It’s wedding season and I’m excited! I get to dress up. But it also makes me a little anxious because I’ve had my share of dress mishaps. After extensive research and some personal hits and misses, I’ve compiled some basic guidelines for what to wear to a wedding.
Initial considerations:
- Before anything else, find out first-hand from the bride/groom (or your date) what type of wedding they’re having. If they’re envisioning a more casual, gardenny wedding, the last thing you want is to show up looking like you’re going to the opera (which I did once).
- If this info is limited, check out the invitation – is it engraved in gold with formal, cursive lettering? Or it is printed on colorful, bold paper suggesting a laid back attitude?
- I also like to ask what color the bridesmaids are wearing. Bridesmaid dresses are getting quite cute these days and there is a real possibility that (in your trendiness) you might show up looking like one of ‘em!
- Finally, think about cultural context. A Mexican wedding in East LA will be much different than a White Protestant wedding in Vermont!
Now to the good stuff. What type of wedding is it?
- Daytime – A daytime wedding tends to be a bit more forgiving. Perfect options include short, floral or bright dresses. A beautiful, floral skirt paired with a pretty silky blouse or cardigan set. A light colored, tailored suit. For a more formal daytime look, try a well-made (read: better quality than Forever21!) mock two-place dresses like the one pictured below.
DAYTIME FORMAL: Maggy London Tuxedo Trim Dress, $98 (Nordstrom)
- Outdoors – Unless you’re chummy with the Rockerfellers, an outdoor wedding (whether in a garden or at the beach) normally implies fresh, casual attire. Be sure to wear grass-friendly shoes (like wedges, instead of stilettos) to avoid “sinking in.”
OUTDOORS: Tahari Cotton Shirtdress, $138 (Nordstrom)
- Evening – Try a great cocktail dress that is neither too revealing nor too blingy. Floor-length dresses may be inappropriate unless you receive confirmation that the wedding is extra-fancy. You may also go with a darker, tailored pant suit with a gorgeously satiny or sexy top (for balance).
EVENING: Adrianna Papell Rosette Chiffon Dress, $148 (Nordstrom)
- Black Tie – Two options: a floor-length dress or a sophisticated cocktail dress. Again, make sure neither is too revealing. But let’s be honest, getting invited to a black tie wedding is probably one of the few and far in between instances when you actually get to dress like a million bucks! So have fun in this one! Wear a black dress but glam it up with some big, chunky jewels or killer heels! Or go for an ultra feminine satin sheath like this one:
GLITZY: Suzi Chin Satin Dress Coral, $118 (Nordstrom)
I don’t really believe too much in absolute rules when it comes to fashion, but OTHER PEOPLE DO, so before you get the stink eye from all the women in the room, just know that many people regard these rules to be sacred when it comes to wedding attire:
Don’t wear:
- White. Period. I believe in this one. (but cream is fine)
- Black to a daytime wedding. (Actually, I think this is kinda silly. When in doubt, the Little Black Dress will ALWAYS carry you through. Though it may be kind of boring).
- Jeans. Seriously? Need I say more?
- Anything too sexy or revealing. (Guilty as charged)
Whatever you decide to go for, just remember: Have Fun! It’s a wedding, not a funeral.
