Wedding Fashion Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts for Guests

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Weddings are indeed a beautiful celebration of love, tradition and togetherness. Your wedding guest outfit should reflect not only your personal style but also respect for the couple and their cultural or thematic preferences. A myriad of wedding styles exist today – from the formal evening affair to vibrant Indian weddings, which can make navigating wedding fashion etiquette overwhelming. However, dressing responsibly doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style. By following wedding fashion etiquette, you can honor the couple’s special day without overshadowing their spotlight. Here’s a guide to help you nail your wedding guest outfit with elegance.

Also Read: https://styl-inc.com/blogs/dos-and-donts-of-wedding-styling-advice-from-the-experts/

Understanding the Dress Code: Formal vs. Semi-Formal

Credits: StylInc

To choose the perfect wedding attire, refer to the dress code that is often mentioned on the invitation card. The dress code defines the tone and style of the event so that you can dress accordingly. By adhering to the dress code, you are not only respecting the couple’s vision for the wedding and also be comfortable and appropriately dressed throughout the celebrations.

Formal Dress Code

A formal dress code demands sophistication and opulence. Women can opt for floor-length gowns, richly embroidered lehengas, or silk sarees. While men can wear tuxedos, sherwanis, or well-fitted suits with crisp shirts and pocket squares to add style.

Semi-Formal Dress Code

Semi-formal dress code gives you more flexibility, so that you can dress low-key yet look stylish. Women can opt for midi dresses, light anarkalis, or pastel-hued lehengas with minimal embroidery. While men can wear smart casual suits or kurta-pyjama sets for a more laid-back yet sophisticated vibe.

Pro Tip: If the dress code seems ambiguous, clarify with the couple or the wedding planner.

Avoiding Colors That Upstage the Bride and Groom

Credits: StylInc

An important part of wedding styling is to be wary of the colors you wear. Indian weddings are known for being bright and vibrant, but there are some colors you should avoid wearing to a wedding. White and black are associated with mourning in some cultures whereas in western weddings white is usually reserved for the bride. In Indian weddings, red is the color for the bride while the groom wears a sherwani in ivory or champagne. Avoid wearing these colors to adhere to wedding fashion etiquette.

As a guest you should instead opt for pastel shades, jewel tones or metallic accents. The idea is to look elegant without drawing attention away from the stars of the day. Colors like blush pink, navy blue, and emerald green will complement most wedding settings. You could also opt for vibrant colors like orange, fuchsia, teal or sage green that allow you to celebrate the couple’s happiness without taking away their spotlight.

The Debate Around Wearing Black to Weddings

Credits: Wedding Forward, Anita Dongre

Black has always been a topic of debate in wedding fashion. For some cultures it is a color associated with mourning while others see it as a timeless fashion staple. Wearing black to weddings depends on the type of event you’ll be attending. Black is a good option for evening receptions or modern western ceremonies, it adds a touch of elegance and mystery to your look.

It is best to avoid wearing black at traditional Indian ceremonies, where vivid and lively colors are preferred. If you do choose to wear black, balance it with colorful or metallic accessories so that your wedding attire isn’t somber for such a joyful and celebratory occasion.

Accessories That Enhance Guest Outfits Without Overdoing It

Credits: StylInc

Choosing the right accessories will help your wedding guest outfit to stand out. Women can opt for statement pieces like chandelier earrings, cocktail rings, or embellished clutches. A single standout accessory like an ornate necklace with a saree or a detailed cuff bracelet with a lehenga adds flair without overpowering the outfit. Other accessories women can adorn include maang tikka, bangles and necklaces. For men, accessories like cufflinks and lapel pins complement the outfit while also being simple. Men can also wear a chic pocket square, turban or a stylish brooch to enhance their outfit.

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Footwear Etiquette: Striking a Balance Between Comfort and Style

Credits: StylInc

The footwear you wear to a wedding should be comfortable as you’ll be dancing and celebrating for hours. To avoid discomfort during long ceremonies, it’s best to break into your footwear beforehand. Choose footwear that complements your wedding guest outfit while also being comfortable for you. Women can wear block heels, kitten heels, embellished flats or wedges, whereas men can wear embroidered mojaris, juttis or formal shoes that go with their outfits.

How to Dress for Different Wedding Ceremonies and Events

Credits: StylInc

Indian weddings are known for an array of events that are brimming with traditions, joy and celebration. Each event requires a specific style. By adapting your outfit for each event and following wedding fashion etiquette, you can blend in beautifully while celebrating the couple’s traditions. Here’s how to make sure your wedding attire is suitable for each event:

Mehendi Ceremony: The Mehndi ceremony is generally vibrant and relaxed, so your attire should reflect the joyous mood of the occasion. Women can choose to wear flowy anarkalis, printed lehengas, or shararas in pastel colors while men can wear light kurta sets in festive hues like yellow or green that complement the joyous and vibrant Mehendi décor.

