With peak wedding season just around the corner, invitations are beginning to roll in and wedding guests are eagerly planning their outfits for the summer nuptials ahead.
Choosing what to wear, and what not to wear, can be a difficult task regardless of your role at the wedding or relationship with the happy couple. Emma Zamani-Hawke and Sam Hughes, founders of luxury wedding and event design company Hawke & Hughes, share their top tips on how best to avoid a wedding day fashion faux pas…
Don’t wear white
The cardinal sin of weddings, wearing white is by far the biggest mistake that can be made by a wedding guest. No guest should steal the attention away from the bride; it is her special day after all. In a white dress, the possibility of being confused for the bride is all too great so no matter how good white looks on you, give it a miss – just for one day.
Don’t upstage the bride
Weddings are a great excuse for treating yourself to a fancy new dress, but avoid going too overboard. Prom dresses, maxi gowns with a train and multi-coloured sequins that scream look at me are best avoided.
Invest in accessories
Attending numerous weddings in succession can be costly, especially if each event requires a new outfit. A great way to avoid breaking the bank is to choose a couple of versatile dresses and update them for each wedding by wearing a different bag, hat, shoes and jewellery. Statement accessories are a great way of updating a look and incorporating the latest trends.
Don’t wear anything too skimpy
See-through fabrics, plunging necklines and cutaway dresses should be worn with caution. Weddings are family events and usually day to evening celebrations so steer clear of anything too daring or risqué.
Don’t dress too casually
Regardless of the dress code wearing jeans is a complete and utter no-no at weddings. Remember that this is the bride and groom’s special day and if it were your wedding, you’d expect guests to make an effort. Use weddings as an opportunity to dress up and show off a new outfit. If dresses really aren’t your thing cigarette pants teamed with a well cut blazer make an ideal, smart and on-trend look.
Wear colour in summer
Summer is the perfect opportunity to wear bright colours or pretty pastels, especially if worn with sunkissed skin. However, be sure to check in advance what colour the bridesmaids are wearing – being mistaken for part of the bridal party is a big faux pas that can easily be avoided with some forward planning.
Bring a pair of flats
Wearing skyscraper heels all day can take its toll on your feet so pack a pair of ballet pumps or summer sandals in your bag to change into later on in the evening. No one will notice and this pre-planning will ensure you can dance away into the small hours of the night.
Avoid wearing black
You’re going to a wedding not a funeral, so unless you have the perfect little black dress to wear, then try to avoid black. This rule is especially relevant for summer weddings when guests should embrace the celebratory vibe of the day and opt for bold colours and prints.
Mother of the bride
Choosing what to wear as the mother-of-the-bride is a difficult task, it’s best to start with a dress that’s in keeping with the colour scheme of the wedding, doesn’t clash with the groom’s mother’s outfit and most importantly is comfortable. After all it’s a long day and you need to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed.
Wear fur into winter
Winter weddings are the perfect opportunity to wear a luxurious faux-fur stole. Glamorous, on-trend and great for keeping you warm.
