Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas

Questioning what to wear is one of those universal conundrums that us girls are faced with on a routine basis. I’ve even managed to base my entire career around striving to come up with the answers you guys are looking for in the form of carefully curated shopping edits tailored to just about any occasion. So trust me, I get it. And with summer just around the corner (eek) and the joy of summertime styling coming with it, there’s another season that’s fast approaching – wedding season. 

And what to wear to a wedding has notoriously proved one of the trickiest styling questions of all. After being in full wedding planning mode for a while now, I appreciate that there are so many things to consider. So I’ve put together a guide of wedding guest outfit ideas to see you through this season of romance seamlessly. Whether you’re jetting off to a destination wedding, attending a casual daytime affair or embracing all-out elegance at a black tie soirée, there’s something in this guide for you. Want to prioritise colours? Or perhaps avoid a dress altogether and switch it up with a suit? You guys know I’ve got it covered! 

Of course, it’s always important to consider the impact that different cultures have on dress codes when it comes to weddings. I often find that celebrating different cultures and embracing their customs is one of my favourite parts of these special events. The colour of your outfit is a big thing to consider. Wearing white is generally forbidden but of course there are exceptions, sometimes it’s even requested that guests wear white (I’ve been to a wedding like this and the memory of attending is so special to me). There are some countries where certain colours are avoided or favoured, so I always like to make sure I’m being respectful of these customs. With that in mind, let’s get started! Styling inspo impending … 

Daytime weddings were created with dreamy summer days in mind. And sunshine plus alfresco dining calls for floaty midis, plus ruffles and gorgeous draping details. Zimmermann and Christopher Esber do some of the best. Mango has some great affordable options, too. If you’re longing to wear a mini dress or simply something that feels a little more casual, a daytime wedding is the perfect excuse. I love Magda Butrym’s offering. And this brand has also got a killer selection of simpler jersey options with soft gathers that feel appropriately ethereal for such a romantic event.

Any excuse to dress up and my mind is already on what black tie ensemble I get to showcase next. This is always a good opportunity to embrace silk, tulle and delicate embroidery. Plus opting for a maxi hemline is always an easy way to inject some classic elegance into looks. Satin dresses from Victoria Beckham and Self-Portrait are amongst my top picks, plus new-season Khaite have some gorgeous draped silk numbers that are fitting for the most lavish of nuptials.

Easy tailoring has never felt so feminine and luxurious. Don’t fancy wearing a dress to a wedding? Don’t fret, suit up instead. In soft shades like butter yellow (THE colour of the season for Spring/Summer 2025) and mint green, suiting for a summer wedding feels fresh and elevated. It’s the perfect antidote to the dress fatigue that we’ve all felt at one point. Blazé Milano has some impeccable pinstripe pieces (these will make a great investment in your collection of tailoring, too), and I like the idea of opting for shorts so you can feel a little more casual and show off your legs if you want. Layering with a waistcoat is another smart choice … and it gives undeniable cool girl energy for sure. 

Nothing says I love you like commiting to jet off for a faraway locale to celebrate someone’s special day. So when I’m attending a destination wedding, it always feels a little extra special to me. I like to use these events to have some fun with bright colours and bold prints, particularly if it’s in a hot climate. Zimmermann’s paisley patterns, crochet trims on Magda Butrym maxis and Victoria Beckham dresses complete with strappy details … I can’t book my plane ticket fast enough! 

What do you guys think of my selection? And who else is as excited for event dressing this summer as I am?!