What Do I Wear There? Wedding Guest Attire
A couple weeks ago, CF reader Fai asked for help with her what-to-wear conundrum:
“Colleen, I have so many weddings that I’ve gone to this year and still some coming up. I’m running out of ideas and don’t want all the wedding photos from the different weddings to capture me in the same outfit! I need some more ideas appropriate for the occasion. Please help.”
Weddings are definitely tough events to dress for, as your outfit typically depends on your role in the wedding, your relationship with the couple, and just generally how fancy the event is going to be. Because of that reason—and since I know you guys are from all over and experience totally different weather—I have tried to simply make some base outfits that you can use for inspiration to help you find your perfect wedding outfit.
Generally, tights, cardigans, and coats can be added to these as needed, and shoes can be switched out for a similar style/color that may be more appropriate for the situation. Hopefully these sample outfits will help get you out of your wedding rut!
Wedding Guest Outfit #1
Product Information: Dress: TopShop, Bow Clutch: Newlook.co.uk, ‘Giana’ Pump: Nordstrom, Headband: Modcloth.com, Cheek and Lip Tint: Benefitcosmetics.com
There’s that old wedding adage that every bride needs “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” Therefore, you know that a blue dress will fit in at any wedding!
I love this dress for a slightly more conservative look, and the lace top and sleeves give it a really interesting vintage feel. To keep the focus on the dress’ great shape and detail, I chose simple, girly accessories like pale, blush-pink pumps and a deep blue clutch with a great bow design.
To complete the look, go for a sweeping, loose up-do held with a similarly blush-colored headband. Add a swipe of pink tint across your cheeks and lips, and you’ll definitely have the “new” look everyone’s talking about!
Wedding Guest Outfit #2
Product Information: Dress: Debenhams, Pearl & Crystal Bracelet Set: Monsoon.co.uk, Moon Beam Complexion Highlighter: Benefitcosmetics.com, Silver Flats: Wantedshoes.com
This look is a bit bolder since the purple is so rich, but the cut and draping are definitely flattering and fun for a wedding atmosphere. The similarly draped black clutch and silver flats continue the flowing style of the dress, while the pearls add a classic touch.
Since the outfit is a statement in itself, try to go natural with your hair and makeup. Drop the eyeliner and lipstick in favor of faking your own in-love-newlywed glow (you know the look I’m talking about!) by blending a shimmery highlighter onto your cheekbones and brow bones.
Wedding Guest Outfit #3
Product Information: Dress: Fashionunion.co.uk, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler: Sephora, Jessica McClintock Satin Clutch: Nordstrom, Flower Earrings: Miss Selfridge, Nude Pumps: Cutseygirl
Typically, I would not suggest going for trendier pieces in a traditional setting like a wedding. However, I think this gorgeous one-shoulder dress is a perfect example of a “modern romantic” look that’s just as sophisticated as the tried-and-true classic dress shapes out there. The satin clutch and nude pumps (which Liza wrote a great post about last week!) keep the look fresh and new, while the flowery earrings are both adorable and elegant.
When it comes to hair, I once again suggest going as natural as possible with an easy up-do or some soft waves. For makeup, focus in on your eyelashes by using a lengthening mascara and eyelash curler (like the iconic Shu Uemura one above) to get a wide-eyed, Audrey Hepburn-type look.
What Do You Think?
Do you have any other advice for Fai on cute wedding outfits? Do you have any go-to wedding outfits for when you attend someone’s big day? Share in the comments!
And if you have any more “what do I wear there” questions, let me know! I may feature yours in next week’s article.
Posted on on September 25, 2009 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Dresses, How To, Outfits, Tips, Weddings, What Do I Wear There?
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Candi @ Lipgloss & Lingerie
Great advice! I really love the third outfit. The pale purple + nude accessories = the perrrrfect combo. Well done ;)
Elena
wow , i love them all, especially the first and third ones! the modern romantic feel is wonderful!
Amy
I love the first dress!!!!!! (All of them are cute, but that one is my favorite!)
Suzi
Lovely outfits! I love the three looks you put together Colleen!
I imagine it must be a hassle to come up with outfits for multiple weddings, not to mention a wee budget strain. But it’s the perfect excuse to fill out the more formal side of a wardrobe.
Parisa
These are such lovely outfits! I love the third one especially, so classily beautiful and def something I would wear to a wedding! Thanks for this! xxx
OMG
Cute outfits! Especially the first and second one. What about a beach wedding? I’m going to one in a few months, and I’m not sure what to wear!
Rebecca
The first outfit is mind blowing!! breath taking :)
i love all three though*
Brooke
Absolutely LOVE the first dress! Fantastic outfit ideas!
Giselle
Great examples! I always wear the same things to weddings! As long as nobody who saw me in that dress is attending the one I’m going to, then I’m good haha.
Jess
I love these outfits.
I also have trouble on what to wear at a wedding, now I got some ideas.
Also I need a little help. I am going to a play this week, “Who is afraid of Virginia Wolf?” and I have no idea what to wear. I know you need to be dressy-ish but I can’t seem to find a good outfit..
Can you help me please? Thank u
Isabelle
I’m so thorn! I esp love 1 & 3 but I have to say #3 is my very favorite and this dress might be the MUST buy of this week.
Linda
Third outfit is gorgeous!
