Etiquette rules for wedding guests: how to choose a stylish dress

Although bridesmaids often receive instructions from the bride on what to wear to the bachelorette party, other wedding guests do not expect the couple to tell them what to wear. Whether you have received an invitation to a formal or informal wedding, there are some common rules of wedding etiquette that guests should be familiar with. While some rules are official, others are unofficial (for example, not wearing white to a wedding).

Sexy dresses for wedding guests can be appropriate if they are not too revealing. However, there are some common fashion mistakes to keep in mind when choosing your outfit. Before pulling out any dress from your closet and showing up at a wedding, keep reading for stylish wedding guest attire etiquette and advice.

Dress codes are often included in wedding invitations to help guests choose their outfits. As a guest at a wedding, you should follow what the couple wants and dress within the dress code, making an effort to ensure that you understand what to wear to the wedding. If you are having trouble understanding what the «semi-formal» dress code means, you can ask the couple. They will be happy to guide you through the wedding dress code.

But no shade of white, too casual, bright, or inappropriate dresses should be worn to a wedding, regardless of what the dress code says. Instead, you should choose stylish dresses that will make you feel your best throughout the entire wedding.

You can wear dresses with hints of sexiness that match the wedding theme without making yourself the center of attention. «We're not saying you have to wear something old-fashioned — you can still be fashionable», - says Elaine Swann, founder of The Swann School of Protocol.

One of the main fashion mistakes is wearing white to a wedding as a guest. Sydney Waters, a stylist at Watters, advises wedding guests to avoid soft colors such as blue, pale yellow, ivory, and champagne, as they can be perceived as white in low lighting conditions. White colors are reserved for the bride and should not be worn by guests. In addition to white, other light-colored dresses should be reserved for the bride and her bridesmaids.

Even if the dress code states «festive-casual» or «casual», - it is still not an excuse to wear too casual clothing, such as jeans, t-shirts, leggings, ripped jackets, and sneakers as wedding guests. You don’t need to wear ball gowns and tuxedos to a casual wedding, but a certain level of formality for the celebration is still necessary.

Another fashion mistake for a wedding is dressing to outshine or compete with the couple. You are a guest at the wedding, not the couple or the wedding party. So make sure you don’t dress as if it’s your big day. Avoid dresses with sequins, embellished clothing, voluminous dresses, and bright accessories. Such an outfit can distract from the bride.

Not all prints and patterns are suitable for wedding guest dresses. Busy prints with too many designs and colors can be distracting. They can divert attention from the couple and instead focus on you. Try to avoid dresses with busy prints and patterns. Your dresses should be simple — with just a few beaded and embroidered elements.

Showing up at a wedding in an elegant and sexy outfit is a great choice. However, if the outfit is too revealing, it may be considered inappropriate. Before deciding what to wear, consider the wedding dress code. This will help you determine which dresses to pay attention to and which ones to avoid.

A good piece of advice is to choose something comfortable that makes you look good without being too revealing.

You should feel comfortable and good in your shoes. If you are a genius in heels and can dance in them, go ahead and wear them to the wedding. But if you haven’t worn heels in a long time, opt for platform shoes