Pro Tips: Wedding Guest

The question of how a guest should dress for a wedding is not so obvious, because wedding guides addressed to men usually talk about the groom's clothing. But there are a few other wardrobe rules for guests to better present themselves. Poor dressing by a guest is sometimes considered a sign of disrespect for the bride and groom. Even if it doesn't seem important, remember what it may mean to some is whether or not you were trying to look elegant and correct. If you're looking for advice on how to dress as a wedding guest, you'll find it in this article on wedding styling.

How to dress for a wedding or go classic

Having attended several weddings, I have noticed that most guests, unfortunately, do not know how to properly dress for a wedding. Many of them use details that reduce the formality of the wardrobe at all costs. They act as if they are afraid that they will look too elegant. In many cases, men, even when they decide to buy a suit, choose one that has a non-standard cut, extravagant design or is made of too shiny fabric. We need to figure it out, first read our article about the men's dress code.

The rules of men's clothing clearly define what is appropriate for a special occasion and what is not. But you don't need to be an expert, someone in the store will advise you, right? Not always like this. Salespeople in most stores do not have enough knowledge and recommend what they think looks great. Meanwhile, there are many mistakes that you risk making.

The ideal wardrobe for a wedding guest

We “miss” such a nightmare as jackets fastened with five buttons right under the neck, or suits with contrasting piping. And even elegant things may not be suitable for a wedding. For example, a black suit that is only suitable for funerals. And a wedding almost always takes place during the day and has nothing to do with mourning! When it comes to shoes, a less formal derby in a bright color is also not an option. Sets of ties for a couple with the groom made of the same material and the same color are a bad idea. This is a simple task, which nevertheless has no justification in the traditions of formal dress.

With basic knowledge, you can go into a store with clearly defined needs. And don’t believe sellers’ offers to buy an inexpensive suit with a mixture of synthetics in the fabric. Such suits look “cheap” and understanding people will immediately spot you from the crowd and call you a person with a modest income and bad taste. Read this guide and you will surely know how to dress a male guest at a wedding.

Wedding dress code for guests depending on the time of year

If you are invited to the wedding of a male friend or girlfriend, do not rush to get the most fashionable outfit. First, pay attention to the date of the holiday - what is suitable as clothing for guests for a wedding in August will look ridiculous in January.

The wedding look of the guest must correspond to the season and weather conditions

It would be a good idea to ask the heroes of the occasion which outfit to choose for a wedding as a guest, because quite often weddings are decorated in the same style. You can certainly look unique and bright, but at the same time you need to be harmoniously combined with the overall picture of the significant day.

What to wear in the fall to a wedding in 2021

“A sad time, a charm of the eyes...” read the lines of a famous poem. However, a wedding in the fall can be no less colorful than in the summer.

Finding a stylish outfit for a fall wedding is easy. thick fabric with an unusual print will look trendy . Choose shades of gold, brown, green or blue.

Photo of an outfit for a guest at a wedding in the fall

Current trends place emphasis on wine, red and burgundy shades. A fashionable red outfit for a friend’s wedding will come in handy.

Photo of a red wedding dress for a guest

It is also allowed to wear trousers and a blouse to a wedding. In the fall, such an image will look harmonious, especially if the celebration is scheduled for November.

Fashionable look for a wedding guest - trousers and blouse

Bright colors can also be used in the clothes of the groomsmen at a fall wedding . For example, a yellow tie, a brown suit or an elegant shirt in a non-standard shade.

Photo of wedding attire for a guest – brown suit

What can you wear to a summer wedding?

You can read more about summer outfits here. Perhaps this time of year allows you to approach the choice of clothing most freely. It can be a light dress, a light suit, or a beautiful wedding outfit consisting of a top and a skirt. The last option is the most relevant this year.

Photo of a wedding dress for a guest consisting of a top and a skirt

It's easy to choose a stylish and elegant look for parents. In the warm season, you can use delicate shades and loose fabrics. But you should abandon the black and white options. White is the traditional color of the bride, but black looks strange in summer.

