The wedding suit can range from black tie to casual, making it very difficult to choose what to wear. Read this article to determine the best look for the wedding you will attend.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Deciding What to Wear
Step 1. Read the invitation
Usually the dress code is specified (casual, semi formal, formal), and will give you other key information such as the place and time of day.
- Most weddings are semi formal. This means women should wear cocktail dresses that are knee-length or longer, and men should wear a suit and tie.
- Black tie weddings call long dresses for women and tuxedos for men. Cocktail dresses are also fine if they are elegant enough; remember to wear elegant jewels such as pearls, diamonds or other to complete your outfit.
Step 2. Consider the location
Some places require more formal habits than others. If the wedding is on the beach or outside and during the day, the dress code will probably be casual. Conversely, indoor weddings are usually more formal.
Step 3. Consider time, time and season
In general, weddings in the evening and in winter are more formal than those celebrated during the day in summer or spring.
- For an autumn or winter wedding, you could wear a lace, sequined or beaded dress. Long sleeve dresses are more appropriate for winter weddings. As an overcoat, choose a coat that matches the dress and boots to keep your feet warm.
- Summer or spring weddings are more casual, but to be sure, read the invitation. Spring dresses can be shorter (knee-length or slightly shorter is perfect). Go for floral prints, stripes, or pastel colors like cream, peach, or beige.
Step 4. Determine your role in the ceremony
If you are a bridesmaid or best man, then you may want to ask the bride what to wear. Many brides ask the bridesmaids to wear similar dresses, for which you rehearse before the wedding. If you haven't been told what to wear, use the following guidelines:
- Bridesmaids should avoid flashy colors / patterns like gold, silver, dark green, stripes or bright orange. These colors are distracting, and could distract attention from the bride. Go for a knee-length dress, or a slightly shorter / longer one. Do not wear a dress that is too tight, because it attracts attention and is not very respectful.
- Groomsmen should wear a suit or tuxedo, depending on how formal the wedding is. Semi-formal weddings require suits, while formal or black-tie weddings require tuxedos. Make sure the dress is tailored, and opt for black or gray.
- The parents of the bride and groom should dress appropriately for the occasion and their age. Mothers of the bride and groom should choose dresses or suits of an appropriate length and avoid flashy colors.
Method 2 of 2: General Rules
Step 1. Don't wear white
The bride must be the center of attention on her wedding day, and anyone who dresses in white could distract attention from her and even appear disrespectful. If you plan to wear a beige or off-white dress, it is best to ask the bride's opinion first.
Step 2. Dress well, anyway
Even if it is a casual wedding, you should dress well out of respect for the bride and groom. Avoid jeans, t-shirt and flip flops at a wedding.
For beach weddings, women can wear sundresses and men can wear cotton t-shirts and trousers
Step 3. For formal weddings women should collect their hair
You could go to the hairdresser for a professional bun or half ponytail. Check that the hair is clean and secure with bobby pins so that it does not fall out during the wedding.
Advice
- Women don't have to wear heels for a wedding. Elegant ballet flats, with bows, beads or other decorations are perfect for semi formal weddings. Make sure your shoes are comfortable before putting them on.
- The clothes can be "improved" or "made worse" according to the accessories. Pearl jewelry, shoes and clutches can make your outfit more formal.
