Here’s How To Be The Best Dressed Guest
What To Wear As A Bridesmaid
So much of what to wear as a bridesmaid depends on the bride. Mainly, whether she wants her bridesmaids to wear coordinating looks or unique dresses that compliment everyone's personality and body type individually. If it's the latter, and the theme is coordinating versus matching, then the world is your oyster... well, within reason depending on the theme and color scheme. This trend for brides to have their bridesmaids wear a dress they love and that maybe, just maybe she will want to wear again, after the wedding is growing and with it there are many beautiful options.
So let’s assume you have been given a theme, time, and location for the wedding to which you can choose a dress that works within that. Think feathers, floral prints, and everything fancy for your bestie or sister's big day. A flowy maxi dress in pale pink, romantic florals, or delicate pastel epitomizes romance with a strappy sandal or bare feet for a beach ceremony. Full-length gowns embellished with beads and brocade fabric or adorned with delicate applqués worn with strappy heels are gorgeous for more black-tie or formal affairs. In contrast, satin or shimmering mid-length dresses are perfect for a cocktail-timed ceremony. Similarly, cotton and linen midi-length options paired with cute heels are excellent for daytime nuptials.
Most importantly, do your best to make sure that you are comfortable in your dress and able to dance, have fun and be fully present to celebrate the bride and groom.
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What To Wear To A Beach Wedding
So, you RSVP'd as a guest to a dreamy, romantic beachside destination wedding of a dear friend; now it's time to find the perfect wedding guest attire. First and foremost, check the invite to see whether it's formal attire or has a casual dress code and if there is a theme. Second, when picking a dress, you want to ensure your summer wedding guest dress never upstages the bride but also garners (lots of) compliments.
With this in mind, beach wedding dressing can be trickier than it sounds. For example, a slick gown requiring sky-high stilettos risks looking ridiculous as you wobble on the sand and sink into dunes. And a heavy black dress can be problematic, too, under the boiling sun (assuming it's a daytime wedding). Therefore, think about how you want to feel with the sand under your feet and the wind in your dress billowing around you. Think floaty, festive floral print dresses, ruffled drama, casual pink minis, flowy pale rose–printed maxi dresses, lightweight linen midis, and feminine, effortless, breathable fabrics. Pair your look with a metallic dress shoe with a chunkier heel or a fancy flat for walking in the sand. Or, even consider going barefoot, depending on the tone of the wedding. Top with a lightweight sweater or shawl that can be worn over your shoulders as the sun sets; it can get chilly. Finish with a pair of statement earrings and a shimmering clutch that's big enough to hold sunscreen.
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What To Wear To A Bridal Shower
Bridal shower season is upon us! And we love a bridal shower. A time filled with love, laughter, and bubbles! A time filled with mini cakes and gift boxes loaded with mix masters and monogrammed tea towels. And, of course, a time for the perfect bridal shower attire. And while you don't necessarily have to splurge on a new outfit, you should consider a style that works with the dress code, location, and event season, no matter your role in the upcoming wedding. Some bridal shower hosts will specify a dress policy on the invitation, but the dress code is usually up to interpretation. Once you have that information, the rest is easy... well, easy-ish.
First and foremost, as wedding guests, we know to stay clear of shades of white (unless told otherwise). Instead, silky sets, especially in the pale pink range, from dusty rose to faint blush, are generally well-suited for bridal parties. Soft floral maxi dresses or easy, flowy midi dresses are also ideal options for celebrating your bestie bride.
Secondly, it's important to consider the location and activities planned for the shower. This not only impacts your choice of bridal shower dress and shoe but also ensures your comfort and practicality. Opt for a strappy, flat sandal over a major heel if there are active games. Or, if you will be outside standing in the sun, think of breathable, lightweight linens or airy fabrics. Conversely, if the shower is inside and you are mostly seated for lunch or brunch, consider how your dress looks from the waist up in photos. Also, think about a light layer in case the room is cool.
All in all, make sure you are wearing something that you feel good in and love. And that you know your bride-bestie will love too, in all her photos.
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What To Wear To A Summer Wedding
If the wedding you're attending is set in a city, make sure your summer wedding dress code includes a dress you'll remember. As with all events, first consider a style that works with the dress code, location, and event season, no matter your role in the upcoming wedding. More often than not, a city ceremony, especially in the summer, calls for chic. Be it a formal black tie wedding or a city hall service, by nature of being in the city calls for chic from shimmering pinks and vibrant colors for black tie or cocktail attire or a tailored suit for a civil ceremony.
If the summer celebration is an outdoor garden party, a casual backyard wedding or a semi-black tie rooftop affair, lean into dramatic, romantic details like tiered pink ruffles, elegant painterly florals, and pretty patterns. Slip dresses are always easy to throw on summer style, paired with a statement earring and strappy heels for a summer wedding. For all situations, you’ll want to plan for a lightweight layer, blazer or shawl.
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