What to Wear: Wedding Season

It's that time of year again, when church bells are ringing and love is in the air! Yup, that's right- it's wedding season!  I've teamed up with Bethany from Perfectly Coutured and Renee from Style with a Story to bring you What to Wear: Wedding Season!

You've received the invitation for your friend's wedding in the mail, and happily started shopping for the perfect gift, when all of a sudden it hits you...what on earth are you going to wear?! 

We've come up with some helpful tips to guide you as you plan for the big event!

Looking at the invitation will of course help you in knowing where to start in terms of what kind of wedding it is.  Does the intricacy of the invitation point to formal wedding, or does the simplicity of the invitation point to a casual wedding?  Commonly, if it's a black tie affair, the bride will include that on the invitation.

The setting of the wedding will likely determine your attire.  If it's outdoors, avoid anything too flowy in case you get caught in a bad wind storm.  If it's a beach wedding, avoid stilettos that will sink into the sand.

Daytime Wedding/ Casual Wedding

Casual usually means anything goes, but to be on the safe side, dressing business casual is a wise choice!

For her

• a floral dress
• a skirt and a sweater set with heels
• a light colored suit
• a pretty hat that coordinates with your outfit
• light makeup and natural hair
• minimal jewelry- dangly earrings would be the perfect touch

For him

• a light colored suit, especially linen or seersucker in the summertime
• a dress shirt, tie and dress pants (dress this look up with a blazer)

ModCloth Dress |  Steven Ravesh Heels | ASOS Clutch | Poshlocket Earrings | Prada Sunglasses

Semi-formal Evening Wedding

Semi-formal wedding attire varies depending on the time of the wedding, however it is wise to lean more towards a formal look.

For her

• a cocktail dress 
• a dressy suit
• a dressy skirt and top
• light makeup with a dramatic eye, sleek or curled hair, moderate jewelry

For him

• a dark suit
• a blazer with slacks and a nice tie

Dress  | Heels | Bag | Earrings | Bracelet

Black Tie Wedding

This is the most formal of all wedding dress codes and generally means the wedding is an evening affair.

For her

• a formal dress, sometimes floor length
• a fancy cocktail dress
• beaded or sequins clutches or purses and fancy wraps
• glamorous jewelry and dramatic makeup and hair

For him

• a tuxedo is the only way to go.  If you don't have one, you should rent one.

Gown | Sandals | Clutch | Earrings | Bracelet 

What NOT to Wear

1.) Do not wear white.  

Although this rule may be seem old-fashioned and outdated, don't test it...unless of course you want various scowls thrown your way! :) It's the bride's big day and you wouldn't want it to look like you're trying to upstage her.

2.) Do not wear black to a daytime wedding. 

 Black is too dark and drab for a daytime wedding. Chose something with a lighter, airy feel. 

3.) Jeans

 Jeans are never acceptable to wear to a wedding, no matter how casual the wedding seems.

4.) Anything sexy or too revealing.

If you wouldn't want your friend's grandma to see you in the dress, it's likely you shouldn't wear it!

5.) Anything with holes, rips, stains, or something too big/small for you.

Keep it classy and elegant.  You'll be in tons of pictures and you should want to look your best!

6.) Anything sleeveless or strapless to a religious wedding.  

Be respectful and bring a wrap or jacket to cover your shoulders.

Do you have any weddings lined up for the summer?

Don't forget to hop on over to Renee and Bethany's Blogs and say hello!