WHAT NOT TO WEAR
What is an appropriate attire for a wedding guest? All I know for sure, is to not wear white, unless of course the bride said that she wants you to. Everyone knows why, right? It is so that you won’t upstage the bride, since it is HER day. There are so many things to consider when you’re thinking of what to wear at the ceremony or reception.
Do not wear white
Bride and Groom request – if the bride requests a certain color or style, then you can wear that specific color, in any hue or shade. Again, if the bride requests for the guests to wear white, then, wear white. Most brides and grooms rarely put specific requests on the invitation, it usually just say either casual, business casual, formal or black tie. As long as you understand and follow what they noted on the invitation for the attire, then you are good.
Venue - if it’s inside a Catholic church or any other place of worship, make sure you do some research on what an appropriate attire is for their religion or culture. I know for some religion you need to cover your hair when you enter the place of worship. Some churches don’t allow really short skirts or anything that is above the knee. It helps to do some research on what a respectful attire for their event and the location is, so that you will not look awkward and uncomfortable when you get there. If it’s outside, wear something comfortable (obviously you’re not going to wear a long gown lol). If it’s a beach wedding, wear something fun and lightweight, but pls don’t wear slippers. You can wear sandals but not those thong slippers unless the bride requests that. Try on different dresses or attires, and see how you feel about them.
Season – you can always wear short black dress anywhere, anytime, but depending on the season, you might need a light sweater or a full-on winter jacket. If it’s the summertime, wear something that will help with the heat, but pls avoid extremely short dress or anything that is very revealing clothing. Again, it is your choice, but keep in mind that there are other guests also attending the wedding. Plus, it is not your day to display your goodies. The bride is the focus, not you. Try to be respectful.
Sparkle - Avoid wearing something really sparkly, like a full sequined dress or gown. Again, the bride should sparkle, not you. If you want some sparkle in your dress, it’s ok as long as you’re not covered in sequins, otherwise the guests might think you are part of the wedding party. Less sparkle is better since you are just a guest.
Motif – don’t wear anything that clashes too much with the wedding motif or is exactly the motif. For example, if the wedding motif is Purple, don’t wear the exact shade of purple they are using. You can find out the exact shade because it’s always the color of invitation. If you wear the exact shade, the photographer might think you should be included in the wedding party pictures, unless yours has some sort of print on them. Also, avoid wearing a color that clashes too much with the wedding color because you will stand out like a sore thumb. For example, the motif is purple, don’t wear anything that is bright yellow or neon. Or if their color is green, try to avoid wearing something red or orange.
Theme- check to see if there’s theme going on. Some wedding I’ve attended had a 30s theme, so I’ve had to wear something vintage and 1930’s fashion. If there’s a theme, follow it or not, it’s up to you but don’t wear something that is so out of the theme. There is also a fine line between wearing for a theme, and wearing something that looks like a costume.
The takeaway here is to really think about what you need to wear. You don’t necessarily have to buy a new dress. For me, a safe bet would be a black dress, if you’re out of ideas and time to think about it. Wearing something fun and colorful is also good, as long as you don’t overdo it to the point that it steals the attention from the wedding party, especially the bride.
