Deciding what to wear as a wedding guest can be surprisingly tricky. Most guests don’t want to upstage the bride or upset the wedding party by wearing the wrong thing. While most wedding guests know to avoid certain colors, for example, white or black at Western weddings and red and gold at Chinese ones, knowing what colors are okay can still be tricky.
These days, couples are more open to giving guests guidance. Letting guests gently know what colors you’d like to see them in for a matching aesthetic or what colors to avoid so that they don’t clash or blend with the bridal party is a great way to avoid any awkward moments.
Here are how our wedding photographers recommend you go about requesting guests wear something particular.
Be Upfront from the Beginning
If you’re going to request a certain dress code or color from your guests, be upfront about this from the beginning. That means notifying them of this on the invitation or even the save the date. This gives guests time to find an appropriate outfit or bow out if they’re not able to follow it. List it next to the dress code. For example: “Formal attire requested. Please wear shades of blue.”
Be Clear and Concise
If you’re going to be making a clothing request for your guests, you need to be extremely clear and concise in what you’re asking of them. If you want them to stay within a certain color palette, be sure to list out the acceptable colors and even provide a picture of them! If you want them to avoid certain colors, for example, the bridal colors, so guests don’t end up looking like accidental bridesmaids, be clear about that as well.
Give Options
Some guests may feel stifled by a specific color request, so be sure to leave some room for them to find something appropriate and show off their personality. For example, if you want all guests in black, that’s fine since most people have a black outfit. However, requesting everyone to come in a bright shade of yellow is a harder ask. A more appropriate ask would be “shades of blue” or “soft pastels,” or even “burgundy, black, or gold,” as this gives guests some room to find something.
Consider Guests Preferences
It’s important to keep in mind that not everyone is comfortable in the same style of clothing. While some people might feel great in a bold colored dress, others may prefer neutrals. If you’re going to request a specific color, try to pick something accessible that flatters most skin tones and body types.
Make Exceptions as Needed
When you make outfit requests for wedding guests, be prepared for some pushback. In addition to those that just won’t enjoy being told what to wear, you may also have people that have valid reasons for not being able to follow it. Maybe they can’t afford a new dress in that color, or maybe they feel wearing it doesn’t align with their culture. Either way, be ready to make exceptions, or at least don’t be upset if people bow out because of it.
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As a seasoned expert in the realm of wedding etiquette and guest attire, I bring a wealth of firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in ensuring that guests dress appropriately for the occasion. My extensive knowledge in this domain is founded on years of observation, interaction with couples, and an in-depth exploration of cultural nuances associated with various wedding ceremonies.
In the context of the article, which delves into the art of guiding wedding guests on what to wear, several key concepts emerge:
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Color Etiquette:
- Understanding the significance of colors in different cultural contexts (e.g., avoiding white at Western weddings and red at Chinese weddings).
- Recognizing the evolving trend of couples providing guidance on preferred or restricted colors for a cohesive aesthetic.
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Communication Strategies:
- Advocating for upfront communication on dress codes or color preferences from the outset, either on invitations or save-the-date cards.
- Emphasizing the importance of clarity and conciseness in conveying specific expectations to guests.
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Guidelines for Requesting Specific Attire:
- Recommending the listing of acceptable colors with the possibility of providing visual aids, such as pictures, to eliminate ambiguity.
- Encouraging flexibility by giving guests options within a broader color palette to accommodate personal preferences.
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Consideration for Individual Preferences:
- Acknowledging the diversity of guest preferences and comfort levels in terms of clothing styles.
- Suggesting the selection of colors that are universally flattering and accommodating to various skin tones and body types.
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Flexibility and Exceptions:
- Recognizing potential resistance or valid reasons for non-compliance with dress requests.
- Advising couples to be prepared to make exceptions for guests who may face challenges adhering to specified attire guidelines.
By assimilating these concepts, couples can navigate the delicate task of guiding wedding guests on what to wear with finesse, ensuring a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing celebration. The overarching theme is one of consideration, communication, and flexibility to make the dress code guidance process a seamless and positive experience for all involved parties.
