Deciding what to wear to a wedding can be tough, especially if there's a vague dress code.
To decode the wedding guest dress code — and prevent any wardrobe malfunctions — INSIDER spoke with wedding planner Amy Shey Jacobs of Chandelier Events. Jacobs revealed what a dress code really means, when it's appropriate to swap your heels for dancing shoes, and the things guests should definitely not wear to a wedding.
Make sure you follow her nine tips for proper wedding attire etiquette below.
Let the location of a wedding inform your outfit.
If you're unsure of how to dress for a wedding, Jacobs suggests taking dressing for the location.
"Is it a seaside affair? A barn? Or a historic ballroom? Generally, the location of the wedding will give you a cue for attire," she told INSIDER. "You wouldn't wear a beachy maxi dress to The Plaza Hotel, but you wouldn't necessarily wear a satin ballgown on the beach."
For a farm wedding, Jacobs said to "skip the denim and diamonds and opt for your hippest look." The wedding planner recommends that women wear a maxi dress or a short patterned dress with wedges, and said that men should wear a jacket or gray suit with a checked shirt.
Avoid being too casual.
It is never acceptable to wear denim, rubber flip-flops, sweatpants, or shorts to a wedding, Jacobs said.
"If it's something you'd question when you're in the dressing room, it's best to put it back on the rack," she said.
Even if the wedding has a "dressy casual" dress code, the wedding planner said there are still some restrictions.
"Unless its requested, we’d say it’s still appropriate to leave the jeans at home," Jacobs said.
For a "dressy casual" wedding, she suggests that women wear a romper or fitted jumpsuit with sandals, while men should opt for a linen blazer, a crisp white or checked dress shirt, slacks, and loafers.
Whatever you do, don't wear white.
Jacobs said that guests should not wear white to a wedding unless they're specifically asked to.
However, if you're attending a snowball affair — a wedding where everyone wears elaborate white outfits — there's an entirely different set of rules.
"This is the ultimate white party invite," Jacobs said, adding that you can go "super glam and super formal" for the occasion.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider