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    What to Wear to a Summer Wedding

    Whether you're headed to a wedding at the country club or a soiree in the sand, take these cues on what to wear that won't upset the bride.


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    It's only natural that the bride be the most stressed out person at her own wedding, but the event's guests don't have it so easy either - especially when it comes to what to wear. Chances are, with all those lovey-dovey couples ready to make their match official under summer's sunny blessing, your calendar is already jam-packed with everything from estate-sized weddings to smaller cocktail-heavy celebrations. But no need to fret. We've got everything you need to know below, and if all else fails just follow one rule: don't wear white! God forbid you upset the bride.

    Read the Invitation:
    First things first. Taking cues from the invitation is key to figuring out what will be event-appropriate. Invites will usually make note of the level of formality: see casual, semi-formal, black tie, etc. Pay particular attention to the locale and do your research. If you're headed to a destination wedding on the beach in Hawaii, the dress code is going to vary greatly from a wedding hosted in a church in Texas.

    Pay attention to fabrics:
    Ditch your curve hugging silk dress and opt for lighter fabrics like cotton and linen that will keep you cooler under the hot sun. While silks might feel more luxurious and appropriate for a formal cocktail setting, sitting in the heat in silk is one surefire recipe for sweat stains. And of course, weddings are one of the best events for insanely delicous food, so if you plan on hanging by the buffet, don't bring out your Hervé Leger bodycon dress - it'll only make that wonderfully grilled pork belly all too literal.

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    Wear Comfortable Shoes:
    Comfortable shoes are a must when it comes to wedding attire. You may be sitting during the ceremony, but you won't want to be that girl pouting in the corner while everyone's hitting up the dance floor. Your best bet is to choose a shoe with some kind of a platform or thicker heel that will provide extra stability. Plus if there's a garden party after the nuptials, you won't be the girl sinking lopsided into the grass because of her killer stilettos.

    Don't Overdo it on the Glitz:
    If you follow only one rule for wedding dress code it should be this: never outshine the bride. This means keeping your blinged-out accessories to a minimum so as not to steal eyes away from the woman of the night. Leave your statement diamond necklace at home and trade it in for some colorful drop stone earrings and more modest rings and bracelets.

    Bring Layers:
    For an event that will take you from a daytime ceremony into the night, layers are key for staying comfortable. It may feel like you're melting in the 90-degree daytime heat, but indoor venues often get overzealous with the AC. Don't bank on a handsome groomsman to offer up his jacket. It's always better to come prepared.

    With those fashion tips in mind, we've rounded up event-appropriate buys from an evening cocktail affair, a wedding by the beach to more conservative country club nuptials. We've got you covered!



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    Cocktail wedding:



    Clockwise from top left: Lucite Bangle by Oasis ($14.37); Asymmetric mini dress byIssa ($415); Rico sandals by Michael Antonio ($39.95); Quilted chain bag by ALDO; Gold drop earrings by Dannijo ($72.50); Platform sandal by Bettye Muller ($198); Zip coin purse by Tory Burch ($175); Geometric bangle by Mawi for Asos ($48.19); Lipstick in 'Lush Red' by Elizabeth Arden ($19.50).

    Beach Wedding:



    Clockwise from top left: Crystal statement ring by Sparkling Sage ($38); Gold cuff by Alexis Bittar ($250); Woven maxi dress by Missoni ($985); Rhinestone headband by Juicy Couture ($65); Rattan and leather clutch by Tory Burch ($275); Bo Peep wedge by Matt Bernson ($195); Flower statement necklace by Tasha($58); Metallic braided wedge by Banana Republic ($120).


    Country Club Wedding:


    Clockwise from top left: Chain and bead looped necklace by Asos ($20.29); Ikat Obe dress by Juicy Couture ($250); Bow bangle by Kate Spade ($125); Sierra clutch byElaine Turner ($175); Women's candy peep toe pump by Ruthie Davis ($698); Convertible clutch by BCBG Max Azria ($198); Suede pumps by Elizabeth and James($295).

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    12 comments

    • AnjayL  •  2 years 0 months ago
      These are just ideas, ladies. You don't buy the exact outfits or accessories. Check you closet to see if you have anything that already matches up to the idea, or hit TJ Maxx and find a close dupe. Use your imaginations. Obviously not every woman is going to look good in those colors or shapes, it's the overal IDEAS that youshould keep in mind.
    • Cougiex  •  2 years 0 months ago
      Wow sun2go.... Your jealousy of the stereotypical bride is hard to miss.

