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Wedding guest attire

February 28, 2023

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Timeless tradition meets bold expression. Photographer for the couple unafraid to be themselves. Wedding photographer in Baltimore, Maryland and DC.

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This one’s for the wedding guests!

So you’ve been invited to a wedding. Now you have to figure out what in the world to wear! Good news is you now have an excuse to go shopping for a new dress or suit (or maybe bad news if you hate shopping!) Maybe it’s not in your budget to buy a brand new dress, I suggest looking at Rent the Runway.

Today I’m sharing some outfit inspo for what to wear to the next wedding you attend.

One thing you’ll need to know is the dress code. Typically, invitations will indicate “Black Tie” for a formal event. You may see “Black Tie Optional” or “Cocktail Attire”. If the invitation does not indicate either, it is cocktail attire. If you’re unsure, always reach out to the couple! Just don’t reach out too close to the wedding day, they’ve got enough to worry about the week of!

I suggest choosing your attire to match the venue and season. Soft pastels for a spring or summer wedding. Jewel tones for a fall or winter wedding. A linen fabric or sun dress is appropriate for a beach wedding. Neutrals are perfect any time of year. Just make sure it fits with the couple’s requests.

So what is the difference? 

A black tie event is one that is a more formal, fancier atmosphere. This means you’re going to have to get dressed up. Men are mean to wear tuxedos while women are expected to wear floor length gowns.

Black tie optional or cocktail attire loosens up the formality a bit. You can choose to wear a tuxedo or floor length gown but you can also choose to a formal suit or cocktail dress. If you’re unsure, a lot of dress sites have a filter for black tie or cocktail!

Jumpsuits can be a bit of a grey area. Is it black tie or not? That honestly depends on the style of the jumpsuit. Opt for one that is tailored and elevated.

Oh and hot take, ladies should still avoid wearing anything white or light colored. So avoid creams, taupes, light pinks, light greys. You don’t want to take the spotlight off of the beautiful bride 🙂

Scroll down for some great options for the next time you are a wedding guest!

Women

Black Tie

https://www.sachinandbabi.com/collections/black-tie/products/jenny-gown-bordeaux

Jenny Gown by Sachin & Babi

You can shop by occasion right on the Sachin & Babi website, which makes it super easy!

Beautiful De La Vali gown from Rent the Runway

Use Rent the Runway for a “new to you” dress without the price tag. And you don’t feel bad if you only wear once!

All this Allure Dress from Lulus

Lulus is great for everything (personally I love this company!) and a more affordable option.

Feel Your Love Jumpsuit from Lulus

Jumpsuits are in and totally acceptable for a wedding! A tailored and elevated jumpsuit is appropriate for a black tie event.

Black Tie Optional

Celia One Shoulder Midi Dress

Evening of Elegance Wrap Dress from Lulus

Sanza Dress by Sachin & Babi

Shyla Gown from Rent the Runway

Classy Night Out Mauve Jumpsuit

Men

Black Tie

Italian Tuxedo by Bonobos

Joseph Abboud Light Grey Tux

Loro Piana Black Tuxedo

Black Tie Optional

Jetsetter Navy Suit

Dormeuil Grey Suit

Calvin Klein Blue Suit

The great thing with black tie optional is that you don’t necessarily need to wear a jacket!

I hope you have so much fun at the next wedding you attend! Happy shopping!

Until next time, xoxo Nicole

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Artist. Creative. Dog Mom. Friend. I’m here to guide you through the overwhelm for a stress free day that is unique to you. 
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