What to wear to a wedding
What to wear to a wedding
April 09, 2024
Classic Occasion Jacket 7100, Floral Crepe Tea Dress 5690
Weddings are the highlight of summer – a time to celebrate with friends and enjoy a beautiful new outfit. But it’s not just brides who want to look amazing. As a wedding guest, you’ll also be searching for outfits that feel as special as they look. Be it an elegant dress or top-and-skirt coordinate, your selection needs to meet the dress code, imbue you with confidence and make the long-awaited day even more unforgettable.
Choosing outfits to a wedding is no small task, and you’re not alone if you’re searching for dresses the moment you put your RSVP in the post. That’s why we asked our designers for their top tips on choosing what to wear to a wedding. Read on for their golden rules and go-to outfits.
What to wear for a wedding as a guest: Dos and Don'ts
Check the dress code
Is it formal or casual? Is the ceremony religious? You might need a touch more coverage if that’s the case.
The dress code is one of the first things to consider when choosing what to wear for a wedding as a guest. Most couples will state the requirements on the invitation. If not, don’t be afraid to ask – it’s always better to be certain than to encounter any unwanted surprises as you take your seat.
Spotted Blouse & Skirt, Relaxed Jersey Top & Skirt
For black-tie weddings, you’re looking for a floor-sweeping style or a pretty dress that sits on or just below the knee. Our Floaty Floral Dress is the perfect graceful and feminine style, with two length options so you can always find the best fit.
Coordinates are ideal for more casual weddings. Our Pleat-neck Spotted Blouse adds scope to your wardrobe – wear it with white trousers or create an elevated one-piece look with the matching skirt.
Avoid white
Unless told otherwise, avoid wearing white to a wedding. Or colours close to it like ivory, off-white or very pale blue (they tend to appear white in photographs).
Just one glimpse at our Spring Summer collection, and you’ll discover a bright array of designs for weddings and beyond. Solid hues look lovely, but we’re always fond of print for a wedding because they capture the joy of the day. Florals complement country house, barn or marquee settings, and our Keyhole Jersey Dress is a favourite. Featuring our British-printed Ava rose design, it drapes elegantly against your figure.
Ava Rose Jersey Dress 5733
Ava rose print
Consider the season
Winter weddings call for velvet or sumptuous devoré, and deep shades of navy, grape and plum. Summer, meanwhile, is a time for lighter fabrics and vibrant colours. Pink – be it rose or rich magenta – is always a winning choice. Our Bright Jersey Dress will answer your question of what to wear for a wedding, as well as other events throughout the season. We’ve designed it with clever ruchings to add subtle definition at the waist, in a print that’s simply irresistible.
Our Classic Occasion Jacket is essential for spring and late-summer weddings. It slips on as an effortless layer to smarter looks, with a boxy fit and luxuriously textural fabric.
Scarlet Print 6160
Bright Jersey Dress 6160
Textured V-neck Top 6449 & Textured Jersey Skirt 4337
Bright Jersey Dress 6160
Add accessories
The right accessories complete outfits to a wedding and make you feel even more special. Treat yourself to glimmery jewellery or silk scarves – they elevate your look, especially if you prefer not to wear a hat.
Shoes, of course, must be comfortable, as it’s likely you’ll be on your feet for much of the day and join the newlyweds in a spot of dancing. Wedges, kitten heels, block heels and sandals tend to be kinder to feet than stilettos. But any pair is likely to rub if you don’t break them in!
Don't go too casual
How smart should you dress? How casual? If you’re toying between the two, we’d always suggest veering towards the dressier end of the style spectrum. That means relaxed jumpers, jeans and tees should be avoided – unless the couple explicitly says to wear them!
Magnolia Tea Dress 7503
Shop outfits to wear to a wedding at David Nieper
Deciding what to wear for a wedding as a guest can be tricky. The setting, your style preference and dress code requirements – as well as the fickle British weather – make the final choice a challenge.
Our designers know how important the right outfit is to your day. Dress, two-piece or jacket, your wedding guest outfit should fit without fail and feel sumptuous next to your skin – because every piece looks that bit better when it sits right. Designing for you and using patterns tailored to a mature shape means our designs fit and drape beautifully, in exclusive prints that will make you this season’s best-dressed guest.
Discover the Spring Summer collection now.