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Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Marlboro | Siu’s View
For soon-to-be-newlyweds throwing a destination wedding or hosting lots of wedding guests from out of town, a wedding welcome party is the ultimate way to kick off a wedding weekend.
A wedding welcome party is a way to show gratitude to those who have traveled a distance to attend your big day. It’s a chance for guests and family members who haven’t met before to get to know each other. It’s also the perfect excuse to style yourself in an amazing pre-wedding outfit!
Not sure what to wear to a wedding welcome party?
This is our complete guide to wedding welcome party attire. We’ve also included some of our favorite wedding welcome party outfits for brides, bridesmaids, and guests!
What Should the Bride Wear to a Wedding Welcome Party?
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids | Lula Kate
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:
- • Shows off your personal sense of style
- • Coordinates with the theme and aesthetic of the event
- • Makes you feel like the most confident, radiant bride-to-be of all time
Brides and grooms should be the focus of every wedding-related event, so pick an outfit that makes you stand out as the star of the show!
Learn how to plan an unforgettable wedding welcome party! Read our post: Your Complete Wedding Welcome Party Planning Checklist
What Should Bridesmaids Wear to a Wedding Welcome Party?
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids | Jenny Yoo
As a bridesmaid, there are a few important factors to consider when choosing an amazing wedding welcome party outfit:
- • The Venue: Consider how casual or fancy the venue is. You’ll want to choose an outfit that’s appropriate for the setting.
- • Time of Day: The time of day matters, too, as daytime events are generally more casual than evening parties.
- • Season & Location: The season and location matter most. You should always dress for the weather and the time of year.
If you’re traveling a distance for a wedding welcome party, check the weather before choosing an outfit. You want to look good but also be comfortable.
It’s also important not to outdo the bride. Ask her to show you what she’s wearing so you don’t show up in a similar look or a bolder style that steals her spotlight.
What Should Guests Wear to a Wedding Welcome Party?
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Houston | Stephania Campos
As a guest, it’s always best to follow the dress code on the invitation and dress to match the theme (if there is one).
Dress codes for wedding welcome parties can range from casual to dressy casual, or from semi-formal to 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 welcome party venue. Choosing an outfit is easier when you know how dressy or casual the event space is.
Wedding Welcome Party Looks for Guys
Many couples plan their welcome parties around a specific theme. If the dress code specifies a particular color, style, or item of clothing, abide by it.
If the couple is throwing a beach wedding welcome party with an ultra-casual dress code, shorts and a colorful Hawaiian shirt may be ideal.
If the event calls for cocktail attire, keep it classy with a crisp button-down shirt, a blazer, and dress pants.
Wedding Welcome Party Attire for Women
Wedding welcome parties typically call for a less formal look than the wedding itself.
If the couple is throwing a semi-formal wedding, a short sundress or a flowing maxi dress may be the perfect choice for the welcome party.
But if the wedding reception calls for black-tie attire, the welcome party might require that you wear a dressy cocktail dress.
Before choosing your welcome party look, check if the invite includes a dress code. Research the venue to see how formal (or informal) it is. Ask the bride, groom, or a member of the wedding party about the vibe.
As a bridesmaid or guest, there’s one other rule to follow: Don’t wear white unless the bride specifically asks you to.
Still shopping for the perfect welcome party look? Check out our entire collection of event dresses!
What Should the Groom Wear to a Wedding Welcome Party?
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Houston | Kate Gulledge
Hey grooms, when it’s time to choose your welcome party look, you should wear something:
- • You feel comfortable in
- • That coordinates with the aesthetic or theme of the party
- • That complements your significant other
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. Telling your wedding party what you plan to wear can help them make smart fashion choices of their own!
Our Favorite Wedding Welcome Party Dresses
Ready for some inspiration to help you choose the perfect welcome party dress?
Here are some welcome party outfit ideas for brides, bridesmaids, and wedding guests:
Jenny Yoo Eliza Dress
Jenny Yoo Eliza Dress
In luxe satin fabric, the Jenny Yoo Eliza Dress is a showstopper. It features a playful mini silhouette with swag sleeves, a slip-inspired skirt, and a slightly draped cowl neckline.
Mac Duggal 8028 Dress
Mac Duggal 8028 Dress
Detailed with floral embroidery, the Mac Duggal 8028 Dress creates an ultra-romantic look. It features a full-length empire waist silhouette with a flattering V-neckline and ruffled accents.
Christina Wu 22260 Dress
Christina Wu 22280 Dress
The Christina Wu 22280 Dress offers playful sophistication. It boasts a tiered A-line mini silhouette with a square neckline and wide, bra-friendly straps, making it comfortable to wear.
Moreover, whether you're the bride or part of the bridal party, selecting the right bridal shower attire sets the tone for a memorable celebration.
Mac Duggal 56049 Dress
Mac Duggal 56049 Dress
Shopping for the perfect wedding guest dress for a semi-formal wedding welcome party? With an open back, ruffled sleeves, and a fresh floral print, the Mac Duggal 56049 Dress is a fabulous choice.
Jenny Yoo Thea Dress
Jenny Yoo Thea Dress
Brides, if you’re looking for a simple yet chic welcome party outfit, the Jenny Yoo Thea Dress is it. This little white dress features a halter neckline and a swing silhouette, making it oh-so-comfy for dancing and celebrating.
Christina Wu 22171 Jumpsuit
Christina Wu 22171 Jumpsuit
If you prefer the comfort of pants, the Christina Wu 22171 Jumpsuit might be just what you need. It offers chic elegance in a puff-sleeve silhouette, with a waist sash and flattering wide-leg bottoms.
Amsale Clark Dress
Amsale Clark Dress
The Amsale Clark midi dress is timeless in a slim A-line slip silhouette with spaghetti straps and a draped cowl neckline. Available in more than two dozen colors in fluid satin, it’s perfect for wearing at any time of year.
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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