Wedding Guests Dos and Don’ts

With the weather slowly warming up, chances are that you’ve been getting more and more wedding invitations in your mailbox. Now, there’s nothing quite as fun and romantic as a wedding, but the event can also create a certain sort of anxiety in our minds. What do we get as a gift? How do we arrange our schedule for that day? And most importantly, what do we even wear?

Something elegant is usually a safe bet, but how do we make sure it isn’t boring, and if we’re a bridesmaid, how do we pick something that will complement the bride? Well, we’ve got a few tips that can help you out, so if you’re in need of advice, read on.

DO follow the dress-code

Does the invitation say formal wear? Then don’t try to be quirky and push your own agenda of “casual elegance” or something similar. Just read the invitation and follow the dress code because, chances are, no one will be all that impressed if you show up looking stubbornly out of place. It’s particularly important to follow this rule if the invitation says “black-tie event.” Yes, a gown will be required, and if you want to make the bride and the groom happy, then obey their wishes.

DON’T wear white

An obvious rule, but it bears repeating: never wear white to a wedding, and we’d recommend staying away from off-white shades as well. Those colors are reserved for the bride, and there are plenty of other colors to choose from for this to be any real issue. Trust us, if you show up there in a white dress you’ll be getting the stink eye the whole time.

DO wear layers

Even if it’s a really hot August day, it’s not a bad idea to have a small bolero or a gauzy cardigan with you. Rooms are bound to have AC on at all times and it can get a little chilly if you’re sitting around a lot. You should also consider wearing tights, and if you find that you feel hot in them, you can easily slip them off in the bathroom and put them in your bag.

DON’T ignore the forecast

Sadly, Mother Nature doesn’t much care about our plans, and rain can ruin our fun if we aren’t prepared for it. Check the weather forecast to know what the temperature will be, and pay special attention to whether they mention a windy day. You don’t want to be the gal in a flowy dress who has to keep pushing it down to avoid flashing all the guests in her vicinity.

DO pick colors that complement the wedding theme

This is mostly for the bridesmaids. Gals, your friend is relying on you to help her make everything perfect, so picking the right attire is crucial because it can work wonders by complementing her outfit and making her gown stand out in pictures. You can easily find elegant women’s clothing online and send pictures to the bride so she can approve them. Show her your ideas and have fun working on her vision of the event together. Any good bridesmaid is also a good friend, and you can expect the bride to be eternally grateful and return the favor once your own wedding is under way.

DON’T wear black

Black is not necessarily always a bad choice – indeed, the good old little black dress can look truly spectacular on anyone. This is more about how you style it and how you wear it, and you need to make sure that, if you’re wearing black, the attire speaks “elegant” rather than “grandma’s funeral.” Add a bright pop of color here and there, wear fun shoes – it’s still a wedding and you’re supposed to look like you’re glad to be there, not like someone died. If you’re unsure and still want to wear a dark color, try switching it up for something navy.

DO wear comfy shoes

Your high heels sure are sexy, but believe us, you’ll be whimpering and moaning in pain after a couple of hours. Pick comfortable shoes, or, if you really want to rock a pair of heels for the pictures and add a few inches to your height, keep a pair of ballet flats that match your outfit in your purse.

DON’T try to upstage anyone

Especially the bride. Sequins, leopard print, and glitter are generally not a great idea at weddings. When in doubt, keep the word “demure” in mind and try to avoid outfits that are too short or show too much cleavage. Looking pretty is, of course, absolutely fine and encouraged, but remember that now’s not really your moment to shine.

Out last quick tip before we go? Invest in good shapewear – Spanx can do wonders and make you feel confident in any outfit. Other than that, bring your good mood and make sure to enjoy yourself! Nothing makes a wedding better than a good atmosphere, created by guests who are having fun.

Guest Author Bio:

Sophia Smith is Australian based beauty, fashion and lifestyle blogger. She is very passionate about latest fashion trends, DIY projects and natural beauty products. Sophia writes mostly in beauty and fashion related topics, mainly through blogs and articles. She is regular contributor at High Style Life.

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