You should make sure that your grandmother dresses as elegantly as possible for her grandson or granddaughter’s wedding. An elderly lady will surely love the suit, complete with a chic hat and a string of pearls .

Grandmother at her grandson's wedding

Don't weigh down your look with voluminous jewelry. In summer, light and unobtrusive products look more harmonious.

Gold necklace with diamonds, SL (price on the link)

Despite the fact that it is customary to wear suits to a wedding, recently the use of denim has also been accepted. This is especially true for men - this way they will feel freer at the holiday.

Photo of the clothes of a stylish wedding guest - a man in jeans

What to wear to a winter wedding?

made of velvet and thick satin will come in handy . The colors chosen are rich and deep: blue, green, lilac.

How to dress correctly if you are going to a friend’s wedding in winter? First of all, choose the right length of the dress. In cold and slushy seasons, it will be more comfortable to wear knee-length or midi dresses.

Photo of a wedding guest in a blue dress

Remember that boots are inappropriate , as are winter boots for men. Take care of replacement shoes. A fur cape or gloves are suitable as an addition to a winter look . The main thing is not to try to outshine the bride.

A man can wear a checkered suit made of thick fabric. This style is popular. Another option is a shirt and sweater. Additional accessories include cufflinks, a velvet bow tie or a tie.

Silver cufflinks with cubic zirconia, S&P (price on the link)

What to wear to a wedding in spring?

In the spring season, after the winter cold, cold and grayness, you want something bright and original. It is no coincidence that the most unusual outfits for wedding guests can be seen in the spring. Floral prints are popular this time of year. You won't go wrong if you choose this dress. The length of the outfit can be up to you, but floor-length or knee-length floral dresses with a flowy skirt look best.

Photo of a wedding guest in a dress with a floral print

Another option is a bright satin dress with a wide belt . This style will suit any figure and create an aristocratic image.

Photo of a wedding guest in a satin dress

Men are also recommended to add brightness and craziness to their image. To do this, you can use a tie or bow tie of an unusual shade.

Photo of a wedding guest with a bright tie

Two-piece suit for a wedding

Best Suit Options You Can Wear to a Wedding
A classic suit is a good choice for a wedding. It is best to choose dark blue, dark gray or graphite. Like we said, forget about black. Don't risk wearing a tuxedo because you might end up dressing more formally than the groom. It is he and his beloved who should be the center of attention. You don't want anyone to mistake you for the groom. It is best that the suit fastens with two buttons and has standard open lapels. You can also consider peak lapels, but remember that in such a suit there is a risk of looking more elegant than the groom. For the same reason, skip a double-breasted suit, which is considered more formal than a single-breasted suit.

Interestingly, some companies offer suits with 2.5 buttons. This decision refers to the Italian style. In fact, only two holes are visible, and the third is on one of the lapels. This is also a good choice for a wedding guest suit. The best fabric for a formal suit is wool, which is breathable and doesn't wrinkle too much. Summer fabrics made from linen or cotton are also acceptable. But we would rather recommend a wool blend than, for example, a cotton or linen suit. Such materials wrinkle quickly.

A well-tailored suit in navy or gray is a great investment. It will last for years, not just for a wedding. It can be folded and worn as a set with other trousers or a shirt. This is the foundation of every man's wardrobe.

Can a wedding guest wear a vest? First of all, it's a good choice. The choice is between single-breasted and double-breasted vests. A vest that contrasts with a jacket and trousers can be a particularly interesting solution. Proponents of classic elegance often pair a light gray waistcoat with a dark blue suit for a stunning look. The vest is also used in a coordinated set.

When wearing a vest, it is not necessary to button the jacket; this increases the wearing comfort. The vest also keeps the tie in the correct position. Remember, however, that the vest is worn with suspenders. A belt sticking out of a vest is a mistake. Trousers must have no loops.

What should you not wear to a wedding?