Claire
When I go to a wedding, I also think about what the reception’s going to be like. For example, next year my cousin is having a ceilidh (a dance party originally from Scotland and Ireland where everyone learns the same set routine), so I’m going to make sure that I wear comfortable shoes and a dress that moves nicely when I dance and that isn’t going to fall down easily! Being from the UK, I also think that it’s important to have a nice jacket and/or umbrella in case the weather is a bit rubbish :)
*eLLa*
I went to a wedding last night and when i was deciding what to wear I was wondering if it was appropriate to wear black or not. I ended up wearing an old fall back old and emerald green dress and when I got to the wedding about a quarter of the ladies were in black outfits.
Stilist
I absolutely adore the first look.
Rachael
I agree with Claire that in the UK (especially living near the coast) unexpected rain has to be considered. I always wear waterproof make-up (urban decay is great for this) to all occaisons where photos will be taken and try to add a cute umbrella. I have cute flowery summer umbrellas and darker autumn umbrellas but it is hard to know what umbrella to take to certain events like weddings :-S
Jen
Wow this is perfect. I’m going today to pick out a dress suitable for a wedding and I had no idea what to buy! You read my mind.
I love the first outfit a lot and the colors of the third are gorgeous too!
Thanks!
Alana @ The Comm Ave Strut
I’ve been to two weddings this year, one as a bridesmaid and the other as an adoring cousin :) I wore a great red dress to my cousin’s wedding and glammed it up by adding black stilletos and miniature pearls. I think it looked fab. So my tip- ditch the lbd and go for something more colorful…and then glam it up!
Rebecca
As an etiquette professional, I must say that you offer very good advice, especially since this is one of the most asked question. One problem with the third example might be that it could be too revealing. For most of us, it really isn’t an issue. But, for some more well endowed, well… And, this is where we get into the “rules” for women wedding guests–no red and nothing too revealing. Yes, that does mean that we aren’t supposed to wear strapless dresses, even if we have seen them at almost every wedding we’ve attended. The reason for this is simple. We should want to be good guests; so we don’t try to be the focus of the event. Too much flesh showing and bold colors will draw the eye (especially red). Red is really our only no-no color these days. Black is perfectly fine–yea. I love black.
Bravo on offering such great advice!!
Lalalina
I love all three looks especially the 3rd one. That dress is so beautiful. I do disagree with Rebecca in saying this dress is too revealing. I think it is an appropriate length and no boobies will be popping out anywhere:) Colleen, I think this is the second time I noticed that you posted some items from a UK retailers website (and I LOVE both items) and I am wondering if you personally shop from these websites? I would love to try UK retailers/ designers, but I have never considered ordering from abroad. If you have, if you could share whether or not you have had a good experience doing so that would be great! Thanks for another fab post!
Colleen
Thanks for all the positive words guys! I’m always glad to give advice.
Lalalina: I have included many items from UK retailers because they are so cute and interesting. However, I personally have never ordered from them. One of my good friends has, though, and has not had any problems with the experience. She has told me the most important factors to consider when ordering from abroad are price (shipping is going to be expensive, and don’t forget to convert the price to American dollars in your mind!), time (since it will probably take a little longer to get to you), and fit (since you cannot try it on and will have a harder time returning it, make sure you are ordering your size–which you may also have to convert from European sizes).
Have any of you guys ever ordered from European retailers? I’d love to hear more! Hope all of this helps!
Grace
I loveee the last outfit…i actually just ordered the dress! Im going to a wedding in a few weeks and this was perfect…Thanks for the advice!
Grace
This advice was great! i actually just ordered the dress! Im going to a wedding in a few weeks and this was perfect…Thanks for the advice!
Fai
OMG!!! The next wedding is actually coming up tomorrow night, and of course I decided to look here for my inspiration. And I am soooooo happy you answered my “What Do I Wear There” question. I totally love the 3rd outfit. I know I can definatly put something together now.
Thanks Colleen.
Claire thanks for your umbrella tip. I live in Seattle, and I def will be needing that.
Thanks Rebecca for your tip as well. def no red lipstick for me! (which i love to wear every chance I get) lol.
-Fai
Tina
I loved your outfits! The problem to me is that I’m short (5’6″) and have BIG boobs (36DDD). Finding a nice dress is very difficult for me, because when they fit my boobs they are too long for me, and if they fit in the lenghtm they don’t fit my boobs. I have a wedding party on Saturday and I’m going nuts because I can’t find anything. Please, help me!
Barbie
Love the third dress…any ideas of where to find one like it or close to it?
Suzie
Tina I have the same problem. Try Bravissimo. Wonderful dresses at reasonable prices. I only wish more fashion outlets would understand our problem.
Suzie
asmaa
hiii i love the second outfit and im trying to find the dress you used but i cant find the dress on your sight or topshop where u said to to look i really need your help
asmaa
oops sorry i mean the 1st one
Lalalina
Asmaa, this post is from september. The dress is probably no longer available, sorry
Maddie
wow i think i started purring when i saw that last dress.
Jaz
Ok, so I love these dresses, and I so know that this post was from 2009, but I know they have to have similar styles or fake look a likes somewhere out there… I love, love the 3rd dress (purple with nude shoes) and I have a wedding to go to in September, please, please help!!! I think it would work well with my figure and not look ghetto! I so stuck on this style, and now I have to have it! lol
Thanks,
Jaz
Karolann
really liked your suggestions,however, I would prefer to wear dress pants
any ideas what to wear with them?
thanx in advance