FlamingoTo choose what to wear to a wedding as a guest, follow the dress code on the invitation first, then adjust for the venue, the season and the time of day. If there's no dress code, a midi dress, a dressy jumpsuit or smart separates will work for most weddings, and so will a suit for men, with or without a tie. The usual rule is to avoid white, ivory and anything that could be mistaken for a bridal outfit, and to check with the couple if the wedding follows a religious or cultural tradition with its own rules. When you're in doubt, dress slightly smarter rather than more casually, and test the whole outfit, shoes included, a few days before.
What do wedding dress codes mean?
| Dress code | For women | For men |
|---|---|---|
| Black tie | Floor-length gown or a very dressy midi | Tuxedo or dark formal suit, bow tie |
| Formal / black tie optional | Long dress, or elegant midi or jumpsuit | Dark suit and tie, or a tuxedo |
| Cocktail | Knee-length or midi dress, dressy separates | Suit and tie |
| Semi-formal | Midi dress, skirt and blouse, tailored jumpsuit | Suit, tie optional |
| Smart casual | Summer dress, or smart trousers and a nice top | Blazer and chinos, no tie |
| Casual | Simple dress or neat separates | Shirt and chinos |
Even at a casual wedding, you should look like you made an effort. For the differences between the office-style codes, read smart casual vs business casual.
What colours should a wedding guest avoid?
- White, ivory and pale champagne, unless the couple has asked for them. A print with a white background can also read as white in photos.
- Anything the couple has asked you to avoid. Check the invitation or wedding website, since some couples set a colour palette or keep certain colours for the wedding party.
- Colours with a meaning in the couple's tradition. Red, for example, is a bridal colour in many Chinese and Indian weddings, and some traditions avoid black or white. If you're not sure, ask.
Black is usually fine at evening and city weddings. If it feels too sombre, add a bright shoe or bag.
What should I wear for the venue and season?
- Garden or beach: light fabrics, block heels, wedges or smart flats, since stilettos sink into grass. Bring something for the evening chill.
- Church or temple: check whether shoulders or knees need to be covered. A shawl or jacket solves this.
- City hotel or restaurant: this is the place for sleeker shapes, darker colours and satin.
- Winter: long sleeves, velvet, heavier crepe, and a coat you won't mind appearing in the photos.
- Summer: linen blends and lightweight silks. Linen creases, so choose a blend if you'll be sitting for a long time.
Outfit ideas for women
- Floral or printed midi dress with block heels. It works for most daytime weddings.
- Satin slip dress with a tailored jacket. The jacket can come off for the dancing.
- Wide-leg jumpsuit in a strong colour with heeled sandals. It looks formal and it's easy to dance in.
- Silk blouse with a pleated midi skirt. Both pieces can be worn again separately.
Outfit ideas for men
- Navy suit, white shirt, tie and brown shoes. It suits nearly any wedding.
- Light grey or tan suit, no tie. It's a good choice for summer and outdoor weddings.
- Blazer, open-collar shirt and tailored chinos. Keep this for smart casual invitations.
- Dark suit or tuxedo with black shoes. Wear this for formal and evening weddings.
How do I avoid buying something I'll wear once?
Start by checking your own closet, because a dress or suit you already own can look new with different shoes, a jacket or a bag. If you do buy, choose a piece you could wear again with what you own.
Flamingo can help with this in two ways. Its outfit generator lets you choose wedding as the occasion and styles a look from your closet. And if you've found a dress or suit in a shop, screenshot it and put it on your twin, a free AI avatar of you, with your own shoes and jacket. It's a quick way to compare a few options. A try-on is an AI image, so use it for colour and proportions, and check the shop's size guide for fit.
What should I check before the day?
- Wear the shoes around the house for an hour.
- Sit down and raise your arms in the outfit, because you'll do both.
- Check the outfit in daylight and in a photo.
- Pack plasters, a layer for the evening, and a bag that fits your phone.
Want to see your options on you? Get Flamingo on iPhone or Android, or use it at app.tryflamingo.app. Your closet and your twin are free; try-ons come with Flamingo Pro.