Sometimes receiving a wedding invitation can invoke more stress than not, for women anyway. What to wear, what to wear? There is an implied style that can be followed for every other wedding you attend depending on the location, the time and the season. If the invitation is addressed formally, it implies that the guests are required to dress formally for the occasion. On the other hand, a casual invite suggests that the guests can dress casually for the wedding. Following this general unwritten rule should always leave you well dressed and looking good.
For selecting what to wear, the wedding location can be of great help. Look up the venue on your invitation for an idea of the dress code. For a beach wedding or garden wedding , steer clear of high heels as they tend to sink in the sand and the grass respectively. For an outdoor wedding, very light dresses are a “no no” as they tend to get caught with the wind. A subtle dress can be worn for a wedding at a warm and humid location. However, if the wedding is to take place at a club or a five-star restaurant, prefer wearing a tailored suit or conservative cocktail dress.
Sunshine Anyone?
40+ women:
- A nice fitted skirt with a blouse and or shawl complimented with sling back shoes.
- A pant suit in a subtle color which is not overly formal.
- A dress with a nice floral pattern.
- A striking hat which would go well with the outfit and would be in keeping with the theme of the wedding.
40+ men:
- A linen suit, or dress pants with short sleeved shirt in a light color is the most apt outfit for a summer wedding.
- For winter weddings, go for darker shades and warmer fabrics. Woolen suits, charcoal pants, ties and a sweater beneath the blazer are a nice option.
- A blazer together with a dress shirt, pants and a tie is another elegant option.
- If the wedding is before 6pm, a tuxedo can be adorned.
- For a wedding which is formal, a dark colored suit is the best bet.
When the Sun Goes Down
40+ women:
- Dressing for an evening wedding should be similar dress for a theatre or dinner.
- An elegant and not so revealing cocktail dress in black is an excellent option.
- A dressy cocktail pant suit is also a safe bet.
- Sequins and beads are to be avoided if the wedding is a formal one, you definitely don’t want to be showing up the bride.
- Darker colors are slimming and sophisticated.
40+ men:
- For a semi-formal or casual wedding, slacks coupled with blazer and a matching tie can be sported.
- Suits in dark colors are always accepted and most preferred.
- Always remember matching tie and kerchief complete the look.
A Formal Affair
40+ women:
- A gorgeous cocktail dress which lengths are touching the floor.
- The dress should be black tie, a best dress event should include gloves as well.
40+ men:
- Tuxedo is the best option for such an occasion. There are many variations of a tuxedo to give the gentleman a sense of personal style.
What Not to Wear
- Anything low cut revealing too much skin is in bad taste. Sexy can be done with class.
- A dark colored outfit for a morning wedding. If there is a time gap between a morning ceremony and evening reception , an outfit for each is the best option.
- White should be dissuaded. Especially, a white colored outfit without any prints. Choosing this would be in poor taste, as the bride should be the only one in white.
- Denim of any sort
- Tattered , stained shirts, trousers or dresses must not be worn.
- Too small or too big dresses are also out of question.
- If the wedding is a religious one, sleeveless and strapless dresses are to be avoided. Bare shoulders have to be covered. If you are looking to still wear strapless , in corporate a shawl or crop fitted jacket to your outfit.
Suitable Etiquette for Wedding Guests
- Punctuality is vital. It is necessary to be present in the venue of the wedding at least twenty minutes before the start of the ceremonies so that there is enough time to get settled.
- Guests should avoid clicking pictures unless during the schedule time.Let the photographers do their task properly.
- Gifts need not be brought to the venue of the wedding. Etiquette says gifts can be delivered to the house of the couple anytime within one year from the date of wedding.
- In case of failure to make it to the wedding, the gift becomes an essential.
- Bringing uninvited guest is considered discourteous. Bringing is permitted only if it has been mentioned in the invite.
- Getting intoxicated at a wedding reception is disrespectful and offensive.
Related posts:
