The Style Guru: What to Wear to a Wedding?

Dressing for a wedding is always confusing. With all the rules on what not to wear, it’s difficult to express personal style in a wedding outfit. You can’t wear something too short and can’t wear white, cream, or anything that resembles the brides outfit.  Then there’s the worry of the weather.  Assuming you’ve got your outfit months before the date, you’ll have to be prepared for rain, wind or a heat wave while still looking sharp for the wedding photographer.

Dresses are probably your best bet for a wedding as separates never look dressy enough. Bear in mind you’ll have to buy shoes, a bolero and jewelry, so you’ll want to save money by buying a dress instead of a skirt and top. Try finding something you can dress down and wear again. Look for a dress that’s floaty and easy to wear as you’ll be in this outfit all day. Another thing to keep in mind is that you eat and drink a lot at weddings, therefore don’t buy something that will emphasize your bloated belly for the budding paparazzi. If you’re going for a fitted dress, try dressing it up with accessories so that it doesn’t look too much like work-wear. Flower head accessories and brooches are also great for a wedding.

Coral, blue, green and pink will be trendy this summer. Check what color the bridesmaids are going for and try not to go in the same color as them. Cream and white dresses are not always off-limits. Some brides don’t mind, but ask first if you think you’ll go for a dress in those shades. It’s not as if you’re going to turn up in anything that resembles a wedding dress anyway. If the bride is wearing a lace dress, then I wouldn’t recommend wearing a cream-colored lace dress without asking the bride first.

If you’re not a dress kinda girl, a top and skirt can look great when styled well. Maxi or midi skirts are best for weddings as they always look feminine and elegant. Choose a top that has plenty of detail. A blouse with appliqué or a top with embellishment will help you stand out for all the right reasons. Why not DIY and sew or clip on flower brooches from a fabric shop or a thrift store.

Keep your hemline at a decent length. Spare the elder guests a heart attack.

We can never predict what the weather has in store for us so make sure you have something to throw over your outfit. Boleros are never really that warm but if the wedding is going to be held somewhere hot then go for it. You’ll need to cover up for the ceremony anyway. For cities with more extreme, unpredictable weather, look for a light jacket. A cropped one is always a good choice. A shrug or a heavy scarf can look great over a dress too.

If your outfit is minimal, you can get away with loud jewellery pieces. Oversized diamond rings and earrings will get your outfit noticed without losing elegance. Opt for dainty studs and necklaces if your outfit has a lot of detail or print. Sometimes all you need is a bracelet in a complimentary color to make your outfit pop.