I’m an etiquette expert – 2 errors wedding guests make with their outfits & you may have seen some offenders this summer
IT can be hard choosing an outfit to wear to a wedding as a guest, especially as you don’t want to mess up and pick the wrong thing.
Thankfully etiquette expert Myka Meier has shared two top tips for not making a fashion faux pas this summer.
Myka, founder of Beaumont Etiquette, uploaded a video saying: “Don’t make these two mistakes for a summer wedding.”
The first tip she had was to avoid a pale pink colour as a guest.
The New York-based expert explained: “Okay, first, let’s look at this.
“You think pale pink is a safe colour choice? Er, actually, it’s the colour of the season for brides.
“So imagine showing up to an event, it’s the bride, she’s wearing the same or similar dress as you, you don’t want that to happen.”
You may have a gorgeous floral dress you’ve been dying to wear to a special occasion, but Myka advised you also steer clear.
The etiquette pro continued: “Number two, look at this, you might think it’s safe. Florals, right, summer?
“Actually, it’s the worst thing you want to do because again, it’s on trend for brides to be wearing this year.
“So avoid florals when it comes to a white background, avoid pale pinks or anything sheer, and you’ll be in good shape.”
It goes without saying that when it comes to choosing a colour to wear as a wedding guest, you should avoid white at all costs.
Bridal stylist Anny Choi told Vogue: “The simple answer is ‘no,’ unless the invite calls for it.”
She pointed out that some couples may opt to throw an all-white party on the day or in the events leading up to it.
Anny said if that is the case, you should choose solid white outfits, instead of white floral prints, as many brides opt for that.
However, for a typical wedding you should never choose white, including variations such as cream, ivory, and beige.
It can be a grey area when the dress has a patterned design that includes some white.
Anny said: “As long as the main colour doesn’t read as white, you’re in the clear.”
She advised you also check how your outfit photographs, as some blush shades can appear white, for example.
Stylist Micaela Erlanger added: “Unless it is a wild disco party, avoid colours that really stand out.
“Avoid neons, avoid red, avoid anything that’s super loud. Unless, of course, your friend’s getting married at a rave. And don’t get me wrong—I’m sure that’s happened before!”
As many people say of wedding outfits, if you have to ask, the answer is probably no.
Wedding Guest Outfit Etiquette
If you're struggling to decided on a dress to see you through wedding season, here's a few rules on what not to wear so you don't get in trouble.
- Folklore says that wearing red at a wedding means you slept with the groom.
- Casual attire like jeans and flip flops should always be avoided.
- Any colour that could be picked up as white or cream – even if it’s not.
- Most would agree that your cleavage needs to be covered.
- Wearing white is a massive no-no if you’re not the bride.