The question of how a guest should dress for a wedding is not so obvious, because wedding guides addressed to men usually talk about the groom's clothing. But there are a few other wardrobe rules for guests to better present themselves. Poor dressing by a guest is sometimes considered a sign of disrespect for the bride and groom. Even if it doesn't seem important, remember what it may mean to some is whether or not you were trying to look elegant and correct. If you're looking for advice on how to dress as a wedding guest, you'll find it in this article on wedding styling.
How to dress for a wedding or go classic
Having attended several weddings, I have noticed that most guests, unfortunately, do not know how to properly dress for a wedding. Many of them use details that reduce the formality of the wardrobe at all costs. They act as if they are afraid that they will look too elegant. In many cases, men, even when they decide to buy a suit, choose one that has a non-standard cut, extravagant design or is made of too shiny fabric. We need to figure it out, first read our article about the men's dress code.
The rules of men's clothing clearly define what is appropriate for a special occasion and what is not. But you don't need to be an expert, someone in the store will advise you, right? Not always like this. Salespeople in most stores do not have enough knowledge and recommend what they think looks great. Meanwhile, there are many mistakes that you risk making.
The ideal wardrobe for a wedding guest
We “miss” such a nightmare as jackets fastened with five buttons right under the neck, or suits with contrasting piping. And even elegant things may not be suitable for a wedding. For example, a black suit that is only suitable for funerals. And a wedding almost always takes place during the day and has nothing to do with mourning! When it comes to shoes, a less formal derby in a bright color is also not an option. Sets of ties for a couple with the groom made of the same material and the same color are a bad idea. This is a simple task, which nevertheless has no justification in the traditions of formal dress.
With basic knowledge, you can go into a store with clearly defined needs. And don’t believe sellers’ offers to buy an inexpensive suit with a mixture of synthetics in the fabric. Such suits look “cheap” and understanding people will immediately spot you from the crowd and call you a person with a modest income and bad taste. Read this guide and you will surely know how to dress a male guest at a wedding.
Where to get a dress for a wedding as a guest
As a rule, beautiful dresses that really touch us, it just so happens that they are expensive, so it’s much easier to rent them. As one of the options, you can rent a dress by contacting https://storydress.ru/. Below you can see part of their collection.
To the dress catalog
Two-piece suit for a wedding
Best Suit Options You Can Wear to a Wedding
A classic suit is a good choice for a wedding. It is best to choose dark blue, dark gray or graphite. Like we said, forget about black. Don't risk wearing a tuxedo because you might end up dressing more formally than the groom. It is he and his beloved who should be the center of attention. You don't want anyone to mistake you for the groom. It is best that the suit fastens with two buttons and has standard open lapels. You can also consider peak lapels, but remember that in such a suit there is a risk of looking more elegant than the groom. For the same reason, skip a double-breasted suit, which is considered more formal than a single-breasted suit.
Interestingly, some companies offer suits with 2.5 buttons. This decision refers to the Italian style. In fact, only two holes are visible, and the third is on one of the lapels. This is also a good choice for a wedding guest suit. The best fabric for a formal suit is wool, which is breathable and doesn't wrinkle too much. Summer fabrics made from linen or cotton are also acceptable. But we would rather recommend a wool blend than, for example, a cotton or linen suit. Such materials wrinkle quickly.
A well-tailored suit in navy or gray is a great investment. It will last for years, not just for a wedding. It can be folded and worn as a set with other trousers or a shirt. This is the foundation of every man's wardrobe.
Can a wedding guest wear a vest? First of all, it's a good choice. The choice is between single-breasted and double-breasted vests. A vest that contrasts with a jacket and trousers can be a particularly interesting solution. Proponents of classic elegance often pair a light gray waistcoat with a dark blue suit for a stunning look. The vest is also used in a coordinated set.
When wearing a vest, it is not necessary to button the jacket; this increases the wearing comfort. The vest also keeps the tie in the correct position. Remember, however, that the vest is worn with suspenders. A belt sticking out of a vest is a mistake. Trousers must have no loops.
What is possible?
