Photography: Lakshal Perera Photography
We've got you covered from head to toe with these wedding guest attire pointers be it a black-tie or casual event, rain or shine!
Wedding guest attire taboos
Anything white: Nothing makes a wedding more awkward than turning up in the bride's colours, and that includes cream, ivory or any other shade of white. The one and only exception is if the wedding dress code is white.
Too revealing outfits: We understand how unbearably hot it can get here, but dresses which reveal too much skin are a no-no, even if the wedding is held at the beach.
Casual & sloppy: Shirt, shorts and slippers — the holy trinity of outfits in Singapore — should be avoided at weddings. So are jeans; even if it is a beach wedding with a casual dress code, unless these items are specifically stated on the invitation, the rule of thumb is to steer clear of these when deciding on your wedding guest outfit.
Choose your skirt length
Summer weddings call for light maxi dresses and skirts, but if it is an outdoor wedding and the weather forecast says cloudy with a chance of rain, you may want to reconsider that lovely skirt with a long hem. Long skirts drag on wet ground and mud if you are outside when it pours. With strong winds, avoid short dresses or billowing skirts that will cause you to reveal more than you want to when it blows.
Wear something that won't leave a stain when it's wet
Silk, satin and any shiny fabric result in stubborn stains when it gets wet — whether in the rain or from perspiring in the heat. Wet patches can be hidden with a patterned dress, while fabric such as cotton or linen blend dry faster.
Waterproof shoes
Don't go putting on your yellow rain boots just yet — structured sandals or wedges are great for outdoors and also easy to dry if you are caught in the rain. Suede shoes and cotton flats should be avoided, while leather is a good material for something that's both waterproof and fashionable to match your outfit.
Have some accessories on hand
A statement necklace or shiny bracelet, or even a brooch or embellished hairband can throw your casual look into something more appropriate for the occasion without changing into another outfit entirely.
Allow yourself (and your clothes) to breathe
Light, airy and breathable fabrics such as chiffon ensure that you keep cool in the sweltering heat and humid climate. Leave your knits, tweed, neoprene or wool at home!
Don't forget your umbrella
Rain or shine, umbrellas also make a good accessory to have on hand. Not only can you avoid the harmful rays of UV sunlight and shield yourself from the rain, a stick umbrella in a colour which matches your dress can accentuate your look and add some pops of colour on an otherwise dreary, stormy day, especially when you need to take wedding day photos.
Wedding outfit colours
Black is no longer a taboo colour in these times, and for evening receptions, the LBD is a wholly acceptable choice for a wedding guest. For families and couples who value superstition and tradition, however, brighter colours are a must — pastel tones add a softer, sweeter look, while bolder colours such as orange and sunny yellow are perfect for summer.
