What to wear to a wedding reception?

Hello, lads and ladettes 👋

Struggling to know what to wear to your latest wedding reception invite? I (Chloe) vividly remember Callum and I standing in front of our closets, stressing over what to wear to a close friend’s reception, only to realize we’d be dancing all night, and we needed outfits that were equal parts chic and comfortable.

Dressing for a wedding reception isn’t just about showing off your style; it’s a form of respect for the couple’s big day. The venue, the time of day, and even the theme dictate what attire fits best. Are you heading to a rustic barn, a fancy hotel ballroom, or perhaps a garden soirée? Each of these calls for something slightly different.

We have broken down a helpful list of what to wear depending on the specifics of the wedding reception you have been invited to – check them out below!

What to wear to a wedding reception male?

Gentlemen, picking out the right outfit for a wedding reception can feel like a juggling act between formality, comfort, and style. Don’t worry—here’s a handy guide with bullet-point suggestions to help you choose the right attire based on the type of reception you’re attending:

1. Classic Wedding Reception (Formal/Black-Tie) 👔

For a traditional, formal reception, whether it’s in a grand ballroom or a stately venue, you’ll want to stick to classic elegance:

• Black tuxedo or dark-colored suit (navy or charcoal works well)
• Crisp white dress shirt
• Black bow tie or silk tie
• Polished black leather shoes (Oxfords or derbies)
• Optional: Cufflinks and a pocket square for a refined touch

2. Evening Wedding Reception 🕺

Evening receptions tend to be more formal but can offer room for creative flair:

• Dark-colored suit (navy, black, or deep charcoal)
• Crisp dress shirt (white or light blue)
• Solid or subtly patterned tie
• Polished dress shoes
• Optional: Pocket square and a classic wristwatch to complete the look

3. Beach Wedding Reception 🌊

Beach weddings are casual but still demand stylish, weather-appropriate outfits:

• Linen or cotton-blend light-colored suit (beige or light grey)
• Breathable button-down shirt (consider going tie-less)
• Loafers, boat shoes, or smart sandals (depending on the vibe)
• Optional: A straw fedora or stylish sunglasses for that cool, breezy feel

4. Rustic Outdoor Wedding Reception 🤠

For barn or garden weddings, a relaxed yet stylish outfit is the way to go:

• Chinos or tailored trousers in earthy tones (tan, olive, or navy)
• A button-down shirt (white or light blue works great)
• Blazer or tweed jacket for cooler weather
• Leather boots or brogues
• Optional: Suspenders for a vintage touch

5. Casual Wedding Reception 🔥

When the dress code is relaxed but you still want to look sharp:

• Chinos or dark jeans (make sure they’re fitted and smart)
• A polo shirt or button-up shirt with rolled sleeves
• Casual blazer or jacket
• Loafers or smart sneakers
• Optional: Belt to match your shoes, adding polish to the look

6. Destination Wedding Reception ☀️

For destination weddings, the location typically dictates the attire, but here’s a go-to guide:

• Lightweight, neutral suit (light grey, beige, or even pastel colors)
• Breathable cotton shirt (consider skipping the tie)
• Casual loafers or slip-on shoes
• Optional: A light scarf or linen pocket square for flair

What to wear to a wedding reception for women?

Choosing the right outfit for a wedding reception can be both fun and a bit daunting. The key is balancing style with the formality of the event, and of course, feeling comfortable while you celebrate. Here’s a breakdown of what you can wear to different types of wedding receptions, whether it’s a daytime event, a formal evening affair, or something more relaxed.

