What to Wear for a Summer Wedding - Guests
Wedding season has arrived, but deciding what to wear as a guest to a wedding isn't always an easy task. The shops are currently packed with floral prints and summery dresses, but what dress styles and colours are suitable for guests to wear at a wedding? Warmer temperatures often accompany summer weddings, so look for breathable fabrics like chiffon, cotton, linen and rayon to stay cool.
Colours There’s just one rule to wedding guest fashion: never wear white head-to-toe when attending a wedding! It's never a good idea to wear anything that could conceivably be mistaken for a wedding dress. Let the big day be about the guest of honour — the bride! Obviously wear a colour that really makes you feel fabulous - when you feel great, you look great after all. Now is not the time to experiment with new combinations and opt for a shade you feel confident to wear.
The bride and groom should be the focus of attention on their big day. That’s not to say you shouldn’t look your best and dress up for the occasion but avoid anything loud and garish. Bright red, for example, can be too loud and distracting. Deep cranberry would be a good alternative.
Styles A wedding is a classy occasion. Don't cheapen it by wearing what you’d wear to a nightclub.Remember, you’re going to a wedding where the bride and groom will have invested a lot of time and money in getting the day just right. So don’t arrive in anything too informal.
Wedding guest outfits shouldn't look too much like the bridesmaid dresses. Wearing an identical dress to the bridesmaids, however, can give the impression of being offended at not being asked to be a bridesmaid. Of course, coincidences happen and sometimes guests will unknowingly turn up in the same colour as the bridesmaids, which can’t be helped.
A dress is an easy option for a wedding, and there’s no reason not to go for this if you find something you love, and which flatters your body shape and proportions. Don’t like your legs? Then try a jumpsuit or elegant trouser suit. There are so many available now. Be sure to choose a material that works for your body shape to ensure your jumpsuit is as flattering and comfortable as possible.
Shoes can make or break an outfit so it's important to get them right! If you’re wearing something new for the occasion, ensure you give them a trial run around the house to soften and loosen any areas which may pinch your feet. Wedding venues may influence the choice of style to wear whether you’re a bride or a wedding guest. Imagine trying to look graceful walking along a cobbled courtyard? Or catching higher heels in the hem of a long dress? Photographs are often taken around beautiful gardens, so fine heels are not always practical when walking on grass! Also, the higher the heel, the more pressure on the ball of your foot. A low-to-mid-height heel, and even a block heel, would keep you standing and dancing comfortably much longer. If your dress is full-length, shoes may not be as visible. Whereas, if you're wearing a shorter dress, shoes may be a major statement accessory. A wedding ceremony is an occasion when you’re likely be on your feet almost all day and evening so comfortable shoes are essential.
Accessories It’s not always necessary to wear a hat at weddings but a simple hair accessory will complete your look and instantly make you feel more ‘wedding’ appropriate. Finish your ensemble with some carefully selected jewellery and a bag or clutch in a complementary colour and you’ll be good to go!
Top wedding tips when it comes to wedding attire for guests:
· Avoid white if possible
· Take a shawl/wrap so you can party on into the evening when the temperature drops
· Don’t show too much skin: legs or chest, not both
· Most important of all, don’t upstage the bride!
There are a few exceptions to this rule, for instance, different cultures have different traditions when it comes to white and red. But generally speaking, these guidelines will keep you safe when you are trying to decide what to wear (and not to wear) for the next wedding.