What to Wear to Every Type of Wedding

What to Wear to Every Type of Wedding

Every wedding has a written dress code (sometimes ignored), an unwritten dress code (always real), and a hard list of don'ts that applies to every single one. The field guide below covers all three.

The hard don'ts (every wedding)

• Don't wear white or off-white, ivory, cream, or champagne. Even with a print, even at a beach wedding. Don't.
• Don't wear black at conservative or religious daytime weddings. Fine for evening or city weddings.
• Don't wear red at Indian, Chinese, or other cultural weddings where red is the bride's color. Confirm with the couple.
• Don't outshine the bride. Sequins, sheer panels, super-short hems read as competing.

Black tie wedding

Floor-length or midi gown in dark or jewel tone. Silk, satin, or sequin. Heels.

Cocktail wedding

Knee or midi dress, lighter fabric than black-tie. Color is fine. Heels or dressy flats.

Garden / outdoor wedding

Midi-length dress in florals, soft prints, or warm colors. Block heels (not stilettos. They sink in grass). Avoid white.

Beach wedding

Long flowy dress in soft fabric. Wedge sandals or flats. The bride is barefoot or in flats; you should be too.

Courthouse / casual wedding

A nice midi dress, a tailored jumpsuit, or a chic separates outfit. Treat it like a smart-casual dinner with photographs.

Religious / cultural wedding

Cover shoulders, knees, sometimes the head. Ask the couple about the specific tradition; assumptions go badly.

The shoe

• Bring flats in your bag if heels are involved. The third hour matters more than the first.
• Block heels, low heels, or wedges for outdoor weddings. Stilettos are for hardwood and stone only.

The bag

Small clutch or compact crossbody. Stuff: phone, lipstick, ID, card, tissues, a charging cable. The reception happens to your bag too.