How to Dress for a Wedding Reception

Knowing how to dress for a wedding reception is important. If you're dressed too fancy or not fancy enough, you're going to stand out like a sore thumb. That's not the kind of lasting impression you want to leave on your fellow guests or the happy couple. Unless you're the bride or groom, it pays to learn how to dress for a wedding reception before you attend one.

Step1
Pay attention to the invitation. If it indicates anything like formal dress or black tie, then you know you need to dress to the nines for this event. This means a tuxedo or suit and tie for men and full-length dresses or ball gowns for women.
Step2
Take your cue from the venue of the reception. If the reception is going to be outside, you can usually get away with more casual clothing than if the reception will be in a formal ballroom.
Step3
Refrain from going too casual, unless the invitation specifically requests jeans and t-shirts. You're still attending a wedding, after all. Even the more laid-back outdoor venues require a degree of decorum. Business casual dress, such as khakis and polo shirts, are about as casual as you should go.
Step4
Avoid colors that are too loud and patterns that are too wild. Either one of these things will make you stand out in a bad way.
Step5
Keep the weather in mind. You should choose clothing that's appropriate to the season in order to be as comfortable as possible. Be sure to also check the weather report the day of the wedding, so you'll know if you should wear a coat or bring an umbrella.
Step6
Find out what other guests will be wearing. If you can match your style of dress to that of other people who will be attending the reception, you will rarely go wrong.
Step7
Ask the bride or groom what you should wear. This method is fool proof. It should also be used as a last resort, unless you're very close with either member of the happy couple. However, if the invitation doesn't give you any clues and the other guests aren't talking to you, then this is your best option.

* Dress sensibly. Don't wear high heels to a beach reception unless you enjoy sinking into the sand. Refrain from wearing a turtleneck to a poolside reception. If the reception is in an air-conditioned ballroom, bring a sweater in case you get too cold.
* Never wear white to a wedding or try to outshine the bride. This is considered very bad taste.