As a guest, do you buy new attire?

And how often do you disregard a couple's requested guest attire because you don't want the shopping hassle?

I typically wear something I already own as a guest to a wedding. I own a few dresses that I'll choose between for each wedding I attend, where the formality of the wedding, location, and weather are factors in which dress I'll choose. The only time I'll buy something new is if I need to replace something I already owned (such as, new shoes because the old ones fell apart, or a new dress because I donated a few of the other ones I had, etc). If I bought something new for every wedding I attended, I'd end up with a lot of dresses that were only ever worn once!

View Quoted Comment I just realized I watched my mom do this. She had a giant closet though.

My husband wears the same suit to every wedding we attend. I have a few dresses that I rotate. I only buy a new outfit for weddings if I'm required to (i.e. if I'm a bridesmaid), not if I'm just a guest.

Usually my first instinct is to look at my closet and see if I have something appropriate to wear. I'd definitely buy something new before I'd disregard the requested dress code though. If I do buy anything, I try to pick something that I'd wear to work, on a date night, or something like that (or that I could pair with something I already own) so it's not a one-time outfit. FH wears suits to work almost every day, so he usually just picks from one of them for weddings.

It depends on the time of year, formality of the event, and if I’ve recently gained or lost weight. I typically always follow the dress code, which for events I’ve been to has typically been formal. A couple years ago when I started to have friends get married I bought 2-3 dresses that I’ve rotated between for formal weddings. And almost every summer I buy new sundresses which are good for less formal, summer weddings.

I wear what i have! i also don't really care if i've already worn it too. i feel like it's kind of a waste of money to buy one for every wedding you go to especially if you don't plan to rewear it.

It depends... but I might buy a new outfit because I want to try a new style and get glammed up. I probably shouldn’t since I have a million dresses/skirts though 😭

I usually wear something I already own. Only if I dont have something that wouldnt work with that days weather would I consider buying something new.

Online and real life are completely different animals. With the celebrity/influencer culture of Instagram, it’s so easy to get caught up in the mindset that clothes are one wear use and then straight to the landfill. Reality for most people is more along the lines of 1-3 formal outfits in the closet that they rotate for all events. Mix and match accessories for a different look.



As far as dress codes on invitations, in our families and social circles, that is not done because it’s seen as overstepping. Generally no dress code mentioned means semi formal by default. While there might be one or two in the group who refuse to wear anything fancier than a polo and jeans, they blend into the crowd and it isn’t something people stop the event to fix it nor have them removed. We’ve never been given invitations that specify formal/black tie or casual, though we do have outfits that will work as needed.

I also thought of the images from Instagram about celebrities in new outfits every time. That is just not normal life. I suppose for many weddings happening with friends it sounds best to have a couple outfits to select from but not to feel it necessary to buy something new for each one.

Of course guys might just wear a different tie for the next event.

I am guilty of buying a new dress for any and every event I attend. You are correct mens options are easier but can be more expensive. My FI tends to buy a new suit usually custom for every event we attend. He’s odd that way 😂

Definitely depends. Generally if I wear something I already have its something I very rarely wear or something I have yet to wear after purchasing. It also depends on season and weather. I have lots of things that work for warm weather, but if I were invited to a winter wedding with cooler temps I'd need to purchase something.

It wouldn't even occur to me to buy a new outfit to go to a wedding.

It depends. I’m a combination of wearing what I have, buying something new, or renting a dress. We attended 7 weddings last year. I rented a dress for one, bought a new dress for 3, and wore what I had for the other 3. I try to be respectful of the dress code, and buy some of my dresses secondhand.

I tend to buy something new. Whether it's a dress, a clutch, some heels or some kind of accessory, I like to have something chosen specifically for that event. I think this is because I tend to be very sentimental about fashion, and I enjoy thinking about the event or the couple while I'm choosing the items I'll wear. On top of that, it's a way I show love to the people involved, that the outfit was picked with them in mind, specifically for their special moment.

I like to choose something I think will suit their venue, the weather, the vibe of their day, and the couple themselves. I spend a lot of time picking what I think will work, and it forms a major part of how I look forward to the event.

It doesn't have to be super expensive, and sometimes I'll chose an item I really love out of my wardrobe (ie, a pair of shoes I don't have an excuse to wear often enough), and will build/style the outfit around that, or just use it as an excuse to buy an item I couldn't otherwise justify!

Another enjoyment for me when I do this, is that whenever I wear that item again, I think back to the couple and their wedding (or whatever the event was) and spend time remembering how much I enjoyed it.

Of course, I will add that there's nothing wrong with wearing something you already own, and I also recognise that I'm very fortunate that I'm able to afford to do this, I know not everyone can.

I've only attended 8 weddings in my adult life (3 I was in). For the other 5, I bought a new dress for 2 and wore something I already owned for the other 3. I'd always respect the dress code, but have never been invited to a wedding that had one. I think men have it easier because they buy one suit for all weddings and switch up the shirt and tie to make it a little different. I have a wedding in August that I will probably buy a new dress for as it's been 3 years since I've attended a wedding and would like something new (but will aim to buy something I can wear again).