How To Be The Best Dressed Wedding Guest!

Hello!

Wedding season is nearly upon us, and if you’ve found yourself staring at your wardrobe in despair, wondering what on earth to wear, you’re not alone. With invites spanning everything from grand traditional weddings to bohemian festival-style celebrations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

But fear not! We’re here to guide you through dressing for every type of wedding — without breaking the bank or committing any fashion faux pas..

Decoding The Dress Code

First things first—always check the invitation. Is there a dress code? If it says ‘formal’, ‘cocktail’, or ‘black tie’, follow it to the letter. If not, consider the venue, time of day, and cultural traditions involved. Understanding the dress code helps you feel confident and comfortable, so you don’t end up second-guessing your outfit on the day.

Different Types of Weddings & How to Dress for Them 

With the relaxation of the rules regarding having a wedding licence, you can pretty much get married anywhere. Take into account where the wedding is to be held when thinking about what you're going to wear.

Traditional Church Weddings

Church weddings often call for classic elegance and modesty. A structured midi dress, a tailored suit, or a knee-length dress with a jacket creates a refined and appropriate look. If the ceremony is held in a religious setting, it’s always a good idea to have a shawl or light jacket to cover your shoulders if needed. Soft, neutral tones and pastel hues work beautifully, but you can also opt for jewel tones in winter. Avoid anything too revealing, overly casual, or loud prints that might feel out of place in a more traditional setting.

Civil Ceremony & Registry Office Weddings

A civil ceremony allows for a little more flexibility in your outfit choices. This could be the perfect occasion for a chic jumpsuit, a contemporary midi dress, or an elegant tailored co-ord set. Depending on the venue and time of year, you can play with structured silhouettes and statement accessories to add personality to your look. A pair of stylish heels and a modern clutch will tie everything together beautifully.

Festival-Style Weddings

Boho weddings in outdoor settings like barns, meadows, or teepee call for relaxed and romantic outfits. Floaty maxi dresses, floral prints, and earthy tones are perfect for creating an effortless, ethereal look. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton, chiffon, or linen, and embrace embellishments like lace or embroidery. Accessories such as flower crowns, statement earrings, and cowboy boots can add a fun, whimsical touch.

Weddings Abroad & Destination Weddings

If you’re heading to a sun-soaked wedding abroad, your outfit needs to be both stylish and practical. Lightweight materials like silk, linen, and chiffon will help keep you cool. Bright tropical prints or soft pastel hues work beautifully against a warm-weather backdrop. A chic kaftan-style dress, an off-the-shoulder midi dress, or a relaxed two-piece co-ord are perfect choices. Avoid anything too structured or heavy, as you’ll want to feel comfortable in the heat. Pair with flat sandals or espadrilles and a wide-brimmed hat for a sophisticated finish.

Non-Religious & Modern Weddings

For a contemporary wedding held in an art gallery, rooftop venue, or trendy city space, opt for a sleek and sophisticated outfit. A fitted midi dress, a bold-coloured trouser suit, or an asymmetric dress with a statement belt will create a polished, modern look. Play with unique textures, striking colours, and minimalist accessories to achieve a fashion-forward appearance.

Dressing for Weddings in Different Seasons

Winter & Christmas Weddings

Winter weddings are magical, but they also present a styling challenge. You want to stay warm without sacrificing elegance. For those who feel the cold, a top tip is to layer with good quality thermals that wont affect the silhouette of your outfit. Luxurious fabrics like velvet, brocade, and heavier silks add warmth while keeping you looking sophisticated.

Long-sleeved dresses or structured midi dresses paired with a tailored coat make a stylish and practical choice. If you prefer a sleeveless dress, layering with a faux fur stole or a statement cape provides warmth while elevating your look. Opt for closed-toe heels or elegant ankle boots and finish with a bold lipstick to enhance your winter wedding glow.

Spring Weddings

Spring weddings are all about fresh, romantic styles. As the season transitions from the cool crispness of winter to the soft warmth of spring, layering is key.

