It’s wedding season and here’s our official guide on what to wear.
‘Tis the season to watch friends, loved ones and random third cousins get happily wedded.
The season is generally a fun, happy time but it does come with a few challenges; a busy season requires a gift budget the size of a small Caribbean island economy, a well-meaning aunt – or aunts en masse – will wonder aloud about just when your turn is going to be and by the end of the season you’re not going to want to see another damned canape. And then there’s the challenge that proves to be the biggest hurdle for some – what to wear.
To relieve some of your stress here is a simple guide on what to wear as a guest this wedding season.
Look 1: Black
No matter the theme or dress code, as a wedding guest there is one rule that should always be followed: leave all-white to the bride! Now that that rule is out of the way, don’t let anybody tell you that black isn’t a “wedding colour”. Monochrome black and white prints, especially stripes and polka-dots, combined with a classic silhouette will always be a winning combination.
Look 2: Playing It Safe
Very traditional weddings can be a bit tricky when choosing your wedding look. You want to be your cute self but definitely don’t want anybody’s great-aunt raising an eyebrow. Here are a few tips to help negotiate this potential minefield:
If you’re wearing a dress or skirt, ensure that the hemline is, at minimum, over the knee.
Neutral shades and/ or pastels are always safest.
Cover up strappy or sleeveless tops and dresses with a lightweight blazer.
Accessorise with a bold piece or two to ensure that your demure look doesn’t become dour.
Raise your eyebrow right back at that great-aunt. She doesn’t know you and you’re not the one whose hat contains more tulle than the bride’s dress.
Look 3: Sandy Nuptials
Beach weddings always sound like a fun idea, until you remember the sand. It’s best to wear a pair of shoes that can easily handle the uneven terrain (no, not flip-flops!) and carry a bag big enough to hold all you’ll need when at the beach; hat, sunglasses, sunscreen etc.
A beach wedding also signals a more relaxed attitude to dress codes and this would be the perfect opportunity to debut a cute new playsuit. Give first preference to clothing options in cotton or linen, you’re going to be outside in the sun for quite a bit so best that you chose something that breathes and will help keep you cool.
Look 4: Amongst the Roses
Don’t play second fiddle to the flora at a garden wedding! Bold prints and bright accents will ensure that no damned hydrangea outshines you.
When choosing a perfume, a summertime floral fragrance will complement – and more importantly not clash – with the setting’s already sweet scent. You don’t want to be the answer to the what-is-that-smell question.
Look 5: Dance the Night Away
There will always be that one wedding that you know will be more of a party than anything else. This would be your opportunity to shimmer and shine. A statement jumpsuit and gold everything will have you prepared for the celebrations.
Look 6: Bling it Out
If formal attire is required, try staying away from pastels when choosing your look. You do not want to end up looking like a bridesmaid. On a related note, do not use this as an opportunity to wear the bridesmaid’s dress your BFF convinced you could absolutely be worn again. No such opportunity exists, you were lied to. I’m sorry.
If a bride has opted for a night-time formal affair she’s expecting you to go full glitz and glam, so don’t disappoint! Black and jewel tones would generally be your best friends here but don’t be afraid to embrace some metallic; silver isn’t white so you can’t really be accused of trying to outshine the bride.
P.S. Brides, we haven’t forgotten you! Visit our Wedding Shop for all of your wedding essentials or explore your options with our ‘different types of wedding dresses‘ post. If you’re still looking for a venue, we’ve compiled a list of the Top Wedding Venues in SA, too.
