There’s that old saying, “April showers bring May flowers,” and as my mother jokes, “And May flowers bring pilgrims.”
May flowers also bring wedding season! Some years, your calendar may be bursting with wedding invites; other years, it’s a nuptial desert, but even in the lean times, having a go-to wedding look never goes out of style. As with any event — location, and theme must be considered. You wouldn’t want to wear the same dress to a beach wedding as you would to a more traditional church wedding. Of course, most weddings follow the same structure and have standard settings; it’s not often that you’ll have a treehouse wedding or a hiking wedding. Many dresses can be flexible in terms of venue, but you may want to play around with trends and color. Here are some options and aesthetics to consider if you’re looking to refresh your wedding-guest style.
Romantic dresses have been on the rise these past few years. And what better time than a wedding to get romantic? Think of sleek ruffles and elegant silhouettes for fluttery, dreamy frocks in a party-ready mode. Stay clear of anything with puffed sleeves and tiered skirts; instead, choose from flowy or more body-hugging dresses for a romantic look.
If you’re out to make a bolder statement, maybe at the wedding of an old flame, check out vibrant gem-toned frocks. The best thing about this trend is that the silhouette can be whatever flatters you best. Maxis, minis, sleeveless, off-the-shoulder, whatever your preference. All you need is statement-making colors — hot pinks, fiery reds, and Mediterranean blues. You can double-down with accessories in the same shade(s) or opt for neutral add-ons so as not to upstage anyone.
Outdoor weddings are the perfect occasion for a garden party wedding guest dress. Not as perfect as an actual garden party, but a pretty close second. You can keep it casual or go fancy with a garden party-themed frock in a midi or maxi length. This style dress should flow in the breeze with floral prints that shout spring. You can even experiment with the 3-D floral trend in trimming and embellishments for an unexpected take on this style.
If the outdoor wedding you are attending is beachside, then glide into sandal wedges or espadrilles and an airy tropical-colored frock. The key to this style is a voluminous skirt. Shorter hemlines and straight or A-line skirts may create a wardrobe malfunction if a sudden gust of sea wind blows through. Plus, a fuller skirt is very dramatic in the seaside breeze.
For festive evening nuptials, where the focus is more on the reception than the ceremony, feel free to whip out a sassy cocktail dress. Don’t be afraid to pick a style with eye-catching details like fringe, sequins, or a unique neckline. Metallic fabrics that shine bright are another great option, especially for the nighttime. Just make sure your dress can handle dancing into the wee hours.
Even though they are few and far between, it’s not a bad idea to be prepared for a formal, black-tie wedding. And you may already be prepared if you’ve hung onto any former bridesmaid dress that isn’t too hideous. A full-length dress rendered in satin and paired with strappy heels or cream-colored mules is sleek and event appropriate without a lot of fuss. However, if you want to go big at a black-tie wedding, then we’re talking beyond dress and begin speaking in gowns. A truly formal affair calls for a cascading evening dress in the aforementioned satin, tulle, or silk fabrics. Feel free to dive into some red-carpet dreams of rich gem tones, big jewelry, and maybe a side slit for a bit of sex appeal.
It’s not just the happy couple and wedding party that can make a ceremony sartorially pleasing. Guests also contribute to the vibe and look of the event. It’s your duty as a respectful attendee to bring your best wedding style, whether it be romantic, bold, or super glamorous.
