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A comprehensive guide to wedding guest attire

If you’re struggling with ideas for an upcoming wedding, then these tips will provide all the inspiration you need for the big day – from the main event, right down to the finer details.

By LLM Reporters   |  

Receiving a wedding invitation in the post is always exciting, but choosing what to wear can be time-consuming and often stressful. From what colour to wear to determining the appropriate hemline – not to mention ensuring you’re not upstaging the bride – there’s a lot to consider, and your selected accessories have the power to make or break the entire look.

The key to getting wedding attire right isn’t just ensuring you look good, but that you feel it, too. Being comfortable in your outfit is essential, as you’ll likely be wearing it all day and into the evening, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style.

If you’re struggling with ideas for an upcoming wedding, then these tips will provide all the inspiration you need for the big day – from the main event, right down to the finer details.

The right dress

While you can wear tailored trousers or a jumpsuit to a wedding, there’s nothing quite like a show-stopping dress. Avoid choosing anything too showy or similar to a ball gown and make sure you leave your favourite clubbing dress at home. Instead, try one of these maxi dresses from Missguided or repurpose a summery dress you’ve worn before by adding some luxurious accessories. The great thing about maxi dresses is that they’re so versatile, you can take them on holiday or wear them to brunch as well once the wedding is over and done with – so if you’re toying with the idea of splurging on that latest designer piece, then hesitate no more.

garden wedding party
While you can wear tailored trousers or a jumpsuit to a wedding, there’s nothing quite like a show-stopping dress

Accessorise

The right accessories can really help to enhance a simple dress, so go ahead and splash out on a lavish new statement necklace or mix and match a few different rings on your fingers instead to add interest. If you’re looking to create a more understated look, then some dainty silver or gold jewellery is all you need – avoid large stones and bright colours, and keep it simple. On the other hand, if you’re opting for a minimalistic monochrome dress, then don’t be afraid to have fun and add interest with some bold shades and embellishments.

Comfortable shoes

You’ll probably want to wear shoes with a heel to a wedding, but if you’re planning on doing some dancing to the local wedding band, you’ll need to think carefully about your choice. A block or kitten heel is a good compromise if you struggle to walk around in tall stilettos for long, and will give you height without hurting your feet. For emergencies, you can always keep a spare pair of flats in your handbag – after all, the last thing you’ll want is to have to sit on the side-lines just because you made the wrong choice in footwear. 

wedding guests drinking fizz
If you really want to make an impact with your hair, make sure to choose a style that’s different to the one you usually wear

Hairdo

If you really want to make an impact with your hair, make sure to choose a style that’s different to the one you usually wear. If you usually tie it back in a ponytail or bun, then try letting it flow loose and add some curls of plaits to create texture – while if you rarely venture away from wearing it down, then you might like to consider booking yourself an appointment  with your hairdresser so they can create you a fancy and intricate up do. For summer weddings, you could have them braid a few flowers into your crown for an effortlessly elegant look.

Makeup

There’s no pressure to wear makeup to a wedding, but if you want to, then it’s often best to stick with a fairly natural look. Pair a statement eye with a softer lip colour or simply apply a bit of mascara and a dab of blush to highlight your best features. Highlighters really come into their own at weddings, so don’t be afraid to use a pearlescent primer or a highlighter cream to enhance cheekbones, brow bones and your cupid’s bow. Avoid overkill when it comes to blusher and bronzer – just a light dusting will do. 

For added drama without going overboard, try getting your lashes lifted or wear individual lashes to add some extra oomph and create that sought-after fluttery effect.