You’ve been invited to a wedding. You can’t wait to spend the day in celebration and it’s a great excuse for a new outfit. So, what should you wear to a wedding? Here’s the accepted etiquette and latest styles when it comes to what to wear to a wedding in the UK.
What to Wear to a Wedding: Etiquette
For women, a fairly formal dress is often the most obvious choice, teamed with a jacket, dress coat or cardigan, depending on the season. For a formal wedding at a castle or luxury venue go for a more formal dress, and for a more informal wedding in a rustic barn or register office, a more informal, casual style is ideal.
Men are generally expected to wear a smart suit. Black tie and themed weddings with dress codes will be more specific.
Is it okay for a guest to wear white to a wedding?
Wearing white to a wedding if you’re a guest, is generally thought to be a huge faux pas and many people believe it is simply just ‘not done’. It does depend however, on the bride’s feelings about it, and on how you wear it – for example, with another colour or as a trouser-suit.
It’s a bold move and as long as the bride doesn’t mind and you don’t care what people think, it’s fine. If you are wearing white or ivory, make it a very different style of outfit to a bridal gown (you don’t want to be mistaken for the bride or accused of trying to upstage her!) Team your outfit with accessories in another colour rather than wearing just white on its own. And finally, be careful with the red wine, it can stain.
Do I have to wear a hat to a wedding?
It’s not just the mother of the bride who wears a hat to her daughter’s wedding. Hats have become synonymous with weddings but they are just another way to accessorise a special outfit. A hat or fascinator (or ‘hatinator’ – yes, really) is not necessary or expected so don’t feel you have to wear one. If you do want to it can be a great way to add colour and interest to your outfit.
Is it okay to wear black to a wedding?
As black is considered to be a funereal colour, so it follows that some people consider wearing black to a wedding can bring bad luck. Much like the wearing white dilemma, it’s best to wear it teamed with another colour and thoughtful to check with the bride before investing in an outfit. Prepare yourself for some ‘black look’s from older guests…
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