Dressing for weddings can be difficult, particularly in the summer.
You want to look good and you want to look like you fit in with the level of formality, but at the same time you want to stand out and look like you, like an individual.
This is a precarious line to balance upon and not everyone gets it right.
Take Cues from the Invitation
Make sure you study the invitation to within an inch of its life. Not only will it help you figure out where you’re going and what time you need to be there, it will also give you cues as to the dress code. If it’s not quite clear, then always err on the smart side.
You should also take a look at where it is in relation to what you’re wearing. For instance, if it’s in the Bahamas on the beach, you might want to wear something light and summery. If it’s in Sheffield, then you won’t have the same concerns.
Don’t Upstage the Couple
This goes for both the bride and the groom. Don’t get so obsessed with your own outfit that you upstage either of the happy couple – this means no full morning suit and top hat when it’s an informal wedding, wearing white or something neon bright.
Formal Attire
For Him
The formal wedding normally calls for a tux. These are getting rarer and rarer these days with summer weddings being more on the relaxed side, however. You can choose from black or midnight blue. Shoes can be a shiny dress shoe or a velvet slipper. Pair with a black bow tie and cummerbund and a buttonhole flower for a pop of colour.
For Her
You could go full on ball gown for this, but we would err on the side of a chic cocktail dress if you don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb. You can go glamorous with your hair and makeup and dramatic with your jewellery if you so wish – though stick to your personal style and what you feel comfortable with.
Semi Formal or Smart Casual
For Him
A suit and tie should still be worn, but you can have a bit of fun with it. Add pops of colour through trim or through your neckwear. If it’s in the evening, you can be more flamboyant with it – though remember what we said about not upstaging the groom!
For Her
A cocktail dress accessorised slightly less glamorously than for formal attire is perfect. If it is an evening event then you can wear darker colours and wear more jewellery than in the day.
Casual
For Him
Wear dress trousers or chinos, a button down shirt without a tie. You can wear a jacket, but the jacket and trousers shouldn’t match unless they are in a casual fabric, like linen or cotton.
For Her
A sundress or a blouse and skirt or trousers. Makeup and hair can be natural, as you might wear it every day, perhaps with a little bit extra shimmer.
