Congratulations on popping the question and sending out those invitations! With wedding planning in full swing, it's time to think about attire for the groom and groomsmen. Don't worry if you haven't had a chance to focus on this yet – we're here to help make the process stress-free and enjoyable.

No matter your personal style, venue, or budget, our guide has you covered. We've curated a list of our favorite online retailers that offer a range of options to suit every taste, from classic to modern. Many of these retailers provide free shipping, returns, and helpful size and style guides, taking the guesswork out of purchasing such an important outfit online.

If you need a refresher on what to wear, check out our Dress Code 101: Menswear Edition for some guidance. Once you're ready to start shopping, explore our top picks:

• Generation Tux
• J.Crew
• Mr Porter
• Indochino
• The Modern Groom
• Nordstrom
• Ralph Lauren
• BOSS
• Ted Baker
• The Black Tux
• Bonobos
• Tie Bar
• Men's Wearhouse
• Jos. A. Bank
• Stitch & Tie

Generation Tux

Price Range: $69 – $139+

Generation Tux makes it simple to look your best on your big day.

What sets Generation Tux apart is their curated collection of twenty suit and tuxedo options, complemented by hundreds of accessories to add a personal touch. This streamlined approach takes the stress out of choosing your wedding attire, ensuring you and your groomsmen look sharp and cohesive.

The process is straightforward: create an account, select your favorite looks, and take advantage of the free at-home try-on to see how everything looks and fits before making your final decision. Once you've made your choices, simply place your order, and your suits will arrive two weeks before your wedding date, giving you plenty of time to make any necessary adjustments.

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J.Crew

Price range: $100 – $1,000

J.Crew stands out for its polished vibes, hitting the mark if sophistication is what you're after. Their Ludlow suit, a standout offering, comes in both slim and classic fits, catering to diverse styles and sizes. The Ludlow Un-Suit is a favorite for its flexibility; with its relaxed, unstructured design, it's a keeper well beyond any special occasion. Plus, it's the kind of piece that'll have your groomsmen turning heads at the office holiday bash.

J.Crew is basically synonymous with sophistication, so if that’s your style, look no further.

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Indochino

Price Range: $319 – $549

Indochino offers custom suits without the hefty price tag. With a range of styles and fabrics, they make bespoke tailoring accessible. Visit their showrooms for a personal touch or use their online guide and video to order from home. The Tailor’s Kit helps ensure a perfect fit, and the cost is credited towards your purchase. Opt for Indochino and enjoy a made-to-measure suit that fits flawlessly from day one, with no need for adjustments.

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The Modern Groom

Price range: $210 – $350

The Modern Groom is your destination for top-notch, wallet-friendly suits. Their selection ranges from Heathered Navy to Charcoal Grey, with fresh Tan and Tuxedo suits joining the lineup in July 2023. They simplify shopping with suit packages: ‘The Suit’ at $210, ‘Suit Up’ at $240, and ‘The Full Package’ for $350, covering everything from the jacket down to socks.

Need help deciding on accessories? A virtual stylist is on hand to guide you through over 100 tie or pocket square choices. Plus, with suits dispatched six weeks before your wedding, you’re guaranteed a stress-free, sharp look for your special day.

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Nordstrom

Price range: $85 – $4,000

Nordstrom, affectionately known as Nordy's, is a treasure trove for bridal wear and doesn't skimp on options for grooms and groomsmen either. Dive into their “How to Buy a Suit” guide for insights on silhouettes, lapels, cuffs, pleats, and beyond. Their “Suit Fit” guide is a gem for honing in on the perfect size and shape for you. And if the fit doesn't turn out just right, they offer complimentary alterations in-store, ensuring your suit is nothing short of perfect.

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Ralph Lauren

Price Range: $490 – $6,995

Ralph Lauren continues to impress, delivering collection after collection of timeless suits and tuxedos that consistently stay in vogue. For those who appreciate classic attire, Ralph Lauren offers an array of choices including wool, tweed, elegant plaid prints, and sophisticated three-piece suits.

Whether you're dressing up for a special occasion or aiming to add a touch of class to your wardrobe, Ralph Lauren has something that will undoubtedly catch your eye.

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BOSS

Price range:$150-1500

BOSS by Hugo Boss epitomizes refined elegance. Kick off your journey with their Suit Guide, packed with inspiration, style advice, personalization choices, and seasonal must-haves. Delve into the variety of fits, and feel free to mix and match pieces to create a look that's uniquely yours.

