George Boyle
When it comes to choosing a dress to wear to a wedding, there are several factors to consider, such as the season, venue, formality, and dress code. Once you've taken these into account, it's time to start shopping! Department stores like Macy's are a great option for in-person shopping, and you can also find good deals at stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls. For online shopping, Lulus offers a wide range of styles at affordable prices, while Nordstrom Rack provides a mix of trendy and classic pieces. If you're looking for something unique and colourful, check out FARM Rio. LoveShackFancy is perfect for romantic and feminine looks, and Banana Republic has a variety of silk options. Don't forget to consider the bride's preferences and avoid matching the bridal party. With a little thought and effort, you're sure to find the perfect dress to celebrate the happy couple in style!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of wedding | Beach, church, outdoor, Indian, etc. |
| Season | Spring, summer, autumn, winter |
| Colors | Blush pink, light gray, pale yellow, burgundy, navy, forest green, etc. |
| Dress code | Formal, cocktail, black-tie, semi-formal, etc. |
| Dress length | Floor-length, mini, midi, maxi |
| Style | Wrap, lace, strapless, plunging neckline, etc. |
| Price | Affordable, budget-friendly, expensive |
| Stores | Lulus, Macy's, Nordstrom, Amazon, PrettyGarden, Baltic Born, Azazie, Abercrombie & Fitch, Utsav Fashion, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Dresses for different seasons and colour schemes
When choosing a dress to wear to a wedding, it's important to consider the season and colour scheme.
For spring and summer weddings, opt for light and fresh colours such as blush pink, light grey, pale yellow, or pastel shades. These seasons are ideal for outdoor weddings, so choose a dress in a pretty floral print or a simple silhouette like an A-line gown or sheath dress. Light and breezy fabrics such as chiffon, crepe, and tulle are perfect for warm weather. If you're attending a beach wedding, go for a sleeveless or strapless dress, or a gown with cap sleeves or butterfly sleeves.
For autumn and winter weddings, deeper colours like burgundy, navy, and forest green are a good choice. These seasons call for heavier fabrics such as velvet and satin. Layering is key, so consider a wrap dress or accessorise with a stole, wrap, or bolero.
Regardless of the season, there are a few colour considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid wearing white, ivory, or cream, as these colours are reserved for the bride. It's also best to avoid colours that match the wedding party to avoid being mistaken for a member of the bridal party. Check the invitation for any colour hints, as the colours of the bridesmaids' dresses may be indicated. Finally, if the wedding has a formal dress code, opt for tea-length or floor-length gowns in pastel, muted, or jewel tones. For semi-formal weddings, you have more freedom, but it's still best to avoid overly bold or distracting prints.
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Department stores and online retailers
Department stores are a great option for wedding guest dresses, especially if you're short on time or prefer to try on dresses in person. Macy's is a popular choice for wedding guest attire, with a range of options at reasonable prices. Nordstrom is another go-to for many, and their website Nordstrom Rack offers a wide range of dresses in different colours and styles, including custom sizing.
If you're based in the US, you might also try TJ Maxx and Marshalls, though selection may vary by area. Lulus is another online option with a range of styles for different wedding types, from outdoor celebrations to formal church weddings, and affordable prices.
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, Amazon has been known to have wonderful velvet dresses, and Azazie offers custom sizing with dresses ranging from $80 to $130. Baltic Born is another online retailer to consider, though it can be pricier.
Abercrombie & Fitch also offers a collection of wedding guest dresses and jumpsuits, including midi, mini, and maxi dresses in various fabrics, prints, and colours. They also provide smart tailoring options like matching sets and suits, which can be paired with accessories like bags and jewellery.
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Dress codes and venue appropriateness
For a formal or black-tie wedding, men typically wear tuxedos or dark suits, while women often opt for elegant gowns or cocktail dresses. If the dress code is black-tie optional, men can still wear a dark suit, while women have more flexibility, with options like long gowns, cocktail dresses, jumpsuits, or pantsuits.
Casual weddings, often outdoors or on the beach, call for more relaxed attire. Men can wear dress pants or khakis with a collared shirt, and women can opt for a summer sundress or a floral mini dress. Tropical weddings are similar, but lightweight fabrics and airy silhouettes are recommended for comfort.
For an outdoor wedding, a wrap dress in a floral print or a maxi dress can be a good choice. Religious venues may require modest attire, avoiding strapless or low-cut styles.
The season also influences wedding attire. Lighter and brighter hues are typical for spring and summer, while autumn and winter lend themselves to deeper colours like burgundy, navy, and forest green.
When in doubt, a knee-length cocktail dress for women and a dark suit for men are generally safe choices. It is important to avoid wearing white, ivory, or cream, as these colours are typically reserved for the bride.
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Accessories and footwear
When it comes to footwear, a pair of strappy heels are a classic choice for a wedding guest. If you're planning on being on your feet all day (or showing off your dance moves!), it might be a good idea to bring a pair of flats or sandals to change into. This way, you can still look stylish while being comfortable.
If you're looking to rent accessories, RTR offers one-time rentals with free shipping and returns included in the membership. This is a great option if you're looking for a more sustainable or affordable way to accessorize your outfit.
Lastly, don't forget to consider the formality of the wedding, the season, and the venue when choosing your accessories and footwear. For example, if you're attending a beach wedding, you might want to opt for a pair of flat sandals instead of heels.
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Indian wedding attire for men
For a more traditional look, the dhoti kurta is a timeless choice, having been worn by generations of Indian men. The dhoti is draped to create the illusion of baggy trousers, resulting in an elegant and graceful silhouette. Another traditional option is the kurta pajama set, which can be paired with a jacket for a contemporary twist. The kurta comes in various styles, including cowl, asymmetric, mirror work, and embroidered, and can be paired with pyjamas, churidars, or trousers.
For grooms wanting to stand out, layering is a great way to elevate an outfit. Nehru jackets, waistcoats, and dupattas are elegant additions to a sherwani or kurta set. For a more casual look, Pathani kurtas are a comfortable option, often featuring minimal embellishments and paired with slim-fit trousers or churidars.
When it comes to colour, bright, festive hues are encouraged, with pastels for daytime and jewel tones for evening events. It is important to note that red and black are traditionally off-limits, with the bride often wearing red and black considered inauspicious in various Indian cultures.
For those seeking to purchase Indian wedding attire for men, several online retailers offer a wide range of options, including Utsav Fashion, Mirraw, Panash India, Manyavar, and Andaaz Fashion.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many places to buy wedding guest dresses, including:
- Lulus
- FARM Rio
- LoveShackFancy
- JessaKae
- Banana Republic
- Gap
- Macy's
- Nordstrom
- Karen Millen
- Hello Molly
- ASOS
When choosing a dress to wear to a wedding, it's important to consider the formality of the event, the venue, and the season. For outdoor weddings, a wrap dress in a floral print is a good option, while for a formal church wedding, a maxi dress or a lace dress may be more appropriate. It's also important to avoid wearing white, ivory, or cream, as those colors are typically reserved for the bride.
Yes, it is generally considered a major faux pas to wear white, ivory, or cream to a wedding, as those colors are typically reserved for the bride. It is also a good idea to avoid matching the bridesmaids' dresses and to check the invitation for any specified dress codes.
For a beach wedding, a dress in a lightweight and breathable fabric such as cotton or linen would be a good choice. A loose-fitting style or a dress with a flowy skirt would also be comfortable and appropriate for the setting.
Some affordable options for wedding guest dresses include Gap, which offers a wide range of stylish and affordable options, and Macy's, which offers a range of dresses at reasonable prices.
