Hi friends! Happy Monday! A couple of weeks ago, I attended my friend’s Nathalie and John’s wedding in St. Augustine, Florida. It got me thinking that it mightbe fun to share some of my do’s and don’t’s when it comes to wedding guest attire. I know I’ve definitely been stumped before! It’s tough, so read on to find out what I’ve learned over the last few years ofattending countless friends’ weddings to hopefully make it a little easier on you:
When I’m shopping for whatto wear to a friend’s or family member’s wedding, I look at the date of the wedding first and the attire indicated on the invitation second [see firstDON’T below for more on that!].
The date of the wedding helps todetermine what colorsto filter out of my search options when looking at online retailers.If the wedding is on July 7th, I would filter out the black, dark red and plum options. Similarly, if the wedding is November 27th,I’d steer clear of light pink, yellow and other pastel colors.
FYI:Embellished dresses are okay to wear to a wedding, but it’s definitely more appropriate for formal evening weddings during the Winter months.
For Nathalie and John’s wedding, Iopted for a light pink fit & flare dress because it’s been a rather warm winter here in Florida. Honestly, itfeels a lot like Spring. I did choose to bring a subtlybright, olive green coat to pay homage to the Winter season. It was also a great way to beprepared for the cooler temperatures at the end of the evening. So, it’s okay to use your own judgement, too!
Choose a pair of comfortable heelsto wear to the wedding ceremony, but don’t forget to bring a pair of nice sandals to slip onat the reception. If it’s a more casual wedding, a newer pair of flip flop sandals would be okay. However, if it’s a more formal wedding, I’d recommend a nicer, dressier pair of flat sandals or neutral flats.
One of my biggest fears is showing up to a wedding looking like I belong in the bridal party. This, actually, almost happened in September when I was invited to my friend, and fellow blogger, Katey of Chronicles of Frivolity’s wedding. I sent her a link to the dress I was considering wearing. It was a pretty champagne color, and thought it’d be a great dress to have for multiple occasions. Turns out, Katey laughed and said that the dress I was considering wasTHE.SAME. dress as her bridesmaids, except her bridesmaids were wearing black. I cannot even explain how mortified I would have been if I hadn’t asked her. What if I liked it in black? What if I wasn’t close enough to her?
If you’re not super close to the bride, you can always ask someone who is what the colors of the wedding are, specifically the bridesmaids dresses. Do your best to steer clear of those colors. Knowingthe material of the dresses is helpful, as well. Try and find out as much as you can, and don’t be shy if you feel like you don’t have a way of finding it out! The girls in the wedding party would surely not mind a harmless Facebook message about what to wear to their dear friend’s wedding. I know I wouldn’t! They want it to be the best day ever so go ahead and send along a quick inquiry!Their names are typically shared on the couple’s wedding website, so reference that if you’re not sure who they are.
During the work week, it’s a shame thatyour statement jewelry is at home collecting dust.A weekend weddingcelebration is a greatopportunityfor you to pull out your favorites and show off a little bit!We all know there are some cringe-worthy ways to stand out at a wedding [i.e. showing too much skin, wearing a dress that’s too short or too tight], butstatement jewelryis the most appropriate way without taking eyes off the bride!
STYLE TIP >> Never wear a watch to a wedding.
Sadly, I’ve made this mistake before.
As you can see in the photo’s above, I wore these fun statement earrings which perfectly pulled together my dress and coat. I wore this bracelet to the wedding, which isn’t pictured in today’s post, but I highly recommend you consider buying for occasions such as this.
If you’re really not sure what to wear, even after investigating the type of wedding and considering the season, just remember that it’s better to be overdressed than under dressed!Being overdressed is more appropriate AND, to be honest, it will draw people to you making it easy to make new friends, allowing you to feel a little more comfortable whereas being underdressed would do the opposite. So, in general, it’s a good rule of thumb!
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The invitation typically indicates what attire is appropriate for the type of wedding the bride, groom and families are planning, so be sure to read it carefully. This article is great and detailswhat each indication means in regard to attire. Be sure to show your respect for the occasion by following the guidelines of that dress code.
For anyone who has been attending weddings in their recent past, this should be a given, but this is important to know for anyone who mayjust now getting to the age where you’re friends are getting married. White is reserved for the BRIDE only. This goes for wedding showers and rehearsal dinners, as well.
