What should I wear to a wedding reception?

Short answer

For a wedding reception, wear the same level of formality as the ceremony, unless the couple has said otherwise. You can often dress slightly more relaxed in the evening, but keep it smart. Avoid changing into casual clothes unless the invitation suggests it.

The reception usually follows the ceremony, so your outfit should work for both. If you are attending only the reception, check the invitation for the dress code and match it. For a daytime reception, a smart dress or suit is fine. For an evening reception, you can add a jacket or change into a slightly dressier outfit if you wish. Some couples have a dress code for the evening, such as black tie or a party theme, so follow that. If the reception is outdoors, consider the ground: block heels or wedges are better than stilettos on grass. If it is indoors, you can be more flexible. You might want to bring a change of shoes for dancing, but keep your main outfit smart. Do not wear anything too casual like jeans, trainers or sportswear unless the couple has explicitly said it is a casual event. Remember that the reception is part of the wedding, so your outfit should still show respect for the couple. If you are unsure, err on the side of being slightly overdressed, as that is usually safer than underdressed. Also consider practical needs: pockets for a phone, a bag that stays on your shoulder, and layers for when the temperature drops in the evening.