Almost 2 million weddings happened in 2021 in the United States alone, and roughly 2.5 million weddings are expected to happen this year. When it comes to attending a wedding, your outfit matters. Wedding guest attire can be tricky to navigate if you don’t know exactly what to look for.

You need to consider not only the dress code but also the season the wedding is happening in. You don’t want to end up wearing a thin sleeveless dress in the middle of winter. So you need to take time to properly decide what outfit will work best for the wedding you’re attending.

Keep reading to find out more about the best wedding guest attire for every season.

Understand the Dress Code

Before you even start looking at wedding attire, you need to understand what the dress code means.

Some traditional wedding dress codes include:

• Black tie
• Formal, black tie optional 
• Semi-formal
• Cocktail attire
• Garden or beach attire
• Casual

A black tie dress code is the most formal dress code you’ll encounter. For a formal wedding, men’s wedding guest attire will consist of a tuxedo, and women need to wear formal gowns.

Formal, black tie optional, is a more common dress code than black tie. The attire will consist of suits and dresses. Semi-formal will give women a bit more options as they can wear cocktail dresses.

Casual doesn’t mean jeans and t-shirts, but button-down shirts or polos and summer sundresses.

Once you understand the dress code, you can start looking at wedding guest dresses and outfits that match the season.

Spring Wedding Guest Attire Trends

Pastel shades and floral prints are the stars of the show when it comes to a spring wedding. Spring weddings tend to be less formal, so shorter dresses are a good option to embody the season.

Some popular spring wedding dress options include:

Midi Dresses

Midi dresses give you the best of both worlds. They’re more elegant than short dresses, but since they aren’t as long as maxi dresses, you’ll still get to benefit from the shorter hemline. Midi dresses are the perfect flirty option for spring weddings.

Jumpsuits and Two-Piece Sets

A tailored jumpsuit is perfect for any occasion. It’s formal enough that if you add the right accessories, it can fit into any dress code while still being incredibly comfortable. Two-piece sets are great if you don’t like jumpsuits but would prefer to not wear a dress.

Floral Dresses and Ruffles

The most common spring wedding dress attire will consist of floral designs and ruffles. Floral designs can usually only be worn to spring weddings, so if you’ve wanted to try an outfit with a vibrant floral design, now’s your chance. Ruffles will also add romantic detail to your outfit that will look great at a spring wedding.

Summer Wedding Guest Trends 

Summer weddings are all about bold colors and interesting cutouts. The silhouette of your outfit will depend on the dress code, but you have the freedom to play around with the material and design.

Bright and bold colors are in; when the sun is out, you can play more with patterns and design. You just need to make sure you take the fabric into account. Since it will be warmer, you should opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics.

Cut-outs are also extremely popular at the moment. Not only are they bold and stylish, but they’ll also give your outfit extra breathability to keep you from sweating. So you can dance the night away without any worries.

If you’re worried about your outfit being too attention-grabbing, you can tone down your accessories to let the color be the highlight of your outfit.

Just make sure what the bride is wearing before you pick your color! Non-white wedding dresses are traditional in some parts of the world. A little bit of research will spare you embarrassment on the wedding day.

Fall Wedding Guest Attire Trends

When it comes to fall wedding guest attire, you need to find the balance between vibrant summer outfits and sophisticated winter outfits. The temperature also starts to drop during this season, so keep that in mind when picking your material and sleeve length.

For color, it’s always a good idea to draw your inspiration from nature. With the changing of the seasons, you’ll find more colors emerging, so you can consider rich greens, rust, burgundy, or gold to bring the season to life with your outfit.

Winter Wedding Guest Attire Trends

Winter wedding guest attire can be a bit more difficult compared to the other seasons. It’s hard to look elegant while also wearing a bulky coat, so you need to finely plan your outfit for a winter wedding.

Unless the venue is heated to a nice summer temperature, sleeves will be a good idea when picking your outfit. 

Winter is the time you can truly embrace luxurious fabrics and colors. Crushed velvet comes out to play in this weather, so you can go wild with deep jewel tones to put together the perfect wedding outfit.

When it comes to dressing for a winter wedding, you can wear deeper and richer shades than you’d wear at a spring wedding, so take advantage of this. Try to find a shade and material that makes you feel elegant and sophisticated. 

Wedding Guest Attire Made Easy

When you’re invited to a wedding, the first thing you check out is the wedding guest attire. Whether you need to wear formal wedding guest attire or something more suitable for a beach wedding, you want to look your best. So consider these trends when picking out your next wedding guest outfit to ensure you look perfect for any occasion. Keep in mind the wedding’s location, time of day, and dress code when selecting your ensemble. For tropical ceremonies, consider light fabrics and breathable designs that blend elegance with comfort. If you’re seeking inspiration, island wedding attire tips can help you strike the perfect balance between stylish and practical for a seaside celebration. Additionally, accessorizing thoughtfully can elevate your look while staying in tune with the event’s vibe. Opt for the best wedding shoes and outfits that match the venue’s ambiance, such as block heels for outdoor ceremonies or sleek stilettos for formal indoor settings. Remember, comfort is just as important as style, so choose pieces that allow you to celebrate the big day with confidence and ease.

If you liked this article on wedding guest attire, please go take a look at our blog for more content you might enjoy. From tips on styling the perfect outfit to advice on navigating wedding season with ease, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a guest, part of the wedding party, or the couple perfecting your 2024 wedding, our blog is packed with inspiration and helpful ideas. Don’t forget to check back regularly for the latest trends and expert insights!