What You Should Never Wear To A Wedding

Getting dressed for a wedding is tricky: there’s the pressure to look amazing (hello, photo booth), while simultaneously trying to navigate the ever-changing rules of outfit etiquette. Rather than attempt the opinion-laden terrain ourselves, we figured we’d call in an expert to lay down some ground rules. Enter: Melissa Coker, the founder and creative director of Wren, a beloved LA-based brand, which recently launched an awesome “Weddings, Bridesmaids & Parties” section of their site.

Scroll down for Coker’s definitive list of what you should never wear to a wedding and shop our picks.

Thou Shall Not:

“This is not P. Diddy’s annual White Party, it's your friend/family member/frenemy’s wedding, and you have seven million other colors chilling in your closet anyways. So just be cool, and choose something else. And while you're at it, you should probably back away from that flower crown. And if you're even thinking about wearing a tiara, well, we're not friends anymore.” –Melissa Coker
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Instead, try a fun print.

PHOTO: Stockholm Street Style

On Miroslava Duma: Chanel jacket.
Thou Shall Not:

“You may be single and ready to mingle with some hot groomsmen, but stay away from too short, too tight, too low cut, or the dreaded all of the above. You don't need grandma's seal of approval, but you don't need to look at home on Hollywood Boulevard either.” –Melissa Coker
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Instead, try a maxi dress.

PHOTO: Vanessa Jackman

On Peony Lim of Peony Lim: Isolda London dress; Eriin jacket; Manolo Blahnik shoes; Hermes bag; Ottica Mantovani sunglasses.
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What should I wear to a casual wedding?

Thou Shall Not:

“I get it, your friend's super cool, her wedding's on the beach/in a barn/in Canada. But c'mon—it's not cute and casual, it's just bad manners. Wearing jeans to a wedding is like Paris Hilton's attempts at pop music—it offends everyone.” –Melissa Coker
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Instead, try wide-legged trousers and a fancy blouse.

EXPLORE: Street Style, Night Out, Poppy Delevingne, black heels
PHOTO: Stockholm Street Style
Thou Shall Not:

“If it looks like something Jennifer Lopez would wear on tour, it's probably out of bounds for your colleague's wedding.” –Melissa Coker
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Instead, keep it sophisticated with a color block dress.

EXPLORE: Street Style, Night Out, halter top, navy bag
PHOTO: Tuula Vintage

On Jessica Stein of Tuula Vintage: ASOS top; Lover skirt; Sam Edelman sandals; Valentino bag; Ryan Storer ring.
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Thou Shall Not:

“Some people are like, black = sad death, you're a jerk, while other people are like, stop being so old fashioned, black is cool and for modern chic types. It's hard to say who is right, and it probably depends on the type of wedding you're going to and what the groom and bride are all about. So, unless you're making a statement and crashing your ex's nuptials, it's probably better to play it safe and go for color.” –Melissa Coker
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Instead, try a cheerful color.

EXPLORE: Street Style, Night Out, short-sleeve dress, orange dress
PHOTO: Gary Pepper Girl

On Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper Girl: Camilla And Marc dress; Carolina Herrera heels; Mulberry bag; Mania Mania ring; Jennifer Zeuner Ring.
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SHOP

Tibi Ibis Strappy Long Dress ($675) in Indigo Multi

Step outside the floral box with this unique butterfly wing pattern.
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SHOP

Schutz Oriana Ankle Wrap Sandals ($200) in Vino

Judging from the spike heel, you might need to carry a backup pair of flats in your clutch, but that shouldn’t stop you from strutting in these red snakeskin stunners for the better half of the night.
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SHOP

A.L.C. Eva Dress ($541) in Midnight/Pink

This is the type of dress you’ll wear again and again.
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SHOP

Alexis Bittar Thin Collar Necklace ($195) in Rhodium

A sleek choker will add polish to your ensemble.
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SHOP

ASOS Bandeau Polka Dot Midi Dress ($86) in Nude

Everyone will think you found your polka-dot dress in a vintage shop—we’ll never tell it’s from ASOS.
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SHOP

Wren Coral Kissing Back Kimono Dress ($400)

Little known fact: a kimono-sleeve is so flattering for your arms.
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SHOP

Lanvin Metallic Block-Heel Sandals ($353)

You can dance the night away in these dressy snakeskin sandals.
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SHOP

ASOS Floral Bardot Full Midi Prom Dress ($181)

Brigitte Bardot loved a fit-and-flare off-the-shoulder dress, and we do too.
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SHOP

ASOS Cami Strap Midi Skater Dress ($67) in Nude

Any shoe in your closet will work with this nude spaghetti strap dress.
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SHOP

Nina Ricci Arc Feather/Fur Clutch Bag ($3390) in Black/Gray

From the feathers to the furry accents, this clutch is downright luxurious.
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SHOP

Bing Bang Baguette Crystal Spike Drop Earrings ($150)

We’ll take our statement earrings with a touch of edge, thank you very much.
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SHOP

Helena Quinn Strapless Asymmetric Hem Maxi Dress ($404) in Watercolor

Watercolor prints are an ideal wedding pattern.
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SHOP

Laurence Heller Embroidered Sequins Cotton Straw Clutch ($84)

We did a double take when we saw the amazing price on this ornate straw clutch.
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SHOP

10 Crosby Derek Lam Maxi Dress ($595) in Slate Combo

As of late, we’re all about the halter neckline.
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SHOP

Vrai & Oro Baguette Diamond Necklace ($315) in 14k Rose Gold

If you’re into dainty jewelry, may we suggest this sweet understated necklace?
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SHOP

Matthew Williamson Printed Silk Mini Dress ($1075)

The little disco balls hidden in this pretty floral print made us smile.
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SHOP

Monserat De Lucca Botevara Large Pouch ($110)

Rose gold is our favorite metallic of the moment.
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SHOP

The Reformation Dragon Dress ($258) in Bouquet

A tastefully revealing neckline tempers the sweet floral print on this maxi dress.
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SHOP

Tibi Anouk Strappy Sandals ($198) in Mahogany/Gold Multi

Mahogany and gold make a stellar combination.
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SHOP

Zara Flared Short-Sleeved Dress ($100) in Light Purple

For a conservative wedding, this bright number is a sound choice.
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SHOP

Penelope Chilvers Tie Dye Maxi Clutch ($121) in Indigo/Grey

Going for a bohemian vibe? This artsy, marbled clutch is the perfect way to finish your outfit.
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SHOP

Fallon Jewelry Shalom Ball Earrings ($150) in Gold

Look no farther for earrings that will have everyone doing a double take.

Do you have any wedding outfit faux pas to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!