One basic advice for wedding guests is not trying to look better than the couple. White shouldn’t be worn by anyone but the bride or the groom.
If you wear white as a wedding guest, it might look like you’re striving for attracting as much attention as is owed to the wedding couple, if not more. Parading in a super short miniskirt would also be considered a serious faux pas.
Always try to dress appropriately for the time of day and the setting. A Sunday afternoon wedding generally means a coat and tie, whereas an evening wedding calls for a suit. Even when the invitation says casual, always exercise caution with it; casual in terms of a wedding means your best casual, not your weekend at home casual.
Ladies, don't wear white as it is the colour intended for the bride; palette of colours available is so wide that there’s no excuse for wearing white. Don't wear black or sequins during daytime weddings.
It will be all right if you happen to wear the same colour as the bridesmaids, as it’s hard to predict what everyone will be wearing. Out of respect for your hosts, even if you’re not very girlish, do wear something feminine and appropriate.
Club wear, overtly sexy clothing (strapless, see-through, etc) doesn’t belong at a wedding. Long gloves (reaching the top of arm) should only be worn with sleeveless or strapless gowns. Gloves should be taken off when you eat or drink.
Now, gentlemen, pay attention. A black tux with white shirt and black bow tie is usually the best way to go. In case of an evening wedding, even if it doesn’t say “Black Tie”, dark suit with a tie is the best option.
Tuxedo shouldn’t be taken into consideration during daytime weddings. Remember to wear socks that match your shoes.
As with all formal occasions, don’t be late. Always try to be 15 minutes early; this way you’ll save yourself worrying about getting seated and drawing too much attention in case of arriving after the ceremony has started.
Try to refrain from taking too many photographs during the ceremony; there are usually professionals hired to do the job. Apart from that, church is a place requiring a certain degree of respect.
If you are unable to attend the wedding, it is customary to still send a wedding gift and of course notify the wedding couple that you’ll have to miss their big day.
Never bring an unexpected guest with you to accompany you at the party, unless it is specified in the invitation “+guest”. It would be considered impolite, especially as the cost of every single person’s food and drinks is usually very expensive.
While a wedding is a time to enjoy yourself, no one appreciates a drunk guest embarrassing themselves.
When you look all fabulous with your present carefully chosen, go out there and enjoy yourselves. Remember however, at the end of the day this special event belongs to the bride and the groom, so try not to attract too much attention to yourselves. Nobody’s saying though, that you’re not allowed to impress!
