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Dining Guide / What to Wear

What to Wear as a Wedding Guest

A wedding guest's outfit should feel celebratory without competing with the couple. Start with the dress code on the invitation, then steer clear of a few colors and styles.

What to Wear as a Wedding Guest

Key Points

  1. Follow any dress code on the invitation. If there isn't one, a dark suit or a dressy dress or pantsuit is a safe middle ground for most weddings.
  2. Avoid white and anything that could be mistaken for it — ivory, cream or very pale beige can look white in photos.
  3. All-over black can look somber at a celebration, so many guests add color with accessories or a wrap.
  4. Skip very revealing outfits. At a Japanese wedding, fur and animal prints are also commonly avoided because they are associated with killing animals.
  5. In a suit, a dark suit with a light shirt and a brighter tie is a common choice. In a dress, bring a wrap if your shoulders are bare during the ceremony.
  6. The venue (hotel, restaurant, garden) and time of day also shape what's appropriate.

Do

  • Check the invitation's dress code
  • Avoid white and near-white colors
  • Dress to celebrate, not to outshine
  • Carry a small bag and check large items

Avoid

  • White or cream outfits
  • Jeans, T-shirts or sneakers
  • Very revealing outfits during the ceremony
  • Fur or animal prints at a Japanese wedding

Handy Tip

The couple are the stars. Picture yourself in a photo next to them — if your outfit draws the eye first, choose something quieter.

Customs That Vary

Customs vary by country, religion and region. Religious venues may expect covered shoulders. In Japan, an invitation may say “heifuku” (informal attire), which still means smart semiformal clothes, not everyday wear. The no-white rule is widely shared, though how strictly it's applied varies.

Practice in a Lesson

Sources