Let's start with what not to wear to a wedding. Remember a few important rules:

If you are invited to a wedding not alone, but with your girlfriend or spouse, then it is important that your outfits match each other. Otherwise, your couple will not look harmonious.
Wedding guests are prohibited from wearing monochrome white or black bows. In the first case, the image will compete with the whiteness of the bride’s dress. The black color of the suit is considered too formal and for many people is even associated with mourning.
You can't have your outfit look like the groom's suit. Find out in advance what the hero of the occasion will wear.
Better give up flashy colors and extravagant outfits. Otherwise, you risk becoming an object of ridicule and misunderstanding from guests and newlyweds.

Of course, these rules have exceptions. In general, the choice of suit for the groom’s friend depends primarily on the style of the wedding and the wishes of the future spouses. You can often see photographs in which the newlywed and his friends are dressed in exactly the same outfits. Another common option is when everyone has identical suits, but the groom, for example, wears a jacket, and the rest just wear shirts.

In addition, wedding themes can be very diverse. For example, celebrations in the style of “Alice in Wonderland” are popular, where original outfits and bright colors are indispensable. At weddings a la the 80s, neon and ultraviolet shades are relevant. But if it is held in an official style, then most often guests need to wear tailcoats or tuxedos. Moreover, if the groom is wearing a white suit, then everyone should choose the opposite color - black.

Trousers and blazer in a different color - coordinated set

How to Style Pants and a Blazer
In many situations, you can replace a suit with a coordinated set. This means styling with a blazer and trousers in different colors. This is a less formal choice for an occasion such as a wedding, but is acceptable nowadays. Well, unless the bride and groom belong to your family, then it would be more correct to stay in a suit.

The most classic coordinated set consists of a navy fine wool blazer and gray trousers - called the club set. In summer, darker chinos can also be paired with a dark blazer. This set is suitable for those who would like to dress more casually. It would be inappropriate to wear jeans that you would rather save for another occasion.

Costume

It should be borne in mind that at the celebration there may be many people unfamiliar to you who will meet you based on their clothes. Choose your items responsibly: a ceremonial event requires formal attire. The severity of your outfit should be determined by the mood of the wedding: for a traditional one, you should wear a win-win classic suit, but for a stylized one, a looser style is appropriate.

Your suit should only complement the groom's suit. Remember: this is his and his bride's day.

The choice of costume should be based on your idea of the upcoming holiday and your role in it. If you are a close friend or best man, you can ask what the groom will be wearing and build on that information. You can wear a monochromatic suit of muted color with a soft check or stripe if the groom is dressed traditionally, or a more extravagant option if the style of the future wedding implies this. The main thing is that your suit fits you well and correctly (read about this in the article “Rules for choosing the ideal suit”).

Under your suit, wear a shirt that best suits your look: a snow-white one will emphasize the solemnity of the event, and a shirt with a pattern is more appropriate for informal wedding parties.

Wedding shoes – the right type of shoes for a wedding

Shoes should be quite formal for such a celebration.
The best choice for such formal events would be black oxfords. Shoes should have the simplest shape with a minimum number of stitches and decorations. It is better that the top with laces for the laces is closed at the bottom, like Oxford shoes. This gives the shoe a simple and elegant shape.

In summer, you can optionally wear classic, elegant moccasins, so-called penny loafers made of smooth leather. Suede would be too informal for the occasion. Black shoes are considered best for formal occasions. They go with navy blue and gray trousers, which are the colors we usually choose for weddings.

Brown shoes are a risky choice and some people consider it inappropriate. On the other hand, if we are already choosing a less formal wardrobe, for example with beige chinos or light gray ones, then black shoes will not work. Don't forget to polish your shoes thoroughly. The tips and heels should be well polished. By working a little on the gloss, add shine to the entire stylization.

Socks for wedding shoes

Even the choice of socks for a wedding should be approached delicately.
Socks are matched to shoes or trousers. Get creative and choose the color of your socks to match your tie or pocket square. They should be made of smooth material. If you choose a pattern, don't let it be too extravagant. Peas seem like a good idea - like the one in the picture above.

Socks should be high. The idea is to not show your shin when you sit down. To ensure your socks stay in place all the time, you can invest in sock garters. The most stylish additions of this type are products from the British brand Albert Thurston, worn by kings, presidents and, of course, Agent 007.

