silk crepe de chine dress from RIXO will see you through your next wedding and many a special occasion thereafter. It also features a pretty (and bra-friendly!) open back detail.
- Sizing: 6-20
Layla Buttermilk Ruffle-Detail Dress – Ro&Zo
The perfect sorbet shade for summer celebrations, this vintage-inspired, butter-coloured maxi dress from Ro&Zo deserves the top spot in your occasionwear wardrobe thanks to its romantic ruffles and soft floral print.
- Sizing: 6-18
What to Wear to an Autumn Wedding
Diaphanous fabrics like tulle and chiffon can still work for this cooler time of year, just pair them with faux shearling cover-ups and cashmere knits to beat the chill come sunset or pick an outfit with sleeves. Choose autumnal colours for maximum glam – think brown, burgundy, forest green, gold and even black.
Red Tulle Ruffle Maxi Dress – Mint Velvet
Already a staple for gorgeous workwear and holiday essentials, Mint Velvet really comes into its own for weddings and occasions. This spotted tulle dress will require minimal accessories to make a statement and is one you can bring out on repeat season after season.
- Sizing: 6-18
RI Studio Brown Sheer Maxi Dress – River Island
The rich jacquard fabric and chocolate hue of this strapless gown from River Island would look the part at an autumn celebration, while the tailored bodice combined with the light, sheer skirt gives this 'fit incredible movement on the dancefloor.
- Sizing: 6-18
What to Wear to a Winter Wedding
Long sleeves, gorgeous coats and warmer fabrics like velvet and jacquard all lend themselves to winter weddings, but – unless the dress code specifically demands it (we’ve seen many a case where guests have been asked to dazzle) – don’t go overboard on the metallic embellishments. Save that all-over sequin mini for party season and add interest to your winter wedding guest look with accessories instead.
Men should also opt for thicker fabrics at this time of year – black tie is often popular at this time of year to tie in with the celebratory season, but for a more low-key wedding, layer up a fine merino knit with a Herringbone jacket. You might even want to choose a pair of smart Chelsea boots over a classic brogue.
Cotton Belted Maxi Shirt Dress in Vivid Blue – Femponiq London
The easiest way to elevate a classic shirt dress? A statement belted waist. The oversized bow on this beautifully cut piece from slow fashion label Femponiq makes it more than wedding appropriate. Team with some vibrant accessories.
- Sizing: XS-L
Farah Satin Cape-Sash Jumpsuit – Reiss
We're still adamant there's a jumpsuit style out there for everyone; this wide-leg, head-turning teal style from Reiss exudes glamour.
- Sizing: 4-18
What to Wear to a Wedding by Venue & Wedding Type
If there’s no dress code on the invite and you’re feeling unsure about the type of wedding it might be, play detective and start by googling the venue – it’ll give a great starting point when it comes to deciphering the look and feel of the day.
What to Wear to a Church Wedding
If the couple have chosen a religious ceremony, you may feel more comfortable covering your shoulders (and possibly even your arms, depending on how formal the service is) for that specific part of the day. That doesn’t mean, of course, that you have to opt for a long-sleeved outfit – a little cap sleeve is absolutely fine, as is a little cover-up like a blazer, shawl or jacket.
Kachel Spot Ruffle Maxi Dress – Anthropologie
If you love classic silhouettes as much as us, you'll love this gorgeous floral-print maxi from Kachel, with its tiered skirt and gold spot detailing.
- Sizing: 6-16
V&A X Love & Roses Floral Printed Midi Dress – Next
Yes, you can wear black to a wedding – especially when it's as pretty as this short-sleeve midi from Love & Roses designed in collaboration with the V&A.
- Sizing: 8-22
What to Wear to a Registry Office Wedding
Registry office weddings allow for a less formal outfit, so anything from midi and knee-length cocktail dresses to jumpsuits and even a chic trouser suit would work well, while male guests might opt for something smart-casual – think chinos and a blazer as opposed to a full suit and tie. Keep it polished (and comfortable – allow for the fact you might need to travel on public transport) and you can’t go wrong.
Gianna Sleeveless Lace Midi Dress – Monsoon
Pastels come into their own for spring and summer weddings, no matter what the setting. Pair this dress with a cute kitten heel for chic city elegance.
- Sizing: 8-24
Asher Ric Rac Wave Midi Dress in Pink – Reiss
With its playful ric-rac detail, this stylish dress from Reiss is the perfect balance of formal and fun.
- Sizing: 6-16
What to Wear to a Beach Wedding
“If you’re heading to a destination wedding, opt for lightweight fabrics such as linen, which will keep you cool in warmer climates thanks to its breathability and ease of movement,” suggests Jody. “A sunshine wedding is also the perfect kind of celebration for dresses with subtle cut-out details that will allow you to strategically show a hint of skin.”
Wondering what men should wear to a beach wedding? Forgo the suit and keep it relaxed in wide-leg chinos and a breathable button-down shirt, or – if a suit is non-negotiable – choose linen styles in lighter colourways (think cream or sand or light blue) and don't discredit the short suit!
Joseline One-Shoulder Dress – Phase Eight
Wondering what dress to wear to a beach wedding? Phase Eight has you covered for a wedding abroad with this easy breezy asymmetric midi (right) in a deliciously bright orange hue.
- Sizing: 6-20
Rochelle Satin Floral-Print Slip Dress – Reiss
We love this romantic satin slip dress as much for a formal celebration as we do for a beach wedding abroad – it's all about how you wear it. Pair with flat sandals and a cute rattan clutch for best-dressed beach chic.
