What to wear to a wedding

What to wear to a wedding. Deciphering the all-important dress code for spring nuptials. Tis the season to be married, with September officially marking the start of the wedding season. But while weddings may mark a blissful union for the happy couple, for guests the arrival of an invitation often triggers apprehension in having to decipher the dress code. Wedding invitations will usually offer at least some solid cues, the least ambiguous being something like “dress code: black tie”. Others, however, allude to the rules with a more mysterious elan. For example, a lovely, embossed invitation signals formality, while a Paperless Post invitation would seem to suggest “come as you are, just a slightly glossier version of your usual you”. Fear not if you simply resort to asking the couple-to-be to spell it out; they’ll appreciate your consideration and feel reassured the wedding photographs will be free of mismatched guests lurking in the background.

Black tie 

If an invitation says “black tie optional”, do yourself and everyone a favour and wear it. The subtext is that the happy couple really do want guests in black tie, but are reluctant to come across as too bossy. Black tie traditionally means a tuxedo for men, and if you choose a classic that is beautifully fitted with peak lapels or a shawl collar, it may last you even longer than the marriage. Wear it with a white shirt, understated cuff links and patent or matt leather shoes. Be sure to tie your own bowtie, rather than cop out with a ready-made one. There’s no shortage of YouTube tutorials on this very topic, and it’s one of those skills that, even if it’s not to be employed regularly, is a very satisfying one to have. Women should go full-length for evening, and a dress that is more fitted and draped will feel more formal. A black tie wedding is the perfect opportunity to go all out with metallics, velvets and sequins – just not all at once – and a sparkly clutch and a bold lip or smoky eye will amp up the glamour and reassure your hosts you’ve gone the extra mile.

Cocktail

For men, a blazer is perfect for a cocktail wedding; opt for single- or double-breasted and choose from a variety of fabrics and patterns. Classic navy is always in style, and will work with virtually any colour your date is wearing. She could opt for something with ruffles or a colourful print, as a cocktail wedding is usually less formal and has a little more of a party atmosphere. Lace is always intriguing, and a midilength is elegant as well as eye-catching. Remember to wear colour – it’s a time to celebrate – and always leave white for the bride, as it’s her day. Slightly overdress at a cocktail wedding rather than underdress, and select unusual jewellery and accessories for added impact. Plan what you are going to wear well in advance – no one makes great style decisions in a hurry.

Casual 

The phrase “casual wedding” is deceptive: it’s actually more difficult to get it right when you take strict suits and classic evening gowns out of the equation. Men should consider a blazer with chinos or a pair of contrasting trousers in a different colour or fabric. Go for a shirt without a tie, and if you’re confident sneakers would be acceptable, try a pair of smart leather or suede trainers instead of dress shoes. A soft floral print chiffon dress with flat shoes is wonderfully pretty for women, of whom the more confident could consider a block-colour jumpsuit with wedges. Casual weddings in the daytime often extend into the evening, so it’s important to have an outfit that can go from day to night.

Destination 

Possibly the trickiest of them all, a destination wedding can have guests jetting anywhere from Byron Bay or Bali to the South of France or Positano. The key here is serious research: about the local style of dress and, of course, the local weather at the time of the event. The latter destinations given above will require an oversize sunhat for women for a daytime wedding; the former two might call for easy jewel-toned dresses or kaftans for cocktail or evening weddings. If it’s a beach wedding, women and men should wear sandals instead of shoes, and you’ll want breathable fabrics like cotton or linen and light colours that won’t absorb sunlight so as not to roast in the heat. Unstructured suits and unlined jackets work best for men, while both sexes should remember to apply sunblock and put their sunglasses in their pocket or purse before heading to the ceremony. Whatever the wedding and the dress code, a little pre-nuptial preparation will stand you in good stead.

Sources: Robb Report Australia, july 2018

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