Wedding Guest Etiquette | What to Wear, What to Bring, and What to Avoid

A wedding is about celebrating love, having fun, and enjoying a special moment with the newlywed couple. We love wedding season! But if you haven’t been to many weddings, you might want to ensure you do all the right things as a respectful guest. After all, some special rules apply to weddings! For example, never wear white (that’s the bride’s color!) or bring an uninvited plus-one (if they aren’t named on the invite, they aren’t invited).

Here is everything about proper wedding guest etiquette, including what to wear, what to bring, and what to avoid.

Wedding Guest Etiquette: What to Wear, What to Bring, and What to Avoid

What to Wear

1. Follow the Dress Code – Check the wedding invitation for any specific dress code, such as black tie, cocktail, or casual. If in doubt, lean toward formal attire.
2. Avoid Wearing White – White (and sometimes ivory or champagne) is reserved for the bride. Opt for colors that complement the wedding’s theme instead.
3. Be Mindful of the Venue & Season – A beach wedding calls for breezy fabrics and sandals, while a winter wedding may require layering and formal coats.
4. Stay Comfortable – If you’ll be dancing all night, choose comfortable shoes or bring a backup pair.
5. Respect Cultural or Religious Traditions – Some weddings may have specific attire guidelines, such as covering shoulders or wearing certain colors.

What to Bring

1. A Wedding Gift – If you didn’t send a gift beforehand, bring a card with a heartfelt message or a gift from the couple’s registry.
2. Your Invitation & Venue Details – Keep the details handy in case you need directions or a schedule reference.
3. A Small Emergency Kit – Items like tissues, breath mints, and a safety pin can come in handy for unexpected moments.
4. Cash or Card for Extras – Some weddings may have cash bars or valet parking, so it’s good to be prepared.
5. A Great Attitude – The most important thing to bring is a positive and celebratory spirit!

What to Avoid

1. Don’t Arrive Late – Plan ahead to arrive on time. Walking in after the ceremony has started is distracting and disrespectful.
2. Avoid Overindulging – Enjoy the food and drinks, but know your limits to prevent embarrassing moments.
3. Don’t Bring an Uninvited Plus-One – Only bring a guest if your invitation explicitly includes a plus-one.
4. Skip Oversharing on Social Media – Some couples prefer privacy, so check if they have a hashtag or social media guidelines before posting. Also, never post too many details about the wedding until the couple has posted about it themselves.
5. Don’t Make It About You – This is the couple’s big day, so avoid unnecessary drama, complaining, or making major announcements (like engagements or pregnancies) at the wedding.

Wedding season is upon us! Which means it’s time to prepare all your outfits, travels, and wedding plans around your loved ones getting married. 💍

Dress appropriately, bring a thoughtful gift, and be mindful of your actions. By doing so, you’ll contribute to making the couple’s special day even more memorable. Way to be a great guest already and research all the best practices!