Got a wedding invitation? Congratulations, you'll be able to cry over vows of eternal love, eat foie gras at 4 p.m., and dance to "Les démons de minuit" without shame. But before you think about the buffet... you'll have to dress. And not just any old way. Not as if you were going grocery shopping, nor as if you were taking your baccalaureate. You have to find the happy medium. Good taste. Elegance. And avoid upstaging the bride and groom (or worse: getting noticed for the wrong reasons).
Whether you're a man, a woman, non-binary, a cousin of the groom, or just a +1, here's the complete, detailed , and caring guide to how to dress for a wedding . We promise you concrete, practical advice and 0% fashion jargon.
Yes, it's possible! Just as you can change your wedding dress for a new ceremony, you can also change your marital regime after two years of marriage (or even before in some cases). You simply need to go through the notary, and sometimes obtain the judge's approval if you have minor children.
And when there is one, we don't joke about it.
A beach wedding? Avoid 12-inch heels and three-piece tuxedos, thank you. A country wedding? Ultra-strict suits and ties aren't the style. A black-tie ceremony? Then again, we're bringing out outfits worthy of a César ceremony.
Respecting the dress code means avoiding:
To look disguised
To attract embarrassed glances
To annoy the bride (and you never want to annoy a bride)
And if there's no dress code listed, don't panic. Follow our tips to find the perfect outfit, whatever the circumstances.
Dressing for a wedding as a woman is like playing Tetris: it has to be a balance of elegance, comfort, weather, personal style, and sometimes even a bohemian wedding dress . And above all, there are pitfalls to avoid...
The dress remains a safe bet , whether it's short, midi or long. But be careful, not just any dress.
We avoid white : reserved for the bride, period.
Black? Yes, but only if the dress is festive. Don't look like you're going to a funeral, please.
Pastel, bright, or floral colors? All great options.
Too sexy? We're keeping a little mystery, even if it's tempting to break out the full-back dress.
No obligation. Palazzo pants , a nice suit , a flowing jumpsuit are just as chic and often more comfortable. The trick is to focus on flattering cuts and breathable materials.
10 cm heels are impressive... until the first sprain on the gravel of the town hall. Opt for shoes that you have already tried , and ideally with a small stable heel or wedges . And if you are team sneakers, why not at the end of the evening, but we start the day at least a little dressed up.
A pretty bag , some sparkly earrings , a colorful clutch , or even an elegant hat if it's a rustic ceremony... have fun! But don't go overboard. Too much is too much.
Men have fewer choices, yes, but no fewer responsibilities. A wedding is not the time to bring out your old high school suit, any more than it is the opportunity for her to give up her princess wedding dress .
The suit is almost essential , except for ultra-casual dress codes. But:
We choose it well cut , not too wide, not too tight
Classic colors like navy blue, light gray, beige are safe bets
No full black (except black tie evenings), you are not a server
What if you're feeling hot? A linen jacket or light-colored suit is perfect for a summer wedding.
White, sky blue, or even a discreet print: no need to go overboard, but avoid wrinkled office shirts or garish holiday-shirt-style patterns.
Not mandatory, unless the dress code requires it. A bow tie gives a more original look, while a tie remains more classic. But never a skinny black tie in a banker's hurry style , unless you want to be mistaken for the DJ.
Derby shoes, Oxfords , or brogues are perfect. And please: no sneakers with a suit, and no loafers without socks unless you're in Italy.
Kids at a wedding are adorable. But only if they're comfortable in their clothes. There's no point in forcing them into a mini-prince outfit, an overly elaborate mermaid wedding dress , or a mini-model if they're only going to end up in shorts and a T-shirt after an hour.
Little girls: flowing dresses, pretty sandals, floral headbands
Little boys: smart Bermuda shorts, light shirt, clean sneakers
The goal? For them to be able to run, dance, and jump without knocking over the buffet.
Is your wedding taking place in winter, midsummer, or spring? There's no need to suffer (or shiver) to look chic. Here's how to adapt your look.
Choose light materials : linen, cotton, muslin
Dare to use light colors , it's good for the eyes and body temperature.
Stylish sun protection : stylish sunglasses, lightweight hat
Layer up! Dress + tights + chic coat = winning combo
Gentlemen: waistcoat under the suit, long coat, thin scarf
Be careful with snow boots , even if they are tempting. We maintain a stylish look.
Choose clothes that are easy to remove or add: a small jacket , shawl , light blazer , etc. We anticipate weather variations without ruining our outfit.
We've given you a lot of advice, but here's the blacklist of mistakes to avoid . Because yes, there are pitfalls.
It's been said before, but we'll say it again: white is sacred, especially when it comes to a short wedding dress . It's the bride's exclusive domain. Unless otherwise stated, no touching.
You can be seductive without showing it all. There's a lot of room between a sheer minidress and a satin crop top.
If your outfit screams "I'm going to an after-party," it's a no-go. Weddings are about parties, not Ibiza 2009.
Unless the wedding is with your feet in the sand , it's a no. Even if you have really nice calves.
Impeccable attire at 3 p.m. is good. Still decent attire at 2 a.m. is better.
A spare top , a pair of flat shoes for dancing, a jacket for the way home ... it can save your evening.
Small, discreet kit with: safety pins, wipes, deodorant, lint roller, blister plasters... You'll thank us later.
There are mistakes in taste, and there are mistakes in reading the context. Here's a little reminder for the more forgetful.
This is n't your day , even if you lost 6 kg before summer or bought the dress of your dreams. Save it for another occasion if it's too flashy.
There's nothing worse than realizing on the big day that your pants are tight at the waist or your dress is riding up as soon as you walk. Test it at home.
Yes, your outfit is stunning… but if it's raining and you're wearing open leather sandals, it's going to quickly become less glamorous (here are some helpful tips on that here ).
There, you have a special mission. And sometimes, additional requirements. It's common for the bride and groom to impose a color, theme, or style.
Play the game: it’s a sign of trust!
Try to coordinate with other witnesses: for photos, it's better
And above all, be comfortable: you will be moving, helping, wearing rings, dancing...
Ultimately, dressing for a wedding is a fine balance between respecting codes and self-expression . You don't need to look like a celebrity on a red carpet. You just need to be elegant , appropriate , and comfortable .
And above all, remember: the most important thing is not that everyone says “wow” when they see you arrive, it’s that you can enjoy yourself, dance, laugh, without pulling on your dress or adjusting your bow tie every ten minutes.
So, breathe in, breathe out, open your closet (or your shopping app), and find THE outfit. You'll look perfect. I promise.