Weddings are such lovely occasions, but they can also cause undue amounts of stress when it comes to finding something to wear! My top tip is to always buy something that can be split up and worn again in different ways – that way you will get maximum cost per wear. I also firmly believe that no matter what the dress code is, you still need to be ‘you’ and feel comfortable in whatever you choose. Buying a dress that doesn’t feel comfortable will mean you will spend the day fidgeting and unable to really enjoy the occasion. Equally, don’t go for high heels if you never usually wear them – you’ll live to regret it!
CHURCH WEDDING:
If you’re going to a traditional church wedding the dress is likely to be more formal, especially if the men will be in morning suits. So, I would suggest either a suit (it doesn’t have to be matching) or a dress and jacket and a hat or fascinator.
If you aren’t used to wearing hats I would recommend trying on lots of styles in a department store to see which you feel the most comfortable with. Alternatively visit a hat hire shop if you don’t want to buy. Think about scale – if you are petite a big full brimmed style will be too much for you, equally if you are a statuesque a tiny fascinator will look silly.
Below is a church wedding option for mother of the bride and a guest:
As shown below, the blue floral dress can be worn again for a summer party with silver shawl and sandals, or under a navy jacket for a smart lunch. The silver jacket is a great basic in a neutral colour that could be worn for work or with sleeves rolled up with casual trousers for the weekend.
The white pattern dress would work for a summer garden party as well as for dressy holiday evenings.
Where to buy:
Blue floral dress from fenn Wright Manson, Silver grey jacket by Phase Eight, Blue suede shoes by L.K. Bennett, Clutch bag by Coast and Hat by Jacques Vert additional pieces for blue dress – pashmina by Pure Collection, Silver sandals by John Lewis, Navy jacket by Fenn Wright Manson
White dress by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Jacket by Ted Baker, Fascinator and Bag by Phase Eight, White court shoes by L.K. Bennett additional outfit pieces – Bolero by Phase Eight and Suede wedges by L.K. Bennett.
COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDING:
If the wedding you’re attending is less formal, say in a country house or similar, then take into consideration where the ceremony will be held before choosing your outfit – if it’s out on the grass you won’t want to wear high stilettos that sink into the ground. Whilst you can go without a jacket, opting for more of a garden party feel, it’s worth adding a pashmina, shawl or shrug in case it’s chilly.
Large hats are probably too formal so opt for a fascinator or hair decoration or go without. If you are Mother of the Bride I’d suggest opting for a fascinator as shown in the example below. As before I’ve picked pieces that can be worn again to give the best cost per wear.
The first option for Mother of the Bride is a ‘no budget spared’ choice with a stunning corseted dress by Vivienne Westwood which gives an hourglass shape. Teamed with a bead edge wrap and subtle gold shoes it’s an elegant and sophisticated look. Worn again with neutral jacket and accessories it becomes a smart daytime look.
If Vivienne Westwood is pushing the boat out too far (!), then how about a draped silk viscose mix dress which hangs beautifully and will be incredibly comfortable to wear. I’ve picked out the soft blush tone in the dress for the accessories which will get plenty of wear during the summer. It’s a dress that works perfectly with a navy jacket for a smart lunch or work.
If you are a girlfriend of the bride choose a pretty floral summer dress in bold splashes of colour which will look great on holiday later accesorised with white. Just make sure your plus one doesn’t wear a clashing shirt or tie!
Have you got a wedding to attend? If you need help in finding the perfect outfit just get in touch.
Where to buy:
Taffeta corset dress by Vivienne Westwood, Metallic bead wrap by Coast, Oyster fascinator by Planet, Vienna court shoes by Vince & Camuto, Clutch by L.K. Bennett. Jacket by L.K. Bennett, Grey tote by Jigsaw, Kitten heel slingbacks by L.K. Bennett.
Blue print dress by Day Birger et Mikkelsen, Pashmina by Pure Collection, Fascinator by Phase Eight, Clutch bag by Furla, Patent shoes by John Lewis. Jacket by HobbsTote bag by Furla.
Floral print dress by Phase Eight, Red court shoes by Hobbs, Facsinator by Planet, White clutch by Biba. Tie front shrug by Kaliko, Espadrilles by Hobbs, Tote bag by Aldo