Bridal expert reveals the Do’s and Don’ts for wedding guest attire

Wedding season is upon us, and with it comes the age-old question: What am I going to wear? 

Picking the perfect outfit for a wedding can be a daunting task, as you want to strike the right balance between looking great without upstaging the bride and adhering to the dress code. 

To help you navigate the delicate world of wedding guest attire, Kimberly Marcoux, co-founder of bridal sales agency Coterie White and pop-up bridal market Melange de Blanc, shares her do’s and don’ts. 

Do: Follow the dress code

The first rule of thumb when choosing your wedding guest outfit is to follow the dress code specified in the invitation. 

Common dress codes include black-tie, formal, semi-formal, beach chic, and casual. 

While the expert believes it depends on the bride’s wishes, ‘technically etiquette would say not to wear white to a wedding or dress out of code – taking heed to what is noted on the invitation,’ said Kimberly.

The dress code is usually noted at the bottom if the invite or on a separate details card. 

‘Being a wedding guest entails looking your best but falling in line with the bride’s overall vibe,’ shared the expert.

And when in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask her or a member of the wedding party!

‘Remember, it’s their special day, not yours,’ said Kimberly. The internet went wild after Kendall Jenner wore an uber revealing cutout dress to her friend Lauren Perez’s wedding last year

Don’t: Upstage the bride or groom

‘Remember, it’s their special day, not yours,’ said Kimberly.

The internet went wild after Kendall Jenner wore an uber revealing cutout dress to her friend Lauren Perez’s wedding last year.

The black Mônot number featured thin triangular bands of fabric along the bodice that exposed her under-boob and midriff. 

And while Kendall defended her scandalous lewk saying that Lauren gave her permission to wear it, one social media user called it ‘blatantly disrespectful.’

To avoid stealing the spotlight from the happy couple, Kimberly suggests avoiding anything too flashy or extravagant.

‘As a general rule, avoid all-white or all-black ensembles, as well as overly revealing or provocative outfits.’

Do: Have fun with fashion 

Dress for the occasion but don’t be afraid to play with trends. 

‘We are seeing more RTW trickle into the wedding looks – lots of big puff sleeves, great accessories and most importantly a more individualized approach to style,’ said Kimberly.

Floral prints, asymmetrical necklines and tea-length hems are good options. 

‘Being a wedding guest entails looking your best but falling in line with the bride’s overall vibe,’ shared the expert

Don’t: Wear the wrong color

Even if the couple has opted for a more relaxed ceremony or a non-traditional theme, wearing white should be avoided at all costs. 

Instead, opt for a shade that matches the wedding color scheme and if you’re buying something new, opt for a color that you will want to wear again.

‘Of course don’t upstage the bride but don’t shy away from bold colors,’ shared the co-founder of Melange de Blanc, a bridal pop-up market experience.

According to the expert, blues, pinks and greens are in. ‘And you can never go wrong with a classic LBD.’

Tradition dictates that red is a no-no because it commands attention, something that should be reserved for the bride.

Do: Consider the venue and time of day

Keep in mind the location and timing of the wedding when selecting your attire. 

For outdoor weddings, choose sturdy heels and comfortable fabrics that breathe, and don’t forget to bring a light blazer or shawl for when the temperature drops in the evening. 

Even if the venue is casual, refrain from wearing overly relaxed clothing such as t-shirts, jeans and sweatpants, as it’s still a special occasion. 

Instead, opt for a pretty dress or tailored separates. 

If the ceremony is held in a place of worship, reach for modest attire that covers your shoulders and knees.

While sequins can be worn in the daytime, it’s best to save sparkles for a formal evening event.

Do: Dress for the season

Dress appropriately for the season by selecting the right fabrics and colors. 

For spring and summer weddings, choose lighter fabrics that will keep you cool and optimistic colors like pastels or brights. 

When it comes to footwear, be practical.

Keep in mind that you’ll likely be on your feet for hours, whether you’re standing during the ceremony or dancing the night away at the reception. 

Choose a pair of chic, sturdy sandals for day, and a more elevated high-heel for evening.

With these sartorial tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to being the best dressed guest!