What to Wear as a Wedding Guest

A wedding is an important day for the couple, and the photographs will last for years. As a guest, dress for the occasion without drawing attention away from them. A poorly fitting suit can look careless, while an overly showy outfit can steal the spotlight. Here is how to find the right balance.

How should the groom dress? Read our guide to the groom’s outfit.

Let the couple take centre stage

When choosing your outfit, follow the couple’s wishes, especially any guidance from the bride and groom. It is their day; dress in a way that suits the celebration without standing out for the wrong reason.  

Let the invitation guide you

Start with the dress code on the invitation. If the couple has not specified one, you still have clues to work with.

The invitation’s design may suggest the tone of the wedding: recycled paper and jute might hint at a relaxed outdoor celebration, while white paper with gold lettering suggests something more traditional. When in doubt, ask the couple.

A dark suit works for many weddings. Depending on the setting, light trousers with a shirt and blazer may be suitable too. 

1. A church ceremony

The groom will have his own wedding outfit. You can read more about formal wedding attire here.  As a guest, a dark suit with a white shirt and dark tie is a traditional choice for a church ceremony.

2. A wedding with a colour theme

Some couples ask guests to echo the wedding’s colours, often shown in the decorations, flowers or invitation.

A tie or pocket square in the requested colour is an easy way to join in. Women may choose a dress or shoes in that shade. 

This article is about dressing as a wedding guest. If you want advice on the groom’s outfit, read the groom’s guide.

3. A summer wedding outdoors

For an outdoor wedding, smart casual can keep you elegant without looking overdressed. Try chinos, a shirt and a blazer.

In very hot weather, trousers and a shirt with a waistcoat or braces may be enough if the dress code allows it. You can roll up your sleeves when appropriate. 

Shirt

For a wedding, a white or very light-blue shirt is a versatile choice. If the colour theme is soft and pastel, pale pink may also work. 

Shoes

Smart leather shoes are a reliable choice. Brown works with a blue suit; wear black shoes with a black suit. With grey, brown or tan can suit the shade. For a less formal wedding, suede loafers can accompany shorter trousers.

Final tip: coordinate the accessories

Groomsmen and witnesses can echo one small detail of the groom’s outfit, such as the colour of a tie, bow tie or pocket square.

What should you avoid wearing as a wedding guest?

• Loudly coloured or patterned shirts, especially neon shades or Hawaiian prints
• Short-sleeved shirts, particularly with a tie
• A sweater
• Shorts
• Sandals
• Jeans
• A T-shirt
• Sports shoes 

Unsure what to wear? Contact our style consultants for help choosing a wedding outfit.

The most important rule

Above all, your wedding outfit should fit well. A made-to-measure suit lets you choose a fabric and style that work with the clothes you already own, so you can wear it beyond one occasion. If you would like help choosing fabrics or building more outfits from fewer pieces, explore our SMART Wardrobe service.

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