Wedding Etiquette - What Should I Wear?
It's always exciting when you get that invitation in the mail - someone you know is getting married! Weddings are tons of fun - who doesn't love free food, free drinks, loved ones, and lots of dancing? The only stressful thing is deciding what you're going to wear. It seems like dress codes on wedding invitations are pretty ambiguous, and then you've got to keep the season, location, and your relation to the couple in mind. Here are a few tips to help the ladies with getting dressed for the most common types of weddings.
Black Tie Weddings
Okay, ladies, this is your chance to go full-on va-va-voom (and for the guys€¦go a little James Bond). Black tie weddings mean floor-length or tea-length dresses, and they need to be formal, formal, formal. The color you choose shouldn't be over-the-top, but rather something muted, flattering, and not white (the no-white rule applies to weddings in general). Make sure to have your shoulders covered and to use tasteful accessories. A low heel never hurt anyone either!
Artsy Weddings
A lot of hipsters these days like to have their weddings at galleries, aquariums, wineries, libraries, and the like. If this is the case, it's your chance to shine (but don't outshine the bride!). Try picking a dress that's flowy and patterned, like a floral maxi or a geometric-printed cocktail dress. Then dress it up with bright, but not-too-high-end, accessories. It's a good idea to blend in with your surroundings - match the theme of the art or the colors of the books.
Outdoor Romantic Weddings
Are you going to be in a garden or vineyard, outside on a spring day? Be prepared for the worst, but still look glam. Pick a dress in a lightweight material and avoid dark colors (while still staying far enough away from white). Also, be sure to have shoes that are easy to walk in, as you never know what the outdoor terrain might be like. A light paper umbrella looks chic and helps to fend off the sun, and a nice metallic clutch will brighten up your look that much more.
What if I'm the Minister?
More and more people are learning how to become a minister so they can officiate their friends' weddings, and that's awesome. If this is the case for you, think dark colors and business-casual. You can never go wrong with a pantsuit or skirt suit with small accessories, like a pearl necklace and studs. You can also wear a dress, just make sure the color isn't distracting (you're not the star of the show) and that it's the appropriate length.
Black Tie Weddings
Okay, ladies, this is your chance to go full-on va-va-voom (and for the guys€¦go a little James Bond). Black tie weddings mean floor-length or tea-length dresses, and they need to be formal, formal, formal. The color you choose shouldn't be over-the-top, but rather something muted, flattering, and not white (the no-white rule applies to weddings in general). Make sure to have your shoulders covered and to use tasteful accessories. A low heel never hurt anyone either!
Artsy Weddings
A lot of hipsters these days like to have their weddings at galleries, aquariums, wineries, libraries, and the like. If this is the case, it's your chance to shine (but don't outshine the bride!). Try picking a dress that's flowy and patterned, like a floral maxi or a geometric-printed cocktail dress. Then dress it up with bright, but not-too-high-end, accessories. It's a good idea to blend in with your surroundings - match the theme of the art or the colors of the books.
Outdoor Romantic Weddings
Are you going to be in a garden or vineyard, outside on a spring day? Be prepared for the worst, but still look glam. Pick a dress in a lightweight material and avoid dark colors (while still staying far enough away from white). Also, be sure to have shoes that are easy to walk in, as you never know what the outdoor terrain might be like. A light paper umbrella looks chic and helps to fend off the sun, and a nice metallic clutch will brighten up your look that much more.
What if I'm the Minister?
More and more people are learning how to become a minister so they can officiate their friends' weddings, and that's awesome. If this is the case for you, think dark colors and business-casual. You can never go wrong with a pantsuit or skirt suit with small accessories, like a pearl necklace and studs. You can also wear a dress, just make sure the color isn't distracting (you're not the star of the show) and that it's the appropriate length.
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