These days, wedding invites come with dress code — mainly colour codes. Basically, the colour codes help to identify guests from both sides of the family; and, many times, guests are not mandated to buy the ubiquitous aso ebi.
But before you whip out any outfit, there are a few things to remember while getting dressed in order to still be respectful of the ceremony and the people getting married. Some of the rules are pretty straightforward and easy to follow (e.g., what colours to avoid), while others require a little more outfit planning—like figuring out what “semi-formal wedding attire” means.
Avoid wearing white…or white-ish colors
These include off-white, light yellow with a white lace overlay, or really, really pale blue. Fashion specialists say that lighter colours tend to photograph white, and knowing how your look will photograph is just a general thing to be aware of. Avoiding white should be a no-brainer, but it still bears saying—unless the bride has specifically requested that guests wear it. Want to wear something close to white? Try a neutral!
Avoiding white should be a no-brainer, but it still bears saying—unless the bride has specifically requested that guests wear it
Stay away from the bridal party’s colours
It is recommended that you stay away from colours that match the wedding (unless otherwise stated) so you don’t look like you’re part of the bridal party. How can you determine this? “You can tell what the colour scheme for the wedding is from the invitation or the wedding website, which gives an idea of what direction the couple might be going.” If you’re still unsure, you can always ask the bride or a bridesmaid!
Consider the season!
Aligning your look to the temperature is key for fitting in with everyone else and also feeling comfortable. Think: thicker fabrics like velvet for harmattan period, florals for rainy season, and lighter fabrics, like cotton and linen, for warm time of the year.
Lean towards dressing up, even for “casual” weddings
Even if the wedding has a more low-key dress code, I promise you: It is not that casual. Meaning, stay away from sweats, shorts, jeans, T-shirts. If you have to choose between being underdressed or overdressed, it’s always better to be overdressed.
But if you are truly baffled by the dress code and have no idea what to wear, you should absolutely reach out for help. Embrace that awkward moment and ask for an example from someone in the wedding party, whether it’s the bride, the groom, or the bridal party.
part of the wedding ceremony may be a very religious occasion; so, there is some modesty that could be expected
Zhuzh up your pants
So you wanna wear pants? Totally fine! Just make sure they still seem dressy enough. Start with tailored trousers and a polished blouse, or make things easy for yourself by grabbing a matching blazer. Pantsuits are a great way to go, or you can coordinate the colour of your pants with your top and have a monochrome moment.
Cover your shoulders, if applicable
Is the ceremony taking place in a church or in an institution with a more modest dress code? Above all, it’s important to remember that weddings are a sacred occasion. Be respectful of where the vows are being exchanged, and you can always bring a shawl or sweater to cover yourself.
Mind your neckline
You certainly don’t have to wear something that is old fashioned—you can stay on trend; but, remember that part of the wedding itself may be a very religious occasion as well, so there is some modesty that could be expected. Not saying don’t do a deep V, just don’t be asking “how low can you go?”
Go for subtle statements
People love to say, “Don’t outshine the bride.” But, in my opinion, it’s really hard to do that. Everyone knows who the spotlight is supposed to be on, so you should feel free to wear something you think is really special, even in a bold colour or silhouette.
That being said, don’t show up in another wedding dress! Or something else you know will pull eyes in photos later on. Just keep the event at hand in mind—as long as you think your outfit will be on par with everyone else’s, you should be good. There’s a difference between wearing a cocktail dress that’s really cute for the club and wearing a cocktail dress that’s meant for a wedding.
if it’s a destination wedding, then you know that you’d be wearing resort-style attire
Go for understated sparkle
Unless it is a black tie event, it’s all about lowkey glitz and glam. Instead of over-the-top sequins, try low-key crystals or other textures like ruffles, lace, or plissé for a look that stands out, but doesn’t mimic a disco ball.
Keep the dress code in mind
Don’t wear a tux or a ballgown to a backyard wedding—in that case, it’s better to keep it a little more low-key.
This is because the location is a big clue for what you should wear. For example, if it’s a destination wedding, then you know that you’d be wearing resort-style attire. If it’s going to take place at a high-end hotel, then that’ll give you an idea of the theme.
The other indicator that helps determine your style is the time of day the ceremony is taking place. Earlier in the day, you’re going to find that the attire is going to be less formal, which means more bright colours and flowy fabrics. Later in the evening is when you’ll get to that formal attire where you have black and gold hues, beads, and sparkles. Of course, this is all generally speaking, but these are good guidelines to follow.
if any part of the day is happening on grass, wear wedges or shoes with a wider or flared heel so you won’t sink in the ground when you walk
Save the rips for another occasion
It’s usually wisest to save anything super distressed or with frayed edges for other occasions. But if you like the idea of showing a little unexpected skin, consider a stylish cutout.
Be strategic about your choice of shoes
Comfort is important, especially if you plan on turning up on the dance floor. But wearing flip flops to the ceremony? Probably not the move, unless it’s a casual, toes in the sand beach wedding. If you know there is going to be a long walk from one point to another throughout the festivities, comfy flat shoes (flip flops or otherwise) that you can slip in and out of quickly might be good to bring—but only for those in between moments!
Also, if any part of the day is happening on grass, wear wedges or shoes with a wider or flared heel so you won’t sink in the ground when you walk. Get that information in advance, and don’t feel as though you’re bothering the couple or bothering the party by asking these sorts of questions—they want you to be comfortable!