1. Classic Wedding Reception (Formal/Black-Tie) 👗

For a formal, classic wedding reception, you’ll want to elevate your look:

• Full-length evening gown (opt for rich fabrics like satin or silk)
• Elegant cocktail dress in dark or jewel tones (think navy, emerald, or burgundy)
• Heels or dressy sandals
• Statement earrings or a classy necklace for added glamour
• Optional: A sleek clutch and shawl or bolero if the event takes place in the cooler months

2. Evening Wedding Reception ✨

Evening receptions call for a more sophisticated and slightly formal outfit:

• Knee-length or midi cocktail dress (black, deep purple, or navy are great options)
• Jumpsuit in a luxurious fabric for a modern, chic alternative
• Strappy heels or elegant flats for comfort
• Delicate jewelry or a statement clutch
• Optional: A lightweight shawl or pashmina for evening breezes

3. Daytime Wedding Reception 👠

For a daytime reception, you can embrace lighter, softer tones and playful styles:

• Midi dress in pastel shades (blush pink, lavender, or soft yellow)
• A-line or fit-and-flare dress in floral or cheerful prints
• Wedges or kitten heels
• Simple, understated jewelry like stud earrings or a delicate bracelet
• Optional: A sunhat or chic fascinator if it’s an outdoor or garden wedding

4. Beach Wedding Reception 🌊

Beach weddings are usually more casual, but still require a polished look:

• Maxi dress in a light, flowy fabric (linen or chiffon are ideal)
• A stylish sundress with floral prints or tropical patterns
• Strappy sandals or espadrilles
• Minimalist jewelry (think dainty necklaces or beach-themed accessories)
• Optional: A floppy hat and sunglasses for a beach-chic vibe

5. Rustic Outdoor Wedding Reception 🚜

For a barn or garden reception, go for a romantic and relaxed style:

• Floral or lace midi dress (flowy skirts work well in outdoor settings)
• A boho-inspired maxi dress with a casual yet elegant look
• Flat sandals, wedges, or ankle boots (depending on the terrain)
• Flower crown or delicate hair accessories
• Optional: A lightweight cardigan or denim jacket for cooler evening weather

6. Casual Wedding Reception 🙋‍♀️

For a laid-back, casual wedding reception, keep it simple yet stylish:

• Midi or knee-length sundress (light colors or fun patterns)
• A jumpsuit in a soft fabric (perfect for a more laid-back vibe)
• Flats or sandals (opt for something with a bit of sparkle or metallic finish)
• Minimalist jewelry or layered necklaces for a casual chic touch
• Optional: A denim jacket or light shawl to dress it down if needed

7. Destination Wedding Reception ☀️

Destination weddings often have a relaxed atmosphere but still call for elegance:

• Flowy maxi dress or lightweight cocktail dress (in tropical or bold prints)
• A wrap dress in vibrant colors, perfect for hot climates
• Sandals or espadrilles (avoid heels if you’re dealing with sand or uneven terrain)
• Statement earrings or a bold necklace to add some flair
• Optional: A straw hat or sunhat to complete the destination look

8. Evening Wedding “Do” (After Party) 🍸

For evening “do” receptions, when things get more relaxed but the vibe remains festive:

• Cocktail dress with fun embellishments (sequins or velvet for added sparkle)
• A chic jumpsuit or fitted midi dress
• Block heels or stylish flats for dancing the night away
• Bold jewelry or statement clutch for a pop of personality
• Optional: A leather jacket or shawl for a more edgy, laid-back look

What to wear over dress for a wedding guest?

Chloe’s top tip:

Ladies, if you’re heading to a wedding where it’s likely to get chilly in the evening or the ceremony requires covered shoulders, you’ll need an elegant layer over your dress. A chic shawl, bolero, or even a light jacket can complete your outfit while ensuring you’re appropriately dressed. Pick something that complements your outfit in terms of both color and texture.

What to wear to a wedding reception only invite?

So, you’ve been invited to just the reception? Lucky you—no need to sit through the vows! But that also means your outfit should be balanced.

You don’t need to go all out as you would for the full day, but you still need to look sharp. Aim for semi-formal: a stylish cocktail dress for the ladies or a smart blazer and chinos for the guys.

Conclusion: Dress right for the occasion

No matter the type of wedding reception, choosing the right outfit is more than just about fitting in—it’s about feeling good while showing respect for the couple’s special day.

Whether you’re dressing for a formal evening event or a casual daytime celebration, the key is balancing comfort with style. So, dress to impress and, most importantly, enjoy yourself! ❤️

If you need any more help with wedding prep like knowing how long a wedding ceremony is, what is a wedding breakfast or what to wear to a winter wedding? We have loads more other helpful blog posts 😊