Midi dresses and tailored jumpsuits strike the perfect balance between elegance and practicality, allowing you to move freely throughout the day. The unpredictable spring weather means you might need a stylish wrap or a lightweight jacket. Keep your accessories light and fresh—think nude or pastel heels, pearl earrings, and a dainty clutch.

Summer Weddings

If you’re attending a summer wedding, comfort and breathability are essential. Lightweight fabrics like linen, chiffon, and silk keep you cool and comfortable in the heat. Bright, bold colours are ideal for making a statement, while tropical or abstract prints bring vibrancy to your outfit.

Choose for a floaty maxi dress, a chic sundress, or a well-tailored jumpsuit. Strappy sandals or elegant wedges are great footwear choices, and an oversized sunhat or stylish sunglasses can add an extra touch of glamour while providing sun protection. Don’t forget to wear a setting spray to keep your makeup fresh throughout the day.

Autumn Weddings

Autumn weddings embrace rich, warm tones and layered textures. Think luxurious fabrics such as lace, velvet, or satin to add depth and richness to your outfit.



Midi and maxi dresses work wonderfully for autumn weddings, and layering is essential to staying comfortable throughout the day. A tailored coat or a chic jacket in a complementary shade will ensure you stay warm without compromising on style. Closed-toe heels or heeled boots complete the look perfectly.

Outfit Inspiration for Your House of Colour Season

Choosing the right colours from your House of Colour season ensures that you look radiant and effortlessly put together on the big day. Wearing the correct shades enhances your natural complexion and gives you a polished, elegant look that will shine in photos.

Springs

Springs shine in bright, fresh, warm tones such as coral, warm turquoise, peach, corn yellow, and apple green. For a wedding, a coral dress paired with gold heels and a mint green clutch makes a stunning statement. You can also try corn yellow with turquoise, peach with tan, or fresh green with ivory to create a lively, elegant look.

Summers

Summers look beautiful in cool, soft, muted tones like rose pink, cornflower blue, blue grey, and soft lavender. A powder blue dress with silver accessories is an effortlessly elegant choice for a wedding. Other winning combinations include soft lavender with navy, rose pink with blue grey, or sea green with soft white. The key is to keep the tones soft and sophisticated.



Autumns

Autumns look best in warm, rich, earthy tones. Shades like mustard, rust, forest green, kingfisher, and royal purple complement your natural warmth. Consider pairing a rust-coloured dress with gold accessories or an olive-green jumpsuit with a warm camel wrap. Other stunning combinations include mustard yellow with dark brown, orange with forest green, or kingfisher with rosewood.

Winters

Winters dazzle in bold, high-contrast colours such as magenta, royal blue, emerald green, and icy pastels. For a striking wedding outfit, try an emerald green dress with silver accessories or a royal blue jumpsuit with crisp white details. Other great combinations include scarlet red and navy, electric blue with white, or icy hyacinth with charcoal grey. The contrast of cool, sharp tones creates a powerful and polished look.

Is Renting Your Outfit More Cost Effective?

Renting an outfit for a wedding is becoming an increasingly popular choice, and for good reason. It allows you to wear a stunning, high-quality piece without the hefty price tag, while also reducing fashion waste. If you’re someone who doesn’t like repeating outfits or wants to try something a little more extravagant without committing, renting is the perfect solution.

How to Rent an Outfit

The process is straightforward: you browse rental platforms, select a dress or outfit you love, choose your rental period (usually 4-10 days), and return it after the event. Most platforms offer prepaid return labels and include dry cleaning, making it a hassle-free experience.

Where to Rent from

HURR – A great platform for designer rentals, offering dresses, jumpsuits, and co-ords from brands like Rixo, Zimmermann, and Self-Portrait.

By Rotation – A peer-to-peer rental platform where you can rent high-end outfits from other fashion lovers.

My Wardrobe HQ – Stocks everything from gowns to tailored suits, and even offers a rent-to-buy option.

Girl Meets Dress – A long-standing rental service with a huge selection of evening and occasion wear.

Selfridges – Yours for a good time, not a long tome. Rent the latest collections and the best of HURRS's fashion and accessories.

