There are few invitations more exciting than a wedding, and few that prompt quite so many “but what on earth do I wear?” moments. Whether you have been invited to the ceremony, the evening celebration or the whole wonderful day, finding an outfit that feels like you, polished, comfortable, and quietly show-stopping, should be the easy part. That is where we come in. At Bonmarché, we have spent years helping women feel their most confident at life’s loveliest occasions, so whether you lean towards a smart jumpsuit or a figure-flattering dress, you will find a wedding guest outfit, elegant accessories and comfortable yet stylish shoes to pull the whole look together. If the bride and groom have not set a dress code, don’t panic. Keep reading for ready-to-wear outfit ideas to suit every kind of wedding, from grand formal affairs to relaxed, intimate gatherings, plus a little practical guidance on dress codes, colours to think twice about and how to feel fabulous at any age.
If you love the confidence boost of a beautiful dress, you are in good company. A wedding is the perfect excuse to choose something that makes you feel a million dollars, and our wedding guest dresses are designed to flatter, in shapes and lengths that move with you and stay comfortable from ceremony to last dance. For a timeless look, a wedding guest midi dress in a bold floral or a jewel tone strikes the balance between celebratory and elegant. Prefer something softer? A wrap-style dress gently defines the waist and suits almost everyone. Pair a brighter dress with a shoe in one of its accent shades, or keep things understated with a neutral wedge and let the dress do the talking.
If you prefer something tailored, a trouser suit is a brilliant alternative to a dress, smart, comfortable and effortlessly modern. Build the look from our smart or wide-leg trousers paired with a co-ordinating jacket, then add a pretty camisole or blouse underneath. It takes you from a daytime ceremony straight through to the evening with nothing more than a change of shoe or a bolder lip. Strappy sandals or a block heel finish a trouser suit perfectly, while a longline jacket adds a polished, lengthening line.
A jacket is the most versatile thing in any wedding guest wardrobe. Worn over a dress or with your trousers, an edge-to-edge or longline jacket keeps a formal finish while keeping the breeze (or a touch too much sun) off your shoulders. Look for a flattering neckline and a length that sits well with your outfit, and you have a piece you will wear long after the confetti has settled.
You should never have to choose between comfort and style, especially not on a day that involves standing, walking and (hopefully) dancing. Choose slip-on moccasins or a low block heel for all-day ease, or a slightly higher heel to elongate the leg if you will be sitting more than standing. Neutral shades in tan, black or beige work with everything, while a subtle metallic adds quiet sparkle to an evening look.
The finishing touches are where an outfit becomes yours. A neat crossbody or a structured clutch holds the essentials (lipstick, tissues, a little confetti) while keeping your hands free for hugs and prosecco. Pick a bag that either matches your outfit for a tonal finish or clashes prettily for a pop of contrast. From there, let jewellery and a hat or fascinator do the rest. Statement earrings lift a simple neckline, and a hat is the perfect formal flourish for a church or registry-office ceremony.
A couple of gentle guidelines save any worry on the day. Avoid white, ivory and cream (the bride’s territory), and check with the couple before wearing all-black, which some still consider too sombre, though a black dress with colourful accessories is widely accepted today. Steer clear of anything too casual like denim and beachwear, unless the invitation invites it, and if the ceremony is in a place of worship, a wrap or jacket to cover the shoulders is a thoughtful touch.
With wedding season never far away, we hope this guide has taken the guesswork out of dressing and left you feeling inspired. Whatever the invitation calls for, Bonmarché has a full range of wedding guest outfits and new-season styles to help you feel comfortable, confident and absolutely fabulous.