Guests: What to Wear to a Muslim Wedding?

Some families have outdoor weddings, some rent a hall and others prefer the marriage ceremony to take place in a mosque. How will you know what to wear to a Muslim wedding? The venue will tell you just about everything you need to know! 

What to Wear to a Muslim Wedding at a Mosque?

If the wedding is held at a mosque, you can expect the family to be pretty conservative. So while the bride might be decked out, everyone else will be suited up in a modest fashion:

What female guests should wear to a Muslim wedding at a mosque

But what’s modest for Muslims is a bit different than it is for non-Muslims. Ladies are expected to cover all parts of themselves in a loose fashion, especially when entering the mosque. Only the hands and feet show. If you’re not a Muslim, you can wear pants and a long sleeved shirt, and then you still might be handed a scarf. 

So that you’re wearing something you like, the best thing is to find your own abaya with a matching scarf. Abayas are simple, traditionally Islamic garments. They are long, loose-fitting dresses that are made in different colors and styles. Look for a subtle color that has fancy additions like gold or silver beadwork. It doesn’t have to be black. 

Many Muslim female guests will take the same route as yourself, so you won’t feel out of place at all. It’s convenient, too, because you can wear your regular clothing underneath and put your abaya back in its fancy bag when you’re done. If you can’t find a local shop, try an online collection like Aab. You can also easily find an abaya on Amazon.

Whether you’re Muslim or non-Muslim, choose a color that flatters your face and a design that suits you. Well done!

What male guests should wear to a Muslim wedding at a mosque

Most Muslim male guests will use their Friday clothes to attend a wedding with an added fancy topi. The family members will use very dressy, Islamic garb. So if you’re not a family member, keep it toned down. Non-Muslims can wear a pair of decently loose slacks and a tunic that falls to the hips or lower. Your slacks shouldn’t be too tight though, because you’ll be sitting on the floor. You don’t want to split your pants while getting comfortable.

What to wear to a Muslim wedding in a hall?

A hall is for fancy wear, so get ready!

What should female guests wear to a Muslim wedding in a hall?

Wear your best! If you’re Muslim, that means you can wear Eid clothes that you haven’t worn recently. They should be embroidered and flashy. Abayas in this setting are too strict, but you might see older aunties wearing them. Because men aren’t expected to enter the ladies’s side of a hijabi wedding, your hair should be styled for the occasion. 

If you’re not Muslim, you’re still expected to bring some bling and style your hair nicely. The safest option is to wear a long skirt with a long sleeved blouse that has sequins or is otherwise embellished to the hilt. Or you can try a pant suit with a bling top and matching headband and fancy shoes.    

Whether you’re Muslim or non-Muslim, you’ll be expected to don your best heels for the occasion. 

What should male guests wear to a Muslim wedding in a hall?

Non-Muslim men can wear the same pants and short tunic to a wedding in a hall. You can add a suit jacket for a dressier look, or go for a trending suit. If you choose a suit, it should be a really nice one - not a work suit. Muslim men can also wear a trending suit, as long as you’re not a family member. 

If you’re family, you’ll probably want to get a little closer, in look, to the groom. So that means wearing fancy Islamic attire and a nice topi.

What to wear to a Muslim wedding that’s outside?

An summer outdoor wedding will be the least strict in attire:

What should a female guest wear to a Muslim wedding that’s outdoors?

Even though the clothes of regular guests will be less conforming to wedding-norms, the family of the bride and groom will likely be asked to wear specific attire or colors to match the couple. So if you’re family, you can expect to receive some form of notification, or just ask. If you’re not family, and you’re a lady, you can dress in a semi-formal manner as long as your chest, arms and legs are covered. If you’re not Muslim, you won’t need any special Islamic clothing or a scarf. If you are Muslim, also wear semi-formal attire.

What should a male guest wear to a Muslim wedding outside?

If you’re family to the bride or groom, again, you’ll probably wear matching suits or similar formal clothing. You should definitely ask if you haven’t been informed what to wear. If you’re not family, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, show up in dress casual. 

Whatever the case, be prepared to enjoy yourself. Gaffes in attire are overlooked when you’re cheerful and ready to participate! Have fun!