a bride and a groom with their Friends Celebrating their Wedding
Photo: Kampus Production

Receiving a wedding invite is incredibly special. After all, it means that the bride and groom have chosen to include you in one of the most special days of their lives. However, it can also be a little bit anxiety-inducing, especially when it comes to knowing what to say. After all, you want to abide by wedding guest etiquette while also ensuring that you look and feel your best on the big day.

With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can follow to look effortlessly classy as a wedding guest!

#1. Check the dress code. 

The first step toward ensuring that you’ll look great on the day is to ensure you’re sticking to the dress code. Otherwise, you may feel as though you stick out due to looking over- or underdressed. If you aren’t sure what the theme or dress code means, don’t be afraid to reach out to the bride or groom to ask for some more clarification. This will make it much easier to shop for an outfit.

#2. Ask what color the bridesmaids are wearing. 

While this is not strictly necessary, you may also want to ask what color the bridesmaids or bridal party is wearing ahead of time. This can help avoid outfit clashes, especially if they’re wearing a popular or trending color. In some cases, this information may be included in wedding invites alongside the dress code.

#3. Avoid pale colors.

While avoiding wearing white is a no-brainer, you should try to avoid pale colors wherever possible. This is because they can sometimes appear white in photographs, which makes it look as though you’ve tried to upstage the bride, even though this is unlikely to be the case.

three hands holding glasses with rose wine
Photo: Los Muertos Crew

#4. Think about comfort and style. 

When it comes to picking out an outfit and shoes for the wedding, try to remember just how long the day itself will be. For example, you may be on your feet for the majority of the day, which means that you also need to take comfort into account when trying on outfits.

If you’ve bought a new pair of heels for the occasion, try to break them in ahead of time by wearing them around the house. While this seems a little silly, it can help prevent blisters and discomfort that would keep you away from the dance floor as the night goes on. You should also pack a pair of flats into your bag that you can rely on in an emergency.

#5. Finish your outfit with accessories. 

No outfit is complete without accessories, especially if you’re hoping to look effortlessly classy and stylish. However, don’t be afraid to try something new as opposed to wearing your day-to-day jewlery. For example, if you tend to stick to classic studs, you could try out different earring styles, such as subtle hoops for this occasion.

#6. Consider renting your outfit as opposed to buying it. 

According to a recent report, “62% of wedding attendees are feeling the pressure to spend more than they can afford,” on the day, especially when it comes to finding something to wear. You can lower your costs in this regard by renting an outfit as opposed to buying it, through sites such as By Rotation. This allows you to save a great deal of money, especially if you had your sights set on a designer peice that was otherwise outside of your budget.

On a similar note, don’t be afraid to shop second-hand either. You’d be surprised about what you can find in charity shops or on reselling apps if you look hard enough.

#7. Practice your hair and makeup ahead of time. 

If you’ve decided to do your own hair and makeup on the day of the wedding, be sure to practice your desired look ahead of time. This can help to avoid on the day insecurities if you’re unhappy with how it looks, while also ensuring that your hair and makeup match your outfit perfectly. This also gives you some indication of how long you’ll need to get ready, so you know when to set your alarm for if the ceremony itself is early in the day.

You should make sure that you bring some of your makeup along with you, too so that you can top it up if necessary.

Final Thoughts...

From choosing the perfect accessories to making sure your outfit is on-theme, there are plenty of steps that you can take to ensure you feel as confident as possible when attending a wedding. It also means that you’ll look great in any pictures taken on the big day!