Wedding season is synonymous with stunning dresses; choosing the right one can make you the perfect guest. At Notorious, we understand the intricacies of wedding etiquette, especially when it comes to what NOT to wear. While some may rave about bold choices, such as wearing black to a religious ceremony, we recommend steering clear of black and white. Wedding guests traditionally avoid these colours due to their strong symbolic meanings. To guide you through the maze of wedding fashion dos and don’ts, we’ve crafted a smart guide. Dive into our recommendations for what to wear this wedding season and discover the perfect dress. Keep reading to find your ideal match.
Opt for Elegance Over the Exotic.
A wedding is always a special occasion, no matter the event’s scale or who’s tying the knot. In the whirlwind of preparing for a grand celebration, it’s tempting to venture into sartorial territories that stray far from your usual style. So, before you reach for that flamboyant hat or decide on a dress colour that screams more than it speaks, think twice. Remember, the goal isn’t to become unrecognizable under the guise of wedding festivity. By sticking to a classic and elegant guide, you can remain the perfect guest—stylishly fitting in, rather than sticking out.
Proof that classic and elegant style is a winner, the photos of Kate Middleton’s wedding are still a great source of inspiration on what to wear to a wedding. 13 years ago!
For the guys, a short note: The groom wears a morning suit, not a black tie in the church. And the male guests wear a morning suit too or a dark suit.
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Let’s start with the wedding season DOs:
– Do Wear Florals
Because most weddings happen now in Spring, you can never go wrong with floral dresses. Whether with tiny romantic flowers or bold ones with joyful colours, floral dresses and spring are the perfect marriage. You can also play with floral accessories, creating a 3D flower concept.
– Do Happy Colours
Monochromatic or block-colour dresses are also great for the festive occasion. The Spring 2024 colours range from butter yellow to red and green—all great choices for an elegant and chic dress. And considering last year was the year of the Barbicore trend, where everyone was donning pink, I recommend opting for a different colour for a fresh and new look. And speaking of colours, you can read here about the best colour for your skin tone.
– Do Wear a Polka Dot
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales is living proof that the polka dot dress is an ever-chic classic. She has worn this model on several occasions, such as at the memorial service for Prince Philip in March 2022. Another Royal spotted wearing a polka dot was Abigail Spencer at Meghan Markle’s wedding. There’s something intrinsic chic about polka dot, but elevate the look with a big hat and powerful jewellery.
– Do Finish Your Look With a Headband or Fascinator
When planning what to wear to a wedding, the question of headpieces, such as hats, often arises. Typically, it’s the bride who decides whether the bridesmaids and close family members should wear hats. Interestingly, there’s a piece of “hat etiquette” that states the mother of the groom should never wear a hat larger than the mother of the bride’s headpiece. However, other guests have the freedom to choose their headwear. In this regard, we wholeheartedly endorse the use of flowers, fascinators, headbands, and bows, as they add a delightful flair to your ensemble. For those seeking a vintage, 70s-inspired look, an ultra-chic turban might just be the perfect choice. If you do opt for a hat, here’s a handy tip: any additional decorations, like a flower, should be placed on the right side of the hat.
And Here Are the Wedding Season DONTs:
– Do Not Wear White
Although this seems quite obvious, you wouldn’t believe how many women choose white outfits. Don’t do that! The only woman wearing white at a wedding should be the bride. That’s a terrible faux pas, and people might think you are competing with the bride on her special day. But there are plenty of other light hues like off-white or pastels that are stylish and perfect for a spring wedding. This spring 2024, you definitely should try a dress in butter yellow colour.
– Do Not Wear Black
All-black outfits are elegant but not appropriate for a wedding, which is meant to be a joyful occasion, not a funeral. Instead, consider opting for a black and white dress; this colour combination is utterly chic. Midnight blue and navy are the darkest colours that are acceptable for such celebrations.
– Do Not Wear “Look at Me” Clothes
Steering clear of super tight and overly sexy outfits is definitely the way to go. You don’t want to come off looking tacky or like you’re fishing for the photographer’s flashbulbs. After all, unless you’re gunning for your own reality show, planning to marry a rapper, and considering naming your kids something like Moonbeam or Rocket, it’s better to aim for a look that screams sophisticated charm, not tabloid fodder. Your ensemble should turn heads for its elegance and class, not its shock value. Keep it attractive, but keep it classy.
– Last But Not Least
Wedding Season usually means you’re attending a religious ceremony. So, dress accordingly. Attendees are expected to be modestly dressed and not show too much skin within the religious venue. If you’re wearing a sleeveless dress, it is “de bon-ton” to cover your shoulders with a beautiful shawl. Another option is a cardigan or a coat matching the dress like the Brits know how to wear so well. Additionally, instead of sandals, it’s more appropriate to wear heeled pumps.
Images from SSENSE, MYTHERESA, ASOS and ETSY