…as a guest
When it comes to weddings, being a fashionably-dressed guest so you can look amazing on those photos is a natural want, but many overstep the line by committing huge (wedding) crimes such as wearing white or simply dressing in a way that grabs everyone’s attention and not necessarily for the right reasons.
Avoid being that guest by treating yourself to this post that’s jam-packed with need-to-know info on what to wear to weddings.
White Is Off-Limits
If you’ve ever been to a wedding, you know that a guest wearing white is immediately frowned upon. Basically, you’re taking away the bride’s moment and it’s honestly just a sucky move.
“Don’t be a sucky guest.”
Try this: A really light, not white, neutral hue such as dove grey, super pale blue or play around with soft pastels.
Say no to sweatpants
When the invitation states to dress casual, it doesn’t mean that casual. If it’s a relaxed wedding, you can get away with wearing chino shorts that end on or below the knee, or dark tone jeans as opposed to full on suits.
Try this: If you’re worried about feeling uncomfortable in your attire, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton, chambray, or linen.
Ditch the denim
When it comes to wearing denim to a wedding, anything other than clean, sleek, fitted and dark wash needs to stay at home. Please, this isn’t a Yeezy fashion show; leave the distressed pieces in your wardrobe just this once.
“this isn’t a Yeezy fashion show”
Try this: Team skinny or straight leg jeans with a dressy top and a pair of formal shoes.
Know your hemlines
Anything that ends higher than your knee-caps is just disrespectful no matter what your gender. Weddings are not only a formal affair, but they’re also somewhat modest since you’re probably going to be in a church, mosque, synagogue, etc. for the ceremony.
Try this: Chino shorts that end on or above your knee and pencil skirts and dresses that hit mid-shin are both super stylish options that don’t completely hide your legs, but also doesn’t put them on full display.
Cut the khaki
Someone needs to show this to Uncle Piet because his outfit of safari shirts and cargo pants with 10,000 pockets is just not wedding attire.
Try this: Try tan chinos and a white shirt instead. This neutral, yet stylish combo is the perfect base for a winning wedding ensemble and you can give it a more relaxed ending with a cardigan or dressier with a sharp blazer.
Don’t disrespect the dress code
When it comes to weddings, it’s usually better to be overdressed than underdressed. With that being said, you can sort of figure out what everyone else will be wearing by checking the time and place of the wedding and if you personally know the lucky couple and their people, you’re bound to know their style, too.
Try this: If you’re close with one (or a few!) of the guests that will also be attending the event, throw some ideas around with them to get a better understanding of what to wear to the wedding.
Be edgy, the right way
So even after you’ve read all these tips and you still want to be the second centre of attention (remember the bride?), you can put an edgy spin on your look. No, I don’t mean come in all-black with spikes and chains for accessories – instead, opt for a cute dress with a cut-out in the back or below the bosom, but remember, if you wouldn’t want someone wearing something like this to your wedding, don’t wear it to someone else’s.
If you’re still shuffling through wedding outfit ideas, check out our Wedding Shop that’s been expertly curated with a range of wedding dresses, suits, accessories and other wedding essentials. Still in search of the perfect venue? Look no further! We have compiled the top 10 list of wedding venues in SA.
