There are a lot of rules when it comes to weddings.
Remember to RSVP by the due date, and not with a guest if you weren’t invited with one.
Make sure to turn your phone off during the ceremony. And, of course, wear something appropriate.
Here are 11 tips to help you dress for your next wedding. Hey, you never know what photographs you might be in.
Read the invitation
Brides and grooms will decide what type of wedding they want — black-tie, semi-formal or casual — before the invitations go out.
The dress code is usually noted at the bottom of the invitation to help guests plan their attire.
Don’t wear white
This is a common rule when attending a wedding. Brides want the spotlight to be on them, and it should be.
Also be careful about wearing lighter colors, such as ivory and cream, as wedding gowns come in these shades too.
Find out the wedding colors
If you end up wearing the same color as the bridesmaids, you may be mistaken for one.
So, ask the bride what color they will be wearing to avoid this mistake.
Consider the location
You’ll likely wear something different for a wedding taking place in a fancy ballroom than one on the beach.
You wouldn’t want to wear heels in the sand, so make sure you dress appropriately for where the wedding is being held.
Check the weather
The last thing a bride wants is for her guests to be uncomfortable at the wedding. Most prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Help her out by dressing for the forecasted weather.
If the wedding is being held in the winter, it’s a good bet that it will be cold out. Make sure you bring a warm coat and wear the right baselayer.
Rain in the forecast? Pack an umbrella. Heat and humidity? Wear a sleeveless dress with your hair up.
Skip the comfy clothes
Yes, this needs to be said: Do not wear jeans.
Unless the bride specifically requests guests to wear them, it is never OK to wear jeans to a wedding.
Remember to iron
A man in a wrinkled dress shirt just looks bad. Make sure any clothes that appear wrinkled are ironed.
And bring a small bottle of wrinkle releaser, just in case.
Stay classy
Weddings are a special day in people’s lives, and many have religious or spiritual elements to the ceremony.
It’s not time to wear too tight and revealing clothing.
Bring a cardigan or shawl just in case your outfit ends up showing too much then you intended.
Make sure you’re supported
There are a lot of pretty dresses that don’t require a bra.
But it’s best that you wear one (there are plenty of strapless bra options available).
If it gets a little cold, you don’t want guests noticing you and not the bride.
Keep your style simple
Sequins, sparkles, and beading are OK when subtly a part of a dress or jacket.
But outrageous prints, patterns, and embellishments are a big no-no.
Want to be bold? Try adding a fun statement necklace to your outfit…instead of having your outfit be the statement.
Wear comfortable shoes
With lots of walking, standing, and dancing done at weddings, it’s best to wear shoes that won’t start hurting halfway through the night.
Some couples offer flip flops to guests to relieve their aching feet. But be prepared and pack your own (or a pair of flats) just in case.
What it means when it says this on the invitation:
Black-tie: Men should wear a tuxedo. Women should wear a long gown or fancy cocktail dress.
Black-tie optional: Men can wear a tuxedo, but it’s not required. If you choose not to wear a tux, wear a dark suit with a white shirt and a simple, solid color tie. Women can wear long gowns or cocktail dresses.
Semi-formal or cocktail attire: Keep clothing classy, and make a note of when the wedding takes place. Women: Lighter colors and fabrics work for morning or afternoon ceremonies, while darker colors are better for an evening event. Men: Wear a suit and tie.
Casual: This attire is usually requested if the wedding takes place outdoors. Women can wear a simple sundress or blouse and skirt. Men can opt for a button-down shirt (tie not required) and dress pants or khakis.
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