It’s that time of year again to celebrate the love between two people who are pledging to live their lives together for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, and in sickness and in health. If you’re anything like me, though, no matter how glad you are for the happy couple, there’s only one thought that runs through your head when you first see that invitation: What should I wear?!
It can be harder than you think. You don’t want to be overdressed, or underdressed, and, of course, you never want to outshine the bride. But fear not; follow this guide and you’ll always be perfectly dressed for any type of wedding!
DOs
1. Ask the couple if they have any preference regarding what their guests should wear.
This inquiry will save a lot of time, money, and drama. Your vision may not be the same as theirs, so just ask. The 4 most common types of weddings are:
Black Tie: Floor-length evening gowns, black ties, tuxedos. Consider the following:
Cultured Curves Style Fave:
All Things Lace Formal Gown from Sydney’s Closet. Click HERE to buy.
Formal: Floor-length gowns, tuxedos optional, black suits acceptable
Cultured Curves Style Fave:
Radiant in Roses Formal Dress from Sydney’s Closet. Click HERE to buy.
Semi-Formal: Below-the-knee dresses, dress shirts, slacks
Cultured Curves Style Fave:
MSK Plus Size Beaded Fit & Flare Dress from Macy’s. Click HERE to buy.
Casual: Sundresses, collared shirts, khakis
Cultured Curves Style Fave:
Riviera Lace Gown from Kiyonna. Click HERE to buy.
2. Consider the Location:
What you will wear to a destination wedding in Jamaica will, naturally, be much different than a black-tie wedding at the Waldorf hotel!
3. Check the Weather. Then check it again. And again.
This is especially important if you live in a region where the weather swings between a blizzard one day and 80 degrees the next. And don’t forget about the wind! Nothing is more frustrating than spending a fortune on the perfect hairdo only to have it ruined by Mother Nature.
4. Love Your Layers
Even during an indoor wedding, the temperature can fluctuate. Bring a lightweight cardigan or shawl for when you’re sitting down to dinner and cast it aside when it’s time to cut a rug on the dance floor.
Cultured Curves Style Fave:
Metallic Lightweight Wrap from Nordstrom. Click HERE to buy.
5. Wear Proper Fitting Undergarments and Shapewear
The last thing you want the bride to remember on her special day is one of her guests having a major wardrobe malfunction! Remember, you’re going to be moving around a lot (from the church to the reception hall, to the dance floor, etc.) so ask yourself what you’ll need to feel comfortable no matter what you’ll be doing. Should your dress have a slip to keep it from riding up? Should you wear a strapless bra in case your shoulder straps slide off when doing the Electric Slide?
Cultured Curves Style Fave:
Bra Tenders is the ultimate destination for anything undies! You can even get a personalized consultation (virtual or in-person) Click HERE.
6. Wear Comfortable Shoes!!!
Flats or wedges are usually your best bet to avoid a day-after emergency chiropractor appointment. If you’re like Carrie Bradshaw and can’t live without your heels, stick to kitten heels, preferably with a strong, wide heel for more support.
Cultured Curves Style Faves:
Naturalizer Vanessa strappy silhouette sandal with a block heel from Zappos. Click HERE to buy.
Easy Spirit Gracey heels from Zappos. Click HERE to buy.
7. Check out Bridesmaid Dresses
As long as you don’t wear the same color palette as the wedding party, bridesmaids dresses are pre-approved for wedding guest attire!
Cultured Curves Style Faves:
August Convertible Dress from Birdy Grey. Click HERE to buy.
Plus Size Chiffon Formal Evening Dresses with Long Lantern Sleeves from Ever-Pretty. Click HERE to buy.
DON’Ts
1. Wear White
Or champagne. Or cream. Or ivory. Or even light shades of gold and tan. Just DON’T.
2. Wear Jeans
As obvious as this sounds, some guests today take the idea of a “casual” wedding much too literally. Instead of jeans, wear wide-leg pants, trousers, or khakis. Instead of sneakers, wear ballet flats, lace-up sandals, or ankle boots.
3. Go Too Bold
Repeat after me: this is NOT your day! As tempting as it is to rock an all-over animal print or sequins from head to toe, this decision makes you look like you’re trying to steal the bride’s thunder!
Instead, choose a more subtle dress and throw in a bold statement necklace, earrings, bracelet, or even shoes as a wink to your creativity.
Cultured Curves Style Faves:
HEIDI DAUS Ox-Plated Goldtone, Czech Crystal & Glass Onyx Double Tiger Necklace from Saks Off 5th. Click HERE to buy.
The Decadent Decolletage section of Copper Signatures
4. Show Too Much Skin
Again, this is NOT your day! Daisy Duke-length mini-skirts, cut-down-to-there blouses, and see-through dresses are simply in poor taste, no matter what type of wedding.
Still not sure what to wear? Ask Linda in the comments section below!
Until next time …
Culture Curve Team
#curvy #plussize #wedding #plussizefashion #curvygirl #curvyfashion #curvyfashionista #weddingguest #bridesmaids
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