Wedding Guest Dresses

No — white, ivory and cream are universally understood to be reserved for the person getting married. Wearing any of these as a guest risks overshadowing the bride and is considered poor etiquette regardless of the dress style. This extends to heavily white-based prints too — a dress that reads as predominantly white from a distance is best avoided. If you're unsure whether a colour is too close to white, it probably is. Opt for any other colour and you're fine.

A flowy midi or maxi in a lightweight fabric is the most practical and appropriate choice for a beach or coastal wedding. Avoid stilettos — they'll sink into sand — and opt for wedges, block heels or dressy flat sandals instead. Light, breathable fabrics like chiffon, linen or georgette keep you comfortable in the heat. Soft colours, pastels and floral prints all suit the setting well. Skip anything too heavy, too structured or too formal — the vibe is relaxed but still dressed up.

Smart casual is one of the most common and confusing dress codes on Australian wedding invitations. It means polished but not formal — think a knee-length or midi dress in a nice fabric rather than a full gown or a casual sundress. A printed wrap dress, a tailored midi or a sleek linen style all hit the mark. Avoid anything too casual (a jersey dress, denim, thongs) or too formal (a floor-length gown, heavy sequins). When in doubt, dress slightly above what you'd wear to a nice restaurant.

Beyond white and ivory, there are a few other things worth avoiding. Overly casual outfits — jeans, a basic sundress, activewear — are a common misstep regardless of the dress code. Very revealing styles can feel inappropriate in a ceremony setting. Black used to be considered off-limits for weddings but is now widely accepted — just style it in a way that reads as celebratory rather than funereal. Also avoid matching the wedding party colours if you know them — it can look like you're trying to be part of the bridal party.

Time of day is one of the most useful signals for what to wear. Daytime weddings — particularly outdoor or garden ceremonies — suit lighter fabrics, softer colours and more relaxed silhouettes like a floral midi or a wrap dress. Evening weddings allow for more drama — deeper colours, elevated fabrics like satin or lace, and more formal silhouettes are all appropriate. A floor-length style is more at home at an evening event than a daytime one. The general rule: the later the wedding starts, the more formal your outfit can be.