City wedding, sun-kissed nuptials or a country affair? I’ve put together some of my favourite looks and style guide to get you through the imminent wedding season.
‘Save the dates’ are starting to arrive and so is the anxiety. Ok, so the person who really has the sartorial stress on a wedding day is technically the bride (and maybe the groom- a bit) but spare a thought for us poor guests.
You ideally need something to take you from the morning nuptials -to a champagne reception on the lawn – followed right through, to bending the DJ’s ear to ‘play one last song!’ at midnight.
So, here’s my ‘what to wear to the wedding?’ rules of thumb…
Stay true to your personal style – Don’t succumb to the peculiar form of wedding panic, that dictates cupcake colours, fascinators and overblown florals. If you do decide to wear florals, perhaps you could toughen them up with metallic jewellery or a statement pair of shoes? or customise your look with something personal and memorable.
Is it appropriate – Here I mean, for the venue and the climate rather than the other tricky matter of avoiding, blending in with bridesmaids too much. Consider the terrain – Stilettos won’t hack it on gravel, cobbles, or grass, so perhaps a platform?
Let’s face it – It’s not particularly flattering, looking cold or wet (even in your best wedding guest ensemble) In the event of the weather taking a turn for the worst – have your layer game ready. A blazer over a pretty dress adds instant chic. (Go one size up). Also, have one fabulous umbrella to take shelter under, should the rain Gods decide to join festivities.
Comfort – Simple, but so easily neglected in the pursuit of the ‘right’ outfit. If you’re not comfortable you basically won’t be able to walk, sit or stand properly and the penguin-walk is not an ideal trade-off for a killer dress. Trust me I’ve tried squeezing into an old dress – it ended up ripping along the seam (in an uber) on route to a wedding. I had to stand around with my right arm strictly stapled to my right thigh the whole day! Try everything on beforehand and don’t be afraid to pack a pair of gorgeous flats to save your feet.
Go matchless – Remember the matchy-matchy rule -Avoid coordinating your bags, shoes and belt!
Be unique – Finally and maybe most crucially avoid wearing something that might be worn by several other guests. Try and resist the pull of the mainstream Highstreet here, namely, ‘Zara’ (hard I know…)
Re-wear – Make sure you re-wear all your pieces to multiple weddings – simply switch up the statement accessories and layers -Now there’s something to toast!
I have scoured the shops (So you don’t have to) and here are some of my favourite picks …
… And here I am, in a Maje dress at a friends wedding. I went for a crushed velvet (it was in November) loved doing all the gold tones…
If you need any advice or tips just get in touch.
Manisha xx