Thanks to their flexible “shop online, decide at home” return policy, there's no pressure. If something isn't quite right, you can easily send it back. Shopping with BOSS means sophistication with zero risks.

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Ted Baker

Price range: $200 – $800

Ted Baker really sets the standard for dapperness with their meticulous attention to detail. Feeling swamped by the choices—slim fit, classic fit, two-piece, three-piece, wool, linen blend, and so on? Their convenient suit fit guide is here to help. It simplifies the process by explaining the key features of each fit and detail, helping you effortlessly find the suit that perfectly matches your style. And yes, finding what “suits” you has never been simpler—pun intended, despite the groans it might elicit!

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The Black Tux

Price Range: $175 – $225

The Black Tux brings modern elegance to suit rentals, with options ranging from full outfits—tuxedos complete with jackets, pants, shoes, shirts, ties, and accessories—to single items available for rent. Their sleek website simplifies finding your perfect fit through straightforward sizing questions, and they offer the convenience of trying on outfits at home before making a decision. This ensures the style and fit are precisely what you’re looking for, making suit rental an effortless experience.

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Bonobos

Price Range: $215 – $1,000+

Bonobos' Groom Shop is your foolproof solution for impeccable wedding attire. They feature modern menswear with sleek fits, crafted from luxurious Italian fabrics in classic colors, making it virtually impossible to make a misstep. Whether you're attending a white tie or black tie affair, or looking for something casual yet elegant for a beach wedding, their collection caters to every dress code with styles guaranteed to impress.

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Tie Bar

Price Range: $5 – $55

For budget-friendly wedding accessories like ties, bow ties, socks, pocket squares, suspenders, tie bars, and more, Tie Bar is your destination.

They elevate online shopping with virtual styling assistance, real wedding inspiration, and custom options for colors, patterns, and fabrics. Enjoy the convenience of coordinating your entire ensemble, from the tie to the socks, all from your couch. Tie Bar ensures your accessories match perfectly, making your special day a bit more special.

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Men's Wearhouse

Price Range: $500 – $500+

Men's Wearhouse excels in wedding suit and tux rentals, offering customization down to the fabric and lapel style, ensuring your outfit perfectly matches your wedding aesthetic. Rentals start at $129.99 for a two-piece set, with a comprehensive nine-piece package available for $239.99.

Enjoy convenient online services or visit in-store for personal assistance, utilizing their touch-free fit evaluator for accurate measurements in 60 seconds. Your tux arrives a week before the event, or opt for in-store pickup two days prior. With options for big, tall, and very small sizes, plus the ability to add accessories at a nominal cost, Men's Wearhouse provides a seamless and adaptable experience for every groom.

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Jos. A. Bank

Price Range: $269.99+

JoS. A. Bank stands out for its curated tuxedo rentals, offering designer looks that include everything from the tie to the shoes all the way through to the full look. Services include price matching, a group manager tool, and wardrobe consulting, ensuring a seamless experience.

Rentals can be picked up the day before and returned the day after the event. Customize your tux from top designers like Calvin Klein and Vera Wang to match any wedding theme, with the convenience of online orders and in-store fittings at over 180 locations. JoS. A. Bank combines luxury, convenience, and affordability in wedding attire.

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Stitch & Tie

Price Range: $128.95+

Stitch & Tie is your secret weapon for nailing that perfect tux fit without breaking a sweat. Dive into their Fit Finder for an easy-peasy measurement guide, ensuring your look is sharp and on point.

They've got a rainbow of colors to choose from, making sure you stand out in the best way. Plus, if you need a tweak here or there, they've got you covered with alteration credits. Choose to have your stylish pick delivered or swing by their showroom.

They're all about making sure you look fabulous, offering a fuss-free experience from start to finish, tailored just for you.

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Need a little help planning what to wear? Read our Dress Code 101: Groom & Menswear Edition to find out what style of suit (or tuxedo!) works with your wedding day, then head to our Grooms Pinterest page for loads of inspiration.

And I don't know about you but those three words were top of my list when it came to creating my own wedding style.

J.Crew Weddings have a super stylish collection of gorgeous gowns and bridal accessories, cute outfits for the littlest members of your bridal party, well cut suits and tuxedos for grooms and groomsmen, mother of the bride outfits and some of the chicest bridesmaid's dresses out there.

