What to Wear to A Wedding Reception to Look Casual

What to wear to a wedding reception

Wedding receptions are indeed a lot of fun. Celebrating the beautiful union of two soulmates with dance, music, and booze, wedding receptions allow the newly wedded couple to receive society together. These kinds of events are a way to thank the guests for attending the wedding and end the ceremony on a lighter note. Are you not sure what to wear to a wedding reception and still retain the casual vibe? During wedding season, you will surely be attending a lot of wedding receptions and you will need to refresh your look for each one. As different weddings have different kinds of dress codes, you need to dress comfortably to have fun at a wedding reception. Not to worry, as we tell you everything you need to know on how to dress for a casual wedding reception.

There are some basic guidelines you need to follow when dressing for a wedding reception. You must never wear white or off-white outfits as those colors are reserved only for the bride. Even for a casual wedding reception, do not wear anything too casual like sweatpants, leisure outfits, jeans, shorts, or cargo pants. With these basic pointers out of the way, let us begin.

  • Wrap Dress:

The simplicity of a wrap dress ensures you look your best, even if you are looking casual. The adaptability and versatility of a wrap dress are what makes it a favorite among women. For a look that is toned down, go for a solid wrap dress with a long hemline. For a flirty look, opt for a wrap dress that has a bold and fun print on it. Pair it with stylish mules or cone heels for a finished look.

Image of a woman in a formal dress at a wedding reception

  • Off-the-Shoulder Dress:

For a touch of elegance to keep your outfit dazzling from day to night, go for an off-the-shoulder dress with a hemline that ends around the knees. Keep it casual by opting for a dress with a neutral color or fun prints. Polish the dress by wearing it with a pair of stilettoes, ankle strap heels, or stylish boots.

  • Lace Dress:

While lace dresses are generally seen as something to be worn for fancy occasions, you can dress down your lace dress for a casual wedding reception. Beautifully feminine and flirty, go for a crochet lace dress that comes in a bright color. Especially with lace dresses, steer away from pale, neutral, or white colors, as that is probably what the bride will be wearing. Tone the dress down by pairing it with a cardigan or a cute shawl.

Image of stylish evening wear for a wedding reception

  • Jumpsuits:

Flirty and fabulous, jumpsuits are great for those who want to keep it casual and fun. Go for a jumpsuit with a unique pattern like fun blocks or posh florals. Opt for a jumpsuit that features ruffles or lace, if you want to exude a feminine vibe. Choose light fabrics like cotton or linen to suit the occasion. Pair it with corset heels or peep-toes for an interesting look.

  • Tea Dress:

When in doubt about what to wear to a wedding reception, go for a tea dress. Tea dresses are breezy outfits with a hemline that ends between the ankles and the calf. Great for a casual setting, tea dresses exude a casual yet refined look. Go for a floral or striped tea dress that is made of light fabric like chiffon or linen. Match it with heeled sandals or heeled wedges for a complete look.

What to wear to a wedding reception- Tea Dress

  • Modern Separates:

Separates are outfits that feature a coordinating top and bottom piece. Also called business casual outfits, modern separates are fashionable pieces that look both polished and informal at the same time. For very popular and stylishly simple tops, it is a good idea for boutiques to stock up on wholesale tops. Available in a variety of styles, colors, and lengths, such tops are affordable and of high quality.

A good outfit idea is to wear a modern structured striped skirt with a simple blouse or tee. You can also wear a satin top with cigarette pants. If you are opting for a sleeveless top, in case it gets cold, keep a jacket or a cute shawl handy. Pair it with cut-out heels or heeled espadrilles for a casual vibe.

  • Romper:

As rompers are considered very casual, go for a romper that looks dressy and fancy. Rompers are one-piece outfits with a dressy bodice and shorts-like bottoms. Choose a romper that features bold floral prints or classy shimmer. Wear it with heeled sandals or strapped heels for a polished look.

Romper

  • Maxi Dress:

A very popular choice for those looking for a casual yet classy outfit, maxi dresses are quite versatile. The flowy bottom exudes a posh feel while being flirty and fun. Offering an effortlessly stylish look, go for a maxi dress that features fun prints. You can also play with the style and the neckline of the maxi dress, eventually finding one that is right for you. Pair it with stilettoes or kitten heels depending on the maxi dress you choose.

  • Halter Dress:

Never failing to impress, halter dresses are great for any woman. Available with a flowy or fitted bottom, halter dresses come in a variety of styles, lengths, and colors. Go for a halter dress that has an interesting pattern on it, like florals or geometric shapes. You can also go for a halter dress with a bright solid color. Match it with strappy sandals or kitten heels for a complete look.

Halter Dress

  • Shirtdress:

When styled correctly, shirtdresses can look polished, stylish, and casual at the same time. Shirtdresses are dresses that resemble a man’s button-up shirt. Featuring details like buttons, collars, or pockets, shirtdresses exude a fun and flirty vibe.

Opt for a loose-fitting shirtdress with an interesting pattern on it like geometric shapes or stripes. Cinch it at the waist with a chunky belt for a fashionable touch. Pair it with ankle boots or corset heels for a cute yet chic look.

Wedding receptions are fun-filled events that take place after the marriage. Wedding receptions celebrate the union of two lives. However, if you need to look casual at a wedding reception, the choice of outfit can get tricky. With our list of what to wear to a wedding reception, you never need to wonder about it. Enjoy!