Guest Attire Don'ts

To find a suitable dress to wear to a wedding really takes a lot of considerations and a lot of aspects need to be included. Remember the following don’ts.

 

Don't wear shorts. Unless the bride and groom have specifically told you what to wear to a beach wedding and it includes shorts, you should not wear shorts to even a casual wedding. You can always find a lightweight linen skirt or slacks to wear on the big day.

Don't wear revealing clothing. You may have worked hard for those abs or have gorgeous legs, but now is not the time to show off. Men can wear fitted pants and shirts but should not wear burnout clothing or sleeveless tops. Women should take care that their tops are not too low, their skirts are not too high, and that the dress is not too tight. If you cannot sit or bend over without adjusting your clothing, it is probably too revealing.

Don't wear jeans. Unless you are attending a western theme wedding, it is best to leave the jeans behind for the weekend. Dress pants come in a range of styles for men and women, including denim-style cuts. Clothes can be comfortable and classy.

Don't assume the formality. While looking at the invitation wedding location can clue you in to how formal the wedding will be, you may be wrong. If you are unsure whether you should wear a cocktail dress or sundress or polo with dress slacks or full tuxedo, call one of the bridal party members to find out.

Wear Maxi to Wedding

A summer wedding is the perfect opportunity for light and stylish maxi dresses for wedding guests. Chic and comfortable, a maxi dress can be dressed up with jewelry and accessories for a formal wedding or worn without adornments for more casual wedding guest fashion simplicity.

We adore the sexy, flowing scarf-inspired D&G maxi dresses for Summer 2012 with their flattering tiers of exotic multi-layered prints. This is maxi dress decadence to the…max!

Elegantly perfect for any formal or casual affair, this 100% polyester pleated maxi dress from Ted Baker is a stunner. Remove the thin fabric belt for a more free-flowing Greek goddess look. For bright and summery makeup with this beautiful dark orange dress, we suggest one of this year’s sumptuous Tangerine Tango shades for lips and eyes.

Gorgeous for an evening ceremony, we love the satin abstract print Mila maxi dress from Forever Unique. Laser cut sequin detailing at the shoulder and waist bring this multicolored dress from pretty to ravishing. This one shoulder-strap dress is fully lined, with invisible side zipper.

Feminine simplicity for summer nuptials, wedding guests will feel both pretty and comfortable in this mushroom-colored strapless maxi dress from T-Bags Los Angeles. The mix of rayon and spandex makes this fabric feel so good against the skin for a long, lovely day of celebrating.

What to Wear to A Fall Wedding?

Fall is great time for wedding, isn’t it? The romantic and changing color of the season make for a most beautiful scene. So choose the right outfit to a fall wedding not only makes you look good but also show your great taste.

Colors. This is a season that all about colors, filled by rich, natural colors. Red, oranges, yellows and browns are the representatives of fall colors, which you should consider to wear to a fall wedding. Dark colors such as black, navy blue, plums and deep purples are also appropriate to wear to fall wedding. The most creative way is to incorporate some of these colors into your wedding attire.

Material. The reason why material of the attire is important is that this season’s weather is unpredictable. If the wedding is an outdoor one, the material choice is even more important. Silk, satin, cashmere, velvet, cotton and wool are all great materials you to try wearing.

Formal/informal. A suit would be fantastic to wear to both a formal or informal fall wedding. If you decide to wear a suit, choose a matching shirt and handkerchief. A tuxedo would look great on any man attending a formal evening wedding. Your tux should include a black bow tie and cummerbund.

Casual. Casual weddings call for the type of dress you would wear to a restaurant. Slacks and a polo shirt are appropriate for men to wear to a casual fall wedding.

Shoes. Shoes are an important aspect of wedding attire. Black, plain-toe oxfords are the standard. Although, browns can be worn in the day time. Try to steer clear of wing tips, or the type of show you might wear to the office.

Dress by Types of Wedding

The etiquette for wedding attire usually depends on the style of the wedding, such as location, time and family background. And all these are indicators for your dress code. You may also find clues in your wedding invitation. So let’s have a look.

Outdoors Attire

For women, floral patterned dresses are perfect for outdoor, daytime weddings. Go with appropriate-length dresses with pastel colors and light fabrics. Leggings also coordinate nicely. If the wedding is on the beach, be sure to wear sandals. If a dress is not preferable, a light-colored suit will do wonders. However, avoid dark colors at all costs. Daytime weddings give off a lighthearted and playful atmosphere. Accessorize with a hat. As for men, suits will always work; particularly dark, grays and navy ones. Unless the invitation specifies that the wedding is formal, a tuxedo is not necessary.