Shawl for wedding ceremony

A classic white scarf is always a must-have, even at a wedding.
When it comes to choosing a pocket square, some people go crazy. Men rarely remember it, considering the scarf too much extravagance. However, it is an integral element of classical elegance, sanctified by tradition. A pocket square can be an interesting piece of clothing, completing and complementing a style. If you don’t know how to place it in your pocket, read our article - how to fold a pocket square into a jacket pocket.

A plain white handkerchief, preferably linen, is a good choice because the slightly rough material holds in place in the pocket. It doesn't slide off as easily as silk. The game also includes scarves with edges edged in a contrasting color. A geometric or even complex design is not wrong, but try not to make the design look garish. Save bold decisions for other occasions. Remember to match the scarf with your outfit, but don't choose the same as your tie.

Shirt for wedding

These 3 shirt options are more appropriate at a wedding than others.
Of course, men who came to a wedding in a short-sleeved shirt cannot be called elegant. Those who sell such shirts for costumes should be punished somehow. Unfortunately, this trend is still observed at weddings. A classic long-sleeved shirt with cuffs for buttons or cufflinks is suitable for a wedding. As for color, classic white would be suitable. Also available in blue and pink. Avoid shirts with variegated colors, as well as shirts that are too dark or shiny.

The shirt is fastened with all buttons. A plunging neckline is the prerogative of women, especially in formal situations. And don't wear a shirt over your pants! It should always be tucked into the pants, ironed and tight-fitting - without folds hanging above the waistband. If the shirt is too wide at the waist, have it tapered by a tailor or have the shirt tucked in correctly. By the way, there is an excellent solution to prevent your shirt from coming out of your pants - shirt suspenders.

The right tie for a wedding

How to choose a tie for a wedding guest
The last element of a wedding wardrobe is a tie or bow tie. You can't go bare-necked to this kind of ceremony. The tie for the wedding set should be plain or with a delicate pattern. It is better to choose muted colors (blue, dark blue, crimson, gray). A bright tie is a mistake.

You should also not match a tie to the groom's outfit, it is in bad taste. You are not twins whose mother buys the same clothes. Your connection to each other should be based on the fact that you are both dressed at the same level of formality. That's all.

The most suitable for a wedding would be a silk tie. You can also wear ties made from other natural fabrics (such as wool or cotton) for less formal outfits. Jersey knit ties are less formal. In any case, forget about synthetics such as polyester or microfiber. A tie should be a decoration, skillfully made from quality material, and not a cheap imitation made of plastic. If you do not yet have knowledge and understanding, it is better to check the composition on the label, because even in seemingly decent boutiques you can find synthetic materials. Also, thin ties are not suitable for weddings.

Unique and elegant images

The guest looks stylish if his image matches the style of the wedding. Even at a themed wedding, where all the dresses are the same color, you can look original if you choose the appropriate style and complement it with stylish accessories (clutch, shoes, gloves, jewelry).

For the bridesmaids

It is fashionable if the bridesmaids, and there may be several of them, wear identical dresses. This is especially appropriate for themed weddings. In the 2021 season, floor-length dresses made of light fabrics, plain, pastel colors (lilac, pink, blue), purple, burgundy or with floral prints remain trendy.

In the summer, models with open shoulders are suitable for girls; the crop top style, dresses with a fitted silhouette, transformable dresses, classic ones with a long flared skirt are always relevant. If there are several girlfriends, dresses of different styles, then the images are combined with the help of accessories (jewelry, bouquets).

For the bride

The style of the wedding dress should emphasize the advantages and hide the disadvantages. In the 2021 season, flowing chiffon, exquisite guipure, delicate silk, delicate lace, airy organza and noble satin do not go out of fashion. It is from these fabrics that fashion designers create wedding dresses.

The leading position among models for the evening is occupied by the “fish” style. Dresses for A-line brides and dresses in the Greek style are popular.

Extravagant girls prefer full skirts with an asymmetrical hem.

Fashion designers are coming up with new decorative details for wedding dresses. In the 2021 models, the emphasis is on the neckline and skirts with a train. The outfits are decorated with bows, original cut sleeves, and fancy straps and cutouts. Hand embroidery, pearls, and beads are still in trend.

