From botanical printed dresses to light pastel tailoring, nailing what to wear to a wedding this season has never been easier

Weddings can be wonderful, but figuring out what to wear to a wedding? That’s a whole other task. From deciphering dress codes to factoring in the season and weather, there's a lot to consider. That's why we've put together a handy guide with 18 seasonal items to shop from before the big day.

Wedding guest style doesn’t have to be complicated. From city ceremonies to countryside affairs, the key is balancing polish with comfort, and knowing how to dress for the tone of the day whilst remaining comfortable. You can choose from the best wedding guest dresses, comfortable yet flattering jumpsuits, or go unfussy with bright tailored separates and sleek slingbacks.

To begin with, establish the location, dress code, theme, and feel of the wedding, as a beach wedding will require a very different set of style rules from a stately home occasion. The one thing you don't want to do is upstage the bride. To that end, stay away from white; as a general, unspoken rule, black for a wedding is frowned upon too (unless the bride has given her blessing).

What to wear to a wedding - outfit ideas as chosen by style experts

Once you have established the basics, you should also try to find out if the bridal party is sticking to a particular hue for the day, as unless you're close family, you won't want to be matching the bridesmaid dresses.

When the dress code and the above factors have been considered, you can start shopping freely for a wedding guest outfit, and we've rounded up some key silhouettes and suggestions that cover every type of occasion.

Printed midi or maxi dress

We could speak for hours about the many virtues of a printed dress, but they really do come into their own during the spring and summer wedding seasons. Whether you opt for a midi dress or a floor-sweeping maxi length, the longer hemline makes them far more reliable on windy days than thigh-skimming minis.

A printed dress makes plenty of impact on its own, which means not only are you likely to gain plenty of compliments for your eye-catching outfit, but minimal styling is needed for the rest of your wedding look. Add barely-there sandals and a simple clutch, and you’re good to go.

Worried about the cost of a new wedding outfit? Don’t stress. Printed dresses are easy to dress down as well, so you can still get plenty of wear after they’ve said, “I do”. Team with your best white trainers and layer your best trench coat on top later on in the season.

Bright tailoring

While a dress might be the fail-safe option for weddings and what to wear to a christening, it’s certainly not the only acceptable outfit you can wear. If you want to be more adventurous, why not try some tailoring in light seasonal colourways or breathable fabrics such as linen? An ideal option for those who are different sizes on top and bottom, you can get the best fit for your shape, and of course, if you aren't a fan of dresses, a tailored two piece is just as polished but for many infinitely more comfortable.

From a bright coloured suit to a floaty linen duo, tailoring is incredibly versatile and something you can reach for long after the wedding. They’re good as part of a spring capsule wardrobe, too. The option to mix and match them with other pieces in your wardrobe also extends their styling potential.

Jumpsuits

If you're not a fan of dresses but still like a one-and-done look, a chic jumpsuit is a great option. There is also an array of jumpsuit cuts to choose from, too, so you’re guaranteed to find one that’s right for your body type.

If you’re petite, opt for a cropped style with short sleeves, while if you’re tall, a jumpsuit with wide legs and a nipped-in waist will elongate your frame and create the illusion of an hourglass body shape. The warmer the weather, the more you want to lean toward natural fabrics. Linen, silk, and cotton are always comfortable choices, but can crease, so to keep your look polished all day, it’s best to go with a mixed blend.

For extra coverage on your arms, layer over a blazer when wearing a sleeveless jumpsuit. Churches can get chilly (and in several religious settings, it can be frowned upon to show a lot of skin), so it’s worth considering a light cover-up for this kind of nuptials.

Colourful dresses

While the jury is still out on whether you can wear black to a wedding, a punchy colour is always acceptable. Weddings are joyful, happy occasions, so dress to match the mood. If you normally shy away from bold shades in favour of muted neutrals like black, grey, and navy, then occasionwear dressing is the perfect opportunity to push yourself outside of your comfort zone without the commitment of an everyday look.

The only risk with choosing a block colour to wear to a wedding is that bridesmaids rarely wear print, so to avoid any awkward coordination, try and find out which shade they’re wearing in advance.

With a colourful frock, you can go one of two ways. Keep accessories simple and let your dress take centre stage. Or, double down by coordinating with equally bright accessories.

Comfortable heels

You’re likely to spend most of the day on your feet, so great-fitting footwear is a must. We would also recommend choosing either wedge or block heel styles over stilettos if it's an outdoor ceremony. Luckily, boho styles like wedge heels and clogs fall in line with the shoe trends of 2025.

This look works just as well with comfortable flats as it does with the best designer heels. Try a low-block heel to keep you steady on your feet. You’ll be grateful for the extra surface area when teetering across tricky terrains like mud or sand.

What to wear to a wedding - FAQs

We’ve covered the dos for the “I do’s,” but what about the don’ts? These are the etiquette rules to follow when it comes to what to wear to a wedding.

What are the rules for what to wear to a wedding?

“When compared with decades past, the rules around dressing for a wedding are now few and far between,” explains Emily Stott, Stylist Ambassador at Stitchfix. “ But with so much wardrobe freedom, picking an outfit for the big day can become overwhelming.” Making sure you stick to these rules will set you off on the right path…

• Stick to the dress code. The happy couple will have chosen a dress code for a reason. Ignore it, and you’ll at best look out of place, and at worst, run the risk of upsetting people. Double-check the invite and speak to other guests if you’re unsure.
• Make sure you’re not too casual. “The one rule I’d be particularly mindful of is steering away from a look that feels too casual,” says Stott. “Weddings are an opportunity to enjoy dressing up and even trying new styles - it’s one of those rare occasions when it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.”
• Don’t try to outshine the bride. Weddings do offer a brilliant opportunity to play around with your styling and try something new, but don’t go so bold that you run the risk of stealing the limelight. That might mean swapping a big, attention-grabbing hat for one of the best headbands for short hair instead.
• Think about the location. This isn’t a set rule, more of a practicality. Not being correctly dressed for the location or the weather has the potential to ruin your day. Think about where the wedding is, plus how much of the day will be spent indoors versus outdoors, so you can layer up or pack accordingly.
• Be respectful. If the wedding is set in a place of worship, then it’s important to respect the traditions and customs associated with this. If you’re worried about offending or not confident that your outfit will fit the bill, try and reach out to the couple in advance of the big day to ask any questions.