      Well... I don't think it's unreasonable for a bride to want her guests to be decently attired. I agree with Karin! A wedding involving a solemn ceremony (especially in a church!!) is not an appropriate time to be exposing too much skin or wearing something so clingy there is nothing left to the imagination... Unless that solemn ceremony is on a beach somewhere or you know the couple wants things casual and doesn't have a problem with it.

      So, if you are reasonably dressed and you still "look hotter" I say don't worry! (I know that there may well be women that look prettier than I do at my upcoming wedding, according to anyone else other than my fiance.) But think about if your focus is on wanting to be there to celebrate the couple's happiness, or if it's looking good at the "fashion show".

      And these outfits look cost more than my entire attire: dress, veil, underthings, shoes, and jewelry (except maybe the engagement ring!) Please don't feel you need to spend an arm & a leg on dressing up for anyone's wedding! There are better things to spend money on, even if it is just donating it to some cause, or by saving it!
    • sun2go  •  2 years 0 months ago
      What you've strangely mistaken as jealousy is a repulsion for the wedding industry. I'm happily married and I didn't need to spend the GNP of an underdeveloped country on a princess circus wedding to achieve it, nor did I develop a complex about what other people were doing or wearing at my wedding. As the bride, it's not all about you, regardless of what the money-grubbing wedding industry has unfortunately accomplished in getting too many women to believe. It's about the marriage for which you're participating in a ceremony and celebration.
    • itslilolme  •  2 years 0 months ago
      Sure! I'm going to spend $1000 on an outfit! Some pretty optioins here, but this is totally lame.
    • Jables  •  2 years 0 months ago
      I can't believe the first sample ensemble featured a black dress! You can't wear black to a wedding, unless you check with the bride first. It's bad luck.
    • Cougiex  •  2 years 0 months ago
      Okay... okay.. not jealousy exactly but repulsion at the stereotypical "princess for a day" bride then... I get that now! (Either way, I could tell that is not something you approved of.)

      It also seemed like you didn't want to respect the concerns of someone else. The only "complex" I have about what others are wearing to our upcoming wedding is about lack of modesty. I got a bit of a lecture from my future MIL for implying that at a nuptial Mass (aka solemn church ceremony) we wished to make sure that our guests would be a bit more covered up, and said this on our website... I don't care about at the reception but I don't believe certain outfits are appropriate during a Mass.

      Of course I don't see it as a day all about me - it's celebrating our relationship as a couple and commiting to be together until death do us part. But everyone else seems to think I need to be this or be that and I'm getting suckered into worrying about flowers, makeup, and a large reception where most of the guests are my fiance's parents'.

      And is it too much to ask for one thing for myself - I don't really want that stupid china or crystal bowl. I want our guests to be there for the right reasons and respect the desire for modesty during the ceremony!
    • Angel  •  2 years 0 months ago
      I didn't even spend that much on my wedding dress... please...
    • springtime  •  2 years 0 months ago
      Just dress sensibly. You don't have to drop a wad of cash just to dress for a wedding. You've already spent enough money on the wedding gift. A pretty dress is appropriate, but cover up that plunging neckline with a shrug or light shawl. It's a wedding... not a hard rock club. This is also not the event for flip slops or scuffed shoes.
    • sun2go  •  2 years 0 months ago
      Wear something that won't upset the bride?! Please!

      She's already the one getting married for whom we're attending the wedding, she's already the one walking down the aisle like a princess on parade, and there's already a tiny model of her standing on top of the wedding cake. WEAR EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT and screw outshining the bride. She's already in a big white dress and the center of attention. If she can't hold onto that default attention because you look hot, that's HER problem, not yours.
    • Karin  •  2 years 0 months ago
      Not everyone has the kind of money to go buy the sorts of things you have on here. As a newlywed myself, I can give a few pointers for wedding attendees based on my own experience as a bride.

      1) If you must wear white, please wear brightly colored accessories. Chances are, you won't be mistaken for the bride, but, of course, she's going to want to really stand out.

      2) Unless you know the bride very well and know she won't care if you show some cleavage or a lot of leg, cover a bit. I had quite a few mini-dresses and low necklines appear at my wedding just because it was 90 degrees. Light fabric, fine, but I don't want my little cousins to get an eyefull of your boobs, thanks.

      3) Have fun. Don't worry too much, she's got so much going on that in a few months she won't remember if you showed up in a mustard-yellow pantsuit.
    • Megan  •  2 years 0 months ago
      Very expensive options :( Pretty, but expensive.
    • Tess  •  2 years 0 months ago
      congrats on ur wedding karen! i wish u and ur husband a happy life together

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