What to Wear to Every Kind of Wedding

Words by Eleanor Hibberd and Sophia Miller

Wedding guest dress codes are one of the great ambiguities of life. Learning the subtle nuances that define each occasion – from topiary-lined English gardens to see-and-be-seen city receptions – is a good place to start your outfit planning as the invitations stack up.

Among the more traditional wedding venues, the manicured lawns of a stately home often mean the most formal dress codes of the season. Here, it’s safest to stick with maxi- and midi-length dresses – they’re both elegant and breezy enough to wear on a warm summer’s day. Spring/Summer 2025’s occasionwear trends offer plenty of inspiration, with florals, polka dots and pastels all looking right at home in lush English gardens. A formal countryside wedding may also call for headwear, so be sure to think about matching millinery when choosing your dress. As for the shoes? Avoid anything too spindly as you’re likely to be outdoors – look to lawn-proof block heels to avoid sinking.

Brands to know: Zimmermann, Erdem, Self-Portrait

Picture sipping an Aperol Spritz amid rolling Tuscany hills, or toasting the happy couple at sunset beneath strings of fairy lights. What does one wear to match such idyll? For rustic rural weddings, your dress code will likely be more relaxed. Floral prints still work perfectly, but they require a different approach to a classic stately-home reception – think laid-back fabrics like cottons or linens and strappier silhouettes without the obligation to cover up. On your feet, block heels, wedges or flats may be your wisest choice if you’re unsure of the terrain, but don’t be afraid to opt for a glamorous heel if you want to add more formality to your ensemble.

Brands to know: Rixo, Charo Ruiz Ibiza, Lug Von Siga

If you’re jetting off for a ceremony on sandy shores, think comfort first. Colourful prints and lightweight, breathable fabrics – silk, cotton voile and linen – all fare well under the sun, while breezy maxi silhouettes and loose-fitting kaftans also match the vibe. If you see yourself venturing onto the sand, stick to flat sandals elevated with embellishments and metallic finishes, or opt for a beach-proof espadrille wedge if you want some height. A little sparkle via your clutch bag or jewellery will elevate your ensemble for the occasion – and come into its own at golden hour.

Brands to know: Pucci, Missoni, Johanna Ortiz

From intimate town hall ceremonies to chic restaurant receptions, city weddings often call for a modern cocktail dress code. Choose something tailored – think co-ords and two-piece suits with the shoe of the moment, ballet flats – or lean into streamlined glamour. As for your colour palette, feel free to go bold with jewel tones and metallics or dabble in darker hues – and don’t be afraid of the little black dress.

Brands to know: Vivienne Westwood, Alessandra Rich, Roland Mouret

As the most glamorous wedding attire, the black-tie dress code usually calls for floor-length evening gowns – though more formal cocktail dresses and elevated tailoring may also be appropriate. Accessorise to your heart’s content with high heels, clutch bags and oodles of jewellery, from cocktail rings to chandelier earrings. Amid this much opulence, it can be tricky to know where to draw the line. You can dress to impress, but you’re not there to upstage the happy couple, so steer clear of anything you feel might put you at the centre of attention.

Brands to know: Roksanda, Jenny Packham, Zuhair Murad