Have you been invited to a wedding? If you want to be the best-dressed guest, there are a few things you need to do – and avoid, when preparing to attend. Keep reading to learn more.
So, that long-awaited wedding invitation has arrived in the mail, and common etiquette dictates that you RSVP promptly and pay attention to the dress code. If you’re like most people, you’re probably stressing over what to wear – whether there’s a dress code specified, or there isn’t.
#1 – Decode the Dress Code
Count your blessings if there is a dress code on the invite, because you’ll have an easier time choosing what to wear, and you can spend more time fussing over fun things like what colour to choose and how to style your hair. But first, you need to understand what the code is so you’re dressed appropriately.
If the dress code says formal or semi-formal, as the terms imply, you’ll need to dress up quite a bit. For females, this usually means a floor length dress or at least something to knee.
For guys, you can ask the groom what custom wedding suits he and his wedding party are wearing. Use these suits as reference for your own outfit. An alternative is to visit a boutique or suit shop where you can get expert advice on what to wear if the dress code indicates casual, cocktail, and other options.
#2 – Dress According to the Theme and Venue
Wedding themes are often a reflection of the couple’s personality and style. What better way to show your respect to them than to coordinate your outfit with the venue and theme? Say the wedding will be held at a beach with shades of blue as the colour scheme. Perhaps you could wear a floral or flowing maxi dress in the colours specified.
#3 – Dress for Comfort and Style
Sacrificing comfort over style may not work in your favour. Can you imagine enjoying dancing and socialising when your clothes are too tight and your shoes are hurting your feet? Highly unlikely. Being comfortable with what you’re wearing will ensure you enjoy the duration of the festivities without any discomfort.
#4 – Wear Respectful Clothing
It’s important to wear a decent and modest outfit when attending a wedding. Over-revealing clothes can grab attention in the wrong way. Remember that it’s the couple’s big day and you shouldn’t try to draw attention away from them. Dressing respectfully also exudes elegance and confidence. In choosing clothes, consider the culture and formality level of the event.
#5 – Anticipate Unpredictable Weather
If a wedding is set outdoors, you definitely need to dress with the weather conditions in mind. Rain and crispy winds can still happen even in the middle of summer! Take a coat, shawl or wrap if you’re wearing a lightweight fabric for the event. Ignoring the weather is one of the mistakes couples avoid when planning their wedding, so should you when building your wedding outfit.
#6 – Respect the Culture or Religious Customs
If a wedding involves specific traditions, it’s important to respect them. Different cultures and religions have unique wedding practices and requirements. It’s important to do your research beforehand and understand what a specific custom entails so you can dress appropriately and respectfully.
#7 – Keep the Time in Mind
Is the wedding going to be held in the morning, afternoon, or evening? The time of day will dictate the outfit to wear. It’s often the norm to dress in lighter colours and fabrics for morning and afternoon weddings. Darker and more formal attires are best worn for evening weddings.
#8 – Dress in Quality Pieces
Getting married is often an expensive and time-consuming affair, especially for the couple involved. As a wedding guest, you might think it’s okay to opt for an inexpensive outfit, after all, it’s not your big day, and you’re probably only going to wear the outfit once. Instead, adopt a more cost-effective and sustainable mindset by investing in high quality clothes you can wear to other events. If an outfit will serve you well for a long time, it’s more economical in the long run.
#9 – What If There Isn’t a Dress Code?
It’s rare for weddings these days to not have a dress code. Formal weddings call for a classic black tuxedo for men and floor-length gowns for women. When it comes to a semi-formal dress code, men and women have a bit more flexibility in their choice of attire.
Cocktail dressing is much easier because of the wide availability of outfits to choose from. For a sophisticated look, men can wear a suit in lighter colours with a dress shirt and tie. Women, on the other hand, can wear cocktail dresses and gowns.
As a guest, you should make an effort to dress appropriately. Consult the couple if needed. Dressing up to code will show how you respect their wishes. If you’re looking for bespoke suits, contact The Bespoke Corner Tailors for something truly sensational.
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