If the wedding is in European style
, then you are deprived of a headache about this, and sometimes of your individuality. The bride herself chooses the color, shape, cut and texture of your dress, and all the girls look the same. Problem solved!
It is better to choose the entire stretch of one color, from the deepest to the most delicate. All shades of macaroni, lilac, soft lilac and silver, champagne or white wine are suitable
. Remember, in winter, cold silvery shades look more advantageous, and in summer, on the contrary, warm and golden ones. Let your friends choose the length and cut of the dress, unless, of course, they have model parameters.
What to do in the case when the bride does not set strict restrictions, and the dress code of the event
is very arbitrary?
In this case, you will have to work hard. The first thing you should do is get as much information as possible about the celebration: what style the wedding is planned in - traditional family, art deco, glamor, vintage, retro or eco-style.
Let's look at three current and fashionable formats
: wedding in the city, on the seashore and in the mountains.
City:
Classic silhouettes, smooth fabrics, laconic images, exquisite accessories, no shocking or dubious ideas will be good. The ideal length of the dress is below the knee, but it is suitable for both floor and mini, depending on the age and physical characteristics of the woman. Only high style and elegance itself. If we are talking about a metropolis, then you can afford a tuxedo or a spectacular trouser suit, but still you should not choose white, black or too extravagant red.
Sea:
all kinds of skirt and top options. Firstly, they are stylish, and secondly, they look great in marine settings. A top can quite legally show off a tanned, toned stomach, and a light flowing skirt with a slit can show off slender legs. Any asymmetry in the cut will be good; the sea breeze will play with it beautifully. A win-win classic option - dresses with flying silhouettes in the Greek style. Feminine, sensual, and most importantly, for all times.
Mountains:
if they have become your friend’s dream and the wedding will take place in one of the most beautiful places in the world, then silhouettes in the style of historicism, real vintage and stylized, medieval cut will suit you. Preference should be given to thick fabrics, brocade, Chantilly lace, and the homespun effect. Indeed, why not get into a fairy tale on one of the main days of your life? A fairy tale is such a fairy tale! Most importantly, don’t forget why you are all gathered in one place and at the same time! And wish the newlyweds happiness!
Trousers and blazer in a different color - coordinated set
How to Style Pants and a Blazer
In many situations, you can replace a suit with a coordinated set. This means styling with a blazer and trousers in different colors. This is a less formal choice for an occasion such as a wedding, but is acceptable nowadays. Well, unless the bride and groom belong to your family, then it would be more correct to stay in a suit.
The most classic coordinated set consists of a navy fine wool blazer and gray trousers - called the club set. In summer, darker chinos can also be paired with a dark blazer. This set is suitable for those who would like to dress more casually. It would be inappropriate to wear jeans that you would rather save for another occasion.
What to wear to a wedding for the parents of the newlyweds
The parents of the newlyweds are the second most important persons at the wedding ceremony, which means that no less attention will be focused on them than on the bride and groom. Ideally, children should help their parents choose the right look if they want their wedding photos to be harmonious and stylish, because... The older generation is unlikely to understand fashion trends and color concepts.
For adult men, fathers of newlyweds, it is better to choose classic suits made of soft, comfortable fabrics. Any color palette: chocolate, green, gray, blue... The main thing is to choose calm, deep shades and suitable accessories: a classic wide tie and a handkerchief for it, a leather belt in the color of the shoes, cufflinks and a tie clip in the same style. A celebration in a narrow family circle can completely do without a jacket: it will be replaced by a vest in the color of the trousers or a contrasting one.
Mature women may well wear a suit instead of a dress to their daughter’s wedding. The main thing to remember is that it should be in the style of the English queen, and not the office dress code. It is better not to use too bright shades, so as not to overshadow the bride: instead of carmine red, choose burgundy, instead of fuchsia, dusty pink. A trouser suit will also be appropriate, but it must be complemented with an elegant blouse and small but expensive accessories: a string of pearls, diamond earrings or a stylish ring (not all at once).
