What to wear to a wedding: fashion do’s and don’ts
So, you have been invited to a wedding, and while you are excited, you are not really sure what to wear.
It can be confusing, especially with dress codes like ‘smart-casual’ and ‘black tie’ being some of the options that brides choose for their special day.
Many of the clothing stores in Cape Town offer exciting options for weddings, but there are some tips and tricks to follow when choosing what to wear to a wedding.
Outlined below is some advice to follow for wedding fashion do’s and don’ts for guests.
Note the dress code
This is vital for any wedding guest. If the invitation says ‘black tie attire required’, then be sure to opt for an elegant cocktail dress or a tailored suit for the occasion. It would be embarrassing to turn up to a formal wedding in beach-casual attire and vice versa.
If the couple has not specified on their dress code, then it is best to dress for the venue. A ballroom reception will require more formal attire, whereas an outdoor garden party leans more toward the smart-casual. Look up the venue online and see if they have a gallery of wedding photos, this will help you to ascertain what level of formality the venue asks of its guests.
A little black dress (or suit) is perfect for any dress code
There is a reason why the little black dress (LBD) or black suit are staples for any occasion. You can dress up an elegant black dress with gold or silver jewellery and accessories for a formal wedding or use bold pops of colour for a smart-casual affair.
A black suit is the perfect event wear for any man who is unsure of how to dress for a wedding. Keep it simple and accessorise with a brightly coloured tie for an evening reception. You could also opt to go tieless for a more casual event. Be sure to avoid wearing a tie in one of the wedding colours, as this will be reserved for the wedding party. Many clothing shops in South Africa offer both formal and smart-casual LBD options to choose from.
Never wear white
Wearing white is one of the biggest wedding guest faux-pas, and you should also avoid wearing any shade of white including off-white, cream, ecru or even very pale pastel colours. The focus of the day is on the bride and groom, and if a guest wears a shade similar to that of the bride’s wedding gown, this will be taken away from them.
If you want to wear a lighter colour, or if it is a spring wedding and you are uncomfortable in dark clothes in the heat, rather opt for a neutral colour such as stone or dove grey. Light colours that are close to white or cream should be avoided at all costs: the bride is most likely wearing white and her white ensemble probably cost more than yours, anyway!
Check the wedding colour palette
Before you decide on a dress or a tie, be sure to look at the wedding colour palette. You will find this on the invitation, and if you are unsure, you can contact the bride and ask her. Be sure to do this well in advance of choosing your outfit so it is not a scramble to find a dress or suit.
You will need to know the colour palette so you can avoid dressing in the same colour as the bridal party, and are not mistaken for a bridesmaid or groomsman. The various men’s clothing stores in Cape Town offer numerous ties in all shades of the rainbow, so you can avoid wearing one in the same colour as the groomsmen. You could opt to wear a contrasting colour, such as wearing a red dress to a wedding with a green colour palette. If the bride has not chosen a colour palette, ask her what colours she would prefer guests to avoid wearing.
Less is not more at a wedding
One of the most for any woman to remember when choosing a dress for a wedding is that you should never show too much skin. Rather than rocking a tight-fitting bodycon dress (you’re not ‘party-rocking’ today, sister) opt for an elegant, soft A-line dress that sits just below the knees.
Keep your dress lines simple and elegant, and remember that you do not have to be frumpy at a wedding. If you are short, wear wedge heels and a dress that hits just below the knee, and taller women should opt for a maxi dress and block heels. Avoid short hems and cut-outs, and slits should be no higher than the shin for a longer dress. It is not your day to call attention to yourself, so be respectful and classy.