- Sizing: 4-18
What to Wear to a Muslim Wedding
While there aren’t any strict colour rules, Muslim wedding attire is traditionally elegant and modest, so it’s important to respect that custom as a guest. Female guests at Muslim weddings often wear beautiful, richly coloured maxi dresses and covering your shoulders with a shawl or scarf is generally recommended. If in doubt, always check with the couple about the dress code and any specific colour themes.
Cowl Wrap Pleated Cut-Out Midi Dress – ASOS Design
This divine cut-out style from ASOS comes in at an excellent price point. Pop an oversized blazer over the top to beat the evening chill, depending on the time of year.
- Sizing: 4-18
V&A X Love & Roses Pink Woodblock Long Sleeve Maxi Dress – Next
We couldn't resist a second number from the V&A collection at Love & Roses. This modest style is a riot of colour and will see you through occasions all year round.
- Sizing: 8-22
What to Wear to an Outdoor Wedding
An outdoor wedding can mean many things, so pay close attention to the venue to work out what kind of outfit might work here. That cute cocktail dress and stiletto heel combo will probably fit better for a chic stately home with a ceremony in a paved courtyard than it will for a woodland setting that’s giving off serious wedding festival vibes, for example.
Abi Midi Dress in Layla Dot Blue – RIXO
From garden parties to the races, we predict endless opportunities to wear this dress when wedding season is over. It comes in an array of colourways, but we simply love the blue. It's also available in petite.
- Sizing: 6-20
Ella Red Poppy-Print Maxi – Ro&Zo
Bias-cut to a maxi length, this beautifully flattering poppy-print style looks simply divine with black or gold accessories and a slick of red lipstick! Wear with or without the neck tie.
- Sizing: 6-18
What to Wear to a Wedding Reception
Only been invited to the evening do? Dressing for a wedding reception isn’t much different to dressing for the entire day – dresses of all lengths, stylish jumpsuits and even understated trouser suits in fun colours all work for evening attire, though always check with the couple if they’d prefer you to adhere to a certain dress code.
The same goes for male wedding guests; while trousers and a shirt may be smart enough for most wedding receptions, always find out first hand.
Wedding Dress Codes Explained
While as wedding guests we do have more fashion freedom than ever before, thanks to the rise in both informal and ‘smart casual’ celebrations, a wedding isn’t the occasion to showcase your inner rebel. If there’s a wedding dress code stated on your invitation, you need to adhere to it.
But if you don’t know your white tie from your black, here’s our mini guide to navigating wedding ceremony dress codes for both female and male guests. Remember, if in doubt, ask the couple!
- White tie wedding: the most formal of all dress codes. This involves wearing either a single-breasted black tailcoat with white waistcoat and bow tie, or a full-length dress. They’re not always the kind of outfits many will have lurking in their wardrobes, but you can rent all the suit elements.
- Black tie wedding: slightly less formal, this calls for either a midnight blue or black dinner jacket (or tux), a dress shirt and a bow tie. Dress hemlines should ideally be floor-length again, but you can get away with some cocktail styles. Note that you may also see 'black tie optional', which more or less means, ‘please arrive looking smart, but a dinner jacket isn’t essential’ (do wear a dark suit though).
- Cocktail attire: for guys, a smart suit and tie will suffice; for the gals, keep things on the smarter side, whether that be in a dress, trouser suit, or jumpsuit.
- Smart casual wedding: the most dreaded of dress codes, smart casual can mean different things to different people. Note that it’s probably better to overdress than underdress and so we'd go with the same kind of looks as for cocktail attire.
- Garden party wedding: not a traditional dress code, but still a popular choice. Keep your look chic but slightly more relaxed – floral midi dresses are perfect or wear a suit without the tie.
Wedding Guest Outfits: Best-Dressed Top Tips
- Ditch the denim. Yes, even the colourful denim. Those pale pink jeans may be beautifully cut but denim in all its forms has an ultra laidback association that just isn’t right for weddings. Even if the dress code has ‘casual’ in the name, we guarantee it won’t be denim casual.
- Check whether any colours may be culturally inappropriate. It goes without saying that white shouldn’t be worn to a western wedding, though you should include most printed white dresses, off-white, cream or any other colours that may photograph as white in that category too (if you have to question it, it probably isn’t appropriate). Likewise, red is a typical bridal colour in many Indian and Chinese weddings, so check with the couple beforehand.
- Do some digging to find out what colour the bridesmaids are wearing. You don’t want to get mistaken for being in the wedding party!
- Have a shoe strategy. You’ll likely be on your feet for much of the day – and that’s before you hit the dancefloor – so comfort is key. Consider slipping a pair of flip flops or ballet pumps in your handbag that you can change in and out of if there is a fair bit of walking between venues, otherwise choose a pair that you know you’ll last the day in. As a rule, trainers are a no-go (yes, even if they’re box fresh).
- Don’t assume big occasions = stilettos. Work on-trend chunky, wedge or block heels instead (and give the manicured lawns a break).
- Re-wear the classics. It really is true; you don’t have to buy something new for every event you’re invited to. If you want to wear something different, consider more sustainable options like hiring your wedding guest outfit (Selfridges Rental, Nobody’s Child, ByRotation and Hurr are all great examples) or shop on Vinted for second-hand or vintage pieces.
Outfit sorted? Now you can get a head start on the perfect wedding present. Check out our edit of beautiful wedding gifts for the happy couple!