If the mother of the bride or groom wants to wear a dress to the children’s wedding, then in no case should it be above the knee. The optimal length is midi or maxi. Ocher-golden shades will look advantageous at any time of the year; deep pure colors are suitable for winter: wine, blue, bottle glass. In the summer, feel free to dress in pastel shades.
What should a fat woman wear to a wedding? The answer is simple: no tight clothes. This is a taboo not only for plump people, but also for thin ones. And in general, in a dress that fits like a second skin, it will not be entirely comfortable to move, dance and participate in competitions. Ladies with curvy figures need to focus on their breasts by choosing high-waisted dresses or straight sheaths. Draping at the front will hide the excess. If your ankles are slender, you can safely open them.
Wedding shoes – the right type of shoes for a wedding
Shoes should be quite formal for such a celebration.
The best choice for such formal events would be black oxfords. Shoes should have the simplest shape with a minimum number of stitches and decorations. It is better that the top with laces for the laces is closed at the bottom, like Oxford shoes. This gives the shoe a simple and elegant shape.
In summer, you can optionally wear classic, elegant moccasins, so-called penny loafers made of smooth leather. Suede would be too informal for the occasion. Black shoes are considered best for formal occasions. They go with navy blue and gray trousers, which are the colors we usually choose for weddings.
Brown shoes are a risky choice and some people consider it inappropriate. On the other hand, if we are already choosing a less formal wardrobe, for example with beige chinos or light gray ones, then black shoes will not work. Don't forget to polish your shoes thoroughly. The tips and heels should be well polished. By working a little on the gloss, add shine to the entire stylization.
Style options for different body types
It is also necessary to choose an outfit depending on your body type:
- pear;
- apple;
- rectangle;
- inverted triangle;
- hourglass.
Those with an apple body type should take a closer look at straight-cut dresses in the Greek or classic style. It is better to avoid a short length and choose a model just below the knee or a maxi. An excellent option would be an A-line dress, thanks to which the waist will look narrower.
Flowing fabrics will help hide the volume in the waist, but it is better to avoid decor in the abdominal area - it will only add centimeters to the problem area.
For an inverted triangle body shape, it is important to balance the width of your shoulders and hips. In this case, an A-line cut with an emphasis on the waist is ideal. The skirt can be either slightly flared or full. A good solution would be models with a peplum.
For ladies with a pear-shaped figure, it is important to adjust the volume in the hips. This can be done using A-line silhouettes, bateau-type necklines, accents in the upper part of the outfit: additional volume in the shoulders, puffed or buffalo sleeves (the trend of the season), flounces or frills.
If your figure resembles a “rectangle”, you should pay attention to dresses with a fitted silhouette. A narrow or wide belt will also help highlight your waist. Models with a wrap will add more femininity and elegance to the silhouette.
Those with an hourglass body type are not limited in their choices. A dress of any cut will suit them - straight, tight-fitting, A-line, fishnet. Additional decor will be appropriate in any part of the outfit.
For the "pear"
For the "inverted triangle"
For the hourglass
For "rectangle"
For "apple"
Socks for wedding shoes
Even the choice of socks for a wedding should be approached delicately.
Socks are matched to shoes or trousers. Get creative and choose the color of your socks to match your tie or pocket square. They should be made of smooth material. If you choose a pattern, don't let it be too extravagant. Peas seem like a good idea - like the one in the picture above.
Socks should be high. The idea is to not show your shin when you sit down. To ensure your socks stay in place all the time, you can invest in sock garters. The most stylish additions of this type are products from the British brand Albert Thurston, worn by kings, presidents and, of course, Agent 007.
Popular models
The Gatsby or retro model features a straight cut, low waistline, deep neckline or open back. The dress can be decorated with feathers, stones, fringe, and embroidery. The more shine, the better. This option is perfect for those with a “round” body type, as it will hide extra centimeters at the waist.
The case is an eternal classic, suitable for both office everyday life and an evening out . To make the model more festive, you should choose options from satin, silk-satin, and other elegant fabrics. A sheath dress can be either above the knee or slightly below. Young girls have the right to choose any length; older ladies should pay attention to the midi option.
