Autumn wedding guest outfit inspiration: how to choose the perfect wedding ensemble
Have you been invited to a gorgeous Autumn wedding but struggling to choose what to wear? Cooler evenings, unpredictable weather, and the wedding venue all play a part in deciding on your wedding guest outfit.
Whether you’re attending a chic city soirée, a marquee event in the countryside, or an elegant black-tie celebration, here’s my guide to choosing the perfect autumn wedding guest outfit.
Dress for the venue and setting
The type of venue should always influence your choice. For an indoor wedding at a hotel, ballroom, or country house, you can lean towards more delicate fabrics like silk or chiffon without worrying about being cold. For an outdoor wedding or marquee celebration, think layers - a tailored coat, chic cape, or wrap can keep you warm without compromising on style.
If you’re moving between spaces such as a church ceremony followed by a reception in a marquee, choose shoes that work on multiple surfaces like block heels or wedges that are practical for walking and multiple venues.
Prepare for cooler evenings
Autumn days can feel mild, but the evenings can often become crisp. Plan your outfit with warmer accessories to hand if needed for the evening. A long-sleeved dress in satin, crepe, or velvet adds instant seasonal elegance, while a midi or maxi length can keep you warmer. If your dress is sleeveless, pair it with a textured shawl or a blazer for an elevated layered look.
Work with Autumn colours and textures
If you love the Autumnal colours and aesthetic, lean into this through your wardrobe choice. Richer tones like emerald and sapphire always look chic, while softer copper and gold tones reflect the season well. Accessorise your outfit with jewellery, a clutch or evening gloves if the dress code is black tie.
Coordinating couple outfits
If you’re attending as a couple, a little coordination between you can make for polished and editorial style photos. Think complementary colours rather than identical tones, and match accessories in the same tones. For example a suit pocket square could match the shoes or dress or a shirt could be the same shade as a statement earring. This approach keeps your look cohesive while still feeling individual.
Should you match the wedding theme?
If the couple has requested a specific dress code, theme, or colour scheme, it’s always thoughtful to follow it as this shows you’re being considerate of their wishes. For black tie weddings, opt for a full-length gown, gloves and accessories while men should wear black tie, morning coat or tails. For themed celebrations, find a way to interpret the brief in your own style while respecting the couple’s vision.
If no dress code is given, avoid anything that could be considered too casual or anything too close to white, ivory, or cream.
Balancing style and comfort
The most memorable autumn wedding outfits for guests strike the right balance between looking elegant and still able to party all night! Choose the correct outfit size, or invest in tailoring for the perfect fit. Don’t opt for a dress that is too long to avoid any mishaps and ensure all outfits are steamed or pressed for a polished look.
At Amanda Whiston Events, we know that the wedding vision of our couples extends far beyond just the venue décor. We help guide our couple and their guests with outfit choices to ensure an overall cohesive wedding aesthetic.