What To Wear For Someone Else’s Big Day:
A Guide To Proper Guest Wedding Attire

By Kathi Burns, Founder of addSpace To Your Life!™

Deciding what to wear to a wedding can be tricky. You don’t want to be underdressed, but you definitely don’t want to overshadow the bride. There are a few rules of thumb when it comes to dressing appropriately for someone else’s big day.

The wedding invitation may say outright whether the affair is formal or not. If not, the venue may be a clue, and the time of day will make a difference as well. If in doubt, err on the side of caution!

For an informal affair, such as a daytime wedding or one held in a garden or on the beach, a short dress or suit is appropriate. This attire is also suitable for semi-formal and formal weddings held before 6 p.m.  A sweater and skirt ensemble paired with sling back shoes is another option for weddings held during the day.

Avoid white, as this color should be reserved for the bride, but a dress with a pattern on white or a cream suit would probably be fine. Black for a daytime wedding is frowned upon, as are beaded, sequined or overtly sexy dresses. Under no circumstances wear jeans to a wedding! If the reception is to be held at a country club or fancy restaurant, a dressy, more tailored look may be desired. If it is an outdoor wedding, you will need to take the season and weather into account, and wear shoes appropriate to the location (heels can stick in soft dirt or sand).

For evening weddings, you will need to dress up a little more. For informal or semi-formal events, a cocktail dress is perfect. Make sure it is comfortable to dance in! If you are unsure the little black dress is always a safe bet. Add pearls, heels, and a dressy jacket or wrap for cool nights.

If the wedding is formal or black-tie, the invitation will usually make this clear. Your dress can be long and elegant or short and glamorous -a wrap is a good idea, too. For ultra-formal, or white-tie events, ladies are expected to wear floor length gowns and extra glitz - furs, diamonds and the like. Again, you won’t want to outshine the bride, and a note on religious weddings; if your dress is sleeveless or strapless it might be a good idea to bring a wrap to cover your shoulders.

Whichever type of wedding you may be invited to attend, you should be able to join in the celebration and enjoy yourself, secure in the knowledge that you are properly attired on the big day.

 
Kathi Burns, Founder of addSpace To Your Life!™, is known for her straightforward organizing advice and solutions for families and businesses. She is also a powerful resource for wardrobe, image and time management challenges. Kathi has been featured nationwide in both print and on air media. Get your free booklet - 33 Tips To Transform Your LIfe when you visit http://www.addspacetoyourlife.com and sign up for eTips.