An elegant baby-doll wedding guest dress is an ideal option for young ladies, as well as bridesmaids. The dress can be made in both mini and midi versions. For a more formal event, you should go with the second option. This style will emphasize the tenderness and sophistication of the young guest.
The fish dress is also ideal for such a special event as a wedding. The fitted silhouette, flared at the bottom, emphasizes grace and sophistication. It is important to choose an outfit so that it does not hinder your movements.
Baby dollar
Gatsby
Fish
Case
Shawl for wedding ceremony
A classic white scarf is always a must-have, even at a wedding.
When it comes to choosing a pocket square, some people go crazy. Men rarely remember it, considering the scarf too much extravagance. However, it is an integral element of classical elegance, sanctified by tradition. A pocket square can be an interesting piece of clothing, completing and complementing a style. If you don’t know how to place it in your pocket, read our article - how to fold a pocket square into a jacket pocket.
A plain white handkerchief, preferably linen, is a good choice because the slightly rough material holds in place in the pocket. It doesn't slide off as easily as silk. The game also includes scarves with edges edged in a contrasting color. A geometric or even complex design is not wrong, but try not to make the design look garish. Save bold decisions for other occasions. Remember to match the scarf with your outfit, but don't choose the same as your tie.
Shirt for wedding
These 3 shirt options are more appropriate at a wedding than others.
Of course, men who came to a wedding in a short-sleeved shirt cannot be called elegant. Those who sell such shirts for costumes should be punished somehow. Unfortunately, this trend is still observed at weddings. A classic long-sleeved shirt with cuffs for buttons or cufflinks is suitable for a wedding. As for color, classic white would be suitable. Also available in blue and pink. Avoid shirts with variegated colors, as well as shirts that are too dark or shiny.
The shirt is fastened with all buttons. A plunging neckline is the prerogative of women, especially in formal situations. And don't wear a shirt over your pants! It should always be tucked into the pants, ironed and tight-fitting - without folds hanging above the waistband. If the shirt is too wide at the waist, have it tapered by a tailor or have the shirt tucked in correctly. By the way, there is an excellent solution to prevent your shirt from coming out of your pants - shirt suspenders.
Long Sleeve Wedding Guest Dresses
One way to give your usual wedding guest outfit a winter touch is to add sleeves. Elegant and sophisticated, this style of dress is sure to make you stand out from others and will also keep you comfortable. Adding sleeves will not only help you stay warm throughout the celebration, but will also add an element of class and elegance to your overall look.
The right tie for a wedding
How to choose a tie for a wedding guest
The last element of a wedding wardrobe is a tie or bow tie. You can't go bare-necked to this kind of ceremony. The tie for the wedding set should be plain or with a delicate pattern. It is better to choose muted colors (blue, dark blue, crimson, gray). A bright tie is a mistake.
You should also not match a tie to the groom's outfit, it is in bad taste. You are not twins whose mother buys the same clothes. Your connection to each other should be based on the fact that you are both dressed at the same level of formality. That's all.
The most suitable for a wedding would be a silk tie. You can also wear ties made from other natural fabrics (such as wool or cotton) for less formal outfits. Jersey knit ties are less formal. In any case, forget about synthetics such as polyester or microfiber. A tie should be a decoration, skillfully made from quality material, and not a cheap imitation made of plastic. If you do not yet have knowledge and understanding, it is better to check the composition on the label, because even in seemingly decent boutiques you can find synthetic materials. Also, thin ties are not suitable for weddings.
Evening dresses for girls
Dresses made of crepe-satin, pastel-colored satin and guipure look impressive. This fabric will create the perfect look for a wedding as a guest. The matte shine of satin radiates special beauty, and satin drapes perfectly and does not electrify.
Evening looks with a bare back and a thigh-high slit look feminine and elegant. The elements of the dress and the overall style should match the overall look you intend to achieve. In the summer season, floaty and airy fabrics are favorites.
Beautiful lace has always been in trend; it can add charm, tenderness and sophistication to any look. The style of the dress can be completely decorated with lace or contain small lace elements.
