Today’s guest post is from Maureen @ She Is Moments, and she’s got a post full of tips for this upcoming wedding season. Not only is she adorable, but she’s got some awesome advice! Enjoy! – Liz
The time has come. It’s getting warmer, flowers are blooming, the sun is actually still visible when you get out of work each evening, and (if you’re anything like me) you are starting to apply self-tanner to your pasty white skin. Spring is here! And for many of us so is wedding season!
From the Bachelorette parties,
showers,
bridal luncheons,
rehearsal dinners, and
weddings themselves there are a ton of events where you need to look your best. If you are attending any weddings this year, you need some cute outfits and fun, new ways to wear your hair. Here are some of my best tips for six different wedding scenarios to help get you through the season looking stunning and stress-free.
Bachelorette Party
Tip #1: Wear comfortable shoes – or stash some flats in your purse!
Bachelorette parties are a really fun time to wear some outrageous footwear. I bought crazy pink heels at a Bachelorette Party in Las Vegas. They are totally ridiculous and totally fun however, I will admit I have only worn them at Bachelorette parties since. 😉 The great thing about these shoes is that they make me feel like a rock star. I feel sassy and fun… for the first 2 hours. Then I want to cut my feet off. Since going through life footless doesn’t sound like my cup of tea, I invested in a $15 pair of purse flats. Worth every penny and they fold right up in their own little gold pouch. Come to think of it… put these in your purse for every wedding event.
Tip #2: Have a little fun with your outfit.
Depending on where you are going, you may need a jacket (check the weather first ladies!) but a Bachelorette party is a great time to wear a tighter, brighter dress. Again, I always suggest that you feel comfortable – because you want to be able to dance – but this may be your opportunity to sport something a little more sassy than you would want the bride’s grandma to see.
Bridal Shower
Tip #3: Let the venue help you.
Showers vary considerably based on the bride’s taste and the location. The best thing you can do when figuring out what to wear for a shower is to see what the venue looks like. If it’s a winery, you know there will be other people there dressed in jeans for public wine tastings, so you can go a little more casual. If it’s at a nice restaurant, check to see if it lists a dress code. Boom! There are your instant guidelines.
Tip #4. Mimic the bride.
Check with the bride to see what she is wearing. I once wore a fancy pink dress to a shower that was at my friend’s family home. I was certainly overdressed, but the bride had expressed that she wanted all of her bridesmaids to wear pink dresses… so I fit right in. The bride will likely always be honest about how you should dress. If you’re in a sticky situation and she is being vague, go with a skirt and top and flats. That can either be dressed up or down and you’ll be safe no matter which way the event goes!
Bridal Luncheon
Tip #5: You can’t go wrong with cotton.
My default is always a cotton dress and neutral heels for a lunch event. Honestly, this is one of my favorite outfits. You will look classy because you are wearing a dress but you won’t be out of place even if others are in pants because your dress is cotton. It’s a genius move! I also love wearing dresses even if others aren’t. Always let yourself sparkle. Also, this event usually takes place during the wedding weekend and things tend to be fancier then anyway.
Tip #6: Daytime event = neutral heels.
For the shoes, I suggest heels because they are more dressy but don’t go crazy. A pair of beige or black patent pumps would be perfect! They always look good and match everything. And that way you save packing room by wearing them to more than one activity!
Rehearsal Dinner
Tip #7: You look better when you mingle!
If you or your significant are lucky enough to be in the bridal party, you will probably get to partake in the delicious rehearsal dinner. This is a wonderful time to spend with the bride and groom, but also to get to know their families. I love being able to talk to the mother of the groom and thank her for the evening (the grooms parents typically host the rehearsal dinner) and meet people before the wedding. That way, by the time we’re on the dance floor the next day, we’re practically besties.
Tip #8: Aim for in-between fancy and casual.
For attire, I suggest an in-between dress. I have a light pink lace cocktail dress that is my go-to. It’s fancier than a cotton dress but it’s not satin. Save your Sunday best for the wedding itself.
Tip #9: Look like you tried but not too much!
I always do my own hair for rehearsal dinners and opt for a natural look that shows I tried. Most mornings I shower, dry my hair (it’s straight), and go. So for this type of event I’ll curl it and use some hairspray to give extra volume. It takes 5 minutes but I look like I tried. A little effort can go a long way!
Wedding
Tip #10: NO WHITE!!!!!
Whatever you do, do not wear white. That’s all you need to know.
Tip #11: Check the invitation for instructions.
Wedding invitations will usually specify if there is a specific dress code (e.g., if it says black tie, wear a long fancy dress). If it doesn’t say, then I would always go with a dress. Again, this is just my personal style but I believe in dressing up for two people I love committing their lives to each other.
Tip #12: Get clues from the ceremony.
The location of the ceremony might help you decide what kind of dress. In a field and barn – cotton dress and boots. In a country club – LBD and heels. Gallery – cocktail dress and fun heels. Church – longer dress and kitten heels. Use your best judgment, ask the bride, and be yourself. You will look great! Don’t forget a sweater, shawl, or jacket. Even in warm climates it can get chilly at night.
Tip #13: Switch it up!
For hair, weddings can be a fun time to try new do’s. Use hot rollers and go super curly. Yes I still do this, don’t judge. Try doing your own updo or putting it half up with bobby pins. Since I have straight hair, I always try to curl it a little. But if your hair is naturally curly, maybe go straight! My biggest recommendation is that your hair looks nice and like you intentionally did it that way. You don’t want to look like you just woke up from a nap between the ceremony and reception. Even if you did. 😉
Bridesmaid
Tip #14: Ask the bride…
This may be the easiest option of all as your dress is usually picked out for you by the bride. First thing to remember: ask the bride about everything. She will likely tell you what color jewelry, shoes, nails, and how she wants your hair.
Tip #15: …But don’t harass her!
Second thing to remember: if you ask her and she says she doesn’t care, then she doesn’t. So don’t badger her. Hah! I know I have been worried at times about making sure I look perfect, but keep in mind she is worrying about a lot of other things. And you are there to support her.
Tip #16: Set clear expectations with your stylist.
I always try to get an updo even if I have to pay for it myself. My hair is long and fine and I am terrible at doing it myself. For me this just works. If you are getting your hair done, don’t be afraid to (gently) tell the stylist what you want. I prefer a soft look in the front so I don’t look like I bald man. That is always the first thing that comes out of my mouth. The stylist can’t help you if she doesn’t know what you want!
Tip #17: Stand up for yourself (within reason).
Lastly, if you are a bridesmaid and you have a choice to pick a dress or a style, pick one that you feel good in. No one wants you up there feeling like your left boob is gonna pop out. However, if you do not have a choice, be gracious, let the bride do her own thing, and remember that you only have to wear it for one night. 🙂
Tip #18: Dance and have fun.
Live it up, you look beautiful!!!!
I hope that helps! I would love to hear about all of the weddings you are going to and what you end up wearing! You can also follow me on
twitter. I often tweet updates from weddings. They are usually of the multiple pieces of cake I’m eating!
If you have any questions or need advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at sheismoments[at]gmail[dot]com.
Thanks for letting me share with you, and happy wedding season!
Love,
