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What to Wear to a Formal Wedding

Sophie Diego

Bridezillas (and groomzillas) do their best to turn their fantasy wedding into a reality. From micromanaging the cake to the flowers, fashion is considered a top priority for most couples. 

It’s common for guests to receive some dos and don’ts when it comes to ceremonial entire. And since the options are somewhat limited, you might be left wondering what to wear to a formal wedding.

From Cinderella-themed castle venues to boho beach destinations, there’s usually a hidden rule when it comes to proper guest attire. If you happen to get a list of recommended dresses and suits to wear, don’t take it as a sign of nitpicking. 

Instead, use it as a guide to narrow down your list of options. The fashion industry for weddings is an expansive market, so you should be somewhat thankful that you’ll never run out of choices. 

Below, we’ve developed a helpful guide for those unsure about what to wear to a formal wedding. From tuxedos to cocktail dresses, here’s to hoping that your outfit of choice won’t attract any inquisitive looks from the bride or the groom. 

In this article, we’ll cover all this and more: 

What Is a Formal Wedding?

In short, a formal wedding is a fancy ceremony. It requires a more elegant dress code, which usually includes silk slips, ruffled gowns, tuxedos, and button-up shirts.

In most cases, couples will provide some guidelines in terms of attire for their guests. They’ll usually provide color recommendations since they’ll want to follow a specific theme for their event.

It’s worth noting that there are four types of formal weddings: black-tie, white-tie, cocktail, and semi-formal. Our guide will feature outfit ideas that can be worn with most of these events. 

History of Formal Weddings

We’ve been exchanging vows since the dawn of time. Weddings are an archaic practice, one that’s been adapted in many cultures and religions. 

From Asia to South America, there are various traditions and customs associated with matrimonial ceremonies. So it’s hard for us to offer a brief summarization of the history of formal weddings.

For now, we’ll focus on the Western hemisphere, since it’s usually the first thing we think of when we imagine a white wedding. 

Queen Victoria was the first to pioneer the white wedding dress. In 1840, she walked down the aisle in a stunning cream gown, which was made out of Spitalfields silk and Honiton lace.

Little did she know that her outfit of choice would set a precedent for English and Western wedding attire for centuries to come. 

Naturally, most of ‘wedding history’ is skewed to what the couple wore during the ceremony. There’s not much to know about what guests wore, but it’s safe to say that invitees wanted to look their best as well.

They usually adopted the fashion trends and customs of the time period, whether that be the classic 1950s silhouette or the avant-garde 1980s styles. 

What to Wear to a Formal Wedding

You should treat a formal wedding as you would an important job interview. Your attire should fit the mood of the event, be tasteful in aesthetic, and be totally free of controversy.

Obviously, you shouldn’t opt for the basic blazer and pencil skirt combo, since weddings are considered a fun celebration rather than a corporate office meeting. 

If anything, you should opt for a middle ground when it comes to formal weddings. For dresses, guests should aim for a tasteful silhouette—one that doesn’t show off too much skin but isn’t too conservative in coverage. 

For suits, invitees should wear well-tailored blazers and pants instead of tops and tails. If you’re unsure about your outfit of choice, there’s no shame in asking the bride or groom for advice. 

Moving forward, this ‘what to wear to a formal wedding’ guide will show you some exemplary outfits that are sure to win the approval of the couple-to-be. Let’s get started! 

10 Outfit Ideas for a Formal Wedding

As somber as black is, we usually gravitate towards this classic shade when it comes to formal events. It’s not the most celebratory hue to wear at weddings, which is why we recommend a brighter shade to kick things up a notch. 

Dressed in pastel lavender, this stunning pantsuit set consists of a button-down blazer, a pair of fitted trousers, and some pointed-toe stilettos. It’s a great number to consider if you’re not totally comfortable with wearing dresses. 

Flattering, chic, and relatively conservative in silhouette, you should definitely keep this outfit idea in mind if you’re wondering what to wear to a formal wedding. 

