It’s often said that there are rules to respect when choosing an outfit for a wedding: no red, no white, no black. We sometimes hear no yellow… But what are they really? Here I explain the do’s and don’ts…
1. Proper clothing required.
It’s true that some brides and grooms want something casual, while others prefer a more formal dress code. When in doubt, stick to simple yet elegant outfit. Indeed, unless the bridal couple have specifically asked you to come in jeans, you run the risk of offending them by wearing your everyday clothes, which could transmit the message that you’ve made no effort on their behalf. Similarly, avoid excessively deep necklines or tight-fitting micro-dresses: weddings are family celebrations, and often religious ones, so any outfit perceived as “vulgar” could be viewed badly by the couple or their families.
2. Don’t overshadow the bride.
Indeed, it’s her big day, so even if you want to be the most beautiful, take a step back and let her shine! White, cream and beige are generally reserved for her. We also recommend avoiding bright red, which draws too much attention. A burgundy or patterned outfit with a hint of red, on the other hand, will do just fine.
3. Respect the dress code, if there is one.
As a mark of respect, by accepting the invitation you also accept the bride and groom’s requests. So, if the dress code is ” white party “, or the bride asks her bridesmaids to wear black, forget the traditional rules and go for it. Similarly, the wearing of a hat or a range of colors may be imposed: follow the instructions and your effort will be appreciated. If you don’t want to invest in an outfit you won’t wear again, consider borrowing it from a friend or going to a specialized rental boutique.
On the other hand, if the dress code isn’t always specified, the look of the invitation or the reception venue can give you an idea. You don’t dress the same for a wedding in a castle or one on the beach. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask the bride and groom or their nearest and dearest.
4. Indulge yourself selecting an amazing look!
Beyond these three golden rules, wear something you fancy! A wedding is a great opportunity to treat yourself to a pretty outfit that shows you off to your best advantage. Bright colors are often the preferred choice. If that’s not your cup of tea, go for any shade of pastel. Yes, even yellow is appropriate! In fact, the old tradition of banning yellow from weddings, formerly associated with infidelity, is no longer the case. So there’s no need to deprive yourself of this vibrant color.
You can also have fun with prints, especially floral ones. Gingham can also be very fresh for a vintage twist. Above all, remember to pick a garment in which you’re completely comfortable: that’s what people will notice most. A woman who is uncomfortable in a dream dress will never look as good as someone who is wearing something simple but that suits her perfectly, and in which she feels comfortable.
To avoid this, choose an outfit in which you’ll be comfortable all day long, even when dancing. Nothing is less elegant than someone who spends the evening pulling on a dress that’s too short or holding up a bustier that’s falling down. If you’re looking for a strapless dress, the ideal solution is to choose a tailor-made dress designer to make your bustier perfectly adapted to your measurements. This way, you’ll be able to raise your arms all evening long for dancing, and I guarantee that the dress won’t move down an inch.
By following these few rules, you should be able to avoid the main stylistic errors in your wedding guest outfit! If you’d like to go one step further and opt for a fully customized wedding outfit, don’t hesitate to visit our process page to learn more about the steps involved in building a made-to-measure dress, and get in touch with me!