How Guest Fashion and Dress Code Can Impact Your Wedding

From a photography perspective, I truly believe that guest fashion can elevate a wedding. This may be a hot take, but when you've put SO much effort into curating the vibe of your wedding, you might as well make sure that what your friends and family wear builds on the overall experience. I, for one, love a theme. Anytime I see a specific dress code on an invite, I am elated. Here's a little blog about how your guest attire can boost your overall wedding vibe! Again, this is my opinion and coming from my experiences with weddings.

Honors the Couple’s Vision

Following the dress code shows respect for the couple’s wishes and the effort they've put into planning their dream wedding. This is the BIG one! Like I've said, you've put SO much time and effort (and money) into this day.

Creates a Cohesive Aesthetic

A dress code makes sure that everyone looks coordinated in photos and aligns with the wedding theme or vibe, making the overall experience more visually appealing and fun! Plus it adds to the overall celebration, making everyone feel more cheery and down to party.

Enhances Photos and Videos

Obviously this is a big one from my point of view! A unified guest look can definitely enhance the photos and videos from your wedding. Guest photos are a really fun part of the event. It's way more fun to pose for a camera when you're excited to show off your outfit!

Reduces Ambiguity for Guests

Dress codes eliminate guesswork, helping guests feel confident that they're dressed appropriately and won’t feel out of place. There's nothing worse than showing up to an event feeling over or under-dressed.

Encourages Creativity Within Boundaries

Guests can still express personal style within the guidelines, making sure they can be unique while still respecting the expectations set by the couple. Let everyone show their personality in their own way, but while also being part of the vision.

Adds to the Shared Experience

Dressing up together creates a sense of community and shared excitement, deepening the sense of celebration. There's no better conversation starter than complimenting someone on their outfit! It can really create a unified vibe with your guests that may have not met before.

how to respond to guests who push back on dress code

Don't be afraid to be extra specific on dress code! I would even suggest photo inspiration or a Pinterest board. If someone gives you a hard time on it, remember this is something that means a lot to you and you've put in a lot of money and hard work to create your vision. I would politely ask guests to respect the vision for your wedding and also remind them that they are important to you. A couple of responses to consider:

“We totally understand it’s not everyone’s everyday style, but the dress code is really important to us and helps set the tone we’re going for. We’d love for you to be part of that vision!”

“We want all our guests to feel great and fit right in, and the dress code just helps make sure no one feels over- or under-dressed.”

how to explain a dress code

Here's a few ways I would convey a dress code on your wedding website or invite. It can be helpful to tell people what to AVOID as well, especially if you don't want your uncle to show up in shorts.

Mountain Formal (I see this one A LOT and always feel like it can be hard to convey):

Dressy enough to honor the occasion, but comfortable enough for uneven terrain, changing weather, and rustic settings like lodges, forests, or outdoor alpine venues. Women wear: Flowy maxi or midi dresses with dressy boots, wedges or block heels. Avoid overly formal gowns, sequins or high heels that sink into grass or gravel. Men wear: Button down shirts, possibly layered with a vest or casual blazer, with dress pants or dark jeans and leather boots or loafers. Avoid tuxedos, shorts or anything too beachy or urban as well as open toed shoes.

Garden Party:

Elegant, playful, and seasonally appropriate—think refined yet relaxed, ideal for outdoor settings like lawns, botanical gardens, vineyards, or backyard weddings. It’s usually worn during the daytime or early evening, and reflects spring/summer vibes with light colors, florals, and breathable fabrics. For women: Floral or pastel dresses, mid or knee length. Hats, light jewelry and chic sunglasses. Avoid evening gowns, dark colors, and stilettos. For men: lightweight suits or slacks, with dress shoes or clean sneakers. Optional bow ties, pocket squares, or fun summer prints. Avoid: tuxedos, dark wool suits, and cargo shorts.

Some fun dress code ideas

• Garden Chic
• Pop of Color
• Camp Cocktail
• Disco Glam
• Vogue Editorial
• Destination-Inspired such as Amalfi Coast Cocktail

As always, creating a memorable and meaningful experience for you and your friends and family is the most important part of this whole thing. Make sure what you are creating feels unique to you. Thanks for making it this far!

<3 Sofia