Casual wedding attire might be one of the most debated dress codes printed on a wedding invitation. After all, the words casual and wedding could feel like a bit of an oxymoron—even at the most laid-back affair, there should still be a certain level of elevation to a guest’s ensemble out of respect for the gravity of this major life event. When choosing to plan a casual or dressy casual wedding, a couple is asking for their guests to take a more relaxed approach to their style, yet likely would prefer you wear a step up (or two) from flip-flops and jean shorts.
Ahead, we break down everything to know about what to wear to a casual wedding as a guest.
What Does Casual Wedding Attire Actually Mean
If a wedding invitation arrives and dictates you should arrive in “casual attire,” there’s no need to pull a gown out of your closet. “Casual wedding attire, or ‘come as you are,’ is the host’s permission to skip formalities—but it s not an invitation to arrive unpolished,” advises creative director and stylist Carrie Goldberg of CLG Creative. “Casual events are intended to make guests feel at ease, and relieve the pressure of dressing up for a low-key welcome party, backyard ceremony, or recovery brunch.” She adds, “When thinking about dressing for a casual wedding, consider this a step down (or two) from cocktail attire. Heels and ties are not required.”
Dos and Don’ts of Dressing for a Casual Wedding
A casual wedding dress code is definitely not as rigid as black tie—yet you still should understand the nuance that comes with these more relaxed guidelines. “While the attire may read casual, be mindful to dress in a way that respects the celebration you’re attending,” says Goldberg. “Your favorite athleisure for running errands isn’t what the couple intends for you to arrive in; instead, think of the type of look you d wear to a nice dinner party or weekend lunch with friends.” If a casual wedding event is in your future, it’s best to generally steer clear of flip-flops, graphic tees, and blue denim (unless it fits the venue).
A good rule of thumb? “Skip anything too rumpled or sporty and focus on ease and effortlessness,” says the stylist. “The idea of a casual wedding is to allow guests to shop their closets rather than feeling the pressure to buy something new for the occasion (unless, of course, they’d like to!).”
Casual Wedding Outfit Ideas for Women
Keeping your wedding look casual means you have lots of flexibility to wear those styles you love to wear when you want to feel put-together but not necessarily formal. “Easy dresses are your go-to for a casual wedding—be it a colorful summer maxi, a sleek slip dress, or a top and pants you d otherwise save for dinner on your next vacation,” advises Goldberg. “If the event is taking place at a venue that implies a mood or dress code, ‘casual’ is your invitation to lean into your surroundings—be it denim for a ranch wedding, a floral-printed midi for your friend’s backyard, or a breezy caftan for a party at a beach club.”
Casual Wedding Attire for Men
Men attending a casual wedding can safely select a button-down shirt and slacks for their ensemble. While a polo is an appropriate choice, avoid anything in a sporty “golf shirt” material. “For men, casual does not require a jacket and tie, but for those who enjoy dressing up, a sports jacket won’t have you feeling out of place,” says Goldberg. To make a suit feel more casual, you can also opt to wear a crisp white t-shirt as a layering piece. If attending a summer wedding, a pair of tailored shorts could also be appropriate for your look. As for footwear, lean towards styles like loafers, boat shoes, or dress sneakers. “If you re opting for sneakers, choose an all-leather pair that looks clean and fresh rather than anything overly athletic,” Goldberg adds. As for guests that are non-binary, it’s best to adhere to what feels best for your own gender presentation within these above guidelines.
Casual Wedding Dress Code Tips
There are a few other places of nuance within a casual wedding dress code you should be aware of. As Goldberg mentioned, the location can play a lot into how you should observe a dress code. Beach wedding guest attire can call for more sandals and resortwear adjacent looks. A garden wedding dress code might imply that floral prints and light, pastel colors are apropos. Similarly, the time of day a wedding event occurs affects the dress code. Daytime wedding outfits can lean slightly more relaxed than a nighttime affair. When selecting your look, think about how you may dress differently for a nice lunch out versus a dinner. And, when in doubt, choose the slightly more tailored ensemble.