What to wear to a 3pm wedding

3pm is a brilliant time for a wedding, as it makes the day feel more relaxed for both the guests and the bridal party. There’s no need to rush in the morning or get up super early, and everyone has plenty of extra hours to make their way to the venue.

The rules around what to wear to a 3 pm wedding are the same as any other wedding. Check the invite to see if there’s a dress code, and if there is, then dress accordingly. As it’s a bit later in the day, there is the potential to be spending time outside closer to the evening, so make sure you have a layer handy to keep you warm if needed. On the flip side, as the day is a little shorter, this is your opportunity to finally wear those heels that you can’t normally wear all day.

What is the best colour to wear to a wedding?

What is the best colour to wear to a wedding? Well, certainly not white, and probably not black either. We’d recommend opting for bold brights or soft pastels instead (although avoid very pale iterations, as these can still come pretty close to white in some lights).

Why is white a no-go? “The colour white is my only rule of what not to wear to a wedding,” advises Stott. It’s considered bad manners and also leaves you open to criticism that you’re trying to upstage the bride. “Although the bride might not mind, other guests will notice, and sparking this kind of debate at a wedding is not what the day is about,” says Deputy Fashion Editor Charlie Bell. “With so many great colours out there (literally any other colour on the spectrum), there’s no excuse. Plus, do you want to risk spilling a glass of champagne on a white dress?”

“If you’re keen to wear a lighter hue of clothing, opt for a pastel shade instead, such as sunny yellow, dusty pink, or baby blue,” continues Stott. Just be wary of accidentally matching with the bridesmaids, as pastels do tend to be the most popular choice for spring and summer weddings.

What should the Mother of the Bride wear?

When you’re the Mother of the Bride, there’s extra style pressure. For some, it’s the second most important outfit of your life, second only to your wedding dress. But don’t let that get to you, as there are so many gorgeous options out there.

When it comes to colour for your mother of the bride outfit, there are no strict rules to abide by, other than steering clear of black and white. You might want to avoid wearing the same colour as the bridesmaids, too, to avoid looking too matchy-matchy. That being said, your daughter might like the idea of you coordinating with them for synergy in the photos.

Not sure where to start? Think about what colour suits you, which you feel most comfortable in, and which you get the most compliments when wearing. In terms of silhouettes, consider your body type before shopping. You'll want to begin the search for the right outfit at least six months before to give yourself plenty of time to find the right one, get the correct accessories, and have any necessary alterations. Dresses and dresses with matching jackets are a traditional choice for the best Mother of the Bride outfits, but much like all wedding guests, you'll want to think about the theme and location of the wedding first. For example, you might feel out of place in this kind of look on a beach or at a garden party.

When it comes to footwear, don't discard comfort entirely in favour of glamour. Wedding days when you're part of the family can be extremely long, so opt for a heel height you're used to.

What should the Mother of the Groom wear?

Similar to the Mother of the Bride, when it comes to selecting the best mother of the groom dresses, you'll want to avoid black and white. The ideal situation is to wait for the bride to decide if there is any colour scheme for the wedding party and what the bridesmaids are wearing, so you can coordinate appropriately. You’ll also want to consider where the wedding is taking place, as the forecast and location will impact your look. Remember too that you’ll be wearing this outfit for at least eight hours (possibly longer), so a good fit and comfort are key. A good seamstress will be able to help with both of these things, as will investing in supportive lingerie or shapewear.

Finally, give the Mother of the Bride a call so you can ensure your outfits work together, as you won't want to colour clash in the photos. It’s also a nice opportunity to chat, bond, and maybe spend some time together in the shops before the wedding.

What should you not wear to a wedding

We know what to wear to a wedding, but what about what not to wear? “There are very few rigid guidelines when it comes to wedding guest dressing, which is why it makes putting together an outfit so enjoyable,” explains Stott. “That being said, there are a few unwritten rules to remain mindful of when selecting your look.”

The first thing, which we’ve already touched on, is not to wear the same colour as the bride. “A bride should shine on her special day, so avoid wearing the bridal colour head to toe, whether that’s white, red or other, depending on their culture.”

Being overdressed is one thing (no one wants to be accused of showing off), but being underdressed is equally embarrassing. Unless the invite specifically says so, denim isn’t welcome, and neither is leisurewear like joggers or trainers. “Jeans are an absolute no-no,” says fashion expert Joely Chilcott. “While denim bottoms and a nice top might be your go-to outfit for what you wear on a date night, the everyday feel of your favourite skinny jeans is just too casual to be classed as acceptable occasion wear. Embrace the event and see it as an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and feel chic.” We’d recommend plumping for a statement jumpsuit, a tailored two-piece, or a floral dress over your trusty barrel leg jeans.

Speaking of dresses, you’ll need to ensure your hemline is ceremony-appropriate. A good wedding will normally involve dancing, and anything with too short a hemline will only hold you back. The same applies to plunging necklines, too. If you’re sold on a shorter dress, maybe consider layering a duster coat over the top to save any potential blushes during any kneeling parts of the ceremony. If it’s a winter wedding or a chilly spring one, then opaque tights are a good option.