What to Wear to a Casual Wedding as a Guest

From smart casual to business casual and - well, casual casual - it’s easy to overthink the more laidback of the wedding guest dress codes. There’s a general saying that when it comes to a wedding, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed - but is this also the case for causal weddings?

Need help finding the perfect wedding guest outfit for an upcoming wedding with a relaxed vibe? We’re here to help you decode casual wedding attire.

From casual and casual tie-less suits to gorgeous floral sundresses that take you from day to night. There’s no need to second guess casual wedding attire, when casual is a dress code you so often follow! 

What is a Casual Wedding Attire? 

In simple terms, casual wedding attire is a step up from everyday clothing but still with a relaxed and comfortable vibe—perfect for dancing the night away at the reception. You’ll mostly spot a casual dress code for outdoor weddings, think garden parties or beach weddings.

However, if you see a casual dress code on your wedding invitation, this doesn’t necessarily mean you can wear whatever you want. Naturally, things like jeans and flip-flops tend to remain off-limits - it’s still a wedding, after all!

If you’re unsure what to wear to a casual wedding, we’re sure you have plenty of experience pulling outfits together for dressy casual events. So whether you want to head down the business casual or smart casual direction, we’re here to give you all the tips, tricks and outfit ideas for nailing the casual wedding dress code.

But before we get into the nitty-gritty, here are some top tips:

• Women: Season dependant, opt for sundresses, jumpsuits or two-piece sets. Pair your look with wedges, sandals or flats for a casual yet dressy look.
• Men: Lightweight chinos or tailored shorts are best for spring and summer weddings when paired with a classic button-down or a crisp polo shirt for a sharp but laid-back look. For footwear, loafers or boat shoes are best. If it’s cooler, a well-fitted pair of trousers with a casual blazer layered over a simple tee or sweater strikes the right balance of relaxed and refined.
• Avoid: Despite the casual dress code, it’s best to avoid tank tops, flip-flops and trainers for weddings. Of course, if you’ve checked with the couple prior, go for it, but even casual wedding attire has its limits.

Don’t forget to consider the time of day, season, venue and location when planning your casual wedding attire. For example, a daytime beach or garden wedding will likely be more casual than an evening affair, held at a venue. As always, if in doubt, as the couple! 

The 20 Best Casual Wedding Attire Outfit Ideas for Women and Men

Our editors independently research, review, and recommend the best products. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Casual Wedding Attire for Women

As we mentioned, sundresses and wedges combo is the obvious choice for casual wedding attire in the spring and summer months. Expect an abundance of midi, floral or printed sundresses, but what do you do if you receive an invitation with a casual dress code in the autumn or winter? We’re here to help you find the perfect casual wedding attire for women. From stunning dresses you can re-wear to elevated jumpsuits, all ideal for several special occasions, shop our favourite looks for casual weddings! 

Plum Starlight Midi Dress - £85, Nobody's Child

Perfect for weddings all year round, thanks to the summery design and autumnal hue, this Nobody's Child midi dress strikes the perfect balance for casual wedding attire. 

Yumi Blue Floral Print Tiered Kimono Midi Dress - £41.25, New Look

Florals and prints, of any kind, work perfectly for casual weddings, and this gorgeous blue dress has us reminiscing about spring and summer. The kimono sleeves, high-low skirt and wrap design make it stand out enough for weddings, while still ideal for a casual dress code. 

Florere Side Tie Midi Dress - £199, Reiss

While relatively simple in design and silhouette, this Reiss dress is nonetheless stunning. The fitted bodice and full skirt make it a beautiful option for casual weddings, and if you've been paying attention to wedding colour trends, lilac is a popular pick! 

Daisy Floral Print Chiffon Maxi Dress -  £49.40, Warehouse

Who said florals are just for spring and summer? If you're looking for another gorgeous option for autumnal weddings, this chiffon maxi dress in green with an elegant floral print is a must. The ruffled sleeves elevate the dress perfectly for weddings, while it's still perfect for even the most casual ceremonies. 

Forever New Cross Back Linen Midaxi Dress in Brown - £49.50, ASOS

If you're looking for something ultra-laidback, yet easy to dress up and make wedding-appropriate, ASOS has a wide range of dresses. This linen brown dress is ideal for weddings all year round, and while it's relatively low-key in the front, it's all party at the back, thanks to the criss-cross design.

Tremeer Dress - £199, Hobbs

Just because you're attending a casual wedding doesn't mean you have to avoid bright colours. If anything, unlike other wedding guest dress codes, which might restrict certain hues, things like colour and print tend to be perfect for casual weddings. This lime green satin dress with ruffled sleeves and a silky finish is super easy to dress both up and down.

Red Marble Print Dress - £159, Whistles

It's not all about the florals for casual weddings! If you're not one to shy away from print, this Whistles dress is the one for you. The midi length and cold-shoulder design make this dress one you can wear time and time again, for any more dressy weddings you have coming up, too! Simply switch out your wedges or sandals for a pair of heels and a matching clutch for a sleek and stylish look. 

Green Colorado Skater Midi Dress - £65, Nobody's Child

Looking to channel ultimate garden party vibes for your upcoming casual wedding? What better than a green midi skater dress? This dress ensures you'll remain comfortable and classy for the entire day. And, better yet - who doesn't love a dress with pockets?

