Wedding season is on its way, which means the invitations have probably been flooding in for months. If you have a few wedding dates lined up, it’s officially time to start working out what you’re doing to wear. It may not be your big day, but you still want to look great. There are plenty of simple looks that work perfectly for any type of wedding, whether you’re watching your friends get hitched on the beach or at a wine farm. Follow these tips to make sure your wedding day style is on point.
- Be free to move around. Whatever you decide to wear, make sure it’s comfortable as well as fashion-forward. A wedding reception is supposed to be about letting your hair down and having fun, so you’ll want shoes that are comfortable enough to dance in, and a dress that looks great without being too restrictive. Choose a clutch bag instead of a bulky handbag so you can hold on to your belongings throughout the day.
- Follow the dress code. Most brides-to-be will let you know what sort of dress code they’d like you to follow on their big day. Make sure you stick to their dress code as well as possible – this will prevent you from showing up over or under-dressed. If the invitation suggests formal dress, don’t be afraid to doll up, but keep it more laid back if the invitation specifies a smart-casual code.
- Don’t wear white. This should go without saying, but we’d better say it again, just in case. No matter what, do not wear white. Play it safe by avoiding cream, eggshell, or any colour that vaguely resembles white. The worst-case scenario would be overshadowing the bride on her special day.
- Keep it modest. If you’re normally the type to go all out and show off some skin when you get together with friends, try to rein it in for the day. Drawing too much attention to yourself is generally frowned upon when it comes to weddings, and you wouldn’t want to shock the groom’s old granny. If the wedding will be held at a particular religious venue, follow the modesty standards of that venue to show respect.
- Bring weather-appropriate layers. When morning ceremonies stretch into an evening reception, it can be tricky to know what temperature to dress for. Layering a light cardigan or shawl over your dress should make it easier to stay comfortable.
- Invest in adaptable outfits. For most of us, at a certain stage in our lives we’re suddenly inundated with wedding invitations from our coupled-up friends. Buying a new dress for every occasion is a little outside of most peoples’ budgets, so opting for adaptable dresses that can be styled and accessorised to use for a range of events will be your best bet. Pick a simple dress that can be dressed up or down depending on the formality of the occasion.
- Stay cool in summer. Summer is a popular season for weddings, but it can be a slightly sticky time to wear your finest formal gown if the material isn’t quite right. Opt for light, breathable fabrics and pretty but wearable wedges to stay comfortable without sacrificing style.