In fact, lots of the weddings I've featured have had J.Crew bridesmaids!

Take a peek at the weddings for yourself >> there's gorgeous greys and neutral tones, nautical, navy blue cocktail style dresses and elegant floor length gowns in the perfect shade of mint green.

You just have to take a look at the colour swatches to see that J.Crew are colour lovers – there's bold, bright shades and pretty pastels to suit every wedding. And they're not afraid of prints either ~ one of my favourite wedding gowns from their collection, Serena, as seen below left, is adorned with delicate, polka dots.*

Here are my top picks from the current J.Crew Weddings collection:

The bridal party from this awesome wedding is kitted out in J.Crew ~ don't you just love Emily's beautiful bustier gown?

photo by the super talented Luke Eshleman Photography via Bridal Musings ~ see the full wedding here

J.Crew may be an American institution but they ship all over the world. Hurrah!

And I'm very excited to be offering a special J.Crew promotion very soon, so stay tuned lovely ones.

Are you a J.Crew fan too?

*You all know how I feel about polka dot wedding dresses.

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Then Coronavirus happened. And like many of you planning weddings, we had to shift buying nearly all necessities (aside from food & thankfully flowers!) online. My plans to shop small & shop local were thwarted – I felt so defeated – then I remembered our Bridal Musings bestie, Etsy!

Whether you're searching for your dream wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, engagement & wedding rings, wedding favors, stationery, linens, ribbons, signage, lighting or decor, Etsy has literally everything you could want in handmade & vintage form for your wedding.

So, even if your favorite neighborhood shops you planned to source from are temporarily closed or worse, out of business, you can still “shop small” and support artisans & small businesses thanks to Etsy‘s massive platform of creative entrepreneurs.

Better yet, if you still want to support your local community you can specify “shop location” in the filters as you shop to find local artisans in your area.

To inspire you, I decided to pick a trending theme & show how literally everything you need is on Etsy (& chic & affordable!)

A Whimsical Botanical Wedding…

Wedding Dress

Pink Wedding Dress by Angellure Bridal via Etsy

Tulle Wedding Dress by Sumarokova Bridal via Etsy

Akvile High-Low Two-Piece Wedding Dress by Jurgita Bridal

Engagement Ring

Pink Pear Morganite 14k Gold Engagement Ring by Melissa Tyson Designs via Etsy

Bridal Shoes

Floral Beaded Lace Bridal Heel by Bella Belle Shoes via Etsy

Andora Bridal Flats by Bella Belle Shoes via Etsy

Wedding Veil

Mantilla Lace Cathedral Veil by Sibo Designs via Etsy

Bridesmaid Dresses

Silk Cowl Neck Bridesmaid Dress by Undressed Shop via Etsy

Bridesmaid Jewelry

Real Pressed Pansy Earrings by Petal Connection via Etsy

Bridal Robe

Vintage Lace Bridal Robe by Mary Had a Little Lace via Etsy

Flower Crown

Hydrangea Dried Flower Crown by H Botanics Weddings via Etsy

Groom's Tie & Pocket Square

Josh & Fi Tie & Pocket Square by The Tie Garden via Etsy

Wedding Bands

Fields Hammered 14k Recycled Gold Wedding Band by Melissa Tyson Designs via Etsy

Wedding Stationery & Invitations

Floral Wedding Invitation Suite by Margaux Paperie via Etsy

Table Numbers

Pressed Flower Table Number by Smith & the Magpie via Etsy

Silk Ribbons

Botanical Dyed Silk Ribbon by Lancaster & Cornish via Etsy

Floral Confetti

Biodegradable Flower Confetti by Posh and Sparkle via Etsy

Plateware

Mix & Match Vintage Floral China Plates from Second City Treasures via Etsy

Candles

Handmade Dried Floral Candles by Old Nicks Witchery via Etsy

Table Linens

Rose Quartz Sweetheart Table Runner by Linen Lark via Etsy

Wedding Cake Topper

Just Married Bunting Wedding Cake Topper by Friendly Events via Etsy

Ring Box

French Oval Velvet Ring Box by Beloved Fine Jewels via Etsy

Wedding Favors

Custom Seed Wedding Favors by Plain Jane 2424 via Etsy

Custom Botanical Tea Favors by Mesnet via Etsy

Handkerchiefs

Mix & Match Vintage Floral Handkerchiefs from The Little Irish Shop via Etsy

We'll stop there because…whew we could spend all day on Etsy! If you're looking for even more online shoppables here are our favorite things on sale right now across the internet and here's everything you might need to buy for your wedding.

