Call me old fashioned, but there is one thing I think you should never do to a bride: Never wear white.
There are SO many options for dresses that choosing something white or ivory can be seen as a huge slap in the face to the soon-to-be-Mrs. It doesn’t matter if it’s pure white or white with hot pink piping… just don’t do it! Same goes for a bridal shower, engagement party… let the bride have her day, and leave the color (or lack of color?) white to the lady of the hour. Even if she’s a bride who doesn’t care about being the only one in white, stay on the safe side and wear a color.
You also want to steer clear of anything too revealing or anything that makes you look like a Vegas showgirl. True story: My older sister had a garden wedding in 2013 (think mason jars and burlap, pies instead of cake, and a ceremony in the rose garden). Anyone who knows her and her husband also knows that they are laid-back and conservative in their style. She wore a classic strapless sweetheart neckline gown, and he wore a navy suit. While we were up in the bridal lounge of the historic home overlooking the gardens, I saw a flash of light come stumbling down the gravel walkway on 4″ heels. A gold sequined backless minidress had entered the property.
Don’t be the Vegas showgirl.
Here are my picks for what to wear to three types of weddings this summer: garden, cocktail, and black tie. (Some people say to steer clear of black or red for a wedding, but in some places, like the Northeast, it’s fine to wear black. I’d only wear red to certain people’s weddings, so you have to know the bride! When it doubt, go with a color that really cannot offend: navy, pink, purple – navy would always be my choice!)
What To Wear To Summer Weddings
Garden wedding
Look for pretty colors, floral prints, and lightweight fabrics. This is probably the easiest wedding to dress for, because a garden wedding usually calls for lighter fabrics in any color. Florals are so pretty for a wedding!
Of course, you can always skip buying a new dress and use a service like Rent the Runway. See their garden wedding options here >
Shoes for a garden wedding: Avoid heels and go for wedges instead. A garden wedding usually means there’s going to be grass or surfaces that don’t work well with heels, so flats would also be acceptable.
How to accessorize: For any of the dresses above, pretty earrings are really all you need.
An older ‘gram of one of my favorite dresses that is wedding-perfect
Cocktail attire
One of my most favorite wedding-guest looks was a coral-colored long sleeve dress that I paired with black tights and amethyst colored pumps. It was an early springtime wedding in Boston, just a few days after a massive snowstorm, so the tights were perfect. For summer cocktail attire I’ve typically gone with a short or midi-length dress.
Shoes for a cocktail wedding: Break out your absolute favorite shoes. Bonus points if they’re fancy and you’re going with a more basic dress.
How to accessorize: Add something interesting like a beaded bag (see below!) or large earrings.
(In the Northeast, any of these cocktail options would also work for a “black tie optional” wedding, which is somewhat of a mix between cocktail and black tie! Think semi formal. If T is wearing a tux, I’ll go fancier, and if he’s wearing a suit, I won’t.)
Black tie wedding
I love a good black tie wedding, because it’s a great excuse to go formal and wear something you don’t have a chance to wear! I think of it as like prom, but grown up. And “black tie” does not necessarily mean “black dress,” so go ahead and get something with color in it! A black tie occasion is also a great chance to skip buying a dress and instead use a service like Rent the Runway.
Shoes for a black tie wedding:
How to accessorize: Minimalist jewelry will do the trick for these dresses, unless you want to go bold.
One other note on what color to choose – Most brides won’t care at all if you’re wearing the same color as the bridesmaids. I chose long navy dresses with a ruffle detail for my bridesmaids, and one of our guests told me later that she was embarrassed to have shown up in a navy dress, too (even though hers was short with lace). It didn’t bother me! I knew I was picking a popular color. If you’re worried that you might wear the same color as the bridesmaids, go with something printed and you’re 99% sure to avoid that.
women aviator says
These dresses look amazing! Would like to style one at my best friends wedding!