If You Are A Wedding Guest, Follow These Outfit Do’s & Don’ts

When you first receive a wedding invitation, excitement likely floods through you as you excitedly tear open the envelope and read the invitation. This excitement is soon replaced with confusion (and perhaps even dread) when you realize you have no idea what to wear to a wedding. Don’t worry, Clique’s got you covered. Below are eight wedding attire do’s and don’ts that ensure you will arrive at the wedding donning the perfect outfit.

DO’S

DO pay attention to dress code

Most brides, grooms, and nearlyweds specify their desired dress code on their wedding invitations or wedding website. Read over their description of the dress code and plan your outfit accordingly.

DO wear layers

Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers. Bringing a light cardigan, for example, prepares you for chilly weather or strong air conditioning.

DO check the weather

This is especially helpful for outdoor weddings. Watching the weather forecast allows you to choose an outfit that won’t be ruined by mother nature. Here’s an example: if the forecast calls for strong winds, do not wear a short, flowy dress that will blow up in the wind!

DO check what the bridesmaids are wearing

The last thing you want to do is waltz into the wedding wearing the same exact color as the bridesmaids. Check what the bridesmaids are wearing ahead of time to avoid accidental matching.

DON’TS

DON’T wear white

You likely already knew this, but we’ll reiterate the point anyways- DO NOT wear white to a wedding unless you are the bride, groom, or nearlywed. This is the ultimate wedding guest faux pas. Unless you are explicitly told to wear white, avoid the following colors: white, cream, ivory, champagne, and pale pinks.

DON’T wear black

While it’s true that everyone should own a little black dress, a wedding is not the occasion to pull your LBD out of your closet and wear it. Do not attend a wedding dressed like you are going to a funeral.

DON’T wear a statement outfit

Someone else’s wedding is not the time to experiment with your style and try out a bold new look. Avoid animal prints, sequins, and bold patterns. You are not there to make a fashion statement or to have all eyes on you, so leave the statement outfits to those getting married.

DON’T wear jeans

A “casual” wedding dress code does not equal wearing jeans! Don’t be that person who shows up to a wedding drastically underdressed. Khakis or slacks are a good alternative for blue jeans.