Is Coronavirus effecting your wedding plans & dress shopping? Find all of our COVID-19 wedding help here & don’t miss our Virtual Wedding Guide to help plan your digital day!

Thankfully personal shoppers and stylists are not just for celebs and the richest of the rich anymore. They are accessible to people of all budgets and can help with everything from wardrobe overhauls to finding that perfect outfit for a special occasion. And is there any occasion more special than your wedding? I think not.

Westfield London (my favourite UK mall) has recently opened a luxurious new styling suite called The Fashion Lounge where shoppers can connect with a stylist on a one to one basis, as a couple or in groups – which makes it the perfect destination for bridal party styling. 

Got 8 bridesmaids? Enough groomsmen for a football team? No problem, bring them all along!

The Fashion Lounge is the ultimate, stress-free shopping experience for the bride, groom, mothers (or fathers) of the bride/groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen and wedding guests ahead of the big day. Expert stylists are on hand to help find the perfect little white dress, best bridesmaids dresses or chicest wedding guest outfit from over 700 retailers.

When you're considering outfits for one of the biggest days of your life, it makes sense to have an expert eye, unbiased opinion and someone who knows all the shops in Westfield inside out, on hand to narrow down your choices and help you find the perfect fit.

Westfield London kindly offered me the chance to test drive The Fashion Lounge with one of the UK's top stylists, Elin Mai of Style Doctors. So, in need of some chic outfits for Barcelona Bridal Week, I jumped at the chance!

My Personal Styling Experience At The Fashion Lounge

I filled out a Q&A before meeting Elin and we also had a chat over the phone about my personal style, my budget, what I was looking for, the types of clothes and colours that I like to wear as well as the shapes, colours and styles I avoid (body-con dresses anyone?). So before my shopping trip had even begun, I was feeling relaxed and excited about what outfits Elin would select for me.

On arriving at The Fashion Lounge I was greeted with a welcoming smile from Elin and the offer of a drink, then we sat down on one of the plush couches for a brief recap about what I hoped to get out of the session. Elin then showed me some of the outfits she'd selected for me, which were presented on a rail with jewelry choices draped over each outfit along with a selection of shoes and bags that could work with all of the outfits.

There was a spacious changing area sectioned off with a curtain, and a huge mirror where I tried on each outfit on in privacy and comfort, then would step out from behind the curtain to show Elin.  We also went to a few shops in Westfield where Elin had already put aside some items and outfits for me to try on.

(Elin and I in The Fashion Lounge)

I felt immediately at ease and comfortable with Elin, who was just as warm and friendly in person as she was over the phone. In some ways it was like I was shopping with a friend, but the best part was that I got expert, honest advice on styles and cuts to flatter my figure and achieved what would have taken days (or perhaps even weeks) of shopping in just a couple of hours.

I left our two hour session with some truly lovely pieces and, amazingly, I managed to stick to my budget. Which is pretty much unheard of for me!

I was so impressed with Elin's passion and enthusiasm for styling – she seemed to genuinely care about finding me the perfect outfits. And went above and beyond to ensure I got everything I wanted from our session. As I was trying on shoes, I'd mentioned to Elin that I was actually looking for some new wedge trainers. Later that day, hours after our session, she texted me a photo of the perfect pair she'd spotted in Aldo. I went and bought them immediately and absolutely love them!

Thankfully, with styling sessions in The Fashion Lounge, there's no minimum spend which means there's absolutely no pressure to buy anything. All the items you consider buying, are placed on hold till the end of the day in the various shops, where you can then choose to buy them or not.

With prices ranging from £130-£240, for a two hour session (depending on the stylist you work with) I realise, it can seem hard to part with money that could be spent on more clothes and accessories. But, as someone who finds shopping for special occasions rather stressful, I personally think it's well worth the investment.

I learnt so much from Elin so I thought I'd pick her brain on all things wedding style for you lovely lot too! Read on for her super helpful tips.

Wedding Styling Q&A With Elin Of Style Doctors

What's your approach to personal styling?

