What to Wear to a Casual Wedding

With smaller guest lists, menus featuring comfort food favorites, and details that emphasize connection over grandeur, casual weddings tend to be marked by being more laid-back than lavish. This often means that the newlyweds can be more present with their guests and actually enjoy the experience rather than worrying about what’s next on their timeline. For guests, the only thing that really changes is what they wear.

While a casual ceremony and reception may seem simple, it’s still a celebration worthy of looking your best for, and the couple expects that guests will arrive appropriately dressed for the occasion. Have you received an invitation to a casual wedding and are wondering what to wear? We asked an expert in fashion and wedding styling to help define and recommend what to wear for a wedding with a casual dress code request so that you can select an outfit that doesn't err on the side of too informal or dressy.

Ahead, with the help of personal stylist Yasmin Moinian, we’ll outline the basics of casual wedding dress code and help you nail the laid-back look.

What Is Casual Wedding Attire for Men and Women? 

Casual wedding attire is clothing that’s comfortable and easy to dance in—nothing fussy or over the top. Casual weddings are often (but not always) held outdoors, so this style of attire should be something that works during the day and at night regardless of temperature shifts. When choosing what to wear, sometimes it’s easier to start with what not to wear: Avoid jeans, shorts, tank tops, and tennis shoes, unless the invitation specifically says otherwise. Sandals are tricky, as some might consider them too casual for an event like a wedding, while others say sandals are the obvious choice for casual beach nuptials. Again, rely on the invitation to steer you in the right direction.

To play it safe, Moinian recommends women wear a wedge or block heel. For men, a casual loafer gives off a relaxed look that goes perfectly with a casual wedding. What's more, your attire will be dependent on the season and temperature. What you might wear to a beach wedding is completely different from what you’d wear to a backyard affair in the fall. 

In the spring and summertime, stick to lightweight fabrics. “Men in navy, cream, or white linens is great casual attire,” says Moinian. “For women, floral dresses are a great example as well for warmer weather.” In the fall, a casual suit (tie optional) or a blazer and dress pants, in a dark hue, are both appropriate options. For women, Moinian suggests a midi dress in a silk or chiffon fabric. If it's chilly, feel free to add a sweater on top. Play around with funky fabrics, patterns, and accessories to make your casual look more unique and reflective of your own personal style. As far as designers go, some of Moinian’s go-to brands include Christopher Esber, Staud, and Loewe. 

To make your ensemble more special, add little touches that give a nod to the wedding theme (if the couple has one). For a beachy wedding, wear palm tree-themed accessories or consider a fishtail braid for your hair. 

Casual Wedding Attire Etiquette

If the wedding invitation says casual attire, the couple is probably expecting that at least a few guests will test the boundaries on both sides of the spectrum. It’s easy to go overboard—it is a wedding, after all!—but don’t overthink it. “[The] basic dress code for a casual wedding would be [to not wear] something overbearing,” says Moinian. “Don’t go above and beyond. Just an easy dress that you could wear day or night.”

There’s a common belief that it's always better to be overdressed than under-dressed at a wedding, which is true for the most part, but if the event is more informal, there's a good chance that the couple is wearing no-fuss attire. The last thing you want to do is upstage the newlyweds by wearing an elaborate gown or extravagant tuxedo, which is easier to do at a casual wedding than at a formal occasion. 

Consider the couple, their preferences, and what they would consider casual if you’re hung up on what to wear. The answer should be fairly obvious given your relationship with the couple, especially if the ceremony has a smaller guest list, which means they consider you to be a close and personal friend. When in doubt, text someone else who’s going and ask for their opinion.