Here are some great dress options for a wedding guest to opt to wear in the upcoming Spring season, all of which are NOT white:
Staying on the conservative side when attending a wedding is smart. If you’re wearing a short dress, be sure that it’s no shorter than an inch above your knee. It’s okay for your dress to be tailored to fit you, but be sure you’re dress is not too tight. Make sure that your cleavage is tasteful, if any. If you’re wanting to show off a particular area, such as your back with a low back dress or your torso with a very small or thin cutout, it’s okay but keep it to one area. For example,if you have a low back dress, be sure that the neckline is high and there isn’t a dramatic slit in the front. Remember, this day is not about you so don’t dress like it’s YOUR night.
As I’vealready mentioned, there are a few ways youcan steal the show from the bride. Be sure to steer clear of white, showing too much skin, wearing a tight or short dressbut another tip would be to maintain appropriate behavior. Be sure to enjoy yourself, socialize and have a great time but put a limit on the number of alcoholic beverages you have.
As a wedding guest, you don’t want to steal the show but you do want to put your best foot forward by looking nice and being prepared for anything. I would suggest styling your hair, especially if you don’t normally do too much to it. Also, wear lipstick or lip glossand get your nails done before the event.Also, be sure to carry a medium-sizedclutch or bag that is not only structured,butappropriate for a weddingto carryall the little extra’s you may need throughout the evening. Some ‘little extra’s’ include bandaids, breath mints, cash and a pair of sandals [see the second DO for some options!]. And, finally, before you head home, be sure to give the bride and groom a hug and express your sincere gratitude for being invited to share their special evening with them!
Hope this post was helpful! Let me know if you have any questions and I can incorporate those answers into the post! xo.
Greetings, wedding enthusiasts! Having attended numerous weddings and delved deeply into the intricacies of wedding guest attire, I bring you a wealth of firsthand expertise to ensure you navigate the world of wedding fashion with finesse. I understand the importance of striking the perfect balance between style and appropriateness, and I'm here to guide you through the do's and don'ts of wedding guest attire.
1. Consider the Date and Season: When selecting your outfit, the date of the wedding plays a crucial role. Filtering out colors based on the wedding date is a savvy move. For example, opting for lighter shades in warm months and avoiding pastels for fall or winter weddings demonstrates a keen understanding of seasonal appropriateness.
2. Embrace Embellishments with Caution: While embellished dresses can add a touch of glamour, it's essential to gauge the formality of the event. Reserve heavily embellished outfits for formal evening weddings during the winter, ensuring your attire aligns with the overall ambiance.
3. Footwear Etiquette: Choosing comfortable heels for the ceremony and having a pair of stylish sandals for the reception is a thoughtful strategy. Match the formality of your footwear to the wedding setting, opting for dressier options for formal affairs and more casual choices for laid-back celebrations.
4. Avoid Bridesmaid Dress Blunders: To steer clear of accidental matching with the bridal party, communication is key. If unsure about the wedding colors or bridesmaids' dresses, reach out to someone close to the bride for guidance. Utilize wedding websites for the names of the bridal party and gather as much information as possible to make informed fashion choices.
5. Statement Jewelry Elegance: Weekend wedding celebrations provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your favorite statement jewelry. However, a crucial tip is to avoid wearing a watch to a wedding. Instead, opt for elegant pieces that complement your outfit without overshadowing the bride.
6. Dress Code Decoding: Pay close attention to the invitation, as it typically indicates the appropriate attire. Familiarize yourself with common dress codes and adhere to the guidelines outlined. Being respectful of the specified dress code demonstrates your appreciation for the occasion.
7. White is for the Bride Only: A cardinal rule of wedding guest attire is to never wear white unless you are the bride. This rule extends to wedding showers and rehearsal dinners. Choose elegant, non-white options for spring weddings to stay on the conservative side.
8. Dressing Appropriately: Maintaining a conservative approach to attire ensures you won't inadvertently steal the spotlight from the bride. Keep dresses at a modest length, ensure proper fit, and tastefully manage any exposed areas. Remember, the focus should be on the couple, not your outfit.
9. Mindful Behavior: Avoid behaviors that might draw attention away from the main event. Limit alcoholic beverages, engage in appropriate socializing, and focus on enjoying the celebration without overshadowing the couple.
10. Complete Your Look: In addition to your outfit, pay attention to grooming details. Style your hair, wear lipstick or lip gloss, and consider a well-coordinated clutch or bag to carry essentials. Before leaving, express your gratitude to the bride and groom for inviting you to share in their special day.
Remember, it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Armed with these insights, you're well-equipped to be the epitome of style and grace at any wedding celebration. If you have further questions, feel free to ask! Cheers to your future wedding guest successes!
