Outfits play an important role at any wedding, not just for the bride and the groom, but for everyone in attendance. Weddings represent special occasions where family and friends gather to celebrate the union of two people in marriage, so it’s only natural for both the happy couple and guests to want to look their best and get dressed to the nines.
Apart from demonstrating respect and consideration, the outfits worn on such a meaningful day reflect the significance of the event and contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere, creating a harmonious and cohesive aesthetic. That’s why the attire is such a popular topic of conversation among wedding goers, with everyone being curious about what others are going to wear.
While men usually have it easier when it comes to choosing their wedding outfits, since it usually comes down to the same basic pieces typically worn for formal occasions, for women, the search for the perfect dress is a tad more complicated, as the variety of options can be downright overwhelming.
Jewelry can even serve as the perfect starting piece to build your entire outfit around. A dainty 24k gold necklace is one of those timeless pieces that elevates without overshadowing the occasion. Minimalist jewelry is especially fitting for weddings because it strikes the perfect balance—sophisticated, elegant, and understated; or, you can layer for a bold, on-trend look. Whether you’re wearing a flowy dress for a garden ceremony or a sleek cocktail dress for an evening reception, a delicate gold necklace adds just the right amount of shine. At the end of the day, wedding guest attire should feel comfortable, elegant, and true to your personal style. Dainty gold necklaces are proof that the smallest details often have the biggest impact, allowing your natural beauty—and your thoughtfully chosen outfit—to shine.
So, whether you’re a bride-to-be, bridesmaid, mother of the bride/groom, or flower girl in search of the perfect dress, this guide will give you some ideas on what you can do to find the one(s) with as little stress and effort as possible.
Mind the dress code
Weddings vary in formality, and the attendees’ outfits should align with the tone and style of the event. So, if the celebration has a specific dress code or theme, you need to keep that in mind when you set out to find your dream dress and adhere to any particular requirements to ensure your attire matches the occasion. Dress codes serve as a guide for guests and will therefore help you narrow down your options.
For example, some couples prefer to tie the knot in an intimate ceremony, and decide to plan a simpler, more relaxed celebration, hosted outdoors, in their backyard or in a casual setting on the beach, in which case brides can wear flowy lightweight dresses or minimalist gowns that focus on clean lines and simple silhouettes. The rest of the participants, including the bridesmaids and the mothers of the bride and groom, can opt for playful sundresses in colorful patterns, maxi dresses made from breathable materials, or classy jumpsuits and two-piece ensembles.
Others may want to go all out and organize a big reception in a grand venue. Formal and black-tie events generally require more elegant gowns, so you should consider floor-length dresses, sophisticated designs with intricate details and luxurious fabrics like satin, silk, velvet, or chiffon.
Calculate your budget
It’s understandable you’ll want to look and feel your best on the big day, especially if it’s your wedding, but you also don’t want to break the bank and spend a small fortune on a dress that you’re only going to wear once. So, we highly advise you to establish a budget before you begin your shopping spree.
The amount of money you’re willing to allocate for the dress largely depends on your financial situation, so a reasonable price tag can mean different things for different people. However, doing the math and deciding on a figure from the get-go will ease the search and prevent you from going over your budget.
Start the search early
The sooner you start the quest for the perfect dress, the better. Time can be your friend or your foe – it all depends on how you manage it and how organized you are. You don’t want to leave things to the last minute and then run from one shop to another, all stressed out because you still haven’t found the one, and the big day is fast approaching.
Do yourself a favor and skip the rush and the drama by making sure you have enough time to shop for a dress. Also, take into account fitting appointments and potential alterations you might want to make when planning your schedule.
Search for inspiration
With so many dress styles and designs available, picking just one gown can feel like an impossible task. However, you can simplify the process by drawing inspiration from the right places. Pinterest, Instagram and bridal magazines are filled with awesome ideas that can inspire you and help you decide on the look you want to go with.
Build a mood board, if you think that might help you clarify your vision and define the style you have in mind, and gather items and materials that capture the desired aesthetic. You should also dare to explore your options and try on different styles, and see what works best for you.
Online vs. offline
In your pursuit of the ideal dress, you should leave no stone unturned. This means you should consider both virtual and land-based stores, as you can find great options in each. On the one hand, physical stores offer a hands-on experience, allowing you to see the dresses for yourself and try them on, so you can decide if they suit you or not.
On the other hand, online stores provide extensive collections of beautiful dresses for every occasion and role, from bridal gowns to mother of the bride and groom dresses and outfits for members of the bridal party.
Choose your shopping entourage
You can go shopping on your own – or you can take your besties with you and have a blast while you’re roaming the stores and trying on dresses. Your shopping entourage can provide useful feedback and offer advice as you weigh your options, which can make the experience more effective and enjoyable.
However, bringing too many people with you as you shop can have the opposite effect, as too many opinions can confuse you even more, so choose your shopping squad wisely.
Make sure it’s comfortable
Don’t focus only on aesthetics. Comfort is just as important when picking a gown for a special event. You need a dress that works for your body type and allows you to move around freely. There’s going to be a lot of dancing and socializing, and you don’t want to miss out on all the fun because you’re trapped in your dress, unable to move or breathe.
Also, don’t get hung up on the size written on the tag. Sometimes dress sizes may not be accurate, as measurements may vary from one brand or designer to another, so focus on the piece and how it fits.