Zadie Jacquard Midi Dress - £255, RIXO

Attending a casual wedding doesn't mean you have to give up sleek and classy wedding guest dresses entirely. If we're honest, it's all about how you style them! Head to RIXO for this midi dress with a gorgeous jacquard print in blue. The standout feature of this option has to be the sleeves!

Pepita Midi - £88, Free People

While an all-dark look can elevate casual outfits, opting for a muted, monochrome palette, rather than a bright and eye-catching colour, is ideal for ensuring the couple stands out beautifully amongst a casual wedding guest dress code.

Green Velvet Halter Neck Jumpsuit - £55, River Island

Whether dresses aren't your thing or you're attending a wedding in winter and need something warmer, don't forget about the option of jumpsuits for weddings. This beautiful green velvet halter neck jumpsuit couldn't be more perfect for winter wedding guests. And while it can work for more casual affairs if dressed down, we think it's perfect for weddings with more formal dress codes, too! 

Alli Gold Textured Jumpsuit - £159, Phase Eight

Just because you're attending a casual wedding, doesn't mean sparkles are out the window! If you can't say no to some sparkles during party season, jumpsuits are the perfect way to make even the most glitzy outfit appropriate for casual wedding attire. The beautiful texture and billowy semi-see-through sleeves make this option a winter wedding must. 

Ayla Magenta Ruffle Wrap Jumpsuit - £109, Phase Eight

Looking for a wedding guest jumpsuit suitable for affairs all year round? This magenta wrap jumpsuit works perfectly with bright summer hues and warming tones attached to the colder months. Another option that's easily dressed both up and down, we love this style for casual weddings!

Casual Wedding Attire for Men

For a casual wedding, dressing down doesn’t mean compromising on style! Chinos or tailored trousers provide a solid foundation, while a crisp shirt keeps things polished without going overboard. While there’s no need for a full suit and tie, you don’t need to compromise on a stylish blazer or jacket! The best thing about casual wedding dress codes is the ability to embrace coloured options and soft neutral tones, making a fun change from classic black, navy and grey suits, but still allowing the couple to stand out. Not sure where to start? Here are the best casual wedding attire outfit ideas for men. 

Tailored Fit Sage Corduroy Suit - £80 - £149, Moss Bros

A light and refreshing look is perfect for spring or summer weddings. This sage green corduroy suit strikes the perfect balance of casual and stylish, especially when paired with a crisp white T-shirt instead of a traditional dress shirt. And if you're hoping to transition this look into cooler months, the textured corduroy material brings just the right level of warmth and luxe to winter weddings, too.

Cotton Stretch Jacket - Navy - £199, Charles Tyrwhitt

If you're attending a casual wedding but want to keep the sleek look of a blazer, this option is just what you need! The cotton-stretch navy jacket from Charles Tyrwhitt is the perfect mixture between stylish and wedding-ready, but still relaxed. Pair it with chinos and a polo shirt for a comfortable, smart-casual outfit that perfectly suits a laid-back wedding vibe.

Slim Fit Brown Check Linen Suit - £50 - £79, Moss Bros

Linen is a go-to fabric for warm-weather weddings, and it’s perfect for more relaxed dress codes too. The lightweight, unstructured feel of linen, paired with the brown check pattern of this Moss Bros style, makes it an ideal choice for casual wedding attire for men.

Blue Navy Witley Wool Blazer - £110, Fat Face

If linen and stretch cotton aren’t quite your vibe, casual weddings are a great opportunity to explore other fabrics that might not suit a formal dress code. Take this navy wool blazer from Fat Face - it’s perfect for autumn and winter casual weddings, adding a bit of warmth and texture to your look.

ASOS DESIGN Slim Suit Jacket in Light Brown Twill - £63.75, ASOS

If you like the look of a traditional suit, but with a more casual vibe - this ASOS suit is the perfect option. While the slim fit and light brown colouring gives it a more feel, it's super easy to dress down when paired with a casual T-shirt. 

Limehaus Tailored Fit Stone Blazer - £49, Suit Direct

For another classic yet casual suit offering, head to Suit Direct for this tailored fit blazer in a stone colouring. It's loose, lightweight and low-key, the light colour, making it perfect for everything from summer weddings to laidback ceremonies. 

Slim Fit Ink Corduroy Suit - £80 - £149, Moss Bros

If you want to keep things sleek and refined even with a casual dress code, there are definitely ways to pull it off. Opting for an all-black outfit for your casual wedding attire is all about balance. While traditional black suits are often associated with formal or black-tie weddings, selecting a black suit in a more relaxed style - like a softer, unstructured fit or a slightly textured fabric -  gives you that polished look without feeling overly formal. 

Casual Wedding Attire Etiquette

Want to strike the perfect balance for your upcoming casual wedding? Here are some quick etiquette tips for casual wedding attire:

• Aim for elevated casual: Think polished but relaxed - meaning jeans/denim and T-shirts (unless with a blazer over) are a no, while a sundress or chinos with a nice button-down work perfectly.
• Check the weather: Casual weddings can be outdoors, so dress for the season. Lightweight fabrics work well for summer, while layers or sweaters are ideal for cooler months.
• Mind the shoes: It’s best to avoid ultra-casual shoes like flip-flops unless specified. Opt for loafers, flats, or dressy sandals that are stylish but still comfortable.
• Go light on accessories: Simple jewellery or accessories keep your look wedding-ready, yet laid-back.
• Respect any special instructions: Sometimes, couples specify "festive" or "beachy casual." Follow these cues to ensure you match the vibe they’re envisioning for their big day.