Our Formal Wedding Guest Outfit Guide

What to wear as a guest to a formal wedding

It’s no secret that finding the perfect outfit as a wedding guest can be an incredibly stressful experience, especially if the wedding you’re attending has a formal dress code. 

Whether it’s your first formal wedding or you’re looking for ways to spice up your wedding guest attire, this is our complete guide to nailing the formal dress code as a wedding guest. 

Know the dress code

The most important step when it comes to nailing your wedding guest outfit is knowing the dress code! Familiarise yourself with the invitation and ask for clarification from the wedding party if any aspects of the dress code are unclear.

It’s better to be safe than sorry and asking the couple for clarification on their dress code is the best way to guarantee you’re adhering to what they have in mind! 

Keep it timeless 

When choosing your outfit – especially for a wedding with a formal dress code – try to opt for timeless styles. Floor-length gowns in elegant fabrics like silk or satin is a timeless choice for a formal wedding whilst men should go for a well-tailored dark suit for a timeless formal look. 

Carefully choose your accessories

One of the best parts of creating an outfit is accessorising! When you’re going to a formal wedding as a guest you want to make sure you choose your accessories carefully. For the ladies, think of statement necklaces, clutch bags and elegant (but comfortable) heels and for the guys, they can accessorise with cufflinks, pocket squares and good quality dress shoes. 

Choosing the right accessories for your outfit means you can really take your formal wedding attire to the next level. 

Don’t forget about the venue and the weather 

You’ll need to take the weather forecast and the venue into account when planning your formal wedding guest outfit. If it's a wedding in the evening and at an indoor venue, darker, more formal outfits might be the way to go. But if it’s an outdoor formal wedding in spring or summer you can opt for lighter colours and lighter fabrics as a wedding guest. 

Check if there are any cultural customs 

It’s important to check that the wedding you are attending doesn’t have any specific cultural customs. If there are specific cultural customs, it’s important to adhere to the dress codes and the traditions that are specific to that culture. 

Research customs beforehand to make sure you’re choosing an outfit that is both formal and culturally appropriate for the wedding you are attending.

Prepare to dress to impress! 

By following our Riva Bridal guide to formal wedding guest outfits, you can be sure that you’re dressing to impress for every occasion. Whether it’s your first formal wedding or you’re a seasoned pro, our guide can help you dress confidently for every formal wedding no matter the venue or the season! 

Prepare to dress to impress and celebrate the love of your nearest and dearest with our tips and tricks for choosing the perfect outfit as a guest for a formal wedding.