Tips and Ideas on What to Wear to a Wedding

By Angela Marshall, 11th Nov 2013

What to wear to a wedding is no longer simple, as it is becoming increasingly popular to get married on a beach, at a hotel, in the country. The wedding could be bohemian, vintage or a traditional style in a church.

What to consider

Firstly, consider what type of wedding this is – formal, ultra formal, traditional or themed e.g. Celtic with kilts. Secondly is it in a hot climate, in the city or the country?

Where is it being held – in a church, a hotel, on the beach or abroad.

What time of day – do you need a hat if it’s a formal mid-day wedding or if early evening then no hat but possibly a fascinator.

Whatever the type of event – think of maximum impact with minimal spend. Don’t overspend on an outfit you will not wear again. Tip: Quality accessories make an average outfit more expensive plus can jazz up an outfit.

How to look good whatever the occasion:

Be well groomed – clean and well pressed clothes, manicured nails, hair neat and tidy, perfectly polished shoes
Fits well – ensure the outfit fits you and suits your shape and colouring. Have alterations where needed.
Quality Accessories – hat, jewellery, shoes, bag, cufflinks. Adds quality to a less expensive outfit.
Prepare – Ensure you outfit is comfortable for sitting, dancing, day to evening
Look feminine for women and a gentleman for men – something appropriate that shows respect for your hosts and that suits you
Try everything on before the day and check out it all tones in
Extras – ensure you have extra hosiery for emergency

Finally look in the mirror before you leave and when you attend the conveniences during the event.

What not to Wear

Wearing all white if the bride is wearing white or all black outfit if during the day
Too short or too sexy
Too revealing – no bra and plunging neckline, thong or underwear on show
Too casual or sloppy – wear appropriate fabrics e.g. no jeans, linen that creases and looks like a rag
If a formal event – no short sleeve shirt
Avoid sequins and sparkle in the daytime as you will look overdressed
Poorly groomed – poor nails, unkempt hair, dirty or scuffed shoes

Ideas for outfits:

Beach – Women – colourful dress, short or maxi. Men – a smart shirt, with colour, possibly a jacket or tuxedo depending on occasion and time of day
Informal Daytime: Women – short dress, trouser outfit. Men – suit, smart trousers and shirt with a jacket
Semi-Formal Daytime: Women – short dress, skirt or trouser suit. Men – smart suit or trousers and jacket and tie
Formal Daytime: Women – short dress and coat or suit, hat & gloves. Men – dark suit, white or coloured shirt with toning smart tie
Informal Evening: Women – short cocktail or maxi dress. Men – suit or jacket, coloured shirt with no tie
Semi-formal Evening: Women – cocktail or maxi dress and smart jewellery. Men – smart coloured shirt, dark suit and coloured tie
Formal Evening or Black-Tie: Women – glamorous long or short cocktail with sparkly accessories and a wrap. Men – a dark suit or a black tux with white shirt and black bow tie
Ultra-formal or White Tie: Women – long evening gown, quality sparkle jewellery (especially diamonds). A glamorous wrap or furs. Men – a black tuxedo, white shirt, possibly white waistcoat and white tie, cumberband ( not with waistcoat) and patent shoes.