What not to wear to a wedding

Being invited to a wedding can be exciting, but that excitement can turn to stress when it comes to picking out the perfect outfit. With so many unwritten rules and guidelines out there, it can be hard to know what’s a safe choice.

Below, we explore some of the most important things to avoid when dressing for a wedding so you can enjoy the big day safe in the knowledge that you’ve opted for a stylish and appropriate outfit.

Don't wear white as your main outfit colour

The blushing bride wearing white is a well-established tradition that is the centrepiece of most weddings. It’s a way of ensuring that the bride is the centre of attention, clearly visible always.

However, as white suits practically everyone, you might be tempted to wear white or cream as a guest – after all, traditions can seem somewhat old-fashioned these days. We advise you to steer well clear of white or similar shades unless the happy couple have told you otherwise. This means staying away from very light blues or yellows, too – anything that might appear white in photographs or different lighting.

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Feel free to choose an outfit from the huge range of other colours on offer – anything that won’t easily be mistaken for white in different lightings. To help you narrow your choices down, consider the formality of the occasion. For formal and semi-formal weddings, it’s probably best to stick to block colours and subtle patterns, whereas a more casual affair could lend itself to more playful patterns and colour arrangements.

It’s also a good idea to consider the season. Spring and summer weddings tend to favour lighter colours like pastels, pinks, yellows and lavenders. For autumn and winter weddings, richer tones such as plum, burgundy and forest green can look wonderful.

You can also take the venue into account – for an outdoor or beach wedding, lighter colours reign, whereas an indoor wedding may benefit from bolder jewel tones. Additionally, if you know the colour scheme that the bridal party is using, you may be able to pick something out that complements this without clashing.

Don’t wear the wedding party’s colours

We’ve mentioned considering the wedding party’s colour scheme when it comes to choosing your own outfit, but it’s important not to make yourself blend in too well. Firstly, wearing a colour that identifies you too closely with the bridal party can make photos and videos of the event look confusing, affecting the visual harmony of the scene. Secondly, wearing the same or similar colours to the wedding party can make people think you’re actually a part of it!

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Try to pick a different hue that complements the wedding party while remaining distinct. Formalwear is available in all kinds of colours, so choose one that looks great on you without clashing with the wedding’s colour scheme.

For example, imagine the bridesmaids are wearing a stunning emerald green. As a guest, here are some options you could try:

• A different shade of the same colour – in this case, a mint or lime green could work well. Just make sure that your ensemble is different enough that it won’t be mistaken for the same colour in different lighting, such as if the sun is out versus it being dim inside. 
• A different colour in the same tone – for example, cerise, fuschia or teal. 
• A metallic neutral – not white – such as a darker silver, gold or bronze.

Top tip! If you’re not sure what the bridal party will be wearing and don’t want to bother the bride in the lead up to the big day, look at your invitation. Chances are, the shades used on the invitation will be similar or the same to the wedding’s colour scheme, so try to fit your outfit around those hues.

Of course, some brides prefer to have a cohesive look and may have suggested colours to wear on your invitation. If that’s the case, go ahead and pick out a dress as directed by the wedding party so you can make sure you’re not the odd one out on the big day.

Don’t wear anything too casual

Weddings can be great fun, but at the end of the day, you’re there to celebrate a couple’s love and show your respect and appreciation for them. A big part of that is dressing for the occasion in a way that honours them and helps them to enjoy their day. Turning up to a wedding overly underdressed can give the impression that you don’t really want to be there and may put a dampener on the day for the wedding party.

Not only that but getting the formality right with your outfit allows you to enjoy the celebration without having to worry about being over- or underdressed. It also helps your fellow guests to do the same and elevates the occasion from a simple get-together to an event to remember. For this reason, it’s best to avoid wearing something inappropriate for the occasion’s formality.

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Make sure you choose an ensemble that’s fit for the wedding. Here are some ways you can decipher a wedding’s formality level:

• Check the invitation – sometimes the happy couple will specify a dress code, particularly if they’re aiming for something a little less traditional such as a dressed-down wedding.
• Consider the time of day – evening events tend to lean formal, with black tie or cocktail party level attire required. Daytime weddings, on the other hand, may be a little less formal, with a smart casual or semi-formal dress code.
• Think about the venue – if the wedding is held in a grand hall or hotel, that suggests formal attire will be required. For beach weddings, barn venues or outdoor affairs, dress codes can range from beachy to smart casual.

If you’re at all in doubt, it’s a good idea to get in touch with others who are attending the event to see what they are wearing. Your best source of information is the wedding party themselves. And remember, being formal doesn’t have to mean wearing something you don’t like. There are plenty of options available, from dresses and skirts to blazers and trousers. Find something you love.

Don’t wear anything too casual

It might be tempting to break out your highest stiletto heels for a wedding but take a moment to think about what the event entails. Many weddings involve dancing, which may be more difficult if you’re wearing high heels or a very tight outfit. If you’re expecting a meal, it’s also worth thinking about the elasticity of your ensemble – you don’t want to be uncomfortable after eating.

Remember that weddings can last for hours, and some go on into the early hours of the morning. However long you intend to stay at the event, remember that your outfit will need to be comfortable for at least that long so you can enjoy yourself and truly participate in the occasion without having to worry about a persistent itch or a painful pinch.

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Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton, silk or linen. These materials will help to keep you cool on the dance floor, particularly during summer weddings. For a winter wedding, make sure you have a shrug or cover-up that will keep you suitably comfortable, even if it’s just for heading out to the car. Make sure to choose an outfit that has stretch in it to avoid tightness throughout the day – pick something that you can move about in easily so you can show off your moves on the dance floor!

As for shoes, it’s a good idea to stick to more comfortable shoes such as flats, wedges or block heels. Remember to consider what the ground will be like at the venue. Grassy areas and gravel driveways can both be difficult to navigate in stiletto heels – and could result in a slip or fall.

At the end of the day, a wedding is supposed to be a celebration, not just something to be endured. Making sure your outfit is as comfortable as possible will allow you to concentrate on the things that matter – making memories with your loved ones.