Wedding season is firmly upon us for another year. There’s undoubtedly no bigger ceremony taking place than that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19, but even if you’re headed to nuptials that are firmly low-key, deciding on what to wear to a wedding can be cause for serious headache.
As well as plenty of wedding guest outfit inspiration, we’ve compiled the ultimate dos and don’ts for what to wear to ensure you attend in style.
DO
Adhere to the dress code
Some weddings impose black tie attire, which means tuxedo for chaps and long gowns for women. Beach weddings meanwhile, are infinitely more casual and call for cocktail-style dresses. For everything else in-between, assume it’s formal and go with the mantra that you’re dressing to impress.
Try an alternative to a dress
Trouser suits and jumpsuits are often overlooked when it comes to weddings, but they are perennially chic. A patterned all-in-one is hardworking, avoids any fussing over hemlines should there be a gust of wind and will garner lots of compliments. Think outside of the box and leave traditional dresses to everyone else.
Have fun
If you love red shoes, statement earrings and large polka dots – or all of these details at once, don’t compromise and feel the need to tone your style down. Your bride and groom will appreciate every effort made when it comes to dressing up for their big day.
Make sure your feet will last all day
The most desirable heels can often be the most unforgiving, which is why footwear needs to be carefully considered. Do factor in midi heels or wedges, which are far easier for standing on grass and gravel than spindly styles, and aim to break them in a week before for happy feet, guaranteed.
Factor in a jacket
Old churches are welcoming spaces but often not so warm come spring, so rather than willing the ceremony to be over as your teeth chatter, don’t leave home without a cover-up. Invest in a versatile style, such as a cream blazer or cropped pastel jacket, and you’ll be guaranteed plenty of wear out of it for weddings and race meetings to come.
DON'T
Wear white
Sure, white is pretty and summery, but to be avoided unless you want to be accused of trying to upstage the bride. Opt for pale and interesting pastels instead, such as subdued lilacs, tones of blush and sage and offset them with metallic accessories.
Risk a same outfit faux pas
Trawling the high street three weeks before the big day for an occasion-worthy dress carries the risk that another guest may have picked exactly the same one. To save both your blushes, bookmark La Redoute’s Mademoiselle R collection for fashion-forward pieces that tick off key trends while making you look effortless. It’s a fashion insiders’ secret you’ll want to keep to yourself.
Do denim
Even relaxed pub weddings command a semi-formal dress code (any men struggling with what to wear should check out this guide) so save the denim for brunch dates. Consider culottes, printed blouses and cropped jackets if your hosts are really casual about what to wear.
Consider flip-flops
Even a beach wedding merits a structured sandal where footwear is concerned, so don’t even consider flip-flops if you’re attending a wedding in the city – no matter how tropical the temperature. After all, you don’t want to be remembered as the guest who turned up with questionable footwear…
Wear black
Of all the dresses to wear to a wedding, don’t make it black. Even if colour isn’t your thing, navy blue is chic without the funeral connotations. Remember – this a time for celebration!
