When it comes to deciding what to wear to a wedding, there are a lot of factors involved: the wedding theme, the weather, your personal style, and practicality. Here’s a compilation of alternative wedding outfits for guests to help you tick all the boxes.
When you hit a certain age, it can seem like all you’re doing is hopping from one wedding to the next, and it can be exhausting to try to find a new dress for every ceremony. Especially if the dress you’re buying isn’t something you would ever wear again.
There are plenty of nice things to wear to a wedding as a guest that aren’t a dress! There is also a flexibility with opting for an outfit over a dress, including the ability to mix and match pieces to wear to future events.
Wedding guest attire should be comfortable to wear, appropriate to the theme, and should ultimately avoid anything that could be seen as distracting from the Bride. Alternatives to dresses include trousers with matching blazer, jumpsuits, linen cabana suits, palazzo pants.
Here are some alternative wedding guest outfit ideas for a variety of types of weddings that go beyond the traditional dress + heels look:
Outdoor Wedding (on grass)
Outdoor weddings can be beautiful, but there are a couple key things to consider with outdoor weddings which include:
- Weather: is there a possibility of rain?
- Time of day: could you be in direct sunlight?
- Humidity: will sweat be a factor?
If the wedding is casual enough and you’ll be in direct sun for at least part of it, maybe consider a fun hat and downplay the rest of your outfit. Something like this with a more low-key jumpsuit like this would look great.
If you don’t want a hat, maybe consider if you’re going to wear sunglasses. If yes, I would play up the rest of your outfit to avoid seeming too casual. This could mean wearing something like a patterned trouser/matching shirt combo or that same simple jumpsuit with a fun accessory (a clutch or a fun belt).
Also consider if there will be a change in temperature. Does it cool down quickly at night? A suit might be a good option for you. Or an oversized blazer with matching shorts could be a good option if the wedding leans more casual.
For shoe options, don’t go with heels if there’s even the possibility of a lawn. Choose a chunky heel, wedge or flat.
Outdoor Winter Wedding
Let your outerwear be the statement piece for a winter wedding. I think oversized blazers (over a dress or with matching trousers) is a great option. You’ll likely be under some outdoor heaters, but you could always layer a leather jacket or faux fur coat over any outfit if you need to really be extra warm.
Big scarfs with a fun brooch are also a fun, unique way to stay warm. Yes, let’s lean into the old Hollywood glam vibe. There are a ton of brooches on ebay/etsy and are a statement all their own. A simple oversized black scarf can be worn like a poncho and maybe top it off with some leather gloves. That’s an edgy wedding guest outfit if I’ve ever seen one.
For shoes, boots like this or this or this are a great option. Another idea I love is a pair of loafers or creepers with a wool sock to keep warm. What a vibe!
Indoor Winter Wedding
I think any kind of matching suit situation is great for an indoor winter wedding. Or if not a suit, a wide-leg pant with matching silk blouse would also look great.
A velvet blazer as the ‘standout’ piece over a jumpsuit, slip dress, tapered pant, etc. would also be super chic.
I think for shoes, I wouldn’t be too concerned with what the weather is doing outside, since you’ll be getting loose on the dance floor in the safety of the indoors. Keeping a matching suit situation in mind, I would go with something like this or this.
Indoor Summer Wedding
My arch nemesis, the air conditioner, is usually my downfall for indoor summer weddings. If you’re like me and also always run cold, you may want to think about layering options. I like a shirt dress cover up as an idea, or an oversized blazer.
If you’re into the matching suit vibe, a matching suit with shorts is a great option for spring/summer indoor weddings and are a fun, unique twist on the suit.
Other ideas:
- Palazzo pants with a matching (or not) blouse
- Rompers (just be conscious of the length of the short)
- Jumpsuits
- Two piece plisse sets
- Linen sets
Instead of going for a sandal, maybe go for something like huaraches to make any outfit a little more dressy.
“Casual” Dress Code
There are some traditional no-no’s for weddings, even if the dress code is casual. These include: jeans, athletic wear, crop tops, flip-flops.
I would argue though, that certain fabrics that may be construed as ‘too casual’ could work in the right circumstances. For example: there are plenty of outdoor/country wedding themes that could allow for a denim dress like this.
If there is no explicit theme aside from being “casual”, I would err on the side of caution. Stick to nicer fabrics in more casual silhouettes (a silk jumpsuit, a tailored short, etc).
For shoes, I would always stay away from flip-flops. You’re better than that. However, I would argue sneakers are fine, especially if you’re wearing a nice dress or suit to balance them out.
Formal Dress Code
If you’re going to a formal wedding, fun! I would go full-throttle Hollywood vibes and take a play from the red carpet playbook. Even if you’re not opting for a floor-length gown, class it up and get your outfit tailored. Tailoring, whether it’s a suit, pants, dress, whatever, goes a long way. I would focus on fabric choice and accessories.
Black is a totally acceptable color to wear to a wedding! Especially where a formal dress code is concerned, black is a safe choice for any outfit and can be used as a blank slate to layer on more flashy accessories.
Also, lean into the power of accessories if you’re going to a formal wedding. I love vintage-inspired things like this.
When it comes to wedding guest attire, this is my thought-process:
- What’s the theme? Do I have anything in my closet already that could work for this?
- Where is it (i.e. Outside? In a backyard? On a beach? At a bar? In a church?)
- What’s my relationship with the bride/groom? (In my opinion, this is also important to think about. For example, if I’m super close friends with the bride, that might mean I’ll be in some photos with her, which may influence my decision on what I’ll wear).
- If I have to buy an outfit, do I have anything in my closet that could work as separates (i.e. do I already have pants that could work)?
- When looking for what to buy, what can I get that I know I can wear again (even if it’s to another wedding)?
Last Thoughts…
For the sake of sustainability (and your wallet), don’t stress too much about having a totally new look for every wedding you get invited to. Also, places like Buffalo Exchange and Beacon’s Closet are great places to look for items that are typically more expensive (like blazers) and accessories (like clutches and jewelry).
And if your budget is tight, black clothing is your friend. You can definitely get away with some black pants (tapered or wide leg) and a black blouse and be good to go.
So those are all my ideas and styling tips for alternative wedding outfits for guests. For the sake of sustainability (and your wallet), don’t stress too much about having a totally new look for every wedding you get invited to.