Sage green is the color of this season. Consequently, it’s an overused hue that’s worn by everybody. If you want to stand out, why not opt for emerald green instead?

This jewel-toned, beautiful color works wonderfully with dramatic dresses, such as this formal wear number. 

The cascading ruffles paired with the cinched-in waistline do wonders by complementing your figure. The satiny sheen helps to provide that polished look, which is what’s traditionally required for wedding guest dress attire.

For accessories, we highly recommend a pair of strappy black heels and dainty gold jewelry. 

Garden weddings have that soft romantic vibe that other themed ceremonies don’t usually offer. Naturally, when putting together your outfit, it’s best to mirror that same aesthetic.

This gorgeous two-piece set consists of an off-shoulder blouse and a cream pencil skirt. The baby blue hue and the accentuated puff sleeves are slightly reminiscent of summer beach prairies, the kind you’d read about in a romance novel.

For accessories, you can never go wrong with an assortment of dainty jewelry, such as a diamond-studded necklace. 

Fiery red is the color of passion, ambition, and confidence. These emotions are usually expressed between the couple, with the exception of fearless in-laws as well. 

If you’re the mother of the bride or the groom, this daring number features a puffed sleeve, a cinched-in waistline, a midi skirt cut, and an open back cutout.

Funnily enough, this eccentric ensemble from Lauren’s Closet is called the ‘Mimosa dress’—which fits perfectly with every tequila shot you’re bound to have during the reception. 

Don’t get me wrong, penguin suits are classic, but they pose an obvious risk of looking too fancy and serious. So, we suggest opting for a ‘softer’ alternative. 

This velvet-clad number showcases a plush double-breasted blazer, a cream turtleneck, black pants, and a pair of matching Oxfords.

Refined in silhouette, this ‘what to wear to a formal wedding’ outfit checks all the right boxes when it comes to traditional formal dress. 

If the bride calls for black, there’s no need to talk back. Sure, it’s a stifling number to wear from ceremony to reception, but hey, there’s a reason why it’s recognized as a super flattering shade in fashion. With that in mind, can we interest you in this dapper ensemble? 

Composed of a tailored blazer, a button-down shirt, and a pair of trousers, it’s the kind of look that will warrant an appreciative nod from the couple and any trendsetting guests invited. 

So, you’re wondering what to wear to a formal beach wedding. The bride calls for no shorts and sandals, which is an indirect way of saying, “I want you to wear a full-on pantsuit.”

Black is the most traditional option but under the summer heat? It’s an absolute sweat-fest. Instead, we recommend swapping your tops and tails for a clean, pinstripe number as a better alternative.

This matching set from Brunello Cucinelli consists of a gray blazer, fitted pants, a light-colored shirt, and a pair of cream-colored loafers. You don’t have to worry about sweat stains here. 

White and black are usually called for at art deco-themed weddings. It can also apply to modern or minimalist ceremonies as well. Nevertheless, this glamorous color combo offers that vintage flair that traditional black-on-black can never provide. 

Tailored in silhouette and polished in hue, this pantsuit is further complemented with a bow tie, a collared shirt, and a pair of matching Oxfords. We highly recommend adding a boutonniere on the lapel for a pop of color. 

Your friend happens to be a high-profile socialite. She’s not exactly the next Kim Kardashian, but her Facebook account boasts an astounding follower count.

Her wedding will be a copycat replica of the one shown in Crazy Rich Asians, and you’re tasked with mirroring the same vibe with your guest dress. What do you do? 

Instead of opting for a traditional silhouette, we highly recommend getting out of your comfort zone by donning this extravagant number.

Composed of a draped, thigh-slit skirt and a bodice-like front, this ‘what to wear to a formal wedding’ OOTD is strictly reserved for top-tier events. 

Pretty pink in hue, this is the kind of dress that Regina George would’ve bought at 135. It features a slim-fit silhouette with a complimentary bandeau strap on the bustier. 

