Are you a wedding guest this year in need of a little advice on what to wear and some inspiration?
Who doesn’t love a wedding? But then all of a sudden it hits you… what on earth are you supposed to wear?! Panic sets in and we wander aimlessly around the shops trying to find the perfect outfit.
Fear not I am on hand to help and point you in the right direction.
The etiquette for appropriate wedding guest attire can vary greatly depending upon the style of the wedding. You will need to become a bit of a wedding detective but worry not, there are clues everywhere!
The best place to start is with the invitation. The odds are the invitation will reflect the style of the wedding. Is the language formal or quite casual? Flamboyant or understated? It may tell you directly what the dress code is, such as black tie or casual attire.
Next on the detective trail is to consider where the wedding is set. If it is outdoors and a little blustery, then avoid anything too light and floaty, after all we need to protect your modesty from the wind! We all love high heels but getting them stuck in the grass or sinking into sand is not a good look! If the happy couple are getting hitched abroad in the sun, then avoid a suit and opt for a beautiful breezy dress to help you keep cool and remain stylish in the heat. If it is indoors at a fancy restaurant or hotel then choose an outfit that is slightly more tailored and dressy.
Every woman wants to seek something really nice that also has a very good chance of being a one-of at the event. This can be a little risky when shopping on the high street, so make sure you get in early to get the best pick of what’s on offer before it sells through. Alternatively visit a smaller independent boutique. Their stock will be less readily available and they will hopefully be able to put a whole outfit together for you, including shoes, handbag and hat.
Dressy daywear can exist in the form of a fab fun floral frock or a light coloured suit. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing a hat then opt for a fascinator. Make sure that this co-ordinates with your outfit well.
If your dress or suit is plain and uncomplicated then add a little interest with your shoes and handbag. This rule also applies the other way round. If your outfit is rather fancy and full of detail, keep your accessories simple. Whatever you do don’t buy your shoes first! The amount of times I find shoes in a clients wardrobe that have never been worn, and the excuse is.. “I just had to have them, I need to find a dress to go with them!” This is not impossible but certainly not easy and something I wouldn’t perhaps recommend unless you have all the time in the world to hunt round the shops!
If you are invited to the evening celebrations then i recommend you dress as if you were going out to the theatre or to dinner. A dressy suit in a darker colour is perfectly acceptable and looks sophisticated. A cocktail dress is a fantastic option, perfect to dance in, but just make sure it is not too revealing.
If the dress code is black tie then bring out the bling! Beads, sequins, fancy wraps and formal jewellery are perfect for the reception.
I have told you what you should consider wearing to the wedding, this is what NOT to wear!
- White – this rule has somewhat relaxed but we need to be careful not to upstage the bride.
- Black – during the day black is a no-go. You can however team it with white or cerise pink.
- Anything to sexy or revealing
- Anything sleeveless or strapless to a religious wedding. Make sure you take a wrap or a pashmina to cover your shoulders.
- Jeans!
- Anything torn, with holes, stained, too big or too small for you.
To finish off the whole package, why not treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure? Get your hair or makeup done for the day, or even a bronzing trip to St Tropez! If you look good you will feel good and will enjoy their wedding day so much more.
