A destination wedding refers to a wedding that takes place outside of the current town or city that the couple lives in. For example, traveling to a different state or even a different country!
Typically, these destinations are somewhere warm and tropical with beautiful white sandy beaches and palm trees everywhere.
Who doesn’t love a destination wedding? It’s a holiday and a celebration all rolled into one! However, you might be a little confused about what to pack and how to dress for the occasion in a different climate.
In this article, all the information you need to decide what to wear to a destination wedding.
Beach Weddings
Beach weddings are what many people dream of with the waves crashing in the background and the beautiful scenery of a tropical paradise all around you. That being said, they can come with challenges thanks to the warm and sticky weather.
Women
The first thing to consider is fabric, you don’t want a heavy, non-breathable fabric that will make you sweat and leave you feeling super uncomfortable. Light fabrics are your friends on the beach which is the same whether you’re a wedding guest or sunbathing on vacation.
Ideal materials to wear here would be:
- Linen
- Cotton
- Chiffon
- Organza
Any color will look great with a stunning beach backdrop, but some are more practical than others. For example, you’ve probably been told that black attracts the sun. Black clothing in general absorbs the heat from both your body and the sun so it’s best to avoid this color.
There are so many beautiful bright colors to choose from that would be perfect for the beach, it’s also a perfect opportunity to wear a bold print that may not be suitable elsewhere.
A lime green will perfectly enhance a darker skin tone and a bold shade of blue can complement a lighter skin tone.
Unless there is guaranteed flooring to pave your pathway down to the beach, we would suggest skipping the heels and opting for sensible sandals whilst on the sand. If the reception is somewhere you won’t sink, they go for a pair of heels later on!
Men
Although you’re on a beach, there is no need for sloppy dressing. Guests can still make a stylish impact that fits with the day and still feel comfortable.
A linen suit is the best option here. We would also suggest choosing a linen suit that is light in color to avoid absorbing too much heat. Depending on the dress code, a tie may or may not be optional.
Other options include a light pair of chinos or slacks with a button-down shirt. Cotton is a great fabric choice as it’s breathable and light, making it easier to keep cool. Another great tip is to find a pair of cropped-length pants that can give you a little more flexibility.
To make the outfit more interesting, why not experiment with a pair of colorful yet beach-appropriate pants such as a dusty red or a pale blue?
Boat shoes, dress shoes, or something similar are appropriate forms of footwear for a beach wedding but double-check with the dress code. We shouldn’t need to tell you this, but leave the flip-flops in your room.
Cold Destinations
Cooler destinations aren’t as popular for weddings, but if you happen to be attending one then here is what to wear. These are suggestions only, we advise checking the dress code to see what your hosts expect of you.
Men
A thicker suit made of tweed, velvet, or twill will help to keep you warm at a winter wedding. These thick fabrics don’t have to look bulky and dull, with elegant tailoring and fine details.
When it comes to wearing tweed, we would recommend keeping it neutral in terms of colors as they will be more suited to the tone of the event. These destinations also call for utilizing darker and warmer color tones and hues.
The type of shoe worn will highly depend on the terrain and the venue. If you aren’t expected to walk across snow or stand outside for too long in freezing temperatures, normal dress shoes are fine.
Smart, formal coats can be bought in varying degrees of thickness to suit the specific destination you’re visiting. Add a woolen scarf over the top and a pair of gloves to finish off the outfit if you’re spending a lot of time outside.
Women
Fabrics are your friend when it comes to cold destination weddings. Fabrics like faux fur, velvet, and tweed are warmer and help to lock in body heat whilst blocking out some of the cold. Lighter fabrics may require you to wear some longer layers underneath.
Adding warmth is easy with winter-inspired wedding guest dresses as there are always longer options with high necks that look great and double up by keeping you warm. Extra layers such as shawls or boleros can be worn if a coat will be too much.
Accessories you won’t think of wearing to a beach wedding such as a hat, scarf, or gloves are perfect for cold destinations and can really bring an outfit together if they match. A pair of leather or faux leather gloves are a classy touch we love.
Black tights or pantyhose are great for making us feel warmer but can often ruin the look of the outfit we’ve created. Choosing a skin-tone pair of hosiery is one way of combating this issue, they are easy to find and inexpensive to buy.
Heeled boots are a sensible option to go for if heels aren’t your thing and you’d rather stay as warm as possible.
High heels are fine if you’re staying inside, but steer clear of them when walking outside. No one wants a broken ankle from slipping on a sheet of ice.
Conclusion
Planning your wardrobe for a destination wedding doesn’t have to be a stressful affair, if you follow these tips and tricks you won’t have to forfeit style over comfort!
