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What To Wear To A Wedding - 2013 Spring / Summer Edition Style Guide

Now that wedding season is upon us, figuring out what to wear to a wedding just got much easier with this style guide. Choosing a fabulous outfit to wear to a wedding is based on a few key factors – the formality of the wedding you’re attending, the venue of the wedding and reception, the time of year it’s being hosted (spring versus fall), and even time of day (daytime versus evening).

Featured in this 2013 Spring / Summer Edition of “What To Wear To A Wedding” are six example outfits that are appropriate for different types of weddings held during this time of year.

What To Wear To An Informal Wedding

What To Wear To A Wedding At A Country Club

Traditionally, a wedding held at a country club is known to be conservative, preppy, and classic. Therefore, it’s most appropriate to wear a feminine dress that is figure-flattering, but cut more on the modest side. In addition to finding the right silhouette, opting for delicate fabrics like lace or eyelet are always a good idea. When you are choosing what to wear to a country club wedding, envision an outfit that the character “Charlotte” from the television show ‘Sex & The City’ would wear. As an example, the featured fit-and-flare Lilly Pulitzer Foley Dress shows off your curves without being inappropriate or too revealing.

What To Wear To A Wedding In A Garden

A wedding hosted in a garden setting has all the right elements to make it romantic, relaxed, and whimsical. Inspired by nature, a floral print dress is a fantastic option for a garden wedding. Since the weather in most locations during spring and summer months is generally warmer, it’s best to choose a dress that’s constructed out of a lightweight, breathable material (like cotton or silk). In addition, opting for sleeveless and short in length will keep you cool and breezy throughout the course of the day. Bring a pashmina wrap or cardigan sweater, just in case the weather changes, and it gets a bit cooler throughout the afternoon or early evening. And it’s best to wear wedges or espadrilles, as opposed to stilettos (so that your shoes don’t sink into the grass). As an example, the featured floral print Kate Spade New York Carissa Dress is both a playful and pretty outfit to wear to a wedding in a garden.

What To Wear To A Wedding At The Beach

A wedding held at the beach can sometimes pose a challenge for guests. It’s advisable to stick with airy fabrics (like chiffon or jersey), in a relaxed, flowing cut. If you decide not to go bare-foot (on the beach), your next best option are flat sandals (rather than heels or even wedges), to ensure you can walk around comfortably. As an example, this gorgeous asymmetrical-cut, ruffled, strapless BCBG Serafina Ruffled Evening Dress would be the perfect choice to wear to a wedding at the beach.

What To Wear To A Formal Wedding

What To Wear To A Wedding In The City

A city wedding is known for sophistication, elegance, and modernness. Generally held at trendy restaurants or contemporary venues (such as an art gallery or museum), weddings hosted in a city setting are usually on the formal side. It doesn’t necessarily require you to wear an evening gown; however, the expectation is that you’ll dress up more than usual. Therefore, an embellished or jewel-encrusted cocktail dress is a fabulous option to wear to a city wedding. As an example, this stunning Alice + Olivia Lari Bell Sleeve Sequin Tunic Dress would be a fantastic choice for a city wedding. Pair will sexy stilettos and a chic clutch purse, and you’re set to go.

What To Wear To A Wedding At A Winery

A wedding held at a winery or vineyard has all the elements of romance, passion, and epicurean enjoyment. Since many wineries boast dramatic architectural designs (from estate-like buildings to castle-inspired structures) as well as dimly-lit wine caves, they create a royal atmosphere that transports you back to a different era. The setting alone ups the formality of the wedding, especially when the wedding is held during the evening hours. Therefore, it’s advisable to opt for a floor-length gown. A curve-hugging dress in an elegant fabric (like silk or satin) is a great choice. As an example, this finely tuned Zac Posen Cerulean Blue Gown is an exquisite choice to wear to a winery wedding. Since wine caves are cooler in temperature (to store the wine barrels), make sure to bring an elegant jacket (such as a sequined cropped jacket) to put over your shoulders if you get chilly.

What To Wear To A Wedding At A Hotel Ballroom

Known for it’s grandeur, glamour, and over-the-top spectacles, a wedding held at a hotel ballroom is the epitome of a big, formal wedding. At this type of wedding (which is usually hosted during the evening), it’s expected to wear an evening gown. You can even wear a ball gown, if the wedding invitation specifies black-tie attire. Dramatic necklines (like open-backed dresses) and intricate details (like crystal-embellishments or hand-stitched embroidery) are things to look for in a dress that’s suitable for a wedding at a hotel ballroom. As an example, this sapphire-hued, crepe Michael Kors Jeweled Halter Gown (featuring an attached golden necklace) is a perfect choice to wear to a formal wedding held in a hotel ballroom. Pair with elegant pumps, a minaudière clutch, and tasteful jewelry.

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  1. I find this very helpful because there’s always some sort of boundary when it comes to weddings/special occasions. Plus there’s also the thought that you want something that you can wear more than once!

    • Christina-Lauren says:

      Hi Martha! Thanks for your comment. I’m glad this style guide is helpful for you! People can easily get frustrated figuring out what to wear to special events (like weddings), because there are so many options out there.

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