Wedding outfits present a unique conundrum for women today. Such a special occasion calls for a particularly special outfit, often taking months to plan and perfect. Whether you’re a guest, family member or part of the bridal party, you want to look your best, yet feel comfortable enough for a day of celebrating and an evening of dancing. Not many occasions take you from the church to the dance floor; wedding outfits thusly have many unique aspects to regard. The possibility of seeing long lost friends and little seen family members mean the pressure to impress is considerable. Add to this the inevitable presence of an official photographer (in addition to overly snap-happy guests), and you’re challenged with the task of finding an outfit that will look good from every unexpected angle, as it is immortalised in the couples photo album.
Winter wedding outfits may seem trickier than their summer counterparts, but are a wonderful opportunity to explore romantic glamour. Leave the pastels and brights to the summer months; winter weddings are the perfect time to indulge in jewel tones and luscious fabrics. Swathe yourself in velvet and top off with fur-trimmed accessories, such as a shrug or bolero, to keep the chill out and the glam factor high.
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts – When planning wedding outfits, a holistic approach is best taken; the entire ensemble needs to be considered as a whole, without conflicting pieces vying for attention. Chic wedding outfits are made up of complimentary elements – hat, bag, shoes, jewellery – which harmonise with one another. Building upon the foundation of a great dress, carefully considered accessories will complete an ensemble, adding up to equal an impressive wedding outfit.
Stick to the classics – Lots of photos are bound to be taken. In the years after the wedding, you want to look back on the happy day with fond memories, not cringing at how awfully dated your look was! Trends are great for everyday fun with fashion, but are best in small doses for such a special occasion. Sticking with the classics and what you know suits you best will ensure you feel good on the day, and save you embarrassment years down the line! A classic, versatile piece will stay in your wardrobe for years, ensuring you get your money’s worth.
Consider comfort – A wedding usually has several stages of ceremony and celebration, making it a long day. Often beginning in a chilly church, you’re likely to end your day working off the wedding cake on the dance floor. Keep in mind venue and comfort when selecting wedding outfits; what may feel good in the comfort of your own home could be a different story after a three-course wedding breakfast (not forgetting the champagne!) Layers are important; you may spend a lot of time outside posing for the official photographs, only to be working up a sweat dancing later on. And no matter how gorgeous those high heels are, they have to be comfortable and fit properly, otherwise navigating loose stone paths at the church could prove tricky!
Finally, whilst looking good is your aim, stealing the limelight from the bride is a no-no! Be as fabulous as you can be, without upstaging her. Make sure you love what you choose for your wedding outfit, as you are potentially spending a lot of money. If you it makes you feel good, it’ll show. Shopping for wedding outfits shouldn’t be scary; look around, get inspiration, and have fun picking something you’ll enjoy wearing.
