Choosing what to wear to a wedding can be downright taxing, especially with as dress codes become more and more unclear. What you shouldn’t wear to a wedding doesn’t need to be hard. Whether an invitation calls for formal, cocktail, festive, or casual attire, wedding guests should remember a few universal style rules to prevent fashion mishaps. Hey it’s Rachel, with Rachel Z Photography and here are some things you should simply never wear to a wedding, no matter what the dress code says.
Clothing Outside of the Dress Code
Make sure your ensemble is respectful and appropriate for the event. Take the extra effort to ensure you understand what you should and shouldn’t wear to a particular ceremony. You don’t want to be the girl in a long ball gown while everyone else sports a cocktail dress. If you can’t figure out exactly what “beachy chic” or “festive casual” entails, reach out to a bridesmaid (not the bride) for help.
Anything Loud and Flashy
One of the biggest rules of dressing for a wedding is to never outshine the bride and groom. Avoid sequined ball gowns, sparkly tiaras, sky-high platform heels, or other articles of clothing that will draw attention away from the bride. A wedding isn’t the proper time to make a bold fashion statement.
A White Dress
Unless you’re the bride, wearing a white dress to a wedding is traditionally a faux pas. Leave all white, ivory, and champagne-hued shades alone, unless the invitation specifically requests that guests wear white. The bride deserves to stand out in her gown, and you don’t want to upset her or other guests by wearing anything like the bride. Find out the color of the bridesmaids dresses and avoid wearing a similar shade, so you aren’t mistaken for a member of the bridal party.
Everyday Jeans and Sneakers
It doesn’t matter if the dress code requests “casual” attire; jeans, T-shirts, shorts, and sneakers are almost never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest.
Your Most Uncomfortable Shoes
If the wedding will take place on a natural landscape, consider ditching the heels for a pair of cute flats. There’s no need to be in struggling with stiletto heels in grass all night, or go home early because of painful and insensible footwear.
About Rachel Z Photography
I’m a 30-year-old San Francisco-based photographer, activist, tattoo enthusiast, and guardian of 2 lovely rescued birds. I adore doing portrait photography for others, whether that’s indoors or outdoors, covered in flowers and nature or covered in fake blood. My goal with my photography is to empower you by taking the essence of who you are and turning it into works of art. I want to hear what YOUR ideas are and help make them into a reality. I want you to feel powerful. I want you to feel beautiful. I want you to feel confident, because we all deserve that.