A wedding is an incredibly special celebration for the bride and groom, as well as their family and friends. If you want to join the couple and get your role right, it's important to know about the different dress codes, accessories and conduct that shapes the protocol for each type of wedding. Today, we're looking at day weddings.
Dress code for day weddings: how to choose the perfect look
What colours suit the dress code for a day wedding? What role does the bride's sister play? How should men dress? We answer all your burning questions below.
Guest dresses for a day wedding: options and recommendations
Dressing for a day wedding is not the same as dressing for an evening do. Or a beach wedding, or a church wedding. First things first: you need to respect the couple's wishes. And if there's no specific dress code, you need to follow the general protocol.
For day weddings, protocol dictates short dresses for most guests, leaving longer dresses for bridesmaids and maids of honour, the couple's sisters, and witnesses. Long jumpsuits or suits are chic alternatives that also work well at day weddings.
With so many short, midi or knee-length dresses to choose from, there's no need to fall for the charms of a cocktail dress. At a day wedding, you should wear a more restrained yet elegant, simple short dress in quality fabric. Pastel colours like blues, mauves or pinks are great, but feel free to go for something more striking. However, you should stay away from neon shades of turquoise, fuchsia or coral, especially at summer weddings.
Always avoid white for a day wedding – and even off-whites like ecru, beige and very soft powdery hues – these are strictly reserved for the bride. You should also avoid black. It may be your go-to for nights out, but it's not suitable for a day wedding, or any wedding really.
If you decide to wear a long dress for a day wedding, remember that the perfect guest's charm resides in simplicity. Avoid mermaid-style silhouettes that cling to your figure, as well as strapless or plunging necklines. This is especially true of religious weddings, where you need to respect the unwritten code and avoid showing your shoulders or flashing too much leg in an ultra-mini design.
Men's protocol for a day wedding: your guide for the right look
Men need to play by the rules too, following the day wedding dress code. This isn't the time to get out your tuxedo. Your best bet is to go for a dark suit combined with a shirt in a lighter shade. Always go for long sleeves; opt for plain fabric or subtle prints like thin stripes, depending on your personal style.
Day wedding protocol for men dictates safe colours like navy blue, grey or beige. You want your suit to look sharp, so make sure your trousers aren't too long and your jacket fits your shoulders; you don't want to look scruffy.
Now for the accessories. Ties are a must, and can be combined with a pocket scarf and a shirt for a really polished look. Shoes should be dark. Lace-up Oxford or Derby styles are the best for a sleek, sharp look.
Wedding etiquette dictates that a morning coat is obligatory for the groom, father of the groom and witnesses. These men of the moment can take it further, with pocket scarves and ties that match the wedding décor, achieving a coordinated, polished look sure to delight the stars of the day.
Day wedding hair ornaments protocol: when and how to wear them
If you want to get your accessories right, it's important to know the protocol for hair ornaments at a day wedding. For day weddings, standout hats and hair ornaments are absolutely allowed. In fact, they're the perfect accessory for an original guest look.
Sun hats are fine for day weddings, especially spring and summer weddings. Day wedding protocol dictates that you shouldn't take off your hair ornaments, either at the church ceremony or the reception. You'll be wearing them for a long time, so make sure you're comfortable. Of course, once the dancing gets underway, feel free to take it off. You'll be wearing your hair ornaments throughout the wedding, so you make sure you get them right.
Day wedding protocol for the sister of the bride: a key role
The bride's sister (and the groom's) plays a unique role at a wedding. Her starring role dictates a long dress, but it should always be in harmony with the day wedding dress protocol: she should avoid anything over-the-top, or too casual.
The bride's sister should opt for a long, elegant dress made in a quality fabric like silk, crêpe or satin. And it should either be plain or perfectly coordinated with the theme and colourway of the wedding.
The bride's sister is often in charge of giving an emotional reading for the bride and groom. It's far from obligatory, but it's a lovely way of demonstrating the special bond she shares with the protagonists. She may also act as a witness along with the bridesmaids.
Bridesmaids' protocol for a day wedding: how to dress and how to act
The bridesmaids tend to be the bride's closest friends and relatives. According to protocol, there should be two or more, but no more than ten, so choose well. They'll help the bride with all the details of the wedding and assist her on her quest for the perfect dress. They'll help her get ready for the big day, and make sure her veil is perfectly arranged.
And according to protocol, it is the bride's duty to choose her bridesmaids' dresses. In the past, the bridesmaids would all wear the same design, but it's more common now to wear the same colour and fabric in designs that suit each bridesmaid's figure. And, of course, all eyes should be on the bride, so it's important that they're discreet and elegant.
Conclusions: If you want the perfect wedding day, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the protocol
You now have all the tips you need for a day wedding. Follow our guide on clothing, accessories and the role of the bride's sister and bridesmaids, and your wedding is guaranteed to be a success; filled with emotion and remembered as an elegant and distinguished event.
