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On the JJ Barnes Blog, I check out advice from fashion experts at Karen Millen for how to pick a wedding guest outfit which will look and feel great, and won’t offend the bride.
We are coming up to wedding season, and that means there will be lots of ceremonies and receptions to attend, and lots of outfits to pick out. But what do you wear to a wedding?
Last wedding Jonathan and I attended, I chose a dress with a sparkly top and a flowing bottom and I felt very glamorous and fabulous. But was it the right choice?
I got married when I was 26 years old. I subsequently got divorced, but that wasn’t as a result of the wedding. However, I am now engaged to a new fella and hopefully (one day) will be planning a wedding again! Until then, I will be attending the weddings of my wonderful and lovely friends who keep finding their beloveds and arranging wonderful ceremonies.
As it has been a while since I had my own wedding, and trends change, I want to make sure that I am a good wedding guest and don’t pick an outfit that will go against what is socially acceptable, or look like I’m trying to steal anybody’s thunder. While I know the traditional rules, don’t wear white to somebody else’s wedding for instance, there could be more guidelines to follow that I’m not aware of… and I would hate to show up at a wedding and be the guest that causes problems.
So, to help me out, the fashion experts at Karen Millen sent over some guidelines and rules to follow to make sure I dress properly for any weddings I attend.
How To Pick A Wedding Guest Outfit
The unwritten guidelines for attending a wedding are typically simple to follow and require little effort: continuously RSVP, don’t bring additional visitors, make a point to be on time and generally significant of all… don’t upstage the lady of the hour.
Karen Millen’s fashion experts have shared their best advice on how to dress to impress without overshadowing a bride at her wedding. These suggestions are the ideal guide for how to dress appropriately and stylishly, whether you are the mother of the bride or groom, a member of the bridal party, or simply attending as a guest.
Is there anything the bride would like?
When looking for a wedding guest outfit, the first step is to find out if the bride wants her guests to stick to a certain color scheme or theme. If that’s the case, you’re one step closer to finding the perfect dress. If the bride hasn’t told you which colors to look for, ask her politely if there are any colors she might want you to avoid. You will find the perfect outfit if you allow the bride to direct you.
Colors not to wear:
If you are in the bridal party, you probably already know that you want the dress you choose to match the wedding’s style or color scheme. However, as a guest, unless it’s explicitly requested that you pick these colours, this is what you should avoid:
• Red: Red is a bold, eye-catching color that will immediately draw attention to you, whether in person or in photos; on the off chance that visitors around you dress in neutrals and a lady of the hour in white, you might feel out of tone with the wedding.
• Black: A black and white-themed wedding is a popular choice for many brides and grooms, but wearing a black dress to a neutral wedding would be a bold move. Black also stores heat and makes you get hotter faster, so if you’re going to be on the beach or in the warmer months, you probably want to choose something lighter.
• White: while it is up to the bride whether or not she wears white to a wedding, in order to avoid any uproar, guests should always avoid it. Try alternatives in lighter hues like baby pink and pistachio green.
Which colours are best?
While it’s important for wedding guests to blend in, you don’t have to wear boring clothes. Finding a color that complements both the wedding and you is the best way to choose a dress. By doing this, you’ll find something you’re comfortable with and won’t hurt the bride in any way.
The best look is kept light and airy by using pastel and light neutral colors. With a wide range of tones highlighting the bride’s ivory or bright white dress, having guests dressed in pastels or neutrals also looks great in photos.
For guests who want to wear darker hues but still wish to inject some color, jewel tones and earth tones are also excellent choices.
Which silhouettes are effective?
If you don’t like to experiment or try different silhouettes, it can be hard to find the right dress for your body type. Try on as many different kinds of dresses as you can to find something that flatters your figure and makes you feel good about yourself.
It is also essential to keep in mind that just because a certain cut or style is currently in style does not mean that it is appropriate for the wedding’s theme or tone.
• Consider the weather: If the wedding you’re going to is in the warmer months or overseas, avoid wearing dresses with long sleeves and thick coordinating jackets. Make an effort to select breathable materials that will keep you cool and comfortable.
• Try flowy fabrics: There isn’t anything more perfect than a light and flowy dress as a wedding guest, however make sure to try not choose a dress so flowing that it might have somewhat of a train!
• Choose a dress with one shoulder: One-shoulder dresses are fun and flirty, and because they still allow for breathability, they are great for spring and summer weddings.
• Maxi dresses are acceptable: as long as the dress is simple enough to blend in, you can wear a floor-length gown as a wedding guest. If you want a dress with a maxi or midi length, steer clear of ones with a lot of colorful patterns.
As the mother of the bride or groom, how do you choose a dress?
Because you want to blend in with them and wear a color that matches their dresses, it’s best to let the bride choose the dresses for her bridesmaids before you do.
Don’t wear sequins, gaudy patterns, or gaudy diamonds or jewels; While it’s important to look your best, it’s also important to keep everyone’s attention on the bride and groom. The same is true for garish silhouettes and large, bold patterns.
Dressing in a manner that is neither too revealing nor too scandalous could jeopardize the big day. If you choose a dress that is shorter, check that the length matches what the happy couple has specified in their dress code, just as you would if you chose a dress with a cutout or backless style.
Final tips for selecting the appropriate outfit:
• Don’t wear trains, headpieces, or extravagant dresses. Let the bride’s dress speak for itself.
• If in doubt, choose pastels and neutrals—the ideal way to blend in while still looking elegant.
• Don’t be too casual. Being too casual will have the same impact as if you’re wearing something too much.
• Dress to dress but in comfort – Remember you will be in this dress for a really long time, so ensure the dress is comfortable, light and versatile; This dress will be on you all day.
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