I’m going to a wedding this weekend, and it’s a great time to reminisce about my wedding (manicure, hair, and everything else…) and think of the great outfit I plan to wear to this one. Read on to learn the fundamental rules for dressing for a wedding that’s not yours – you don’t want to be the one with the unforgettable wardrobe gaffe!
There is definitely a set of rules about what you can and can’t wear to a wedding. This list is my list, and it’s one I use to think about all of my important nuptial-related fashion questions.
(By the way, I settled on wearing this dress from BB Dakota and a jeweled clutch from Anthropologie with my favorite nude pumps)
1. No white. No off-white, no ivory, no light grey. Don’t wear a dress or outfit that could look similar to the bride’s at all. Even if she doesn’t judge you for it, everyone else will.
2. Don’t be confused with a bridesmaid. Make an effort to establish the color scheme of the affair, and if the bridesmaids’ dresses are a bold color like turquoise or sunshine yellow, make sure that’s not the color you wear.
3. Be on the edge of conservative. Even if you’re not planning on being in family pictures, you will be in the background of photos taken of the couple on their wedding day while they’re dancing, talking to you, etc. Don’t make them cringe when they see you — skip anything tight like a bandage dress or short enough to make you worry about pulling it down, unless you’re participating in a Vegas bash.
4. Think comfort. Weddings are fun! (Well, they should be.) Wear a dress you have room to eat in, and bring a spare pair of flats for dancing at the reception. Not participating because you’re uncomfortable will make you a serious downer.
5. Consider the dress code. Many invitations will have phraseology like “Black Tie Optional” and “Cocktail Attire Requested,” so make sure you respect that with the appropriate level of dressing up. And, whenever in doubt, lean towards your more formal option.
6. Look polished. Regardless of formality, bed head and chipped nails have no place at a wedding. Take time to look like your best self so that you have the confidence to have a great time.
What do you consider when dressing for a wedding?
