Wedding season is upon us, and with it comes the challenge of figuring out what to wear to each event. Gone are the days of simply choosing between formal or casual attire. Nowadays, wedding hosts are providing guests with detailed dress codes, color palettes, and shopping guides to ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to fashion.
Take, for example, the safari wedding of Lauren and Jackson England in Ranthambore, India. The couple requested that their guests dress in “classic heritage Ralph Lauren” style to match the surroundings. Mr. England emphasized the importance of guests following their designated color palette to create a cohesive look for their wedding portraits. While their creative friends had fun with the theme, some guests, like their mothers, found it a bit overwhelming.
Similarly, another extravagant wedding celebration in Jamnagar, India, for Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani included nine pages of wardrobe guidance for guests. Themes like “jungle fever,” “dazzling Desi romance,” and “heritage Indian” were provided, along with runway photos and designer campaign images for inspiration. Even the expected weather conditions were listed to ensure guests were well-prepared.
Wedding planner Sarah Haywood from London notes that weddings today are meticulously designed, right down to the dress code. Mood boards are used to communicate the destination, venue, and event design so that guests can dress appropriately for the occasion. This attention to detail ensures that everyone feels comfortable and fits in with the overall aesthetic of the wedding.
As a wedding guest, it can be overwhelming to decipher these detailed dress codes and themes. However, by planning ahead, having discussions with the hosts, and possibly seeking inspiration from designer collections, you can create a look that aligns with the couple’s vision for their special day. Remember to have fun with it, embrace the theme, and celebrate the love and joy of the happy couple.