The Best Wedding & Party Guest Dress

Buying Guide

Getting that wedding invitation in the mail (or e-mail) is an exciting time! Not only will you get to see your loved ones tie the knot, but you’ll get to spend the day with friends and family, celebrating a great occasion. However, with those feelings of excitement, some of us also have a little bit of dread, especially when it comes to figuring out what to wear.

When it comes to wedding and party guest dresses, it can be difficult to choose the right outfit. While you don’t want to take away any attention from the guests of honor, you still want to look and feel your best at such a special event.

Start by figuring out if the wedding has a dress code. For some events, it will say the dress code directly on the invitation, such as black tie or summer casual. This is a good starting point to choosing your outfit for the day. If the invitation doesn’t say the dress code on it, you may be able to figure it out by considering the venue of the wedding. For example, if the wedding is held in the ballroom of a historic hotel, then the dress code will likely be fancier than a wedding held in the backyard of a family member. Use the dress code as a guide for choosing your dress. If you want to be totally sure, consider messaging someone directly involved in planning the wedding to ask about the dress code.

In addition to the dress code and venue, also consider the season. In the colder months, you’ll want to choose a dress that is made from a warmer fabric, such as wool or velvet, and the length may be longer as well. In the warmer months, you may opt for a dress made from cotton, chiffon or linen with a shorter hemline.

• The season of the wedding will affect the prints and styles of the dress you choose. For example, for a spring or summer wedding, go with florals or pastels to create a seasonal look. For a winter or fall wedding, opt for sequins or jewel tones to create a looks that’s warm yet stylish.
• If you’re attending a wedding ceremony or party in a religious setting, such as a church, mosque, temple or synagogue, it’s best to learn what is appropriate for that particular venue. For example, you may want to bring a shawl to cover your arms and shoulders or your hair. This is an easy way to show your respect while still being able to wear the dress you want for the celebration.
• Remember not to outshine the bride. In many cultures, the bride wears white on the wedding day, so it’s best to avoid wearing a dress of that color. In some cultures, brides wear other colors, such as red or pink, so you may want to stay clear of those as well depending on the type of wedding you’re going to.
• Keep in mind that accessories can help you dress up or dress down your wedding and party guest dress. The perfect necklace, earrings, bracelets and rings are just as important as the dress and can even be the focal point of your outfit.
• If you like to dance, be sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes – or bring an extra pair for dancing. This way, you won’t have aching feet and will be able to enjoy the evening to the fullest.