So wedding season still has a good two months to go, but just what do you wear if you are a guest? How to decipher what is appropriate?
The "rules" are different for different times of day, as well as different formalities. In general gals, you'll want to wear a dress. It doesn't need to be full-length unless it's a very formal wedding, and just about any color goes except for white!
We asked a local David¹s Bridal representative for a few esential tips. Check out these crucial dos and don¹ts she had for us and use these celeb styles as a guide:
- For Informal Daytime: Short dress or suit (business attire OK for morning weddings)
- For Informal Evening: Cocktail dress (which is any dressier dress -- for example, a little black dress -- that's not full-length.)
- For Semi-Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit
- For Semi-formal Evening: Cocktail dress
- For Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit
- For Formal Evening or Black-Tie: Long or dressy short cocktail (beading, glam accessories, wrap)
- For Ultra-formal or White Tie: Long gown, extra glitz (Costume Jewelry, faux diamonds, furs, etc.)
Dos and Don'ts:
- If you have to ask if it's appropriate, it probably isn't. Do use good judgment if the invitation doesn't specify the formality of the event.
- Don't wear white because it competes with the bride, unless you ask her first, as a courtesy. There are plenty of other colors available. This rule may seem outdated, but it's actually just good etiquette to not contend with the bride on her special day.
- Anything too sparkly will make you look overdressed. Don't wear black or sequins during the daytime.
- Don't worry about wearing the same colors as the bridesmaids or mothers. You can't possibly coordinate with everyone in the wedding party.
- Clubwear, overtly sexy clothing (strapless, see-through, etc) doesn't belong at a wedding. A pastel suit or soft floral dress for daytime or a LBD (little black dress) for evening (after 6 p.m.) will take you almost anywhere.
- And casual can mean a pretty sundress (like for a coastal or beach wedding) but rarely means something as sloppy as jeans or shorts, so don't.
Got any tips you personally swear by whe it comes to attending nuptials? Let su know with a note below!
