What do I wear? It is the most recurrent question in the stylistic field. An authentic fashion drama present in the day to day but that increases -if possible- when there is a more special event in sight. And, among all those more or less important dates, weddings occupy the first place in the ranking. The culprit is generally the strict dress code for traditional weddings . The veto of certain colors, the requirement of a very specific silhouette according to what type of ceremonies or the uncertainty when wearing some elements that, a priori, do not fall into the dress code of wedding guests, make it necessary to find a style according to the events it is not an easy task.
Fortunately, society has evolved and, with it, most of the restrictions have disappeared, making this dress code much more flexible. Even so, in this stylistic guide you will find all the information regarding the wedding guest dress code : what the protocol says and what, over time, has been accepted.
How do you know whether to choose a short or long dress?
If there is one aspect in which the traditional protocol has especially affected, it is the length of the dress. Although, today, the fact that the wedding is during the day or in the afternoon is no longer so determined to choose the guest look. That is, if at first it was the moment of the celebration that dictated the length of the dress, over time this factor has lost relevance.
It is true that in a daytime wedding it is usually more common to opt for homecoming dresses, while in evening weddings the guests are encouraged to wear long prom dresses. However, today, the closeness with respect to the protagonists of the event can be much more decisive . That is, if your sister is getting married, you will possibly wear a long dress no matter what time of day the ceremony is held.
Is it forbidden to wear black or white?
They are the two traditionally forbidden colors for wedding guests. Black, because it is related to mourning and, therefore, has no place in a celebration of this type. White, because it is the quintessential color of wedding dresses, so that whoever attends an event with a style in the same Pantone could overshadow the true protagonist.
Over time, these stigmas have been disappearing. Especially around the black color, which today is perfectly suitable for a wedding guest look . What’s more, it is one of the most recurring shades for evening guests, both in minidresses -yes, an LBD is the best long-term investment-, jacket suits or long dresses. They tend to be rarer to see at daytime weddings, but more for aesthetic reasons than protocol -at least, yes in 2019-.
White, on the other hand, continues to maintain the veto of traditional protocol. It is increasingly common to see guests with two-piece suits that combine with blouses, tops or blazers in this color. However, a total look in white is still a challenge.
Headdresses and hats, can they always be worn?
To understand what traditional protocol dictates in reference to headdresses and hats, it is enough to pay attention to royal weddings and those of the high aristocracy. If the wedding is during the day, the headdress is almost a must. In this type of ceremony, hats and accessories of all kinds are also accepted . However, if the event is at night, it is better to opt for a headband or a minimalist headdress.
Can I wear sequins and glitter?
Until recently, glitters, sequins, metallic fabrics and other elements typical of party dresses were completely out of the dress code for wedding guests. Little by little, these elements have been incorporated into this type of outfits, becoming common among evening guest looks, where glitters and sparkles are a fairly recurring trend in evening dresses.
What is the right footwear?
Women’s footwear is another element that has more stigmas around it. The idea of a woman attending any event with a flat shoe -whether it was work or celebration- was something unthinkable until not so long ago. Fortunately, society has undergone a great transformation, making certain elements that have been banned until now completely accepted. The evolution that high-heeled shoes have undergone is a clear example of this.