What Not to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest (2024)

Regardless of the type of wedding you've been invited to attend, there's always a set of fashion etiquette rules you're typically required to follow. No matter if it's a ballroom, destination, or rooftop affair, these rules are in place to guide your outfit selections, while keeping the couple happy and satisfied on their special day.

For starters, dress codes are a way to help guests choose their day-of attire, and following these pre-determined guidelines is absolutely necessary when it comes to your wedding fashion choices. Outside of that, however, there are certain garments all guests should stay away from, no matter what the dress code dictates.

Ahead, with the help of a few experts, we've outlined what not to wear to a wedding for every type of celebration. From avoiding the color white to sticking to formal attire, here's everything you need to know.

Here's What Every Guest Should Avoid Wearing to a Wedding

According to etiquette expert Lisa Grotts, there's not much a couple can do about what guests wear to their wedding other than state the dress code on the invitation. “If the guests and couple are close friends, they will respect the dress code," she shares. Therefore, as a guest, it's your job to ensure that you're respectful of the couple's wishes, while also steering clear of the below wedding guest fashion mistakes.

Anything White

This should go without saying, but it is never okay to wear white to a wedding. This also includes attire in lighter shades that might come across as white and white garments with prints. "We also think it’s important to avoid soft colors in general, such as pale yellow or blue, as these can read white in low light situations," shares Sydney Watters Dunbar, style director at Watters.

When in doubt, ask someone for their advice on whether or not your ensemble is the right shade for a wedding. "You can talk to the bride about what she would like people to wear, or connect with one of the attendees to help,” says etiquette expert Elaine Swann. Dunbar also adds, "Our general rule for a wedding is that if we are even questioning if we should wear a certain outfit or not, we won’t! This way we don’t have to be worrying about it (or what other guests are thinking) and can enjoy our night."

A Look That Matches the Wedding Party

As a guest, you don’t want to blend in with the wedding party (or even mimic it), so try to get intel ahead of time about what shades and colors the bridal party and the groomsmen will be wearing. From there, select an outfit that's completely opposite from their tones.

To help you figure this out, “Look at the invitation because it’s the first source of information for what colors you should or shouldn't wear to a wedding,” Swann shares. So if you notice a repetitive royal blue or fern green, it’s probably best to avoid those colors and any similar shade.

Attire That Is Too Revealing

It’s one thing to select an outfit that makes you feel confident, empowered, and sexy, but it's another situation if you show up to a wedding in a look that could potentially offend other guests and children. “You’ll want to consider the wedding’s dress code for guidance on how formal or casual your selection should be. From there, choose something that will make you look and feel your best,” notes BHLDN senior stylist Lindsey Love, without showing off too much skin. Simply put, keep your selections modest, with little hints of playful sexiness through slits, mesh, and open-back dresses.

Anything Too Casual

We get it, no one wants to quit their coziest clothing like yoga pants, slippers, and jeans, but it's important to remember that these have no place at a wedding. Even if the celebration is casual and relaxed, guests should always err on the side of formal. No flip, flops, shorts, or jeans should ever be on your list of options to wear.