Casual Wedding Attire

June 17, 2009

Wedding season is here and so many couples are choosing to celebrate their nuptials in non-traditional ways. Most of us have started to receive invitations that state a “casual” dresscode, but when in comes to weddings, with their grand history of formality, it is hard to know what “casual” is really supposed to mean.

Usually, the default is “better to be over-dressed than underdressed”, but at a wedding, the biggest no-no will always be upstaging the bride. The only logical way to approach a casual attire is to do your homework.

1. What is the bride wearing?
If a bride is walking down the aisle in a sundress and flip-flops, you will know to save your beaded evening gown for another time. No matter what type of wedding, it is always safe to assume that a guest should not wear a white dress.

2. What is the bridal party wearing?
Nowadays, bridesmaids often wear pretty dresses off the racks of your favorite retailers. You’ll want to know if they are wearing that J Crew cotton piazza dress in sea green before you wear yours, looking like a jilted wannabe bridesmaid.

3. What is the environment like?
If the vows are being exchanged outdoors, you’ll want to keep this in mind as you get dressed, especially when it comes to footwear. Sandals, flats and wedges will be your best friend standing for hours on sand or grass. Windy environments will also help you decide how to wear their hair because you really don’t want to look back at photos and mistake yourself for Don King.

4. What is the venue like?
If the reception takes place at a restaurant or club, you can get a clue from the dress code regularly associated with the establishment. If the party is being held at the Ritz-Carlton, you’re probably expected to dress up a little.

5. What, if any, are the planned activities?
Non-traditional wedding receptions can involve anything from bungee jumping to blackjack, so check to see if there are any scheduled activities. Are you being served a bbq feast on picnic blankets? Is there a limbo contest happening on the beach? Are the guests gathering for a bonfire after dark? Your hosts wouldn’t plan an “our side vs. your side tug-of-war” if they expected their guests to wear cocktail dresses.

Remember knowledge is power, so arm yourself with the facts before you dress in your finest frock. Take a look at these photos of suggested looks for different types of ceremonies to use as inspiration.

City Hall Ceremony & Brunch – lean towards conservative and classic looks.

Afternoon Backyard BBQ – go for breezy dresses in bright colors or prints. Maybe a sleeveless blouse with cropped pants. Sunglasses are a must for a sunny ceremony.

Evening Patio Party – night time allows you to get a little dressier. You will want long sleeves or a cover up for outdoor spaces because even in the summer temperatures can drop after dark.

What about shorts? – traditionally shorts would be a no-no (like jeans are) when it comes to even a casual wedding, but with so many dress shorts available these days, it is no longer and automatic rule. Tread carefully, but some shorts will work brilliantly for a casual affair when paired with a nice blouse, blazer and heels. Also many rompers can be just as appropriate as sundresses.

Out of curiosity, what is the most casual wedding you have attended?