My approach is knowing that every single person you meet is different and that that you have to tailor each personal styling session to suit your client. I like all my clients to have fun and feel like they’re shopping with a friend but that they’re also learning as they go along. The personal styling experience we offer at StyleDoctors and Westfield’s, The Fashion Lounge is just that, ‘an experience' rather than just a simple shopping trip.

What are your do's and don'ts for wedding guest outfits?

Don't leave it until the last minute. This is something we always see and people end up spending way more than they had hoped and buy things that are the wrong colour and shape as they haven't spent time getting it right.

Photo by Jose Villa

It's not simply all about ‘the wedding dress' anymore as brides feel under pressure to buy lots of formal outfits for bridal showers, hen dos, rehearsal dinners and even reception dresses. Do you have any tips for mixing and matching items to keep costs down?

Always think of at least three ways of being able to wear something when you buy it.

If a groom, or father of the bride/groom/best man is looking for an off the peg suit or tuxedo, how can you help to bring his look together?

Off the peg is fine, it's all about the fit. As long as you have a well-fitting suit, you can style it up. It's about the accessories such as a pocket square, socks, the right shoes and shirt. Fit is everything though, we see too many grooms wearing ill-fitting suits. It's well worth investing in a stylist for even an hour to make sure you get the perfect suit.

Photo by CJ Williams Photography via Bridal Musings

I love the thought of treating the mother of the bride and/or groom to a personal styling session at Westfield's Fashion Lounge so that she can feel pampered too! I remember my mum was constantly worrying and talking about her outfit before my wedding – it's a big deal for parents too. I bet she would've loved some expert help from you!Do you have any tips for finding the perfect mother of the bride/groom outfit?

It's important to know your colour palette first and think about how you will look next to the bridesmaids. Never wear yellow in your everyday wardrobe? Don’t wear it for your son or daughter's wedding! Think about your outfit as a very special extension of what you'd wear to a really nice party. Too many people try to go so far removed from what suits them because of the enormity of the day that they simply get it wrong. Try on everything together; dress, shoes and all the accessories. This makes such a difference to see the whole outfit together – which is obviously what we facilitate in The Fashion Lounge (you'd be surprised how many people don’t do this).

During our session, you talked a lot about the importance of accessories and how they can really pull an outfit together. What are your top tips for choosing occasion wear accessories? What items do you recommend splurging and saving on?

You can save or spend depending on your budget. Think about the style of dresses you're buying and then think about whether you need a big statement piece or a smaller, more dainty necklace. For budget necklaces Westfield retailers, Forever 21 and H&M are great. Coast is also great for more dramatic jewelled pieces.

Photo via Donna Morgan

Mismatched bridesmaids dresses have been growing in popularity these past few years but shopping for more than one dress (2, 4 or sometimes even upwards of 10 dresses!) can be quite a daunting task. How would you go about helping a bride and her maids of all different shapes, sizes and skin tones find the perfect combination of dresses/looks?

It's all about the colour palette. Once you have a theme, it's easy (well, for a stylist) to put together a selection of dresses that all work within a range of colours. Some can be plain, some can be printed. There just needs to be one thing that ties them all together such as a certain tone. Having different dresses will allow your bridesmaids to all have shapes that suit their figures and ultimately make them feel good and that will come across in pictures (we've seen plenty of unhappy bridesmaids that weren't happy in their dresses). Don’t leave accessories until the last minute either. Make sure your bridesmaids are all perfectly accessorised. Having a mixture of prints and plain dresses will also ensure that your pictures have much more depth and won't look flat.

Westfield London is full of amazing occasion wear shops, from designer stores like Ghost to wedding guest favourites Coast and budget friendly options like H&M and New Look. Sometimes it's hard to know where to begin. How can working with a personal stylist help make finding your dream outfit that much easier?

Working with a stylist like StyleDoctors at The Fashion Lounge takes the stress away completely and your bridal party will look perfectly put together and expertly styled. It's well worth the investment whatever your budget to ensure that everyone looks and feels their very best. The most stylish weddings are always those where the whole party looks great together and that the attention to detail is impeccable and those are the things the stylist will make sure are just right. Sure, everyone wants great food and great wine and even good music but pictures of the outfits will be there forever and that's why it's worth investing in getting it right.

Photo by Brian LaBrada Photography via Bridal Musings

And finally, what should you wear/bring with you for a personal stylist consultation?

