What to Wear to a Spring Wedding: Elegant Outfit Ideas for Every Dress Code
Spring wedding season is in full bloom! Now that we’ve saved the date, it’s time to start planning the perfect wedding guest outfit. Are you struggling to figure out what to wear to these fabulous spring celebrations? You’re not alone! I’m here to help you navigate wedding dress codes with ease. I’ve curated eight stylish and seasonally appropriate wedding guest outfits for the most common wedding dress codes, along with a general description of each. Whether you’re dressing for a black-tie affair, a chic cocktail party, or a casual outdoor wedding, these outfit ideas will ensure you’re one of the best-dressed guests this wedding season. Wedding guest style is all about looking great and feeling confident. Let’s get ready to celebrating the happy couples in your life in style! Cheers to wedding season, my friends!
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Black-Tie Attire
Black-tie attire is one of the more formal wedding dress codes, offering little room for deviation. The term “black-tie” traditionally means that men should wear a black tuxedo, while women should opt for a formal, floor-length gown with elegant accessories. A common question I receive is, “Does a black-tie wedding require a black dress?” The answer is no! Unless a specific color code is mentioned on the invitation, you can choose any color or seasonal pattern that aligns with the event’s style.
Formal or Black-Tie Optional
For women, formal and black-tie optional dress codes are nearly identical, with the key distinction lying in men’s attire (in my opinion). These dress codes are slightly less rigid than black-tie, allowing for a much more broad range of outfit choices. Women can opt for a formal floor-length gown, but it is also appropriate to show the ankles with a sophisticated midi or tea-length dress. Personally, I tend to choose a floor-length dress for a more polished and elevated look.
Cocktail Attire
Cocktail attire has become one of the most common wedding dress codes, striking a balance between formal and casual. Women have more flexibility with dress length, ranging from a mini cocktail dress (just above the knee) to a midi or tea-length style. I usually prefer to err on the dressier side of cocktail attire—after all, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed! Pssst… 30% OFF both earrings using code 30TIFFANY.
Casual
Casual wedding attire can be the trickiest to interpret since it varies widely depending on the couple and venue! In most cases, casual dress codes indicate an outdoor or intimate celebration, which still calls for a stylish yet more relaxed outfit. Leave the flip-flops and cut-off shorts at home, and instead opt for a chic sundress or a floral-patterned mini dress. Think lightweight fabrics, vibrant colors, and a slightly less formal yet still elegant look.
Friendly Reminders…
Just a few friendly reminders when it comes to wedding guest style and dress code etiquette!
- If you have to ask “Is this too close to white?” it probably is!
- I find it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed, which I keep in mind when deciding my outfit for any wedding.
- Don’t want to purchase a new dress? Rent The Runway has so many great options for every dress code!
- Color codes are becoming increasingly common, so if an invitation indicates that guests should wear a certain color, make sure to accommodate!
- According to wedding invitation expert, Carley Ann Creative, invitations can be a large indicator of wedding guest attire! If they’re colorful and fun, I think that can directly translate into your guest attire. If they’re traditional and sophisticated, go for darker colors and more traditional silhouettes. If the invitation has floral details, try to go for patterns and florals that somewhat coordinate.
Trusted Retailers
There are so many fabulous places to find wedding guest dresses at varying price points! A few of my favorites below.
Anthropologie, Bergdorf Goodman, Dillard’s, Lulu’s, Rent The Runway, Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks OFF Fifth, Shona Joy, Neiman Marcus, Net-A-Porter, Nordstrom, Tuckernuck
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