Many people love weddings.
Besides witnessing two people make their vows and enjoying a good party, weddings are a chance for us to get dressed up.
As such, many will go up and down to ensure they look their best. But as a guest, how many outfits can you wear?
Is It OK for Guests to Change Outfits Between the Wedding Ceremony and the Reception?
Wearing one outfit for the entire day has always been the protocol. But guests can also change their outfits, especially if there is a good reason. For instance, if the wedding ceremony takes place in the morning and the reception is in the evening, changing your outfit makes sense. Also, if the reception features a pool party, you may be forced to carry a different outfit.
But again, remember that carrying an outfit to change into may be quite a burden and sometimes may seem awkward.
So, research the wedding and talk to the couple first.
Three Pros of Changing Your Outfits
Changing your outfits between the ceremony and reception offers various benefits.
1. Multiple Fashion Looks
One is that you can incorporate different fashion looks during the same day.
This is great, especially if you were undecided between two outfits. Changing allows you to wear both outfits.
2. Freedom
Additionally, you can get more freedom to dance and let loose. Guests tend to wear formal outfits to the ceremony.
But while they look fantastic, these garments can make it hard to dance and enjoy the time.
Having an outfit you can change, especially if you plan on staying in the reception till late, is your best bet.
3. Diversity
Lastly, it can add diversity to wedding photos.
But this is a benefit that is mostly reserved for newlyweds.
You can be photographed great pictures at the ceremony with your outfit one and the reception with outfit two.
Remember, you can always change the shoes and accessories to spice things up.
Four Considerations When It Comes To Changing Outfits
1. Check With The Couple
The first thing to do before deciding to carry another outfit to the wedding is to ask the couple whether changing your outfit will be appropriate.
If you can’t access them, ask the maid of honor or any bridal party member.
You may think changing your outfit is cool, but the bride may not love the idea. So, ask about it first to avoid awkwardness.
2. Pay Attention To Wedding Theme
If they give you the go-ahead, you can bring the outfit you plan to change, but please keep the wedding theme in mind.
You don’t want to ruin the feel of the wedding because of an outfit change.
However, the theme might not be that important if the ceremony and receptions are numerous hours apart.
For instance, if the ceremony is at 1.00 pm and the reception is at 6.00 pm, chances are that most people won’t notice your outfit change.
So it is probably, no one will care.
3. Formality
When choosing your second outfit, consider the event’s formality.
If the reception is formal, you don’t want to annoy the newlyweds by showing up in appropriate wear. So, research to find out how the reception is planned.
4. When To Change Outfits
Lastly, decide when to change.
Will you do it immediately after the ceremony or wait until you are at the reception? Remember that changing an outfit can be inconvenient.
But figuring out at what point you will change is one way to simplify things. You don’t have to change immediately if the ceremony and reception are far apart.
Three Things To Remember When Dressing for a Wedding
1. Don’t be Underdressed
Please remember this point as it is important for any event. It is unlikely that people will say you are too smart at a wedding.
But when you are poorly dressed, you will stand out for the wrong reasons.
Skip the jeans and t-shirts when going to a wedding. You will look out of place. But, before deciding what to wear, know the wedding dress code.
Some couples ask their guests to wear a certain style, while some don’t. In the first case, you’ll need to maintain the theme, so you don’t look different.
2. Dress for the Occasion
Usually, when you ask a couple what to wear to their wedding, they will respond with, “wear what you want.”
But don’t take the statement literally.
You don’t want to appear as if you didn’t make any effort to decide on your outfit.
3. The Wedding Colors Are Not for the Guests
Some people wear the same colors the bride has chosen for her bridal party. But please note that the color scheme is reserved for the bridal party.
Therefore, if you are not at the bridal party, it’s better to avoid matching them.
Remember, the main actors on this day are the bridal party.
And they wear the same color so other people can distinguish them.
You and other guests are there to watch them. Therefore, if the invite doesn’t mention a color scheme, opt for other colors you are comfortable with.
Four Items Not to Wear to a Wedding
1. White Dress
This goes without saying.
Leave anything white-ish to the bride, as she deserves to stand out during her day.
2. Outfits Outside The Dress Code
Your appearance at the wedding is to honor the couple getting married. As such, you need to be respectful and appropriate for the event.
Take time to determine what you should and shouldn’t wear to that particular event.
You don’t want to be in a short ball dress when everyone is wearing a cocktail dress. If you are unsure, always ask the bridesmaid for help.
3. Your Everyday Sneakers And Jeans
Even if the dress code is casual, please avoid wearing T-shirts, jeans, shorts and such clothing to a wedding. Dress formally for this event, even if you won’t wear a tie or suit.
4. Loud And Flashy Outfits
Don’t outshine the bride and the groom. Remember, this is their day.
So ball gowns, very high heels, and sparkly tiaras are a no.
Such dressing will steal the attention of the bride, which is rude. Don’t make a bold fashion statement at a wedding.