Celebrating a wedding is a special moment for the bride and groom, of course, but it’s special for you as a wedding guest, too. It’s an opportunity to show off your style and respect for the occasion through your outfit. As a wedding guest, coordinating your wedding attire with your plus-one is an easy way to elevate your look without stealing the spotlight. This guide offers simple tips for choosing elements to coordinate your wedding guest outfits to make sure you look stylish, appropriate, and thoughtful.
1. Start with a Color Scheme
Choosing the right colors to wear is the first step in coordinating outfits for a wedding. Select colors that complement each other without clashing. If you’re unsure where to start, neutral shades like beige, gray, and navy are versatile and easy to match. These colors work well in various combinations and can be dressed up or down, depending on the formality of the event.
When you shop for a tuxedo rental in Seattle, take along a picture or fabric sample of the dress you’re wearing so your date can narrow down his choices to make the selection easier. By starting with a color scheme, you can easily create a cohesive look that ensures you both fit the wedding’s aesthetic without overshadowing it.
2. Accessorize Wisely
Accessorizing is the fun part of outfit planning, where you can inject a bit of personality into your look. But when it comes to weddings, it’s best to choose accessories that complement your outfits in a subtle way rather than ones that dominate your look. For men, a tasteful watch or a classic pair of cufflinks can add elegance without being overbearing. For women, a pair of delicate earrings or a simple bracelet can complete the outfit gracefully. When coordinating as a couple, think about selecting accessories that subtly echo each other’s style—perhaps a common metal finish or a matching color accent. This thoughtful approach ensures you both look put-together and connected.
3. Avoid Wedding Party Colors
One key tip to remember when attending a wedding as a guest is to steer clear of the colors designated for the wedding party. You wouldn’t want to be mistaken for a bridesmaid or groomsman!
If you’re unsure about their color scheme, a quick check with the bride, groom, or a member of the bridal party can spare you any potential embarrassment. Choosing different yet complementary colors ensures you respect the couple’s chosen palette and helps maintain the distinct visual roles of guests and the wedding party.
4. Consider the Venue and Time
The setting and timing of the wedding can greatly influence your choice of outfits. For a daytime garden wedding, lighter fabrics and softer colors reflect the natural ambiance. Evening events typically call for darker, more sophisticated shades and richer materials when wearing a tuxedo or suit for a wedding. If the ceremony is by the beach, breathable fabrics in light colors make sense, keeping comfort in line with style. Think about how your outfits will look in the environment of the wedding to ensure you’re both comfortable and appropriately dressed for the occasion.
5. A Little Goes a Long Way
When it comes to dressing for weddings, less is often more. Opting for a less is more approach can be the key to pulling off an elegant look. This doesn’t mean your outfit should be plain, but rather that every element should be chosen with care and consideration. Avoid overly elaborate designs or patterns that can detract from the occasion’s focus—the couple. Instead, aim for a polished appearance that feels effortless and chic.
6. Match Dress Codes
Adhering to the wedding’s dress code is essential to fitting in and showing respect for the event. If the invitation says “black tie” or “formal,” men should lean towards tuxedos, while women might consider floor-length gowns. For a semi-formal dress code, a cocktail dress or a suit and tie might be more appropriate. Always ensure your outfits align with these guidelines, and when in doubt, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask the hosts for more clarity.
7. Coordinate Textures and Patterns
Incorporating similar textures and patterns can subtly tie your looks together without appearing overly matched. For example, if one person wears a silk tie, the other might choose a silk shawl or clutch. Patterns don’t have to be identical but should complement each other—think stripes with polka dots or floral patterns with solid colors. Subtle patterns work best for formal attire. This strategy adds depth to your outfits and shows a cohesive style effort that is visually appealing and thoughtful.
These simple tips for coordinating wedding guest outfits will help ensure that you look elegant and feel confident, allowing you to fully enjoy the celebration without any fashion faux pas. Enjoy dressing up and celebrating together in style!