For a bride expecting a child, fashion designers offer stylish high-waisted dresses made from natural materials:

graceful, elegant silk;
airy and light chiffon;
light knitwear;
soft crepe de Chine;
romantic lace fabric.

Look for moms

A mother of the bride outfit should be comfortable and elegant. For a modest registration party, you can wear a sheath dress. It's a win-win. Sleeves can be of any length, the texture of the fabric is selected according to the season: light - for spring, summer, thick - for the cold season. Shades should be selected based on your color type.

For a formal event held in a restaurant, you need evening attire. The style can be chosen by the hero of the occasion. Models of a certain type fit well on obese women:

high waisted;
A-shaped;
trapezoid

Ladies with beautiful breasts can afford a neckline. Additionally, it will be emphasized by a tight-fitting bodice. The skirt can be straight or flared. Beautiful arms and shoulders can be revealed, too full ones can be covered with sleeves of an original cut.

In the cold season, the outfit can be complemented with a lace cape. In summer it is allowed to wear a silk shawl or stole. In autumn and winter, you can complement the look with an elegant cardigan or jacket. It is considered good form if the color of the father's shirt matches the color of the bride's mother's dress.

Popular colors for mother of the bride:

all shades of green;
blue gamma;
violet;
wine colors;
purple.

The color of the fabric should be calm and muted. Acid shades in the mother of the bride's outfit are unacceptable. Black, bright red, dark gray, and pink dresses are prohibited.

For pregnant women

Pregnant women want to look cute and beautiful at the wedding. To ensure that the appearance is not inferior to other guests, the festive outfit should be without tightening, the woman should be comfortable in it. In the early stages, the length can be any. For heavily pregnant women, it is better to choose a floor-length (maxi) or midi (below the knees, above the ankles) model.

The colors are soft and pastel:

lavender;
mint;
cream;
peach.

A dress that is calm in color and style should be complemented with accessories and comfortable, stylish shoes.

For a woman over 50

At this age, a woman should look elegant. You should not go to a wedding in an outdated style dress. Elegant classic models made of expensive fabric never go out of fashion. A consistent color scheme and correctly selected length will add elegance to the image.

The dress should not fit your figure. It is better to avoid a deep neckline. An open back is inappropriate. If the holiday takes place outdoors, include a cape in the set. It will complement your look and keep you warm if the weather turns bad.

Fashionable wedding styles for women over 50:

Dress with a year skirt. This is a classic. The top should fit the figure, the skirt should flare out from the knee or hips. The outfit disguises excess volume in the abdomen and hips.
The straight cut combined with expensive, high-quality fabric looks impressive. The laconic outfit is complemented by a V-neck and original cut sleeves. A shallow lateral incision(s) is appropriate.
A sheath dress made of lace and brocade is chosen by plump ladies. Clear lines and a semi-fitting silhouette make the look stylish.
A slender older woman can wear a balloon dress made of silk or satin.
Older guests look presentable in A-line dresses made of high-quality material.

For full

In winter and autumn, girls and women with curvy figures can go to a wedding in an elegant sheath dress. Models with a V-neck, sewn from thick fabric, will hide flaws and emphasize advantages. To look elegant, choose an outfit of optimal length - slightly below the knee.

In summer it is better to wear:

light dress in Greek style;
a two-layer outfit consisting of a figure-flattering plain cover and an airy top layer;
dress made of light fabric of medium length with a circle skirt.

There are details that effectively emphasize the advantages of curvaceous figures. These include an elegant neckline, a highlighted waistline, and a halter collar. The fabric must be monochromatic and match the color type. Shiny outfits make the image of a plump woman vulgar.

The choice of dress will be successful if simple rules are followed. It should not be too open or transparent. You cannot combine three cut elements in one image:

short length;
neckline;
cut on the back.

The elements are appropriate, but in moderation. Dresses worn to a nightclub will not work. For a wedding you need a more modest look. At a daytime celebration, decoration made from sequins and other shiny details looks vulgar. If a dress code is stated, then it cannot be ignored. To comply with it, well-chosen accessories are enough.