A wedding is the perfect chance to dress up and we all want to look our best, even if we aren’t closely involved with the bridal party. There are some key rules to follow to avoid embarrassment and I have a few hints and tips to share with you to make the most of your wardrobe and look your best at the wedding of the year.
Follow the Dress Code
This is key as it’s a request to you from the bride and groom, but they will usually have considered the venue and the plans for the day and chosen accordingly. The majority of couples will set a wedding dress code depending on the style of the event, as well as the time of year it’s taking place. What you wear to a black-tie wedding in the winter, for example, will be vastly different than what you wear to a casual wedding in the middle of summer.
If the dress code is black-tie, then there is choice will be very limited for men: a black tuxedo or a kilt if that’s appropriate for you. Similarly, women are encouraged to dress up in a floor-length evening gown or an elegant dress. Elegance should be the key decider and it’s better not to flash too much flesh: leave it at a hint of cleavage or a glimpse or leg, but don’t go overboard with either. Weddings are family events and usually day to evening celebrations, so steer clear of anything too daring or risqué.
Regardless of the dress code wearing jeans is a complete and utter no-no at weddings. Remember that this is the bride and groom’s special day and if it were your wedding, you’d expect guests to make an effort.
Colour Choices
The cardinal sin of weddings, wearing white is by far the biggest mistake that can be made by a wedding guest. No guest should steal the attention away from the bride; it is her special day after all. In a white dress, the possibility of being confused for the bride is all too great, so no matter how good white looks on you or how much you love that outfit, give it a miss.
You’re going to a wedding not a funeral, so try to avoid black. This rule is especially relevant for summer weddings when guests should embrace the celebratory vibe of the day and opt for bold colours and prints. A black dress works better for a black tie dress code, but I’d still avoid it and opt for another colour if possible. If you have the perfect black dress that you are desperate, consider brightening up with coloured accessories, like a carefully chosen handbag.
Summer is the perfect opportunity to wear bright colours or pretty pastels. However, be sure to check in advance what colour the bridesmaids are wearing: you don’t want to be mistaken for part of the bridal party and you probably don’t want to clash with them either. Many Asian weddings will expect you to wear bright colours: it’s all part of the celebrations.
Dress for the Season
The season and location of the wedding are great indicators of what to wear. For example, if it’s a beach wedding, that’s an indication that you shouldn’t show up in a formal dress. Summer weddings usually lean towards shorter styles with lighter colours, for example, while a fall wedding caters to darker jewel-toned colors and richer fabrics like velvet and silk. For a winter wedding feel free to rock some faux fur: it’s glamorous, on-trend and great for keeping you warm during those outdoor photo shoots.
Consider the Venue
Most places of worship have specific rules around what is, and isn’t acceptable to wear. In church, shoulders should often be covered as bare arms are still frowned upon. In more traditional Catholic churches women are expected to bring a shawl to cover their shoulders and arms. Cover your head and your hair in a synagogue as well, and the same for a Muslim, Hindu or Sikh wedding.
Consider the reception venue too. A grand hotel probably expects a higher standard of dress than a wedding celebration at a local pub.
The venue can also indicate what kind of shoes you should wear too. If you’re outside, opt for a chunky heel or even flats. If you wear a kitten heel or a stiletto, you might risk sinking into the ground. If indoors, you can never go wrong with a pump heel.
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