Always come in a good bra. Everything else can be done in The Fashion Lounge. Please make sure your hair is neat and make-up done too. Why? Because you're going to be looking at yourself all day and you want to feel your best.

I'd also like to add, wear clothes and shoes that are easy to get on and off – think dresses/leggings and slip on shoes as you'll be getting changed a lot!

Thanks so much to Elin for sharing her tips, I hope you've found them helpful.

Visit The Fashion Lounge page on the Westfield website for more info about working with Elin, or one of the other Westfield stylists.

Want to work with Elin but not based near Westfield London? Check out Style Doctors for more info (Elin and her team also offer personal styling online) and, even if you can't quite stretch your wedding budget to include a personal shopping session, Elin's fabulous blog features a wealth of helpful advice on fashion and personal styling.

Disclaimer – I was gifted an appointment at the Fashion Lounge but, as always, all opinions are my own and Claire and I will only ever share products and services on Bridal Musings that we love and that we think our readers will find helpful and/or inspiring too. 

Finding the perfect outfit for any type of wedding dress code doesn’t need to be confusing any longer. We’re decoding what every wedding guest dress code means from dressiest to most casual. Black tie, cocktail attire, or dressy casual won’t have you thinking twice.

Photo by Elise Morgan via Bridal Musings

What is a wedding dress code? A wedding dress code is often listed on invites as a way to explain the overall style of their wedding. The couple has factored in elements like their wedding venue, location, season, and their own personal taste. Even if their invite says “suggested dress code,” think of it as a requirement.

If there’s one last bit of wisdom we can bestow upon you, wedding guests, it’s that it’s always better to be overdressed. Never be confused by a wedding dress code again.

Photo by Nola Fontanez

How To Pick The Best Wedding Guest Outfit

Scope out the wedding venue online. Is the space modern, trendy, vintage, or quirky? These are all cues that will help you understand the couple’s vision for their wedding day, as well as what fashion might be appropriate. Here’s an example: the couple is getting married at the newest sleek event space in town, with rooftop cocktails and no children in attendance. These are all hints that this is a dressy or formal affair.

Also, consider the time of day and location. Afternoon weddings and events with earlier curfews will naturally be more casual, while evening weddings are more formal. The same goes for a backyard wedding versus an indoor wedding in a banquet hall. Will the reception be moving to another swanky location? If so, it may be a fancier event afterparty and you’ll want to be dressed appropriately.

Dresses & photo via Mumu Weddings

Think of the season. Will you be outdoors? This will mean you might want to consider a shoe with a more substantial heel versus a stiletto. It is grassy, rocky, sandy, snowy? Embrace the elements in a more glamorous way than you would on vacation. This might also determine what accessories you’ll need. Stylish sunglasses, luxurious outerwear, or fashionable hats are totally appropriate style choices.

Feeling confident matters, not only for brides or grooms but also for wedding guests. So, while there’s no guarantee how late the reception will last, following the dress code guarantees you’ll be the best dressed, from cocktail hour to afterparty.

Photo by Michelle Wever via Bridal Musings

Dress Code: White Tie

White Tie attire leads the list in terms of formal and extravagant. The most formal banquets, events, and some weddings might make this dress code a requirement. Think of classic tuxedo jackets with tailcoats and matching pants. Pair a tuxedo and dress shirt with formal accessories: a vest or cummerbund, cufflinks, and a tie or bowtie. Floor-length gowns are required, but you can take it as far as voluminous ball gowns, gowns with small trains or capes, and regal accessories like jewels and gloves. For your easiest style inspiration, google photos of the Obamas at most of their White House events. Embrace the feeling of grandeur and opt for elegant fabrics, leaving no detail undone.

Pro Tip: To make your white tie or black tie wedding looks more stylish, find a designer tie with a modern print, or don a pair of glamorous elbow-length gloves.

Photo by Pure White Photography

Dress Code: Black Tie

If you get invited to an extremely formal wedding, it’s most likely going to be a black-tie affair. Floor-length gowns are a must, with a hem that falls at least to your shoes. Patterns, colors, sparkle, beading, and drama are all excellent choices in a gown. But, don’t be afraid to spring for a luxurious wedding pantsuit if that’s more your speed. And for men, a full suit is required, not separates, but a tuxedo with a tailcoat isn’t required. Feel free to play with the color and fabric depending on the season of the wedding. Is it a summertime wedding? Then a white dinner jacket is perfectly acceptable. Generally, steer clear of over-the-top suit patterns for a black-tie event, but you can opt for smaller pinstripes, muted plaids, or event tiny polka dots.

