What to wear to a wedding - Guide for Guests

Having trouble deciding what to wear to a wedding? Let Debenhams' wedding clothing guide help you look your best.

Picking out what to wear to a wedding can be just as stressful for guests as it is for the bride and groom! And, unless the wedding invitation specifies a particular theme or dress-code, deciding what to wear is likely to be entirely up to you. So how do you make sure you're suitably dressed up for a wedding?

Wedding wear: adhering to dress codes
Most weddings will specify a dress-code, so it's crucial to understand what terms like 'black-tie', 'white-tie' and 'smart-casual' can mean. Our guide to what to wear to a wedding explains what will be expected of you when confronted with different dress-codes - so you won't feel lost when planning your wedding outfit!

Moreover, if the wedding you're attending is themed, ensure you check what exactly the theme is before deciding what to wear. And make sure you take into account seasonal differences too: after all, what you'll wear to a summer wedding and what you'll wear to a winter wedding is sure to differ greatly!

Rely on Debenhams' guide to what to wear to a wedding
But whatever your dilemma when considering what to wear to a wedding, rest assured that Debenhams' wedding clothing guide will be able to come to your rescue.

Dress codes weddings
Seasonal weddings
Useful Tips

Dress codes for weddings
Weddings can be just as stressful for the guests as it is for the bride and groom. The biggest dilemma that guests face is what to wear. Some invitations indicate a dress code especially if the wedding is themed but more often than not it is up to you what to wear. To help you make that all important decision, we have put together a useful guide so that you feel suitably dressed-up for the occasion.

Morning suit
Traditionally if your wedding is before 3pm then the morning suit is the most popular style of dress worn at weddings. The morning suit consists of a penguin dress, top hat and tails and are available in three main colours - blue, black and grey tailcoats which can be worn with contrasting trousers either plain or patterned. For the perfect finishing touches add a white wing-collar shirt, a waistcoat and a cravat. Gloves are also part of the attire but these are held not worn. For a less formal wedding opt for a tailored jacket rather than tails and complete the look with a classic white shirt. Knot your cravat as you would a tie and there is no need to wear the hat.

Black tie
This is the most common dress code for weddings and you can have the flexibility to go very sexy and glam, tone it down a little with a sophisticated suit style or wear a feminine and flirty dress with an evening style twist. The only rule is that you should look dressier than normal. Team with a pair of high-heels or stunning kitten heels and sparkling accessories for the perfect finishing touches. For men a tuxedo or a dinner suit is ideal for a black tie occasion.

White tie
'White tie' doesn't mean that you wear all white, as most people get confused with. In essence 'white tie' for men means that you opt for a tail-coat rather than a dinner suit. Shirts, waistcoats, ties and bow ties have to be white and definitely no patterned or gimmicky ties. For women 'white tie' means longer dress styles rather than short ones. 'White tie' is a very formal dress code for a wedding.

'Formal dress'
If this dress code is indicated on an invitation then follow the same rules as 'black-tie'. You can wear anything from a smart suit, elegant separates or a glamorous long dress.

'Smart/Casual'
This dress code usually refers to second weddings or garden and beach weddings where you can dress a little less smarter for comfort. For instance, if you are attending a hot beach wedding then a tuxedo or tail-coat would be simply too hot to wear. A smart shirt with a tie would be ideal and jackets can be optional. For women, you can dress as you would on an evening out with friends after work. A glamorous top with stunning accessories is the perfect way to set of an outfit and ideal for this type of dress code.

Themed weddings
Themed weddings are fun but can be a nightmare for finding an appropriate style to suit. Before you start shopping make sure that you find out exactly what type of theme it is. As a guest you will be expected to dress up so no excuses, it's not your big day. Themed weddings are a great way to get friends to go shopping with you. After all, two heads or more are better than one.

Seasonal weddings
Christmas and winter weddings are becoming increasingly popular. It can be harder to find a glamorous dress that will keep you warm in the cold winter chill but there are other options. Buy the dress you want and accessorise with a shawl, wrap or stole. These are a great way to keep bare shoulders cosy and warm. Spring and Summer weddings are more flexible but always be prepared. On the day it may start to drizzle and appear cooler in the morning so always take a shawl or wrap just in case.

Useful Tips

• Don't wear the same colour as the bride as it is her big day and you want them to take centre stage. However, you can wear the same colours as the bridesmaids or Mother-of-the-Bride.
• Have respect for the bride and groom and always look suitably dressed. Try not to expose too much flesh and wear something inappropriate.
• Make sure your shoes are comfortable before you attend an occasion. A wedding is an all day event so you need your shoes to carry you through the day.
• You might want to choose two lipsticks; a lighter shade for the day and a darker shade for the reception. This will make you feel more glamorous for the reception.