25 Outfit Ideas to Wear at Weddings If You Don't Like Dresses (2024)

FAQs

What can I wear to a wedding instead of a wedding dress? ›

Call the Bridal Salon

Give your bridal salon a call for a list of all your options. Explain your situation (nicely and calmly, of course—remember, you've likely signed a contract, so this goes beyond simply changing your mind) and the salon or boutique should be willing to work with you and come to an understanding.

Wear Something Dressy and Party-Like

Plus, when you look good, you feel good and everything is much more fun! Aim for something dressy and party-like, heck even a little glamorous. The easiest way know how formal you should dress to check the dress code on the wedding invitation.

A long blazer to pair with your existing clothing to give it that bit of oomph. You can wear this blazer as a substitute for a dress with some tights or with your favorite bottoms for a day at the office.

My Alternative Wedding Guest Outfit Rules;

Wearing trousers to a wedding puts you on the smart casual border and a pair of heels are going to keep you safely on the smart side. Lace and florals will always be a winner for summer weddings. If you've got tailored trousers go for a floaty top.

Semi-formal might be the most common wedding dress code. Think date night at the nicest restaurant in your town. Men should definitely wear slacks and a dress shirt but they can choose if they'd like to wear a tie and sport jacket or not. Women should wear a nice dress, skirt, or pants.

As a general rule, "wearing black is totally acceptable, as the hue is very versatile," says bridal stylist Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride. Make the shade work for you—at any type of wedding—with these ideas for choosing the right fabrice, length, and accessories.

Take a contemporary approach to wedding guest and mother of the bride outfits with sleek jumpsuits, sharp suits and sophisticated separates. Instant chic. Whether you choose a cropped, wide leg or tapered style, consider a jumpsuit an effortlessly elegant all-in-one outfit that can easily be dressed up or down.

It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally. Sabatino suggests that men show up in a jacket and tie, even when the invitation says casual.

Am I too old to wear a wedding dress? ›

Yes, if you're an older you may not want to wear what a 30 year old bride would wear, but you deserve to feel special and look beautiful too! We have wedding dresses for brides of all ages and have looked after brides from 18 to 70's and each and everyone looks equally amazing!

Fit-and-flare dresses whether knee-length or longer are chic and flattering. It has a defined waistline and fits closer to the body but is not too tight which makes it uncomfortable. This forgiving silhouette fits every body type.

Formal suit

If you're looking for something other than a dress, you can also reach for a tailored suit. "In the right material, a sharp, tailored power suit can be a sophisticated look for wedding attire," Kosich says.

Knee-length or mid-calf co*cktail dresses are a great option as well as maxi dresses. Make sure you know what type of wedding you will be attending. A garden or beach wedding may require a different style of dress than a black-tie formal event.

For a more formal wedding, it is typically expected that female guests wear a long dress. But instead of breaking out the gown you wore to prom, try wearing a more appropriate evening gown. If the wedding is during the day, a pretty maxi dress should do the trick.

Formal or Black-Tie Optional

So, a tuxedo isn't required, but can still be worn if preferred. If opting for a suit, however, a formal dark suit, white shirt, and a conservative tie are acceptable. For women, the outfit choices remain the same: a floor-length gown, a fancy co*cktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.

6) Casual Wedding Attire

A casual wedding means you can wear something more comfortable and more similar to what you would wear on a normal day. Jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, flip flops, and sneakers should still be off-limits. Men can wear a nice pair of khakis and a collared shirt.