Wedding season is upon us, and if you’re like me – finding the right wedding guest outfit can be daunting. Plus, dress codes are getting more unique as time goes on. Sometimes it’s hard to understand exactly what the couple is looking for. These new age-type wedding guest dress codes may feel odder by the minute, from bohemian black tie to farmhouse chic.
There’s even coastal chic (love that!) and summertime soiree. I’ve even seen Gatsby formal. It’s no surprise that engaged couples want their nuptials to be memorable. Plus, it’s a way for both the couple and guests to express their personal style.
At the same time, there’s one omnipresent rule – never outdo the bride. Ever. And that’s on period. 🙂
Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas
So how do you strike the perfect balance and what exactly should you wear, especially for the most common attire requests? Today, we’ll dive into the three most common dress code requests – formal, casual, and destination wedding attire. Hopefully these tips will leave you feeling inspired and well prepared for your next special occasion.
Moreover, check out one of my favorite brands, LK Bennett, for all of their incredible styles. They’re also sold at Nordstrom, and honestly have phenomenal wedding guest outfit options for all seasons. They truly have everything from head to heel!
Formal Wedding Attire
Often referred to as “Black Tie,” formal wedding attire is selected by couples seeking a more elevated affair. Think the ballroom at The Plaza Hotel and more elegant occasions. Men should try to wear tuxes to black tie weddings, and women should opt for long dresses and gowns.
In my case, I chose this gorgeous floral print maxi dress. Isn’t it stunning? I love the deep-V neckline and beautiful colors of the pattern. For reference, I’m 5’4 and wearing a heel with the dress, and it’s honestly the perfect length. Plus, the style that is designed with a silk-blend fabric, puff shoulders, and a tiered hem. So chic!
To enhance the entire outfit, I also added these gorgeous statement earrings. Aren’t they beautiful? I love they have pink, green, and hits of sparkle throughout. Beyond perfectly matching the dress, these earrings are truly versatile.
Additionally, I selected these phenomenal rose gold heels to pair with the dress. These shoes are perfect for a black tie wedding, as they are comfy and will keep up with me from the ceremony to the reception. The strap at the heel keeps me feet firmly placed in the shoe, and easy to wear on the dance floor.
Lastly, I selected this posh pink bag that fits all my essentials for the day – a lip gloss and makeup powder for touch ups, a small hair brush, and my phone. Truly everything I need to make it through the wedding day!
Casual Weddings
At first, it’s easy to assume that a wedding that calls for a casual ceremony is easy, these celebrations are still an important time to be at the top of your game. Sure, you want to strike a balance that isn’t too informal but also not overly dressy.
In general, casual wedding outfits should feature clothing that are effortless and comfortable. Think easy to dance in and not overly fussy. Keep in mind, the majority of casual weddings are held outdoors. Therefore, you want to layer pieces since the weather can shift.
Things you shouldn’t wear? Jeans, shorts, tank tops, and sneakers. Tube tops, flip flops (unless provided by the couple for the dance floor), and crop tops should also be avoided.
One of my go-to shoes for these types of weddings? Espadrilles and/or shoes with a block heel, like the platform heel seen here. After all, block heels work on grass, and you do NOT want to deal with stilettos in that environment. No thank you! 🙂
In general, opt for cotton fabrics so it’s breathable. What’s more, you don’t always need to wear dresses to weddings. In this case, I chose to wear this gorgeous green blouse and matching pants. It looks like a jumpsuit, right? To add a bit more flair, I also added this pink rosette flower brooch for a pop of color.
Also, do not sleep on this bag. Isn’t it fabulous?! This is LK Bennett’s Maeve Green Marbled Acrylic Box Bag, and a vintage meets modern style made out of a cream marbled acrylic. It’s the perfect type of bag to dress down with jeans or dress up with for special occasions.
Destination Wedding Guest Outfit
Last but certainly not least – destination weddings. Couples are opting for destination weddings now more than ever, as it’s a great way to escape to a fabulous new city and country, along with limiting the amount of people who attend. 🙂
In my experience, most destination weddings are beach occasions. Therefore, I highly recommend this gorgeous floral print dress. It’s SO comfortable yet lightweight enough to be in the sun all day. For an added dose of color, I added this gorgeous green floral rosette brooch to the ruffle shoulder.
Additionally, my go-to shoe for this occasion are these neutral ivory platform heels. I can easily wear them on sidewalks and pop them off while in the sand. Due to the material, sand won’t get stuck on these heels, making them an easy go-to option for destination affairs.
Last but certainly not least, I love this green clutch. Beyond the woven texture, it’s a great pop of color that completes the outfit. Moreover, the bag has a gold chain strap so you can wear it over the shoulder or use it like a traditional clutch (also comes in black).
Wedding Guest Outfits – In Closing
What are some of your best tips for dress codes for weddings? Any specific go-to brands for when you’re trying to find pieces? I highly recommend checking out LK Bennett’s incredible offerings both on their website and at Nordstrom.
I’ve been a longtime fan of the brand (see my Royal Ascot post here, which still remains one of my favorite looks to this day).