Pro Tip: If you don’t own a matching suit, make this event the reason you invest in something you love. In today’s fashion world, we deem colored suits perfectly acceptable for a black-tie wedding. Tones like burgundy, forest green, and navy have become the new neutrals. Take the time to get it expertly tailored so it’s a look that makes you feel your best.

Photo by Laura Zorman via Bridal Musings

Dress Code: Black Tie Optional & Formal Attire

Consider this “black tie light,” so when in doubt, default to black tie. It’s okay to choose one piece of the full ensemble and make it a little less serious. Instead of a tuxedo, a suit is still perfectly acceptable. Instead of a floor-length gown, a shorter gown is absolutely okay, as long as it’s still fancy in design or details. The mood we’re aiming for is elegant. If black tie optional or formal feels like a grey area, you can’t go wrong with an all-black ensemble. Most likely everything Margot Robbie has worn to a red carpet event would fall under formal wedding attire, so let her be your black-tie fashion inspo.

Photo by Elise Morgan via Bridal Musings

Dress Code: Cocktail

Odds are you’ll definitely be invited to a wedding with cocktail attire. It’s one of the more popular choices for weddings because it lands between a little less formal and a little more dressy. And because the term “cocktail dress” is used widely in fashion to describe a fancier dress you’d wear out, let’s keep this explanation simple. Cocktail attire is a simplified version of formal with a slightly more playful spirit. In no way does this dress code mean “casual” of any kind. It’s swanky, so show up in an ensemble that looks like you match the formal energy of the wedding party. Shorter dress hemlines, patterned suit jackets, jumpsuits and pantsuits, and bold prints are celebratory while maintaining a dressed-up look. This is also the perfect time to sport an LBD, just keep your accessories elevated.

Dresses & photo via Mumu Weddings

Dress Code: Semi-Formal & Dressy Casual

Either of these dress codes gives you the flexibility to wear dressy items that lean a little more casual. It also means you can choose an element of your outfit that you want to dress down. Examples of this would be a fashionable suit paired with stylish sneakers or a silky dress paired with more casual heeled sandals. Linen, cotton, and knits that still look dressed up are all fair game for a dress in this category. If you’re confused about finding a look, think “fancy dress”, versus a fancy gown. Great places for this style of dress would be Reformation, Shopbop, or Moda Operandi to get your inspiration going.

Photo by Keeper Creative

Dress Code: Casual

A casual wedding is still a wedding, and in our opinion, a reason to dress your best. There’s no obligation to wear a suit, however, we’d highly recommend a pants, shirt and jacket combo, with the flexibility of not needing a matching set. If a jacket isn’t your thing or doesn’t accommodate the weather or destination, be sure to choose a dress shirt, slacks, and a tie that work together. Lover of bolo ties? Go for it! Sundresses, patterned dresses, or more casual materials like knits can all be worn as best suited for the season you’re in. Steer clear of denim, athleisure, ball caps, and streetwear.

Photo by Claire Eliza

Dress Code: Destination

Will you be attending a big city bash or a rural farmland wedding? Location is everything and will determine what type of garb is most appropriate. Going to Africa and the invitation says “Safari chic?” We’ve already got you covered. Otherwise, check the weather ahead of time to see what will be appropriate for the climate and region you will be visiting. Take note of our editor Claire’s Baja beach wedding that was ultra sunny, sandy, and a lively dressy event.

Pro Tip: take cues from other guests you might know who will be in attendance. Chatting with other travelers will help you gauge the overall vibe everyone else is going for. Sussing out the vibe means there’s no chance you’ll be underdressed.

Photo & Dresses via Shona Joy

Dress Code: Beachy

Within this category, you might find subcategories, like Beachy Formal, or Beach Cocktail. In general, fashion rules on the beach are a little more relaxed, just like that sweet salt air. Men's and women's shoes can be more casual in terms of style. Look for lighter colored loafers as well as woven styles that breathe, and for heels, lower heights that you could possibly wear in the sand. This might be your sign to spring for a pair of espadrilles. Accessories like sunglasses, scarves, shawls, and playful jewelry should still feel fashionable. And while women’s fashion provides endless options for sundresses, men can find breathable cotton or linen looks in lighter colors, and yes, even go sockless in their loafers.

