Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston

As a bride, finding THE dress is always the top priority. But once you’ve ordered your wedding dress, it’s time to start shopping for more great looks for all the fun events that will take place before the big day…

Like your wedding welcome party!

Not sure what to wear to the first event of your wedding weekend?

Keep reading for inspiration and tips on wedding welcome party attire. We’ve also included some dress recommendations and outfit ideas for brides, grooms, groomsmen, and guests.

How To Decide What To Wear to a Wedding Welcome Party

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston

Whether you’re a bride, groom, or guest, there are a few important factors to consider when choosing an amazing wedding welcome party outfit:

Usually, couples only throw a welcome party if they’re having a destination wedding weekend or have many guests coming in from out of town.

If you’re traveling for a wedding welcome party, check the weather before choosing an outfit. It’s important to look good, but you also want to be comfortable.

As the bride or groom, YOU dictate the dress code! But as a guest, you should follow whichever dress code the happy couple has chosen.

Many couples plan their welcome parties around a specific theme. So, if the dress code specifies a particular color, style, or item of clothing, abide by their wishes.

Wedding Welcome Party Attire for the Bride

Many brides wear white to all their pre-wedding events, and we love it when they do!

But the color and style you choose is entirely up to you. A tea-length or knee-length dress, a long floor-length gown, a jumpsuit or mini dress in red, blue, black, or a bold floral print — it’s totally your call. You’ll probably pose for lots of pictures during your welcome party.

So wear something that:

Ready for some inspo?

Here are a few gorgeous welcome party outfit options you might love. All of them could be perfect for a rehearsal dinner, too.

Jenny Yoo Tinsley Dress

The Jenny Yoo Tinsley dress is oh-so-fun and flirty in luxe faille fabric with a bubble skirt. This little white mini dress features a strapless top, a drop waist, and a flounce skirt with a low V-back. It strikes the perfect balance between sexy and sweet.

Amsale Little White Dress Style LW193

The Amsale Little White Dress style LW193 is sleek and chic in a sophisticated one-shoulder silhouette. In fluid satin fabric with a bow on the shoulder, this midi dress is perfect for a semi-formal wedding welcome party.

Watters Maverick

Easy to dress up or down, the Watters Maverick dress features a flowing silhouette with a V-neckline, flounce sleeves, and an open back with a playful tie. A front slit adds the perfect finishing touch.

Amsale LW157 Jumpsuit

The Amsale LW157 Jumpsuit offers a sexy and modern alternative for the bride who doesn’t want to wear a white dress until the big day. The one-shoulder silhouette and skinny-leg pants make it incredibly versatile. You can dress it up with your highest stilettos or dress it down with a pair of flat sandals.

Wedding Welcome Party Attire for the Groom

Hey grooms, when it’s time to choose your welcome party look, keep these tips in mind:

Unless you have a black tie or black tie optional welcome party, there’s no need to wear a tuxedo and bow tie. Most couples reserve formal dress codes for the wedding day and host welcome parties that call for cocktail or casual attire.
When you decide what to wear, let your groomsmen know so they can follow suit.

For example, say you’re throwing a beach wedding welcome party with an ultra-casual dress code. You could let your groomsmen know that you’ll wear your favorite swim trunks or a colorful Hawaiian shirt.
If your event calls for cocktail attire, tell them you plan to wear a crisp button-down shirt, a blazer, and dress pants.

Letting your wedding party know what you plan to wear can help them make smart fashion choices of their own!

Wedding Welcome Party Guest Attire

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston

As a guest, it’s always best to follow the dress code on the invitation and style yourself to meet the theme (if there is one). Dress codes for wedding welcome parties can range from casual or dressy casual to semi-formal or cocktail attire.

Couples rarely request that you don formal wedding attire before the big day!

If the couple hasn’t specified a dress code or theme, check their wedding website for more details or Google the venue. Choosing an outfit is easier when you know how dressy or casual the event space is.

Ready for some wedding guest dress inspiration?

Here are some options that might be perfect for you:

Jenny Yoo Kyra Dress

The Jenny Yoo Kyra Dress is a timeless mini dress with a strapless neckline, a chic bow detail, and an A-line skirt with side pockets. This is the LBD you’ll wear every chance you get!

Sachin & Babi Sylvie Dress

Bold embellishments add a hint of glitz to the Sachin & Babi Sylvie Dress. This sleeveless mini dress features a deep V-neckline, a V-back, and a flattering shift silhouette that complements all body types.

After Six 6886FP Dress

You’ll look oh-so-pretty in the After Six 6886FP dress. This floral print cocktail dress features a slim column silhouette with a midi length, a strapless bodice, and a draped detail in the back.

Shop our entire collection of Event Dresses here!

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Wedding welcome parties are always a great time. They kick off the wedding weekend, gather everyone together — sometimes for the first time — and fill the air with love and romance.

Whether you’re the bride, the groom, or an esteemed guest, show up to your next wedding welcome party looking your best. It’s going to be a moment you’ll never forget!

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