Ah, wedding season. Every spring it rolls around and the calendar starts to fill up. This year, T and I are actually getting off pretty easy. But I know there are a lot of you out there with nearly every weekend booked. And I know how overwhelming that can feel – especially when trying to find something to wear. I’ve talked about appropriate dresses for numerous events on here before, so I decided to switch it up and share my very simple personal rules for choosing an outfit as a wedding guest.
Know the dress code, or at least the venue
This is so important. An outdoor wedding with a laid-back reception calls for a much different wardrobe choice than a church event and black tie optional dinner and dance. Whenever I’m choosing a dress, jumpsuit or whatever combo for a wedding, I get the details straight first. If it is outside, keep temperature in mind. I’ve been caught in above 90 degree temps with a long jumpsuit on and it’s wasn’t the best match. Really, this goes for any event you’re attending, but with weddings, it’s the perfect place to start. And when in doubt, a good LBD always does the trick.
Play it safe
Most weddings (unless otherwise noted) are pretty formal events. The happy couple looks their best ever, the wedding party looks great & the guests should want to too. I say “play it safe” because a couple things feel unnecessary – anything a little too revealing or risqué and anything too bold or outrageously colorful. If I choose a print, for example, I try to keep the colors muted and not to crazy. I don’t opt for anything with a really low cut or something too tight. It’s a wedding, not a night out at the club. Play it safe!
Don’t wear white
This might be an old-fashioned one, but I don’t care. Don’t wear white! Unless otherwise noted, because I know there are instances where the bride wants her guests in all black and white or something like that. Which in that case, it’s totally fine. Just don’t voluntarily wear a white dress. Save that moment for the bride. It’s her day! Plain and simple.
Shop some of my favorite wedding guest picks:
xoxo. B
These are easy and simple rules to follow for wedding guest attire – ones I’ve learned myself over the years! We have our first black tie optional wedding in June, and I currently have boxes arriving daily with dress options. 😉
Karly @ What Karly Said
Omg, how fun! I’ve never been to a black tie optional wedding – it would take me forever to decide. You’ll have to share what you end up wearing!