When choosing the perfect dress to wear to a wedding, there are a few important considerations to ensure you abide by the numerous traditions around wedding guest outfit etiquette. Aside from the well-known rule of not wearing white, there can be few more mus know taboos: wearing the same colour as the bridesmaids, inappropriate or overly revealing styles and silhouettes and anything that could potentially overshadow the bride.
However, if your heart is set on a beautiful beaded dress and you’re unsure whether it’s wedding guest appropriate, we’ve put together a few guidelines to help you avoid missing the mark when it comes to choosing a wedding guest fit for your next celebration.
- Colour
One of the most important considerations is the colour of the dress. Unless otherwise stated by the bride, white is strictly off limits for guests. It’s safest to avoid any similar shades such as off white, pearl and coconut too. If you’re set on wearing a beaded dress, look for a piece in a darker coloured tone such as burgundy, emerald and navy for an evening or winter ceremony and explore pastel shades such as baby blue and pink for daytime celebrations in the warmer months.
The deep burgundy shade of the gorgeous Rosalie Gown is perfect for an autumn or winter wedding celebration. The Estafania Gown is made from the most perfect baby blue tulle and features a delicately beaded bodice, making it the ideal pick for a summer wedding. .
- Length
If your mind is made up on a beaded dress, choose a shorter midi length instead of a full length or floor length gown as this helps to tone back a statement piece, giving a formal and stylish look whilst ensuring you don’t outdo the bride on her special day. Look for a silhouette that hugs your figure or cinches at your waist before flowing in an A-line skirt just below your knees.
- Silhouette
When wearing a bold finish or fabric, opt for a simple yet elegant silhouette. A classic one shoulder or barely there spaghetti strap give a more understated glam finish, and if you’re looking to incorporate a low back, sweeping neckline or split – stick to just one of these flattering features.
Pare back a feathered hem and beaded finish with a simple silhouette, such as the classic midi and spaghetti straps of the Carlotta Dress.
- Accessories
Let your beaded dress be the centre of attention and keep accessories simple and minimalistic with a pair of metallic, diamante or pearl earrings and a simple, neutral toned clutch and shoes. Choose a shade that coordinates with your dress without drawing too much attention from it. Finish the look with your hair in loose, voluminous waves or an updo and a bronzed makeup look to accentuate your natural beauty.
Finish your look with a pair of simple earrings in silver or gold or add a touch of sparkle with pearls or Diamantes.
Wear your dream dress and celebrate in style without breaching any of the all-important unspoken rules that come with attending a wedding ceremony. Wear colour, tone it back with a midi length and simple silhouette and keep accessories to a minimum for a stunning and classic wedding guest look.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
