10 Wedding Guest Style DOs and DON’Ts

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I love wedding season. Even before getting engaged, I just loved seeing my friends, family members, and loved ones enjoy their big day. Now that I am engaged though, weddings have taken on a whole new meaning. They are romantic, offer wedding day inspiration, and make it glaringly clear that I should take a Toast Masters class. Oh, and by the way – did I mention how much I love finding wedding guest outfit idea and getting all dressed up?!

outfit details: Chicwish Beyond Your Rose Dreams Prom Dress c/o

This year many of my close friends have become engaged, and it’s been so exciting to see them begin their plans. Since our wedding is another year away, we’ve enjoyed the ease of being indecisive without consequence – but not everyone has two years to play with! Some of our close friends are getting married this very summer, and boy is it something to see people really get planning! It’s been exciting to see their plans and vision come into focus, and to hear about the little details that are going to make their big day truly unique. Since we have so many weddings on the go this and next year, I am fully focused on wedding guest fashion – and the major do’s and don’t’s of it! Today I am sharing 10 tips to mastering your wedding guest fashion you can feel and look your best (appropriately so!) at every wedding you attend!

Wedding Guest Outfit DOs:

1. DO: Read the Invitation, it May have Style Information Included!

Occasionally within the invitation will be a note on attire – maybe it’ll specify that women can wear white, or for every one to show up in blacktie attire, and you’re going to want to take note of that before choosing your outfit.

2. DO: Wear Flats or Low Heels / Wedges

You may feel like flats or low heels aren’t dressy enough for a wedding – but you’re wrong! There are tons of stylish flats and low-heels out there that offer practicality and style. Don’t believe me? Look at these gorgeous  Michael Kors kittens heels, or these pretty strappy flats!

3. DO: Embrace the Dress Code

If a dress code is set, or even alluded to – embrace it! A few friends of mine have noted that they are having a very casual backyard style wedding, so I definitely won’t be showing up in my fanciest dress – I’ll instead pick something that’s more along the lines of this bohemian dress from TopShop. If it’s noted that their wedding will be fancier event, then choose something that will flow with their vision.

4. DO: Wear Colour

Feel free to embrace fun colours and prints with your wedding guest outfit. While it may seem like there are a lot of rules when it comes to your wedding guest style – there’s no rules about wearing fun colours and pretty prints!

5. DO: Embrace Romantic Styles and Colours

Romantic and airy colour palettes and silhouettes are always appropriate for a wedding. They flow with the overall feel of the day and appear soft and elegant.  

Wedding Guest Outfit DON’Ts:

1. DON’T: Assume anything goes.

Just because the bride seems laid back doesn’t necessarily mean she’s cool with you showing up to her wedding in white. If the invitation didn’t specify that as an OK than just don’t do it.

2. DON’T: Wear White

As mentioned above, unless specified others – do not wear white! White is the brides colour for the day, and you don’t want to look like you’re trying to steal the spotlight from her. While that may be the furthest thing from your mind, showing up in whtie will be perceived as disrespectful to most of the other guests.

3. DON’T: Wear Restrictive or Uncomfortable clothing

If you’re sitting, standing, dancing the day away – you’re going to want to dress in something comfortable. Dresses or outfits that are  uncomfortable to sit in, make you feel as though to have to “suck in”, or sit a certain way are one’s you could nix right away. Choose comfort and fashion – I swear, you can find pieces that combine both!

4. DON’T: Wear Restrictive or Uncomfortable Shoes

We all love sky-high heels, but if you end up showing up to a wedding taking place on a grass field then you’re going to regret those heels in a instant. Wear shoes that are appropriate for the venue, will allow you to walk and dance comfortably, and won’t leave your feet painfully blistered.

5. DON’T: Wear Anything that Could be Worn to a Nightclub

This one seems obvious, but it still must be said: If you typically would wear it to a nightclub than do not wear it to a wedding. Fitted, stretchy, metallic dresses (I feel like I’m describing something that would’ve been worn in Night at the Roxbury) are not appropriate for a wedding, and you’ll likely end up feeling uncomfortable if you choose to wear them.  

PS. If you like this post, than you’ll LOVE these:

• Summertime Wedding Guest Outfit
• Fall Wedding Guest Attire
• 10 GORGEOUS and Affordable Special Occasion Dresses