What is cocktail? You may ask. Cocktail may also be referred to as semi-formal attire. Typically dresses that should be worn are mid-length and do not fall above the knee or above the ankle.

Cocktail dresses for wedding guests offer a bit more flexibility. Men can opt for a dark suit and tie, while women can choose a stylish cocktail dress or a chic jumpsuit. Aim for something that strikes the perfect balance between formal and fun. There are so many options to choose from whether you prefer an A-line silhouette, LBD, wrap dresses or fitted styles, the cocktail dress code offers a delightful opportunity to showcase your personal style. Remember, cocktail weddings are all about mingling, so choose an outfit that's both sophisticated and comfortable.

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Casual weddings are the trickiest to navigate. It’s important to look put-together without appearing overly formal. Men can go for dress pants paired with a nice shirt, while women can choose casual dresses for wedding guests such as a sundress, mini dress, mid or maxi length style. Fabrics such as linen offer a luxurious and effortlessly elegant element which perfectly strikes the balance between casual and chic. Enjoy the celebration in comfort and style, think smart casual—but no jeans or flip-flops!

Beach weddings are a great excuse to embrace lighter fabrics and brighter colors. Men can go for linen pants and a light shirt, while women can choose a flowy or lightweight dress. Aim for a beach dress for wedding guests that combine style with comfort. Choose bright or pastel colors, paired with practical yet elegant accessories, to ensure you’re perfectly attired for the seaside celebration. Just be mindful of the wind and sand; shorter hemlines and sturdy shoes (or no shoes at all) are practical choices.

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Garden wedding guest dresses are all about embracing nature. Opt for floral prints and pastel colors. Men can wear a light suit or even a blazer with dress pants. Women might choose a garden party dress such as a maxi dress in light and flowing fabrics, or stylish jumpsuit. Choosing the right dress for a garden wedding is all about blending elegance with comfort, meaning outfits reflect the natural beauty and elegance of the surroundings. Don’t forget to consider the terrain—stilettos and grass don’t mix well.

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For a country wedding, channel your inner rustic chic and relaxed elegance. Men can wear dress pants with a tweed jacket, while women can opt for a dress with a touch of country charm—think lace, a soft floral print, and maxi dress styles. Choosing the right country wedding guest dress means blending comfort with a touch of elegance, ensuring you feel great and look fabulous in an outdoor rustic setting. Opt for comfortable shoes like boots, block heels or wedges - ditch the stilettos as they might sink into the ground. Bring a jacket for the cooler evenings and a bag that complements your dress while being both functional and stylish.

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Church weddings tend to be more traditional and come with a sense of reverence. Men should stick to a classic suit and tie, while women are required to maintain a stylish and refined appearance. Modesty is key when choosing a church wedding guest dress, so it is important to choose a mid or full-length dress to ensure you are appropriately covered for the setting. Opt for A-line styles, wrap or shift dresses that exude sophistication, elegance and comfort. It’s always a good idea to have a shawl or wrap handy, especially if the ceremony includes religious elements.

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Winery weddings offer a chance to play with rich colors and elegant styles as the picturesque backdrop calls for sophisticated yet relaxed attire. Men can go for a smart suit, while women can opt for a dress that blends elegance with natural beauty. Choosing a winery wedding guest dress means selecting maxi dresses, midi dresses, off-the-shoulder styles, A-line silhouettes, wrap and slip dresses. It is important to consider the specific winery setting. If it’s more rustic, you might opt for a slightly more casual dress; if it’s very upscale, aim for a more formal look. Since winery weddings often involve walking on grass or gravel, wedges or block heels are a practical choice to ensure you look stylish and appropriate for the occasion.

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Autumn weddings are perfect for embracing richer colours, earth tones and luxurious fabrics. Men can wear a dark suit, possibly with a wool or tweed texture, while women might choose a dress in deeper hues like burgundy, forest green, navy blue, burnt orange or plum. Autumn is the perfect season to showcase your style. When choosing an autumn wedding guest dress, consider colours, fabrics and styles that reflect the season's charm. Fabrics such as velvet, satin and chiffon will add depth and a sense of luxury to your wedding guest outfit. You may choose a long sleeve style to keep you warm during the transitioning season, a fitted style to hug the figure, or a fit-to-flare for that A-line silhouette. Ensure you accessorise with a wrap or elegant coat to keep yourself warm for outdoor or evening settings.

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Summer weddings are a wonderful opportunity to embrace light, airy fabrics and vibrant colours. Men should opt for lighter suits, possibly in shades of beige or light gray. When choosing a summer wedding guest dress, opt for the right fabrics, colours and styles to ensure you stay stylish and comfortable as you celebrarte love and joy under the warm sun. Summer calls for light and breathable dresses—think chiffon or cotton—in bright, vibrant or pastel colors. Make sure you accessorise accordingly to the weather to ensure you are protected from the sun and heat. Choose minimal jewellery that won't weigh you down in the heat and most importantly, don't forget your sunscreen and sunglasses!

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Winter weddings are all about embracing the cold weather in style and offer a unique opportunity to embrace rich fabrics, deep colours and elegant layers. Men can wear a dark, heavy suit with a stylish overcoat, while women embrace the season's elegance through long-sleeve dresses and warm accessories. When choosing a winter wedding guest dress, it is important to consider the setting to ensure you are dressed appropriately for the occasion. Enjoy the celebration in style by selecting fabrics such as velvet, satin or sequin and styles such as long sleeves or dresses with capes. Remember to accessorise accordingly, so don't forget to pack your chic coat or fur wrap to keep yourself warm and comfortable while looking fashionable during the cooler season.

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Spring weddings are a celebration of new beginnings marked by blooming flowers, meaning it is time to embrace fresh, vibrant colours. As this season offers a wonderful opportunity to embrace light, airy fabrics and playful patterns, this means that men can choose a lighter suit, possibly in pastel shades and women might opt for a floral dress or a maxi dress in a light, airy fabric. Spring is all about renewal, so let your outfit reflect the beauty of the season by choosing a spring wedding guest dress that embraces elegant details such as frills and ruffles, florals, one-shoulder styles, bright or pastel colours and A-line silhouettes. Spring weather can be unpredictable, so bring a lightweight shawl or wrap that complements your dress. It adds an extra layer of warmth and elegance to your spring wedding guest outfit.

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Before you embark on your journey to find outfits to wear to a wedding, let's go through the essential tips and tricks to wedding guest styling, so you'll never have to second-guess what to wear to a wedding reception again.

Before you raid your closet or embark on a shopping spree, take a good look at the invitation. Pay attention to any hints about the venue, time of day, and specified dress code. Deciphering these clues is your first step to styling success.

P.S. Unless specifically mentioned from the bride, remember that the colour white is always off limits.  

No matter the dress code, accessories can make or break your outfit. Just remember, less is often more—don’t let your accessories overshadow your outfit. Finally, confidence is your best accessory. Wear whatever makes you feel fantastic and comfortable, and you’ll not only look great but also enjoy the celebration to the fullest.