1. Do Consider the Wedding Dress Code

Is this celebration black tie, semi-formal, casual, or even a costume party? What the couple wants should always be considered before making any fashion decision.

Here’s a quick rundown of the most common wedding dress codes:

Black Tie: floor length gowns, black ties, tuxedos.
Formal: floor length gowns, tuxedos optional, black suits acceptable
Semi-Formal: below the knee dresses, dress shirts, slacks
Casual: sundresses, collared shirts, khakis

2. Do Consider Location

The attire you wear to a beach will (obviously) be much different than the outfit you rock at a ritzy hotel. Consult the dress code provided, but use common sense when it’s time to decide between sandals and heels.

3. Don’t Match the Wedding Party Colors

Make sure you know the couple’s color palette. The invitation should give you some insight, but it doesn’t hurt to ask a member of the wedding party. You don’t want to be mistaken for a bridesmaid or groomsman, right?

4. Do Check the Weather

Know the forecast before you leave the house. Be prepared for rain, snow, or whatever else Mother Nature decides to throw at you. Ladies, the most important thing to consider is wind! Do not wear a shorty, flowy gown that you’ll have to hold down all evening. The last thing you want is a Marilyn Monroe moment in front of 200 people.

5. Do Wear Layers

Layers are something everybody should live by. AC can be a life saver, but it can also be a woman’s worst nightmare. Bring a cute, cropped jacket, shawl, or cardigan no matter what. An outdoor party can quickly turn chilly as it reaches evening hours. Tights and leggings are layers to think about, too.

6. Do Consider Time of Day

This may seem obvious, but so many people forget that summer evenings can still be a bit nippy! Layers are a great go-to, but if the event is an evening affair, consider a maxi dress or long-sleeved cocktail look.

7. Don’t Wear White

This isn’t the first time you’ve heard this, but I can’t leave it out. White is an obvious faux pas, but be careful with champagne, cream, and even light shades of gold and tan. Brides are going for colored wedding dresses these days, so an awkward match can happen when you least expect it.

8. Do Think Twice Before Wearing Black

Obviously someone with a lack of love for the Little Black Dress came up with this rule years ago without thinking of its flattering and fashionable traits. At modern weddings, wearing black can be perfectly acceptable within reason. Just make sure you aren’t wearing something that you’d wear for a funeral. Since a wedding is a celebration and some people might misinterpret your choice to wear black, it might be safer to wear a brighter, cheerier color.

9. Don’t Dress Too Casual & Definitely Don’t Wear Jeans

Don’t mistake a casual dress code for jeans and a t-shirt; those are never acceptable unless you’re specifically told by the bride and groom that they’re having jean and t-shirt nuptials. Trade in your Levi’s for a pair of khakis or slacks. You’re still participating in an important ceremony even if it’s a casual affair.

10. Do Wear the Right Undergarments

Remember that concept of “wind” we discussed above? The dreaded Marilyn Monroe moment? An easy way to avoid potential slip of nudity is to make sure you’re wearing the proper undergarments for your outfit. You also don’t want the entire room seeing your underwear, bra, or shapewear. Make sure all your layers fit well and will stay put comfortably during hours of sitting, standing, eating, and dancing.

11. Don’t Go Too Bold

Sequins, animal prints, bright red, and other over-the-top designs are fun for a night out but not the right choice for a wedding. Of course you want to look good but you don’t want to be the center of attention at someone else’s wedding. The focus should always be on the bride, not your outfit.

12. Do Ask Friends What They’re Wearing

If you’re stuck, there’s nothing better than getting advice from a fellow attendee. That way you can exchange ideas and will be less likely to commit a fashion faux pas. You could also avoid the potential “one of us needs to change” moment by making sure you aren’t wearing the same thing as other guests.

13. Do Lean Toward Modesty

Summer calls for showing a little skin, but don’t go over the top. This is similar to the rule about going too bold. You don’t want to be a distraction from the bride on her big day. If you find yourself in between a few dress options, it’s safer to err on the side of modesty when it comes to wedding attire.

14. Do Wear Comfortable Shoes

If you know you’re a dancing fool and will be on the dance floor for hours, comfortable shoes are a must-have. Flats or wedges are always good options. If you want to wear heels, consider a shorter heel or a chunky style. If you think your heels will get uncomfortable, you can always pack a pair of flats or sandals for later on in the night.

15. Do Consider Bridesmaid Dresses

Bridesmaid dresses are obviously wedding-approved, so don’t shy away from wearing one. Here are some of our favorite simple bridesmaid gowns that can easily double as wedding guest attire:

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