When it comes to picking out the perfect spring wedding attire, you’ll want to choose light fabrics, layers, and spring-ready colors or patterns like pastels and florals. Beyond these basic parameters, you’ll also want to consider the formality and dress code of the event, as well as where the wedding will take place so you can adjust your outfit based on if it’s indoors or outdoors.
Still unsure as to what outfit you should pick? We’re here to help with our guide to what to wear to a spring wedding. Find our tips for picking out the best wedding guest attire that’s stylish, suitable for the event, and comfortable, even with the fluctuating temperatures and weather that often accompanies spring weddings.
What You Will Learn
Etiquette for a Spring Wedding: What to Wear Based on the Formality
When picking a wedding guest outfit, you should always consider the event’s dress code first and foremost, since it can vary widely from formal to semi-formal, cocktail, or casual.
If you’re unsure of the wedding dress code, you may be able to find this info on the couple’s wedding website or your invitation. Or, simply ask the bride or groom what they expect their guests to wear.
Formal Spring Wedding Attire
Formal weddings may be black tie, white tie, or black tie optional. White tie weddings are the most formal of all, requiring gowns and tuxes with tails. Meanwhile, black tie weddings require tuxes but no tails, or a floor-length dress. With a black tie optional dress code, you may wear a tuxedo, but it’s not required.
However, a couple may not specify if their wedding is any of these particular dress codes; they may simply suggest that guests wear generic formal attire. In this case, consider it black tie optional, allowing for suits and ties or floor-length dresses.
To make your formal wedding outfit appropriate for spring, incorporate bright colors or pastels where possible, such as when picking a dress or when picking accessories such as a tie, pocket square, or cufflinks.
Cocktail Spring Wedding Attire
For weddings with a cocktail dress code, you can expect a more relaxed atmosphere than black or white tie. As denoted by the name, cocktail dresses are entirely appropriate at these events, and while you can still wear suits, tuxes would be out of place; even a tie isn’t necessary.
When picking a cocktail dress for a spring wedding, avoid dark colors or cocktail dresses that you might wear to a business event or date night (e.g., the little black dress) and instead go for something a little more fun and bright, such as florals.
Semi-Formal Spring Wedding Attire
A semi-formal wedding dress code is even more relaxed. While you can still wear a cocktail dress or suit in this scenario, other dress clothes are also appropriate, such as dressy skirts and tops or slacks.
Casual Spring Wedding Attire
Lastly, a casual wedding is the least formal of all. Options here include sundresses or a similarly casual outfit, as well as khakis, dress pants, and dress shirts along with a simple sports jacket.
While you can have a little more fun and show off your personal style here, avoid going overly casual at this type of spring wedding. For example, avoid sandals (unless the wedding is taking place on a beach) as well as shorts.
What to Wear to a Spring Garden Wedding
Garden party weddings are very popular in the springtime, when the flowers are in full bloom and everyone’s excited to be outside after a long winter. As such, it’s great to wear bright or pastel colors, including florals, as well as fabrics suitable for the weather.
However, keep in mind that you’ll naturally be outdoors at this type of wedding, so you’ll want to dress appropriately for the weather when planning your wedding guest look.
If the wedding is later in the season and the temperature is expected to be warmer, opt for breathable and light fabrics such as linen, chiffon, or cotton. If the wedding is earlier in the season and the temperature is expected to be colder, bring layers that you can add or remove as needed, in the form of a stylish formal jacket, cardigan, or shawl.
Additionally, keep in mind that you may be walking around on uneven surfaces, such as grass or pavement. As such, think about smart footwear choices. Your best bet is a pair of flats, wedges, or block heels, rather than unsteady skinny heels.
What to Wear to a Spring Destination Wedding
Destination weddings vary in terms of formality and dress code, so you’ll always want to consider the location and its climate as well as the setting. For example, is the wedding in a castle or on the beach?
If the wedding is being held at a European castle and it’s in the evening, you can probably expect a more formal dress code and cooler temperatures, making a full suit or floor-length dress appropriate. However, you can still spring-ify your outfit by incorporating bright or pastel colors.
In contrast, if the wedding is being held on a Caribbean beach, you can expect a more relaxed atmosphere and less formal outfits like sundresses and linen shirts and pants.
Colors to Wear to a Spring Wedding
Break out the florals and pastels — here are the best colors to wear to a spring wedding:
One rule though: don’t wear bright neon colors. And obviously avoid white as well as black (unless the wedding is being held in the evening and is formal).
When in doubt as to what color to wear to any wedding, jewel tones like emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, and amethyst are always a great choice. They generally look good on everyone and are suitable for most weddings.
Spring Wedding Guest Attire FAQs
Can You Wear Black to a Spring Wedding?
You should only wear black if the wedding is held at night and the dress code is formal.
What Color Should You Pick for Spring Dresses to Wear to a Wedding?
When looking for dresses to wear to a spring wedding, choose options in pastels like baby blue or pink, or go for floral prints.
Do You Have to Buy a New Entire Outfit for Every Wedding?
No, you can usually pull together your overall look by picking classic pieces from your existing wardrobe. That is, unless the wedding is formal and you don’t already own a tuxedo or gown.
Who Chooses the Wedding Guest Wardrobe?
The bride and groom usually specify the wedding dress code, dictating what the individuals attending their big day can or cannot wear. You can usually find this information on the invitation or the couple’s wedding website.
Do You Have to Follow the Wedding Dress Code?
While it’s unlikely that you’ll be booted from the wedding if you fail to follow the dress code, it’s considered in very poor taste to ignore it, and you may find that you stick out from the other guests.
No Matter the Season, Every Wedding Needs Event Insurance
Regardless of the season or location, a wedding can benefit from a comprehensive insurance policy. Without it, the married-couple-to-be can be left susceptible to financial loss related to cancellations, vendor no-shows, personal injuries, property damages, and more.
Learn more about wedding insurance and get a quick, free quote from BriteCo now.
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