Midi-cut in length, this cocktail gown makes for the perfect beach get-up, as the lack of train prevents any sand or debris from accumulating. For accessories, we recommend topping the look off with strappy heels and a cute clutch bag. 

What Type of Formal Wedding Outfits Can You Get?

The wedding outfit predicament is a shared experience. Out of the one hundred guests invited, you—like many others—are stuck on the ‘what on earth do I wear?’ boat as well. 

Naturally, the best way to overcome outfit confusion is to resort to online magazines and social media for inspo. We’re also here to provide some much-needed relief, as this ‘what to wear to a formal wedding’ guide will offer a condensed list of common ensembles to consider. 

How to Choose the Best Formal Wedding Outfits

Choosing the best formal wedding outfit requires weeks of pre-planning. We don’t recommend procrastinating to the last minute unless you want to deal with time-sensitive return policies. 

For those unsure of where to start, there’s no harm in asking the couple in question. They’ll usually recommend a specific color palette, theme, or silhouette to follow. From there, you can condense your hundred-some list of options to a workable dozen. 

Guests should consider four things when shopping for the perfect outfit: comfort, fit, quality, and design. The ensemble in question should strike an even balance between conservative and sexy, since opting for either or on the spectrum is usually considered distasteful.

Of course, this heavily depends on your personal comfort level with clothing as well. Whatever number you choose, it should flatter your body shape.

This means avoiding ill-fitting garments and baggy silhouettes. The design also plays a major factor, as you don’t want to settle for something that’s outdated or tacky. 

Obviously, you’re not forced to invest in a $1,000 designer ball gown. You can easily make do with affordable alternatives—as long as they look expensive. 

Quality is another crucial point to consider. It’s always best to opt for luxurious fabrics such as jacquard, twill, and silk. Other materials, such as 100% polyester and super-thin cotton, are usually considered cheap in construction.

How to Style Formal Wedding Outfits

Weddings provide a unique opportunity to dress your very best. For instance, that stunning cocktail dress requires a bag to match and an assortment of dainty jewelry.

Of course, pantsuits are not exempt from styling flair, as a simple boutonniere can do wonders in elevating an outfit. 

Moving forward, this ‘what to wear to a formal wedding’ guide will provide some tips and tricks on how to finesse your final fit. 

Fashion Tips to Avoid With Formal Wedding Outfits

There’s nothing more chill-inducing than receiving a glare from the bride, groom, and the conservative in-laws. Dress plays an important role in maintaining your reputation, which is why it’s crucial to not disregard your outfit.

Since we’ve already covered what to wear to a formal wedding, we thought it best to review some fashion don’ts for guests to consider. 

How to Take Care of Formal Wedding Outfits

Wedding season usually happens during your mid-twenties to early thirties. Of course, this doesn’t exclude ceremonies that occur before and after this specific time period. Still, it’s usually considered ‘primetime’ for ‘I do’s.’

Naturally, it’s best that you conserve your outfit for future occasions. With that in mind, we’ll provide some tips on how to take care of your chosen OOTD. 

Best Places to Buy Formal Wedding Outfits

Consider yourself well-versed in what to wear to a formal wedding. If you have a general idea of what to buy, we’ll recommend some shops to check out. 

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to fantasize about your best self in an extravagant pantsuit or evening dress. Garnering that ‘who are they’ response is usually desired.

Daydreaming about the perfect outfit is only half the battle, however, since guests are required to bear the grunt of the work, which entails weeks of online shopping and in-person try-on sessions. 

From tuxedos to cocktail dresses, here’s to hoping that you understand what to wear to a formal wedding now. You can rest assured that our 10 featured outfit ideas will definitely warrant a nod of approval from the couple-to-be. 

Looking for more wedding style inspiration? Check out these helpful guides:

What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding

What to Wear to an Indian Wedding

What to Wear to a Casual Wedding

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