Sangeet/Cocktail Party:  Your outfit should be classy while also being comfortable for you to dance and party in. Women can wear lehengas, anarkali suits, or sarees in bright colors, decked with intricate embroidery and sequin embellishments to stand out among the glittering lights of the Sangeet décor. Men can opt for vibrant kurta pajamas with Nehru jackets or kurtas paired with churidar pants.

Wedding ceremony: It is best to wear traditional wedding attire during the main wedding ceremony. Women can opt for a rich jewel-toned saree, lehenga, or salwar kameez. While men can wear sherwanis or bandhgala jackets with matching churidar pants. Whatever outfit you choose to wear, make sure to not upstage the bride and groom.

Reception: The reception is a slightly more formal event which is a chance for you to show off your style with beautiful evening gowns and stylish Indo-western fusion outfits. Women can wear chic evening gowns, heavily embroidered sarees, or structured lehengas. Whereas men can wear tuxedos, three-piece suits, or a classic bandhgala.

Choosing Gifts That Match Your Outfit’s Formality

Credits: Manyavar

Surprisingly, even the way you present the wedding gift reflects your thoughtfulness and style. A luxurious wedding may call for an opulent gift like premium home decor or a curated gourmet hamper. For a wedding that is more casual, something heartfelt yet simple like personalized items, are a great option. To align your gift with your wedding attire, pack the gift elegantly with beautiful wrapping paper or chic gift bags that complement the overall aesthetic of your look. A thoughtful gift paired with impeccable presentation displays your respect for the couple’s efforts in planning their special day.

Also Read: https://styl-inc.com/blogs/creative-and-special-ways-to-welcome-your-wedding-guests/

Makeup Do’s and Don’ts for Wedding Guests

Credits: StylInc

The perfect wedding makeup as a guest is to have a polished yet natural glow. Soft tones and minimal makeup are ideal for daytime ceremonies. A subtle highlighter, nude lipstick, and a light eyeliner will help to ensure your look complements the bright setting of the wedding decor without overpowering it.

For evening receptions, you can experiment with bolder looks. Smoky eyes, red lips, or metallic accents are sophisticated choices to shine amongst the glittering lights. It is important to not adhere to wedding fashion etiquette and not let your makeup steal the show or overshadow the bride. Avoid glittery or excessively dramatic styles that may clash with the formality of the occasion. Harmonize your makeup with your attire for a flawless finish.

When it comes to wedding makeup for guests, less it more.

Also Read: https://styl-inc.com/blogs/tips-to-have-a-long-lasting-makeup-in-this-summer-heat/

Incorporating Cultural Elements into Your Guest Outfit

Credits: StylInc

Incorporating cultural nuances to your wedding guest attire can elevate your look and reflect appreciation for the wedding’s tradition. For an Indian wedding, women can accessorize their outfit with a traditional dupatta or shawl and incorporate traditional motifs like paisleys to the clothing.

Men can wear ethnic kurtas or bandhgalas paired with churidars or dhotis. If you’re from a different background, adding elements from your culture to your outfit creates a look that’s unique and creative. Thoughtfully choose cultural accents to enhance your style while horning the couple’s heritage.

Also Read: https://styl-inc.com/blogs/festival-outfits-for-this-season/

Real-Life Fashion Mistakes Guests Should Avoid

Credits: Rimple and Harpeet, Vogue India

Discover the ultimate guide to wedding guest outfits! Learn about dress codes, colors to avoid, accessories, and fashion tips for Indian and Western weddings.

There are few common fashion blunders that can completely ruin your overall look. Most people tend to overdress or underdress which creates unnecessary awkwardness. Clothes that are too tight or too loose can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious throughout the event. Don’t ignore practicality when planning your wedding guest outfit, consider the venue, climate and the duration of the event. Most people tend to prioritize aesthetics over comfort when planning their wedding attire. Avoiding these mistakes, will ensure a perfect and enjoyable experience at the wedding.

The Fine Line Between Bold and Appropriate: Style Tips

Credits: StylInc

Choosing bold options for your wedding guest outfit is acceptable, but it’s important to strike the right balance. Whether your outfit is dramatic or you’re wearing bold earrings, choose only one statement piece and keep the rest of your look simple. Avoid wearing distracting styles in one outfit itself like plunging necklines or a thigh-high slit – which might not be suitable for all ceremonies. Experiment with luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk, and elegant patterns like floral prints or traditional motifs. While experimenting with unique styles like asymmetrical cuts or vibrant color blocking, make sure your look stays elegant, sophisticated and wedding appropriate.

Conclusion

Weddings are beautiful occasions to celebrate love, culture, and community. Your wedding guest outfit should be appropriate allowing you to express your own style and while also showing your respect for the couple. It is essential to adhere to the dress code, choose the right accessories and avoid common fashion mistakes to stand out in your wedding attire. Whether you’re attending a traditional Indian wedding or a modern reception, follow these wedding fashion etiquette to make a lasting impression as a wedding guest.

Until next time,

Keepin’ it Stylish

Signing off,

Tasneem Lokhandwala