Formal Attire

Formal attire for women can be achieved with a simple, black cocktail dress accessorized with jewelry. Long dresses that go to the floor or flowing gowns also fit in this category. Pumps always go well with evening attire. Be careful of being too inappropriate. Strapless dresses and attire that bears too much cleavage are a no-go. Darker colors and sophisticated-looking outfits look much better. For men, tuxedos are the norm.

Semi-Formal Attire

Semi-formal attire is similar to outdoors attire. Skirts, sundresses, or colorful dresses for the ladies are always appropriate. Avoid floor-length dresses. For the men, a blazer is not necessary. A dress shirt, slacks and a tie will complete the look perfectly.

What To Avoid

Don't be overly suggestive or show too much skin. Though weddings are meant to be fun and joyous occasions, keep to a mildly conservative dress code. For women especially, wearing white is not allowed. You don't want to upstage the bride. Men don't have to be too troubled about what to wear because unless otherwise specified, suits are always the standard wear. For men, avoid multicolored garb and oddly patterned ties.

Wedding Guest Dress Rules

Wedding rules are different for different time wedding of the day, and the wedding “rules” may get you confused. You just want to know what to wear to the wedding, don’t worry, here is more advice for what to wear to a wedding.

Wedding Guest Style for Her

Informal Daytime: Short dress or suit (business attire OK for morning weddings)

Informal Evening: Cocktail dress (which is any dressier dress -- for example, a little black dress -- that's not full-length.)

Semi-Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit

Semi-formal Evening: Cocktail dress

Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit. Hats and gloves are optional.

Formal Evening or Black-Tie: Long or dressy short cocktail (beading, glam accessories, wrap)

Ultra-formal or White Tie: Long gown, extra glitz (furs, diamonds, etc.)

Dos and Don'ts for Her

Don't wear white because it competes with the bride. There are plenty of other colors available. This rule may seem outdated, but it's actually just good etiquette to not compete with the bride on her special day.

Don't wear black or sequins during the daytime. Anything too sparkly will make you look overdressed.

Don't worry about wearing the same colors as the bridesmaids or mothers. You can't possibly coordinate with everyone in the wedding party.

Do wear something feminine and appropriate, out of respect for your hosts. Clubwear, overtly sexy clothing (strapless, see-through, etc) doesn't belong at a wedding. If you have to ask if it's appropriate, it probably isn't.

Don't wear opera-length gloves (to top of arm) with anything but sleeveless or strapless gowns.

Do take off gloves to eat or drink.

Do use good judgment if the invitation doesn't specify the formality of the event. A pastel suit or soft floral dress for daytime or a little blackdress for evening (after 6 p.m.) will take you almost anywhere.

Floral Wedding Guest Dress

Hot summer wedding season is comming, isn't it? I guess the invitations start to pile high on the hall table. Thanks to brilliant designers, this season's floral print obsession is a godsend- what could be more summery than a flurry of floral wedding guest dresses in the sunshine?

Spotted on almost every catwalk this season floral print dresses are now dominating the racks of every shop and the great thing is the variety. 2012 Floral dresses feature everything from graphic florals, to busy 50's style prints; and come in every conceivable shape and style, from strapless maxi to bateau neck shift dresses- in other words you've got no excuse not to be able to find the perfect floral wedding guest dress.

But as always, we've endeavoured to break the back of the work for you and have sought out some of our favourite floral wedding guest dresses from boutiques and high street shops to our trusty online favourites- there are some really fab finds here, dresses you would think cost much but are actually closer to pennies…

First up in our floral wedding guest dresses line up is the floaty lil number on the left with pretty ruffle detail at the neckline, this little gúna is 155 and from Ted Baker. A statement heel and pretty clutch finish the look perfectly.

Next up is a bright and bold style from Zara. This punchy print features a beautiful mix of both tropical and wild flowers and comes in at 69.95.

The blue maxi in romantic floral print with front split and fold detail is from Karen Millen and is 299.00. This dress is perfect for incorporating both the pastel trend and floral trend, and would do as well for a garden party or black tie wedding.

An explosion of watercolour and abstract graphic blooms, this Etro dress from Net-A-Porter, is perfect for those who aren't too keen on pretty, pretty florals. Keep the busy print center stage with minimal jewelry and a pared-back pastel clutch.