Who doesn’t love a wedding? The love, the dancing, the food – and not forgetting the outfits.
Besides not wearing white (duh!), there is very little in the wedding guest rule book. So we don’t blame you for feeling a little overwhelmed by choice.
The quest for the perfect wedding guest outfit needn’t be a tricky task. If you’re wanting to look fabulous without upstaging the bride, don’t worry we’ve got you covered with a range of nuptial-ready outfit ideas.
From failsafe floral frocks to sophisticated suiting, we’ve rounded up the most stylish wedding guest outfits for your next trip to the chapel.
Top tips for wedding guest dressing
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Avoid anything you might wear on a night out. Anything too revealing isn’t very wedding appropriate. Remember there’ll likely be grandparents there.
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Take note of the location. Elevated suiting and silky satins are great for a city wedding. While florals are great for a quintessential countryside affair. Or maybe you’re invited to beach nuptials, where a lightweight and floaty silhouette would likely be best.
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Dress appropriately for the time of year. Is your invite for an autumn or winter celebration? For nuptials taking place during the chillier months, you may want to opt for a long sleeve look. Whereas in the heat of summer, a strapless or short sleeve option may be the way to go.
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Don't forget to pay attention to your accessories. Finishing touches have the ability to elevate and bring your whole wedding guest look together. Matching shoes and bags can be a chic way to go. Or introduce a fun pop of colour with contrasting hues.
Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas
1) Puff sleeve power
Big sleeves are still very much on trend - and in our opinion make a great option for wedding guest dressing. A playful puff sleeve midi or maxi dress makes a stylish statement without being too OTT (no upstaging the bride remember). Look for styles that cinch at the waist for a figure-flattering style.
2) Floaty florals
Probably the most worn print to weddings and christenings, and for very good reason. Romantic blooms will always be a style win, especially for spring and summer nuptials. A darker petal print can also be a great choice for an autumn celebration. For elevated florals, a floaty silhouette with balloon sleeves makes for a gorgeous choice.
3) Bardot beauty
Another dress silhouette that's ideal for weddings is the Bardot frock. The off-the-shoulder style is ultra-chic without being too revealing. Combined with voluminous sleeves and you're onto a winner. Add a pair of statement earrings or a necklace for the perfect finishing touch.
4) Fancy feathers
We're happy to confirm that the fun-filled Y2K trend is here to stay. Feathers without a doubt add a superior level of fabulousness to any occasion look. A smart and sophisticated way to wear the fluffy style is in the form of a shirt and trouser co-ord. It's a super-stylish alternative to a traditional frock.
5) Slinky satin
Satin and occasion wear dressing go hand in hand. The elevated fabric is ideal for smart nuptials and works year-round. We love subtle catwalk-inspired cut-out details for adding a fashion-forward edge, but be careful not to go for anything too daring (nobody wants to take the bride's spotlight)!
6) Into the wild
For an alternative to classic florals, you can't go wrong with animal print. The print leading the pack this season is zebra stripes. To keep it classy, opt for neutral hues. While we love a colourful zebra or leopard print dress for a bottomless brunch outfit - whites, creams and brown tones are more sophisticated.
7) Suited and booted
If you're not a fan of frocks, tailoring is the way to go. Not only are smart separates hot news right now, but they'll also go the extra mile in your wardrobe. Mix and match, and pair with other items in your wardrobe for endless outfit combinations. Pretty pastels make for a dreamy wedding ensemble or opt for a printed suit for a statement style.
8) Backless babe
Be sure to RSVP in style in a low-back or scoop-back dress. Off to a summer wedding or nuptials abroad? This style of frock is an easy-breezy option for outdoor celebrations. To keep it classy and balance out the flash of skin, opt for a high neck, halter-neck design that isn't going to be too revealing.
With your wedding guest outfit woes officially banished, it's time to get excited about getting dressed up to the nines and celebrating with your loved ones in style.