Cocktail dresses are appropriate for an elegant outdoor wedding.
Dressing properly for a wedding is a sign of respect, and selecting the right outfit requires forethought. Read the invitation carefully, taking the time and location of the ceremony into consideration. Some invitations may list the dress code for the event or even a color that all guests are asked to wear. It is always acceptable to ask the bride for clarification if you are unsure as to what is appropriate to wear to the wedding.
Religious Weddings
When choosing an outfit for a wedding at a house of worship, conservative clothing is both appropriate and attractive. A shift dress with a matching coat is an elegant choice, as is a three-quarter sleeved blouse with a knee-length skirt. A pantsuit is also acceptable at weddings where the church permits women to wear pants. Low-heeled, closed-toe pumps are preferable to strappy stilettos, and stockings add a modest touch. Ask the bride or her mother whether or not there are specific religious restrictions for your wedding attire, as some religious facilities may require a head-covering, full sleeves or a long, floor-length skirt.
Evening Weddings
An invitation to an evening wedding and reception requires more formal attire. Cocktail dresses in silk or satin are usually appropriate for weddings that call for semi-formal to formal attire. If you are invited to a white-tie wedding, a formal floor length dress is required. A sweeping full-length dress is also appropriate for a black-tie wedding, but your fanciest cocktail frock is also acceptable. Women who shudder at the thought of wearing a skirt, can try wide-legged trousers or palazzo pants that combine the comfort of trousers with the volume and drape of a long skirt. The pants easily coordinate with a sparkly top and high-heeled sandals.
Outdoor Weddings
For weddings taking place in a garden, by the beach or at any other outdoor location, your attire should be both festive and functional. Stiletto heels will puncture lawns, sink into sand or moist soil and make it difficult to maneuver on uneven terrain. Ballet flats decorated with flowers, jewels or bows can be as decorative as a high-heeled pump and allow for ease of movement. If you must have heel height, wear a wedge-heeled sandal or espadrille. An airy cotton maxi-dress that hits the ankle is an appropriate wardrobe choice for an outdoor wedding, as is knee-length sundress in linen or silk. If dresses aren't your style, light-weight trousers in linen or gabardine are appropriate when paired with an elegant, romantic top or blouse. You may be spending prolonged periods of time in direct sunlight and warm temperatures, so complement your outfit with plenty of sunscreen.
Clothing to Avoid
White is traditionally the color of the bride, and only the bride and members of her party should be attired in this wedding hue. Even if the bride has told you that she is wearing a different color to her wedding, wearing white to a wedding is still a faux-pas. This includes all shades of white. While some etiquette guides approve of wearing white as a wedding guest, you still risk stealing attention from the bride, which is always inappropriate. Traditionally red has been frowned upon for western wedding attire, though the shade is the color of choice for Chinese weddings. Try a darker red instead of a bright, fire-engine shade. Keep skirts at knee length, and save excess cleavage and skin exposure for a nightclub, not the wedding.
Related posts
Dress your dog in formal wear for your wedding.Many people consider dogs to be part of their families, and they want their canine friends to share in their wedding days. Your dog can attend dresse...
If your fiance is an avid hunter or fisherman, he will most likely be thrilled to have his bride plan a camouflage wedding. It's a creative wedding trend among outdoor enthusiasts, and it's certai...
Your clothing should be both formal and comfortable for a gala event.Gala events are generally formal occasions where it is customary to dress in your best clothing. Your style can make a bold sta...
Metallic flats are a comfortable option for a black cocktail dress.During the 1920s, Coco Chanel brought the little black dress into the mainstream fashion limelight. The classic dress has become...
A trail of rose petals adds romance to the bride's walk down the aisle.St. Valentine's Day romance coupled with your own red and white theme can add to the excitement and passion of your wedding....
