Nothing can shake off the winter blues like having a summer wedding to look forward to, but soon comes the dreaded realisation that you need to find something new to wear! Finding a suitable outfit can be tricky and you may find yourself trawling through shop after shop in the endless pursuit of elegant dresses for weddings. There are many Do’s and Don’ts when choosing an outfit to wear to a wedding and ultimately it depends on who’s wedding or what type of wedding you will be attending, but just to set you in the right direction here are some useful tips to make your life easier!



•    Never attempt to upstage the bride. This is probably the most important tip of all and imperative you adhere to. Of course you want to look beautiful and elegant but make sure your dress is in keeping with 1. The wedding and 2. The bride! For example if the bride is wearing a traditional white gown don’t show up in an elaborate ball gown especially in white or cream- or do so at your own peril!

•    Keep it classy. Of course this is dependent on the wedding but as a general rule it’s best to keep things elegant. If you’re wearing a tight dress keep it to the knee and avoid an excessive amount of cleavage- remember all eyes should be on the bride!

•    Do your research. Find out if the wedding is themed, relatively casual or formal and choose a dress accordingly. Some very formal affairs require guests to change into long evening dresses for the reception. Again if this is the case steer clear of anything of similar style or colour to the bride, bridesmaid and mother of the bride/groom.

•    Don’t be afraid to wear something modern. Yes, it is advised to wear something elegant but that doesn’t have to mean dull or dressing beyond your years. Pencil dresses in a luxury fabrics are the indeed a classic choice and will certainly avoid any bouts of regret when looking back over photographs in 20 years’ time! However, weddings are a great opportunity to dress up and you shouldn’t shy away from experimental silhouettes, textures and colours. As long as you obey the golden rule of not stealing the bride’s limelight feel free to experiment away! 

•    Choose the right shoes. No one’s saying you have to match you shoes to your handbag – this is not the 50’s but do make sure you can walk in them properly without stumbling and staggering! If you have taken the time to obey the previous golden rules, be sure not to trip at the last hurdle. Of course weddings are a great opportunity to look breathtakingly glamorous in skyscraper stilettos but do remember you will be wearing them for a whole day and will likely to be dancing in them at the reception. A good option is to opt for a chunky sandal with a hidden platform or better still a fashionable wedge which are ideal if the wedding is being held outdoors – just think of that sinking feeling you’ll be avoiding when you don’t have your favourite heals stuck in the mud!