What to Wear to a Casual Wedding

With smaller guest lists, comfort food, and and a premium on connection over grandeur, casual weddings are more laid-back than lavish. This allows the newlyweds to be more present with their guests and actually enjoy the experience rather than worrying about what’s next on the timeline. But, while a casual ceremony may seem simple, it’s still a celebration worthy of looking your best. So, how do you dress for this type of wedding without going too informal or dressy? We asked an expert in fashion and wedding styling to help define and recommend what to wear for this particular dress code.

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

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. Most casual weddings are held outdoors, so this style of attire should be something that works during the day and at night. 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 invite says casual, the couple is probably expecting that at least a few guests will test the boundaries on both sides of the spectrum of what’s considered “casual.” It’s easy to go overboard, since 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, chances are that the bride is wearing a no-fuss, simple yet elegant wedding dress. The last thing you want to do is upstage the bride, 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.