Complete Guide: What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest in 2024

Last updated: October 25 2024
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Complete Guide: What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest in 2024

Wondering what to wear to a wedding? This guide has you covered. As a guest, you'll learn how to look your best while respecting the couple's wishes and the event's atmosphere.

Discover the perfect outfit for any 2024 wedding, from formal affairs to casual celebrations and everything in between.

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Can You Wear Black to a Wedding?

In the past, wearing black to a wedding was seen as a faux pas. Today, black is often an acceptable choice for wedding guests.

Learn more about wearing black to weddings: guidelines, outfit ideas, and seasonal tips in our comprehensive guide. View the full article below.

Can You Wear Black to a Wedding? A Comprehensive Guide

Can You Wear Red to a Wedding?

Wearing red to a wedding is a topic of debate and depends on various factors, such as culture, time of day, and season.

For a full discussion on this topic, see our dedicated article below.

Can You Wear Red to a Wedding? Find Out Here!

Formal Wedding Attire

Formal weddings call for elegant and polished outfits. Understanding the nuances of formal wedding attire can help you dress appropriately.

For Women

  • Floor-length gowns
  • Elegant cocktail dresses (knee-length or longer)
  • Dressy separates (like a formal top with a long skirt)
  • Refined accessories and jewelry
  • Closed-toe heels or dressy sandals

For Men

  • Dark suit (navy, charcoal, or black)
  • White dress shirt
  • Conservative tie or bow tie
  • Polished dress shoes
  • Matching belt and socks
Formal Wedding Attire: Your Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Semi-Formal Wedding Attire

Semi-formal attire strikes a balance between casual and formal. It's often the preferred dress code for many weddings.

For Women

  • Cocktail dresses
  • Dressy skirts with blouses
  • Jumpsuits
  • Midi or tea-length dresses
  • Low heels, dressy flats, or elegant sandals

For Men

  • Suit in any color
  • Dress shirt (white or colored)
  • Tie (optional)
  • Dress shoes
  • Coordinated belt and socks
Your Ultimate Guide to Semi-Formal Wedding Attire in 2024

Beach Wedding Attire

Beach weddings call for lighter, breathable fabrics and more relaxed styles:

For Women:

  • Flowy sundresses
  • Light, airy maxi dresses
  • Dressy sandals or wedges
  • Beach-appropriate accessories

For Men:

  • Light-colored suits or blazers with dress shorts
  • Linen shirts and pants
  • Loafers or dressy sandals
  • Tropical or pastel colors
Guide to Beach Wedding Guest Attire for Men & Women

Casual Wedding Attire

For casual weddings, guests can dress down while still looking put-together:

For Women:

  • Sundresses
  • Dressy separates (like a nice top with dress pants or a skirt)
  • Jumpsuits
  • Flats, low heels, or dressy sandals

For Men:

  • Dress pants or khakis
  • Button-down shirt or polo
  • Sports coat (optional)
  • Loafers or dress shoes
The Ultimate Guide to Casual Wedding Attire for Men & Women

Black Tie Wedding Attire

Black tie events require the most formal attire:

For Women:

  • Floor-length gowns
  • Elegant cocktail dresses
  • Formal separates
  • High heels or dressy flats
  • Fine jewelry

For Men:

  • Tuxedo
  • White dress shirt
  • Black bow tie
  • Cummerbund or vest
  • Patent leather shoes
Black Tie Wedding Attire for Men & Women - The Ultimate Guide

Courthouse Wedding Attire

Courthouse weddings often call for simpler, more understated outfits:

For Women:

  • Knee-length dresses
  • Dressy separates
  • Suits
  • Low heels or flats

For Men:

  • Suit or blazer with dress pants
  • Dress shirt
  • Tie (optional)
  • Dress shoes
Proper Courthouse Wedding Guest Attire Guide for Men & Women

Garden Wedding Attire

Garden weddings blend formal and casual elements:

For Women:

  • Floral print dresses
  • Light, airy fabrics
  • Wedges or block heels (to avoid sinking into grass)
  • Pastel or nature-inspired colors

For Men:

  • Light-colored suits or blazers
  • Dress shirts in soft colors
  • Loafers or dress shoes
  • Floral or patterned ties
Garden Wedding Attire Guide: What to Wear for Men & Women

Do's and Don'ts of Wedding Guest Attire

Navigate wedding fashion etiquette with ease using this essential guide for guests.

Do's:

  • Follow the dress code specified on the invitation
  • Consider the venue and time of day
  • Dress modestly
  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • Bring a wrap or jacket for cooler evenings

Don'ts:

  • Wear white (unless specified by the couple)
  • Choose overly revealing outfits
  • Dress too casually
  • Wear jeans (unless explicitly allowed)
  • Overdo accessories or perfume

What to Wear at a Wedding: Key Takeaways

Choosing what to wear to a wedding as a guest doesn't have to be stressful. Keep these points in mind:

  • Read the invitation carefully for dress code information
  • Consider the wedding's style, venue, and time of day
  • Respect cultural traditions and the couple's wishes
  • Aim for a balance of comfort and style
  • When in doubt, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed

Remember, the most important thing is to celebrate the couple's special day. Your attire should help you feel confident and comfortable without drawing attention away from the newlyweds.

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BALTINI Content Team
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BALTINI Content Team

The BALTINI Team is comprised of industry experts with years of experience in content and fashion. Our mission is to deliver the most helpful and up-to-date fashion insights.