Wedding SZN Is Here, And You’ll Want To Wear One Of *These* Affordable Dresses (2024)

FAQs

What are people wearing to weddings in 2024? ›

Soft pastels, romantic neutrals, and vibrant jewel tones are all trending colors for wedding attire in 2024, reflecting a mix of traditional elegance and modern sophistication.

Women wedding guests should wear full-length dresses, be it a ballgown, a sheath or an A-line dress. High heels are strongly recommended. Feel free to accessorize with opulent jewelry and even elbow-length white silk gloves.

WEDDING GUEST

When it comes to colours, traditionally, white, black or red is a faux pas! To be prudent, opt for soft or bold shades of pink, green, yellow or blue. Think print too.

Bright colors, floral prints and bold patterns reflect the happy feeling that defines this sun-filled season. But don't forget the most important rule when it comes to wedding guest attire: don't wear white. You don't want to cause any confusion as to who the bride is.

co*cktail & Semi-Formal Summer Wedding Attire

Depending on the time of the event, you'll want to dress somewhere between formal and casual for a semi-formal or co*cktail attire summer wedding. Wear darker, more formal hues for an evening soiree; opt for light colors and fabrics for daytime nuptials.

Semi-formal might be the most common wedding dress code. Think date night at the nicest restaurant in your town. Men should definitely wear slacks and a dress shirt but they can choose if they'd like to wear a tie and sport jacket or not. Women should wear a nice dress, skirt, or pants.

Women should wear a floor-length gown that does not reveal the ankles, in sumptuous fabrics like silk and organza. If the wedding seems a bit less formal, however, a sophisticated co*cktail dress might be acceptable, but be sure to consult with the bride first.

"When it says casual, men could show up in pants and a blazer with no tie—or maybe not a jacket at all—but just a nice shirt and a pair of slacks. Women can wear a nice sundress or dress, a jumpsuit or even a two-piece set," says Julie Sabatino, bridal stylist and founder of The Stylish Bride.

As long as it's not considered culturally inappropriate or against the dress code, you can wear black to a wedding. Depending on where the couple is exchanging vows, which season their special day is taking place in, and what time of day everything begins, black may or may not be your best color option.

While attitudes to footwear are becoming more laidback at weddings, the cardinal rule persists—never wear white attire to a wedding. So if you're opting for white shoes, make sure they're combined with a dress or suit that's anything but that color. Leave white to the bride and don't steal her thunder.

Is it OK to wear wedding colors as a guest? ›

Lizzie Post, host of the podcast Awesome Etiquette from the Emily Post Institute, says that no guest should ever feel embarrassed if they happen to wear the same color as the bridesmaids, but they can ask in advance what the colors will be if they're concerned about it.

Casual weddings are all about relaxed style. Pick from cotton, linen, or viscose dresses and jumpsuits, but remember, no jeans or t-shirts. Dress up your fanciest everyday outfit, like pairing a silk camisole with summer trousers.

Spaghetti straps, cold shoulder and playsuits are also all appropriate, and you'll be able to play a lot more with colour when it comes to a smart casual dress code as well.

However, short does not mean revealing. This means although a mini dress could be acceptable, it's best to avoid something that could be revealing, and not something you would want to wear around the bride or groom's grandparents. Like with any outfit at a wedding, you don't want it to overshadow the newly weds.

Peach Fuzz also holds extra special significance as 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of Pantone's Wedding Colour of the Year. So, to celebrate this longstanding tradition and vibrant hue, we're offering ideas on how to incorporate Peach Fuzz into every facet of your dream wedding, making it an affair to remember.

Airy, cool tones like lilac, periwinkle and lavender are bringing a breath of fresh air for 2024. These delicate hues naturally blend with other pastels for spring and summer wedding palettes, but for fall and winter weddings, you can add depth and contrast by using dark blue, emerald or black accent colors.

Arguably the biggest trend of the spring 2025 bridal season was drop waist silhouettes — a nod to the midcentury couture volumes prominent in the actual couture shows in Paris. Monique Lhuillier and Lein showed options with full skirts in tulle, while Lihi Hod used lace for a pannier-like design.

1) Do Consider the Wedding Dress Code

Black Tie: floor length gowns, black ties, tuxedos. Formal: floor length gowns, tuxedos optional, black suits acceptable. Semi-Formal: below the knee dresses, dress shirts, slacks. Casual: sundresses, collared shirts, khakis.