What to Wear to a Church Wedding?

Attending a wedding at a church calls for appropriate attire. As a wedding guest, you want to look and feel your best while also showing respect for the formality and sanctity of the occasion.

This guide covers everything you need to know about what to wear to a church wedding.

Dress Codes for Church Weddings

Most church weddings adhere to a semi-formal or formal dress code. This means avoiding casual styles and opting for dressier outfits. Some specific dress code guidelines include:

Semi-Formal

For men, this means dress pants, a button-down shirt, a tie, a sports coat or suit, and dress shoes. For women, it means dresses, skirts, blouses, dress pants and stylish tops, dress shoes or heels, and possibly a dress coat.

Formal

For men, this means a full suit with a tie, dress shoes, and possibly a vest or cummerbund. For women, it means formal dresses, dress suits with skirts or pants, stylish embellished tops, heels, and optional formal hats or fascinators.

The couple getting married may also provide a more specific dress code on the wedding invitation. When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of being too formal than too casual.

What Women Should Wear?

For women attending a church wedding, you’ll want an elegant dress, skirt outfit, or stylish pant outfit. Here are some more specific suggestions:

Dresses

A midi, knee-length, or tea-length dress is perfect for a church wedding. Opt for sleeves or choose a silhouette like an A-line that provides more coverage. Materials like chiffon, lace, tulle, or satin complement the elegance of a church setting. Wear nude or metallic heels.

Skirt Outfits

Pair a solid color or printed blouse with a midi or knee-length pencil skirt. A jacket or blazer adds formality. Stilettos or pumps work well.

Pant Outfits

Match dress pants with a pretty blouse or an embellished sweater. A structured coat maintains the polished look. Go for heels or dressy flats.

No matter what you choose, do not wear revealing styles to a church wedding. Avoid short hemlines, low-cut necklines, high slits, and sheer fabrics. Also skip denim, even if dressy.

What Men Should Wear?

For men, you can’t go wrong with a suit. Here are some suit and accessory tips:

Suit

Wear a two- or three-piece suit in a dark color like navy, black, or charcoal gray. Pair it with a white or light shirt, and complement it with a tie.

Shoes

Opt for leather dress shoes in black or brown, polished to a shine. Loafers also work well. Match socks to pants color.

Accessories

If your suit has a vest or cummerbund option, wear it. Add dress watch and cuff links for extra polish.

Alternatively, wear dress pants with a button-down shirt, blazer or sports coat, tie, and dress shoes. Skip suits with distracting patterns or overly trendy cuts, unless the wedding has a funky or fashion-forward theme.

What Not to Wear

To show respect, avoid certain clothing choices when attending wedding ceremonies held at religious venues:

• Miniskirts,shorts, or micro minis
• Extreme slits, low backs, halter tops or strapless dresses
• Sheer fabrics that expose undergarments
• Heavy embellishments like sequins or loud prints
• Casual fabrics like denim, even if dressy
• Revealing necklines
• Costume-like outfits
• Athletic sneakers or sandals

Prioritize elegance and modesty when deciding what to wear to a church wedding. Check with the couple getting married if you need clarification on the dress code.

Additional Tips

• Accessorize minimally with simple jewelry.
• Bring a pashmina or light wrap in case the church is cold.
• Choose formal hats or fascinators that complement your outfit without obscuring views.
• Have suits or formalwear properly tailored for best results.
• Buy new shoes and break them in so they don’t hurt your feet.
• Dress kids in their formal best attire also.
• Arrive early so you don’t feel rushed.

Deciding what to wear to a church wedding is easier when you understand the venue’s dress code expectations. Keep your options elegant, modest and formal for a respectful wedding guest look. Focus attention on the bride and groom by blending in sartorially.