Photo by Chris & Ruth Photography

Themed Wedding Attire

A wedding with themed attire says two things: the couple loves fun, and they are going to love it the more you play up their theme. We can’t lay out all the possible outcomes for this one, but we can give you the best piece of advice – make sure to fall in between the semi-formal to formal categories. Unless the theme is casual by nature, more is more. Examples could be: a decade theme (the 50s, 70’s, 80’s,) a holiday theme, a whimsical movie or character wedding theme, or even a color palette or a mood. If their theme is “all-white cocktail attire” then here’s your only exception to wearing a white dress!

Pro Tip: If the couple is having a theme, they probably explained this more in-depth on their wedding website! Check their site first before contacting the couple or family with your dress code questions.

Photo by Alex Tome

No Dress Code

As they say, don’t sweat the small stuff. Our best advice would be to take a peek at their venue and wedding location and to rack your brain on how formal or informal the couple might be. There’s never any harm in being overdressed for the occasion – but making the mistake of being underdressed might make you feel a bit out of place. If you hover around semi-formal or cocktail attire, we guarantee you’ll be adequately equipped, as well as show your respect for the couple and their day, as well as any photos you might be in!

Ready, set, get shopping! Here are our favorite places to buy wedding guest fashion & bridesmaid outfits.

As someone who loves clothes and accessories but isn't quite as big a fan of shopping (the crowds, the fitting rooms, the sifting through racks to find your size), I just love shopping online, and getting to try things on at home at my leisure.

And ASOS is always my first stop when it comes to finding something to wear for an event/night out/standard Monday.

So, as you can imagine, I was pretty excited when I heard about the launch of the ASOS Wedding Shop.

Ever since I started at Bridal Musings, I've been waxing on to brides to check out ASOS, and the highstreet in general, for alternative wedding dresses, cool guest attire, and not-too-bridal bridal accessories.

Lots of brides and bridesmaids had been already wearing ASOS' white, cream, or pastel dresses, so it was only natural that they developed a dedicated wedding collection, with all the affordability and current style of their standard stock.

I went along to see the Occasionwear Collection in person, (it was a fabulous party with wine in the water coolers!) and the dresses and accessories were just as gorgeous as it looks in the pics.

Of course, they don't have quite the same detailing and fabric quality of a £3000 designer dress, (these beauties start from £120), but they would be perfect for a destination or city wedding, laid back bash or for any bride, either on a budget, or not wanting to spend big bucks on a one-wear dress.

As I said in my post on finding my own wedding dress, you'll (ideally) be the only one at your wedding in a big white dress, so no one's going to know the difference!

The dresses also go from UK sizes 4 to 18, with Curve collection designs available too up to a size 28 – and as you know, we're big fans of collections that are accessible to almost every bride.

And the new ASOS Wedding Shop isn't just about the white dresses.

It's got everything you could need for your big day look, from cute shoes and pretty cover-ups, to clutches, lingerie, jewellery and hair accessories.

A dedicated suit section for grooms and guys has some really sharp separates for men who want to create a custom look, or go for a suit that's modern and stylish for their wedding.

For bridesmaids, ASOS has lots of gorgeous dresses in its spring/summer collection for your girls to be inspired by, along with some fab mix-and-match bridesmaids dresses.

And not to be forgotten are the guests, for chic mothers of the bride and groom, ASOS have really fab styles that can be adapted for any age or style.

Okay, so enough of me gushing about my fave shop on the internet – seriously I have a good 200 items in my saved list at any given time and our local post office knows me by name for all the deliveries – let me show you my favourite picks from the ASOS Wedding Shop.

I bet you'll find something you love, whether it's for you, your groomsmen, your bridesmaids, or your mum.

Apologies in advance though, if your debit card takes a hit!

The Lookbook

The Wedding Dresses

The Accessories

The Groom & His Guys

The Bridesmaids

The Mothers of the Bride & Groom

What do you think of my picks? I just love it when clothes this gorgeous don't have to cost you mega bucks.

Those skinny pant suits for grooms are so cool, and aren't the wedding dresses just beautiful – you'd have no idea they were so affordable, right?

Don't forget to pin your favourites to show your mother/bridesmaids/groomsmen and visit the ASOS Wedding Shop for more chic ideas for your big day style.

See more Gorgeous Budget Wedding Dresses.