If you haven’t been to many weddings, or you’re used to a more traditional and formal wedding vibe, it can be hard to decide what to wear to a casual wedding. As a wedding guest, you want to honor the couple by wearing something nice, but you don’t want to over-dress and feel out of place in a casual atmosphere
In some ways, casual weddings can be a bigger challenge than formal affairs, since you’ll need to carefully balance comfort and practicality with style. The important thing to remember is that “casual” does not mean “everyday.” You still want a nice, polished outfit–not just your jeans and a t-shirt! To avoid feeling like you’ve just thrown together an outfit before heading to the wedding, bookmark this simple guide to casual wedding guest dresses and attire, which includes some dos, do nots, and of course, inspiration for your casual wedding look.
What Does “Casual Dress” Actually Mean?
Casual weddings call for comfortable, easy-to-move/dance-in, appropriate-for-the-weather clothing that still feels a little nicer than your everyday look. If this sounds sort of vague, that’s because it is, which is what makes it so challenging to dress for a casual wedding.
You need to consider factors like season, venue, and the personality of the couple. You can also take cues from the wedding invite to get an idea of what the vibe will be. If the invitation is purely digital, and the couple says it will be a small affair in a backyard, you will probably be safe in fairly casual attire like a sundress and nice sandals. If you received a physical invitation and the couple has booked a venue, you may want to dress up slightly more.
What NOT To Wear
You already know the basics of what not to wear to a wedding: don’t wear white, don’t try to out-dress the bride, avoid matching the wedding party. But what should you not wear to a casual wedding?
- Stilettos or Sky-High Heels: Many casual weddings are held outside, which means you’re probably going to need to walk on grass or gravel. Extra-high heels just won’t be comfortable and could have you sinking into the ground, twisting an ankle, and trying to walk on your toes all night long. In general, avoid anything with an ultra-slim or pointy heel, and choose something easier to walk and dance in.
- Sneakers: While you don’t want to choose a red-carpet-worthy heel, you also don’t want to dress too casually by wearing your sneakers. However, there is an exception: elegant, crisp white sneakers. At some casual weddings, you can get away with a clean pair of all-white sneakers. This is highly venue-dependent; a backyard will be fine, but a dusty ranch, not so much. If you’re not sure if sneakers are ok, don’t worry–there are plenty of other flat shoe options like mules, flat sandals, or even a cute pair of Western boots!
- Jeans: Jeans just aren’t wedding appropriate, again unless the invitation specifically requests you wear denim. While you might technically be able to get away with wearing a pair of black jeans, it’s better to go with a jumpsuit or a pair of dress pants if you prefer pants over a skirt.
- T-Shirts and Tank Tops: Like jeans, a simple tee or tank top isn’t really appropriate, even for a casual wedding. Instead, you’ll want to wear a dressy top like a nice blouse, or a chic sweater if the weather permits.
Tips for Styling a Casual Wedding Guest Outfit
Now that you know what you shouldn’t wear to a casual wedding, let’s talk about a few ways to style yourself for surefire fashion success.
Dress for the Season
Since many casual weddings are outdoors, it’s important to be prepared for the weather. If it’s hot, you want to wear something light and breezy, but not something too revealing. A cute sundress is a great option for a casual spring or summer wedding, and if you’re concerned about getting chilly when the sun goes down, you can always bring a cardigan along as an extra layer. Lightweight long sleeves are a good option for early spring, especially if it’s going to be windy. Similarly, if you’re attending a fall wedding, you’ll want to choose a long-sleeved dress made from thicker material.
Dress for the Venue
What you wear to a barbecue wedding in the park will be very different from what you wear to a casual wedding at a lake house, a garden, or someone’s home. Casual wedding attire needs to suit the venue, especially since it will be pretty obvious if you have missed the memo. Your shoes are especially important since you probably don’t want to be the only person at a ranch wearing sandals, or the only person at a beach wearing heels.
Go For Floral
Still not sure what to wear? A floral dress for casual weddings is always a good idea. Floral prints can help make a casual dress a little more celebratory without feeling too dressy. Florals are so closely connected to celebrations and weddings that you really can’t go wrong, so when in doubt, floral it out!
Casual Styles
Another way to think about casual wedding attire is by specific styles. Every casual dress code has its own personality, shaped by the setting and the level of formality the couple envisions. Understanding what these subtle differences are can help you find an outfit that perfectly fits the occasion.
Dressy Casual Wedding Attire
If the invitation says dressy casual, that means the couple wants a polished look, but not anything too fancy. Think nice dresses, skirts, or even dress pants paired with a stylish blouse. You want to look a little more put-together than everyday wear, but you don’t need full formal outfits–think what you might wear to a shower. Accessories and dressy shoes can help elevate the overall look without making it feel too serious; a colorful statement necklace or earrings can keep things fun, while more dainty jewelry can add to the polished look.
Smart Casual Wedding Attire
Smart casual is a step up from everyday casual, blending comfortable pieces with a hint of sophistication–but maybe not as elevated as dressy casual. For weddings, this often means midi dresses or chic jumpsuits in jewel tones or subtle prints, paired with more relaxed items like simple flats or a neat sweater. It’s about looking sharp enough for a celebration but still approachable and easygoing.
Beach Casual Wedding Attire
Casual dress is extremely popular for beach weddings; you don’t want to ask your guests to break out the black tie for a ceremony in the sand! To that end, shorter hemlines are expected, thanks to the warm weather and the sandy terrain. Beach casual is all about comfort, lightweight fabrics, and an easygoing vibe while still showing respect for the occasion. Bright colors and fun patterns are perfect. Just be sure to avoid anything too informal, like swimwear or flip-flops!
Casual Garden Wedding Attire
At a garden wedding, floral prints are always in style! Casual garden wedding attire leans into the beauty of the outdoors, calling for light, breezy outfits with a touch of elegance. Flowy fabric and comfortable shoes are always a good idea. It’s about looking cheerful, fresh, and appropriately dressed for an outdoor, often daytime, event.
We want to see your casual wedding guest outfits! Show us how on Instagram or TikTok @lulus using #lovelulus and head to our Wedding Guest Shop to score dresses for every dress code!
Join The Conversation (0)