This post is all about formal wedding guest outfit ideas for every season.
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Weddings are such a beautiful experience because we get to spend time with our loved ones. The biggest wedding seasons of the year are during the spring and fall. However, even if a wedding is held in the wintertime it’s still important to wear the appropriate attire. There are different styles and colors to favor each season. It may be long sleeves during the wintertime or strapless during the summertime.
Being a wedding guest has its definitive roles, for example, not wearing white. It’s widely known that guests shouldn’t wear white out of courtesy of the bride. Finding the right dress as a guest at a wedding can be intimidating because you can start overthinking. You might think a certain dress will look good but then you start thinking is this too much or too little?
I’ve gone to weddings with dress codes and even the ones that let you wear whatever you want. If you’re not following a dress code, then you have the complete freedom to wear whatever suits your taste. Usually, weddings held the traditional way will naturally lean towards formal attire. Once you know if the wedding will be formal or even semi-formal, finding your perfect dress becomes easier!
If you are ready to find your formal dress for wedding season here are all the best formal wedding guest outfit ideas!
Formal Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas
Spring Wedding Guest Outfit
Springtime weddings are often popular because of the mild weather, blooming flowers, and vibrant colors. Spring weddings are usually held during March, April, and May. It’s probably the most beautiful time of the year to attend weddings. Usually, formal or traditional weddings are filled with formal attire, elaborate decor, sit-down dinners, and live music. The formal attire usually looks extravagant so anything from cocktail dresses to formal gowns will be worn to the event.
Spring wedding fashion almost always has floral designs and also very exuberant colors. It’s also common to see flowy dresses, halter dresses, and one-shoulder dresses at these beautiful events. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon or any other type of breathable fabric will work well for the springtime.
This time of year also calls for wearing pastel colors, midi dresses, wrap dresses, a-line dresses, and light jackets or wraps. It’s also super important to accessorize your look. Elevate your look using jewelry, a clutch purse, and some beautiful heels. If you’re the type to be on the dance floor all night, I would highly suggest wearing something more comfortable.
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Summer Wedding Guest Outfit
Summertime means hotter temperatures so short cocktail dresses and strapless dresses are the best to wear to these occasions. If the wedding is held outdoors and there is no pavement to walk on that can mean you will run into grass. This makes it tricky to wear thin heels, and if this is the case, I would suggest wearing platform heels or wedged heels. Platform heels and wedged heels are so comfortable and they look cute!
Destination weddings are also important to the style of the dress you will wear. A wedding in Paris won’t be the same as going to one in Miami. Considering the location, weather, and theme of the wedding is vital in choosing the right wedding guest outfit. This not only helps you pick out the best outfit but also for your date or plus one.
Short dresses or long gowns that are both comfortable and refreshing are perfect for those blazing hot summers. As for shoes, it’s common to wear open-toed heels because of the hotter season. The prettiest color schemes for the summertime are bright hues like bright reds, golds, greens, pinks, and yellows. Pair a cocktail dress with hoop earrings and bright-colored heels and you’re ready for a summer wedding.
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Autumn Wedding Guest Outfit
Couples find it easier to book venues during the fall and sometimes they choose an outdoor venue for their ceremonies. Temperatures start dropping during the fall so wearing long dresses or with sleeves would be the most comfortable to wear. The sleeves of the dress don’t have to be too long in fact, you can wear a one-shoulder dress with a long sleeve as well. Fall fabrics can still be thinner than winter fabrics but it also depends on the weather of the location. If the wedding is located in a cooler place then I would suggest picking out thicker fabrics.
The colors for the fall season are rich reds, earthy browns, golden yellows, burnt oranges, deep greens, and navy blues. Furthermore, the best fabrics to choose for the autumn season are chiffon, satin, lace, tweed, and even velvet.
As for accessories, dainty jewelry can help balance off the strong color palettes that are being worn in a fall wedding. Pearl earrings, gold and silver jewelry, drop earrings, silky fabric clutches, and earthy natural-toned heels work best during the fall. You can wear either open-toed heels or closed-toed heels to a fall wedding since the weather isn’t too cold or too hot.
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Winter Wedding Guest Outfit
Winter weddings are the most unique as they have their own charm and appeal. During the winter months, there’s a festive atmosphere present in the air. Blending it with wintry weather creates that soft cozy feeling that we all love. The icy climate makes it great to wear long-sleeved dresses. Wearing a beautiful coat that complements your dress can also protect any skin that is exposed and keep you warm.
Beautiful colors to wear during the winter are icy blues, emerald greens, rich burgundies, and metallic accents with gold or silver. These colors evoke the winter season but they also enrich a more elegant atmosphere. Winter fabrics include wool, tweed, velvet, brocade, satin, lace, cashmere, knits and faux furs. You can also choose richer textures, jewel tones, and sophisticated silhouettes to create a more stylish ensemble for any winter wedding.
Winter accessories include shawls, wraps, evening gloves, faux fur stoles, bold jewelry, embellished clutches, and tights. Bolder jewelry looks stunning in the winter and this can look like chandelier earrings or a big dramatic necklace. As for shoes, wearing closed-toed heels or boots is elegant and they help you stay warm during the winter season.
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Finding the right wedding guest outfit can be stressful but don’t get discouraged if you feel lost. Start planning out your outfit according to the theme, climate, and location. This small outline will help guide you in finding the right look for your next wedding event. It’s important to know that it’s ok to keep trying new ideas until you land on the right one.