John Lewis - Browse the rental collection and select the perfect piece. Rent your items for 4, 8,16 or 30 days and they will be delivered straight to your door.

Costs of Renting an Outfit

Prices for renting vary depending on the brand and the length of time you need the item for. On average:

High-street rental – Around £30-£80 for brands like Reiss, Whistles, and Ghost.

Mid-range designer rental – £80-£200 for brands like Rixo, Self-Portrait, and The Vampire’s Wife.

Luxury designer rental – £200+ for gowns and statement pieces from designers like Alexander McQueen and Oscar de la Renta.

When compared to buying a dress you might only wear once, renting is often a more budget-friendly and sustainable choice.

Renting Accessories

It’s not just outfits you can rent—hats, handbags, and jewellery are all available to hire, helping you put together a fully coordinated look without the long-term commitment.

Hats & Headpieces – The Hat Club and Rent a Hat offer a vast range of fascinators, headbands, and formal hats perfect for weddings.

Handbags – Designer rental services such as Cocoon and HURR stock high-end handbags from Chanel, Gucci, and Prada.

Jewellery – Lendable and Rocks & Co. offer fine jewellery rentals, so you can accessorise with stunning pieces without the designer price tag.

Choosing the Right Headwear for Your Outfit

Headwear can be the perfect finishing touch for a wedding guest outfit, but choosing the right style is essential for achieving a balanced and polished look. Your need to remember size matters! If you are petite in frame choose a smaller scale piece as you'll look over whelmed by a larger scale hat. If you are a bigger frame, goose a larger scale hat or head piece as a small fascinator will look lost on you. From elegant fascinators to full-brimmed hats and delicate hair clips, there are plenty of options to explore.

Types of Headwear & How to Style Them

· Fascinators – These structured headpieces are a classic choice for formal weddings. They work beautifully with tailored dresses and structured outfits. Choose a fascinator with delicate embellishments if your outfit is simple, or go for a statement piece if your dress is understated.

· Headbands – A modern, chic alternative to traditional hats, padded or embellished headbands add a touch of sophistication without feeling too formal. They pair beautifully with sleek midi dresses, jumpsuits, and tailored outfits.

· Hair Clips & Bows – Subtle yet stylish, these accessories are perfect for minimalist or contemporary wedding outfits. Pearl-encrusted clips work well with pastel dresses, while velvet bows add a romantic touch to winter wedding ensembles.

· Full-Brimmed Hats – If you love classic elegance, a full-brimmed hat can add drama and refinement to your look. Wide-brimmed hats are perfect for summer weddings, while structured pillbox hats work well for traditional or formal occasions.

Things to Remember:

Dress for the Season – Velvet and heavy brocades are great for winter weddings, while lighter fabrics like chiffon and linen work for summer.

Shoes Matter – If there’s dancing involved, pack a pair of flats!

Accessorise Smartly – A great handbag and statement earrings can elevate any look.

Stick to Your Palette – Knowing your best colours (thanks to House of Colour!) means you’ll always look radiant, no matter the dress code.

Confidence is Key – The best outfit is one that makes you feel incredible. Own it!

If you have a wedding this year and are looking for the perfect wedding outfit then click on the link below for a specially curated LookBook of wedding outfits ideas, accessories and shoes. Simply click on the link below to view, then click on individual images to be taken through to the relevant webpage for more information on that piece.

https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/1330H&Sub7M

FINAL THOUGHTS: Being The Best Dressed Guest

Whether you’re heading to a countryside barn wedding, a chic city ceremony, or a lavish Indian celebration, there’s an outfit out there for you. With a little planning, some savvy shopping, and a touch of colour confidence, you’ll be the best-dressed guest in the room (without upstaging the bride, of course!).

Happy wedding season!

Enjoy your weekend! Next week, The Weekend Read is all about Neutrals - what are they and how to wear them in your wardrobe. Look out for that next Saturday!

Best wishes,

Judi & Jenny x

Judi Prue

Personal Stylist

Celebrator of Individuality

Curator of Confidence

Tel: 07904 347847

e: judi.prue@houseofcolour.co.uk

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