Long or short dress for a wedding guest?

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Evelyn Carpenter

Galia Lahav

What dresses not to wear to a wedding? When it comes to protocols and dress code for guests at a wedding, the only rule that is 100% clear is that you should never wear a white dress or a dress of a similar shade. .

Traditionally the following criteria is used: short/day, long/evening, but the definition of what type of dress to wear will also be dictated by the place, time and type of ceremony you are attending.

Here we give you some keys to know when to wear short or long and when to comply with a protocol and dress code, so that in the search for your dress you can forget about the eternal doubts: can you wear a short dress to an evening wedding? or in a morning wedding: long or short dress?

Short party dress

Traditionally, short wedding dresses are considered to be worn exclusively for daytime or evening celebrations, but not for evening, which are limited to certain ages and are not worn for formal events. But like everything else in life, the criteria have been modernized and the protocols regarding the use of these dresses have become more flexible. .

What is considered a short dress? Any dress that is at or above the knee.

One of the most common terminologies when talking about wedding dress codes is the cocktail style. This is a knee-length party dress that can be combined with heeled shoes or sandals. Since the celebration is during the day, you can play with bright colors and prints. The main goal is that the look looks neat, elegant and appropriate for the context.

Can you wear a short dress to an evening wedding? Yes, because there are several models of short formal dresses. In fact, today we see in catwalks and international events that there are many alternatives to wear a short dress for an evening event, without leaving aside the elegance and style. It all depends on the colors and fabrics you choose.

As options of short dresses for evening weddings you can use formal cuts with couture details, lingerie or low cut, prioritizing shiny and smooth fabrics, such as silk, velvet or satin, in neutral tones and little flashy. The applications of rhinestones and glitter, well balanced, are an excellent way to make them look more elegant.

By day

Asos

Zara

Marchesa

At night

Handle

Alon Livné White

Alon Livné White

Long party dress

When should you wear a long dress? Traditionally reserved for evening weddings, long dresses are synonymous with elegant parties and galas.

For long dresses there are the concepts of Black Tie or Black Tie Optional. In the case of the first one, it is very demanding regarding the formality of the event, so the dress must be long enough to cover the shoes and these must be heeled. In the case of the Black Tie Optional it is recommended to wear long dresses, but it is not necessary that it reaches the floor; it can reach the floor.to the ankle leaving the shoes exposed.

When to wear long dresses to a wedding? Long formal dresses for a daytime wedding are reserved for the bride, the godmother and the bridesmaids. But if as a guest you want to defy protocol, we recommend you to follow these criteria. As it is a less formal event it is important to leave aside the designs with rhinestones, glitter or lace details on arms, neckline or back. In this case it is better to opt for a dressof light and airy fabrics, in pastel colours and they can even dare with prints.

By day

Lemonaki

It Velvet

Asos

At night

Manu Garcia

Galia Lahav

Manu Garcia

Midi party dress

The midi cut is an alternative perfect for both daytime weddings and evening celebrations. .

For daytime weddings, you can try printed versions, shirting and country looks, as well as asymmetrical lengths for those looking for a more modern and less traditional look.

While, for the evening, an excellent choice of midi dresses are the draped models of elegant fabrics or complex lace, with lingerie or corset type cuts.

By day

Oscar de la Renta

Asos

It Velvet

At night

It Velvet

Marchesa

Zara

Other

If you don't want to complicate with the length of your dress, forget about it and change your look completely. for a suit or a tailored suit The one-piece has been a third way for wedding guests for years because, although they do not comply with the protocol of the length, they are a very versatile design that has the perfect combination of elegant and casual, which makes them suitable for any type of celebration.

Tailored suits are one of the latest trends in the fashion world. and are a fresh alternative to reinterpret the formality of a wedding and are perfectly suited to daytime ceremonies or very elegant evening celebrations.

It Velvet

Alon Livné White

Dior

The dress code will always be a factor to consider. If the bride and groom are not so clear or do not specify it and you do not know whether to wear long or short dress for a wedding, the time and place will be the best clues to know what to wear. Do not forget to check our catalog of party dresses for inspiration and choose the one that best suits you.

Evelyn Carpenter is the author of the best-selling book, All you need for your marriage. A Marriage guide. She has been married for over 25 years and has helped countless couples build successful marriages. Evelyn is a sought after speaker and relationship expert, and has been featured in various media outlets including Fox News, Huffington Post, and more.