What Not to Wear at A Wedding
Weddings are a time when you get to dress up, feel your best, and catch up with friends and family you may not have seen in years. This special day is one for celebration, but the wrong outfit choice can lead to lifelong embarrassment every time the photo album is taken out. Avoid the horror of being the worst-dressed wedding guest by following these simple guidelines.
Wedding Guest Dress Codes
Before we get into the fun of discussing what not to wear, it is important to understand the confusing terminology ofÿ wedding dress codes. Wedding invitations typically provide you with all the information you need to decide how formal or informal your attire should be. Some brides and grooms are extremely helpful, by giving specific instructions, but the majority of the time the dress code provided is vague. This leaves plenty of room for error and embarrassment.
- Casual
We all love hearing the words casual. In our minds that means comfortable clothing. Casual in wedding terminology does not mean you can wear casual clothing like jeans, sneakers, shorts, and tank tops. Instead, a casual dress code indicates a slightly more laid-back wedding that is probably outdoors. With that in mind, dress a step above your everyday look. Items like sundresses and khaki pants with a button-up still give you the comfy casual vibe without looking too dressed down.
- Festive Attire
Festive attire means you can have a little fun with your ensemble, so add bold colors and accessories into the mix, especially if the wedding falls on a holiday like New Year’s Day.
- Semi-formal or Dressy Casual
This means slightly dressier than casual, but keep in mind the time of wedding. If it is during the day, wear lighter colors, and, at night, formal darker colors.
- Black Tie Optional or Formal
Dress on the more conservative side, with longer dresses, classy cocktail attire, and formal dark suits.
- Black Tie
Black tie typically indicates an evening wedding. Women should opt for dressier fabrics and go with both floor- or mid-length dresses, and men should wear a tuxedo and leather shoes.
- White Tie
The most formal of all wedding guest dress codes, white tie means you should prepare for a formal event like a White House state dinner. Men should wear tuxedos or long black jackets with tails, and women should drape themselves in floor-length gowns. Remember, if you have any questions about the dress code, ask someone from the bridal party for advice.
What Not to Wear
Now that you have a better understanding of wedding guest dress codes, we can get into what you really want to know??what items not to wear. Keep this list with you, while shopping for all your upcoming weddings, in order to avoid future regret.
- White
Although it seems obvious, there are still some who commit this major faux pas. The color white is reserved specifically for the bride, and, if you wear it, you are taking attention away from her. With all the other colors available in the fashion world, there is no excuse for committing this crime. Unless the couple specifically asks you to wear white as a part of their dress code, do not wear it.
- Black
This rule is slightly more lenient, but, because of the colors’ association with funerals, be careful with your choices. It is easy to resort to black when you are feeling self-conscious about your body. Remember, you are gorgeous no matter what and, if the dress is the right fit, any color can flatter your body. If you absolutely have your heart set on wearing a black dress, try to add some colorful accessories to lighten the outfit’s mood.
- Any Color Associated with the Wedding Party
If you can, find out what color the bridesmaids and groomsmen are wearing so you can steer clear of that color palette. Most of the time, the invitation will give you an idea of the wedding’s color scheme, so, if you are not close to the wedding party, use the invitation to make an educated guess.
Remember, not all brides wear white, depending on their culture. Chinese brides traditionally wear red, Moroccan brides yellow, and Spanish brides black. The types of traditional gowns vary, and some brides decide against traditional wedding attire. So, know what type of wedding you are attending, and dress accordingly.
- Jeans
Yes, we all love a good pair of denim, but it should never, no matter the circumstances, be worn to a wedding.
- Sexy Attire
Generally, this means avoiding skirts that are too short and dresses with very low necklines. Some families are more conservative than others. If the ceremony is in a church setting, dress appropriately. If there is even the slightest chance of indecent exposure, that outfit should probably be put back in your closet for your next night out.
- Sparkly and Flashy Attire
Unless the wedding guest dress code declares a circus or Vegas-like theme, avoid large amounts of sparkle and overly shiny metallic material. Literally outshining the couple is as inappropriate as wearing white.
- Flip Flops
Beach weddings are beautiful and super romantic, but do not distract guests from the beautiful scenery by wearing flip-flops. There are so many dressy varieties of sandals to choose from, so there is no excuse to look like a tourist at a wedding. Also, men, wear boat shoes or a nice pair of slip-on shoes instead.
- Keep Accessories Simple
Bold accessories like large hats and bags can be a distraction. Instead, keep things small and simple with clutches and delicate jewelry. Men’s baseball caps may be part of your signature look, but leave them at home. Bold ties can be a wonderful addition to add some excitement to your outfit, but avoid large patterns and neon colors.
- See-Through Clothing
See-through clothing items might be on trend, but they are inappropriate for a wedding. Wear the proper undergarments, if you found something see-through you love, and adapt the piece with proper layering. Styling a classic crew neck t-shirt as an undershirt or a camisole in a matching color is what the outfit needs to go from inappropriate to appropriate. For men, an undershirt can help control sweat and sweat stains.
Taking time to educate yourself on what not to wear will save you from some potentially embarrassing situations. You are not only dressing for yourself but also for the couple getting married, so make sure to look your absolute best.
Many thanks to Brenda Kimble
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