What to Wear To A Wedding or Holiday Event
Dress size 6 .. but also had alterations done. This dress continues to go in and out of stock – keep checking. Other recommendations: Off the Shoulder Midi / Cross Back Halter Sheath / Knot Front Velour Midi / Velvet Trim Midi Dress / Velvet Body Con Dress / Harness Dress | Strapless Bra (in Pecan) | Shapewear | Shoes less expensive options and perfect for the season here and here | Clutch (old) options here and here Earrings are Worthington from JCPenny (sold out online. In-store, only) just ordered these here
Foundation (Shade 5.0) | Setting Powder (Translucent 1) carrying this in my clutch | also carrying these Blotting Linens | Blush (My favorite color) | Shadow Palette | Lip Pencil | Lipstick | Lip Gloss (in Prrr)
Fragrance (Spicy & oh, so sexy!!!) | Nailpolish
Did you know that the average cost of a wedding nowadays is over $20,000. In some areas, that number is on the ‘conservative’ end. Invitations alone can run around $500. And the cake? That’ll be another $500. On average, flowers and decorations amount to over $2,000. Same goes for the band, the photographer … and the list goes on-and-on. This number does NOT include the honeymoon (of course), or the dress.
What this tells us is that weddings are not cheap. So if you’re invited to one, you should put in some effort, too. That not only means RSVPing ON TIME, sending a gift from the registry or giving as generous a gift of money as you can, but also showing up dressed appropriately.
How about a quick little refresher on wedding guest dress code etiquette? Bear in mind this is my opinion, only! So, listen up!
- There should only be one white dress in the room. Enough said!!!
- Remember the rule of one – Showing too much skin is another faux pas at weddings. Despite how awesome you look and however many hours you’ve spent toning and tanning, the bride is going to want all eyes on her. And rightfully so! That being said, it’s OK to accentuate your favorite assets. Your outfit can have one sexy element like a plunging neckline, short hemline, cutout, low back, or a body con fit … but no more than one. Even if you are cutting a rug on the dance floor, you’re not clubbing. This is a wedding! This rule also applies to you eligibles!
- Accessorize appropriately – Cleavage is not an accessory! Keep it tasteful!
- Read the invitation – Pay attention to the details of the venue. This will help you determine what you should wear: semi-formal, beach chic, black tie. Also, read between the lines: Is it at a church? Is it outside?
- Be color conscious – This is one tip a lot of people do not consider, but should. As far as color goes, if you don’t know ahead of time the color scheme of the wedding and what color the bridesmaids dresses are, avoid any solid color dresses in popular colors like coral, purple, navy, and gray. Wearing one of these colors puts you at risk of possibly showing up in the same color as the bridesmaids. This will only lead other guests into believing you may somehow be associated with the bridal party. Not exactly a comfortable position to be in. You don’t want anybody asking you the uncomfortable question, “Now, what role do you play in the wedding?”
- Better to be over-dressed than under – Flip Flops, cutoffs … NO!!! Just NO! Even if the invite wording says dress code is ‘casual’, that still means absolutely no jeans, shorts, or tank tops. Think a summer sundress or a pair of nice pants and blouse. If it is semi-formal and you’re not comfortable wearing a dress, jumpsuits can be extremely dressy. Problem solved. Nobody is saying you have to wear a dress. But put the effort in.
- Don’t steal the show – there are going to be a ton of pictures snapped throughout the night, either by a professional photographer or via guest’s smartphones – all the more reason to dress appropriately. Let the bride stand out in her wedding photos. If you’re attending a black-tie wedding, it’s important to go along and whatever you do, don’t wear a super short, leggy cocktail dress. You don’t want to steal attention from the bride, or show too much skin in the formal photos.
- Have confidence in yourself – It may not be your day, but that’s no reason not to be yourself. If you try to stick to some of the guidelines above, you should be all set. It’s really a balancing act of being yourself and looking and feeling confident while not terribly offending anyone.
Other looks that work
Floral Strapless | Lace & Colorful | Simple Black Dres | Floral Fit & Flare
Jumpsuits that work
Little Black Jumpsuit | Wrap Jumpsuit | Strapless Ruffled
Bonus Tips: Read this post here, on how to achieve longer-leaner legs. You know how much I love my nudes, and I explain why. Also read this post, here on how to walk gracefully in high heels.
Amy Henson
09/18/2016Everyone should read this! You looked smashing (and perfectly wedding appropriate) at all the weddings you attended. This is another stunner, and you were, as always, gorgeous! Great post! Keep ’em coming! 💖
tracyhensel
09/19/2016Thank you Amy! Appreciate your kindness … always!! I love and an always intrigued by topics such as this. Hoping to get a few more out soon … job interviews, funeral and visitation attire, etc. Have a GREAT Monday! xo
Monica erre
09/20/2016Great advice!!! 💐
tracyhensel
09/26/2016Thank you Monica! Appreciate the feedback! Have a GREAT Monday, my friend!!! xx