All the wedding dress codes explained, with a guide to the perfect wedding guest outfits

<p>Hooray, wedding season is officially upon us! But with all the Champagne, speeches and dancing also comes a whole host of outfit dilemmas. Can you wear the same dress twice? Are hats a must? Is off-white off limits?</p><p>Take a deep breath. We've laid out the rules, de-coded the dress code and put together some outfit inspiration whether you're attending a beach, garden, cocktail, smart casual or black tie wedding.</p><h3>Never wear white</h3><p>Unless it's your wedding, steer well clear from an all-white dress &ndash; that includes off-whites like ivory, Champagne, egg shell and cream. There should really only be one white dress in the room. </p><h3>Read the invitation. Properly.</h3><p>To avoid sticking out like a sore thumb <em>Bridget Jones</em> style, make sure to double check the invitation for dress code. </p><h3>Don't steal the show</h3><p>Don't take the limelight off the bride. Now is not the time to flaunt your sparkly embellished floor length gown, or an out-there jumpsuit.</p><h3>It's good to dress formally</h3><p>It's better to be over-dressed than under-dressed, and by this we mean that it's better to steer on the formal side when you're in doubt. Stay well away from jeans, T-shirts, flip-flops, crop tops or shorts.</p><h3>It's okay to wear dark colours</h3><p>Contrary to popular belief, you <em>can </em>wear dark colours to a wedding &ndash; especially if it's an evening affair.</p><p> </p><p><strong>With that in mind, here is some wedding outfit inspiration to suit every wedding invitation...</strong></p><h3>Garden wedding</h3><p>For obvious reasons, avoid wearing pointy heels if the wedding is in a garden as you'll just end up ruining the lawn as well as your shoes! Instead, opt for flats or wedged sandals. </p><p>Dresses that are cocktail or tea-length are good, though you could also get away with a boho maxi-dress. For men, chinos and a blazer are perfect. </p><p><center></p><p><img alt="garden_wedding" class="ci-image ci-original" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/garden_wedding_GL?scl=1"></center></p><p><em>Above: <a href="http://direct.asda.com/Linen-Blend-Blazer-Jacket/GEM552215,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Linen blazer jacket</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/women/shoes/stiletto-court-shoes/GEM574236,default,pd.html" target="_blank">stiletto court heels</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/dresses/floral-print-dress/GEM563192,default,pd.html?dual=0&action=product_interest&action_type=image&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&placement_id=GRGTOP&config_id=GRGTOP&parent_item_id=GEM581952&strategy=PWVUB&category=&product_id=GEM563192&findingMethod=p13n" target="_blank">floral print dress</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/women/jumpers-cardigans/pointelle-knitted-shrug/GEM566307,default,pd.html" target="_blank">peach coloured shrug</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/women/shoes/peep-toe-wedges/GEM574234,default,pd.html" target="_blank">peep-toe nude wedges</a></em></p><h3>Beach wedding</h3><p>Flowing maxi dresses are perfect for beach weddings. Pair them with sandals, flats or possibly wedges &ndash; although wedges can still be tricky to walk in in the sand...</p><p>For men, again chinos, blazers or light-coloured suits without ties would look the part.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="beach-wedding-outfit" class="ci-image ci-original" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/beach-wedding-outfit_GL?scl=1"></p><p><em>Above: <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/dresses/cold-shoulder-maxi-dress/GEM553339,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Maxi dress</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/accessories/jacquard-embellished-clutch-bag/GEM579786,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Jacquard embellished clutch bag</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/women/shoes/beaded-sandals/GEM558542,default,pd.html" target="_blank">beaded sandals</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/women/shoes/metallic-accents-wedge-sandals/GEM561350,default,pd.html" target="_blank">metallic wedge sandals</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/dresses/bloom-print-bardot-dress/GEM580401,default,pd.html" target="_blank">bloom print bardot dress</a></em></p><h3>Smart-casual dress code</h3><p>Despite the word "casual", it is still a wedding. Jumpsuits and cocktail dresses are fine, you can accessorise them with funky shoes, a textured clutch or statement jewellery to dress it up. For men, think smart trousers or chinos with a button-down shirt and tie (though you might be able to get out of wearing a tie).