vera wang at davids bridal2

Have you been invited to a wedding, but aren’t quite sure what to wear?

Deciphering an invitation can be tough – The “rules” are different for different times of day, as well as different formalities (informal, formal, etc.) In general, you’ll want to wear a dress (doesn’t need to be full-length unless it’s a very formal wedding) and just about any color goes except for white.

Here are a few tips from David’s Bridal:

  • Informal Daytime: Short dress or suit (business attire OK for morning weddings)
  • Informal Evening: Cocktail dress (which is any dressier dress — for example, a little black dress — that’s not full-length.)
  • Semi-Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit
  • Semi-formal Evening: Cocktail dress
  • Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit.
  • Formal Evening or Black-Tie: Long or dressy short cocktail (beading, glam accessories, wrap)
  • Ultra-formal or White Tie: Long gown, extra glitz (Costume Jewelry, faux diamonds, furs, etcŠ.)

Dos and Don’ts:

  • If you have to ask if it’s appropriate, it probably isn’t. Do use good judgment if the invitation doesn’t specify the formality of the event.
  • Don’t wear white because it competes with the bride, unless you ask her first, as a courtesy. There are plenty of other colors available. This rule may seem outdated, but it’s actually just good etiquette to not contend with the bride on her special day.
  • Anything too sparkly will make you look overdressed. Don’t wear black or sequins during the daytime.
  • Don’t worry about wearing the same colors as the bridesmaids or mothers. You can’t possibly coordinate with everyone in the wedding party.
  • Clubwear, overtly sexy clothing (strapless, see-through, etc) doesn’t belong at a wedding. A pastel suit or soft floral dress for daytime or a little black dress for evening (after 6 p.m.) will take you almost anywhere.
  • Casual can mean a pretty sundress (like for a coastal or beach wedding) but rarely means something as sloppy as jeans or shorts.