From the fabulous Lollie Shopping:
I get this all the time – “I’m going to a wedding. What do I wear?”
This isn’t an easy one for me to answer because proper wedding guest attire depends on the style of the event itself, season and location. So, here is a list of general “dos and don’ts” of what to wear to attend a wedding, which applies to all types of wedding events.
DO read the invitation. Nowadays not all weddings are formal. So read the invitation for a dress code. If there is not one listed, it is safe to assume that the time of day and venue dictate the dress. If the wedding is followed by an evening reception at a banquet hall, dress as you would for a dressy cocktail party. However if the wedding is followed by a luaua in Uncle Bob’s backyard, feel free to dress more casually and festive, but DON’T wear denim. I can’t ever think of any type of wedding when it’s appropriate to wear denim. Ever.
DO feel okay with wearing some white, but DON’T wear all white. One white piece in your outfit is acceptable.
DO wear black, but DON’T wear black and white. A woman can get away with wearing a classy LBD to a wedding, and a man may wear a black suit. But groomsmen and wedding vendors will more than likely wear black and white. So if you don’t want other guests mistakenly giving you their drink order, avoid a black and white combination.
If you plan on doing the Cha Cha Slide, DO wear comfortable shoes. Or, DO keep an alternate pair of comfy shoes available. But DON’T change into those shoes at the table. Change in the restroom. And DON’T make your alternate pair of shoes flip flops or sneakers. Women should select ballerina flats and men can change into loafers.
DO dress for the season. If it’s cold, DON’T wear a strapless dress without a wrap or jacket. Men, if it’s hot, DON’T keep your jacket and tie on all night. Loosen up and get comfortable, especially if you shake your groove thing on the dance floor. But whatever you do, DON’T untuck your shirt. Keep it in.
DO dress pretty, handsome and fancy, but DON’T compete with the bride and the wedding party. Remember who this day really belongs to.
DO dress festive, but DON’T match the selected wedding colors if you are not an official member of the bridal party.
And mind your manners. DO have fun, but DON’T drink so much that you lose control of your behavior. The new bride, her groom and their family members are hosts. DO be respectful.