</p><p><center></p><p><img alt="smart-casual_wedding_dress_code" class="ci-image ci-original" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/smart-casual_wedding_dress_code_GL?scl=1"></center></p><p><em>Above: <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/dresses/printed-culotte-jumpsuit/GEM562485,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Polka dot culotte jumpsuit</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/women/shoes/ruffle-trim-sandal/GEM568319,default,pd.html" target="_blank">ruffle trim sandals</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/women/shoes/pointed-toe-embroidered-mules/GEM561352,default,pd.html" target="_blank">embroidered mules</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/women/shoes/wide-fit-stiletto-court/GEM574241,default,pd.html" target="_blank">blue stiletto heel</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/dresses/ruffle-jumpsuit/GEM571400,default,pd.html" target="_blank">blue jumpsuit</a></em></p><h3>Cocktail or semi-formal dress code</h3><p>Wear something you feel is easy to dance in. And for men, this dress code does mean a jacket is required.</p><p>A knee-length cocktail dress is a must, with a blazer or shrug draped over your shoulders, paired with heels or wedges. The overall look doesn&rsquo;t have to be too over-the-top, so feel free to introduce more unexpected accessories like a quirky bag and elegant sandals.</p><p><center></p><p><img alt="cocktail_or_semi-formal_dress_code" class="ci-image ci-original" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/cocktail_or_semi-formal_dress_code_GL?scl=1"></center></p><p><em>Above: <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/dresses/bloom-print-bardot-dress/GEM579086,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Bloom print bardot dress</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/women/shoes/soft-sole-heeled-sandals/GEM562543,default,pd.html" target="_blank">pink heeled sandals</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/women/shoes/pointed-slip-on-heels/GEM559447,default,pd.html" target="_blank">pointed slip-on heels</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/dresses/sweetheart-neck-floral-dress/GEM581952,default,pd.html?dual=0&action=product_interest&action_type=image&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&placement_id=GRGTOP&config_id=GRGTOP&parent_item_id=GEM579086&strategy=SMT&category=&product_id=GEM581952&findingMethod=p13n" target="_blank">sweetheart neck floral dress</a></em></p><h3>Black-tie dress code</h3><p>This is a formal wedding dress code. Think formal dresses and possibly even floor-length gowns. Embellished detailing, sequins and lace are all acceptable. Men should be in tuxedos and bow ties.</p><p><center><img alt="formal_wedding_dress_outfit" class="ci-image ci-original" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/formal_wedding_dress_outfit_GL?scl=1"></center></p><p><em>Above: <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/women/jumpers-cardigans/pointelle-knitted-shrug/GEM566304,default,pd.html?dual=0&action=product_interest&action_type=image&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&placement_id=GRGTOP&config_id=GRGTOP&parent_item_id=GEM566303&strategy=SMT&category=&product_id=GEM566304&findingMethod=p13n" target="_blank">Blue shrug</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/women/shoes/wide-fit-stiletto-court/GEM574241,default,pd.html" target="_blank">blue stiletto heel</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/dresses/short-sleeve-lace-dress/GEM563195,default,pd.html" target="_blank">short sleeve lace dress</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/dresses/striped-lace-dress/GEM559541,default,pd.html" target="_blank">striped lace dress</a></em></p><em>Check out our whole range of summer dresses, accessories and shoes <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens-clothing/D1,default,sc.html" target="_blank">online</a>, or pop into your<a href="http://storelocator.asda.com/#!/" target="_blank"> local Asda store</a></em>

What to wear to a summer wedding

By Asda Good Living,28th June 2017

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