Appropriate Wedding Attire, for all you fools.

So you’ve gotten the invitation to the wedding, marked down the date on the calender, start looking around for the wedding gift, then all the sudden it hits you–

what am I suppose to wear?

The wardrobe for proper wedding attire varies from wedding to wedding. But don’t worry, there are some clues so you have to become a little bit of a detective.

First start with the invitation. If it’s using a formal style vocabulary and fancy paper styles, then most likely they expect you to wear something formal and fancy. Does it cheekily ask you to watch them “come get hitched?” Well then wedding guest should look for a more casual outfit. Or it may tell you directly on the invitation- Black Tie, Casual etc.

Next think about where the wedding is set. If it’s outside avoid anything that could get caught in the wind. You won’t want to battle between the wind and your modesty! Avoid high heel shoes that could sink into the sand or grass.

Daytime wedding attire for a lady should be a flowing, loose fitting, dress or skirt. If you decided to wear a suit it should be in light colors, stay away from black or navy or anything that makes it look like your going to the office.

Daytime summer wedding attire for the gentlemen should be a light colored suit and made of light material like linen. However, winter weddings suits should be made of wool and darker colors like navy, charcoal etc. If the invitation says formal wear a dark suit. Tuxedoes are not appropriate before 6 p.m..

For an evening wedding look, a lady should wear a cocktail dress, like going out on a date for dinner. Nothing to sexy but something to dance in. Black is fine. Look for something sophisticated and avoid beads or sequins.

An evening wedding look for a gentlemen.. well a dark suit is always appropriate.

For a black tie wedding a lady should wear a cocktail dress, perhaps floor length. Think, red carpet like. Bring out the beaded purses and jewelry that has been waiting for this kind of event. Black Tie weddings almost always involve dancing so make sure you can move in your dress.

The tuxedo is the only acceptable thing for a man to wear to a Black Tie wedding. If it says “creative black tie,” he should still wear the tuxedo but maybe a black shirt instead of white, or a collarless white shirt.

If you’re afraid you’re going to be under dressed, then you probably will be. So choose to be a little more fancy. If anything, you know you’ll look fabulous no matter what. Oh and the #1 rule: LADIES, DO NOT WEAR WHITE! This tip should be obvious but hey you never know.

But what you should remember is that weddings are suppose to be a good time to celebrate the joining of two families and friends, so don’t ruin it with a bad outfit! 🙂 I am a big fan of BCBG. I feel like you can find a dress for any kind of wedding at their store and the dresses are in a good price range. So below are a few pictures off of their websites of dresses that I believe are wedding appropriate.

Barbara One Shoulder Satin Evening Gown

$288

Alana Long Piped Halter Dress

$448

Blanca Sunburst Long Pleated Dress

$648

Cecile Short Cocktail Dress

$398

Rhea Sleeveless Dress With Peplum Skirt

$278

Jane Beaded Neckline Sleeveless Chiffon Dress

$448

Winnie Printed Shirred Strapless Dress

$328

*One of my favorites*

Gemma Beaded Neckline Draped Dress

$348

Kiara Strapless Printed Silk Gown

#398

Metal Taffeta Cocktail Dress

$368

Sphia Metallic Straw Clutch

$78

Morgan Snake Beaded Clutch

$178

Satin Bow Clutch

$178

Hickey Freeman Charcoal Plaid Worsted Wool Suit

On sale at Nordstrroms for $999.90

Boss Black Brown Plaid Wool Suit

Sale at Nordstorms for $529.90

Boss Black Three Piece Tuxedo

Sale Nordstorms for $599.90

John Varvatos Star USA Plaid Cotton

Nordstroms for $199

John W. Linen Trousers

Nordstroms for $79.90

My FAVORITE suit for a gentlemen. Yves St. Laurent.

Price requested upon purchase.. which means way to expensive!!

My favorite Black Tie Wedding Dress… if  I had the money.

Ruched Floral Detail Gown by Carmen Marc Valvo

Neiman Marcus for $1,025