Are you going to a wedding this year? Maybe you’re “just” a guest or perhaps you’re the mother of the bride or groom. In either case, you will want to make sure you look your very best.  Here are some tips to help you get your outfit right so that you look and feel fabulous.

Dress Code

The first thing to establish is whether there is a particular dress code. If there is, this will be stated on the wedding invitation but, if in doubt, the venue and time of day will provide clues.  Generally, the later in the day the wedding takes place, the more formal the attire. If you’re still unsure, check with a member of the bridal party.  Before you rush out and buy something new, go through your wardrobe.  It could be that all you need to do is dress up something you already have with, say, some new shoes or accessories.

Venue

There are so many different styles of wedding these days that it’s worth giving some thought to the venue and type of wedding it’s likely to be.  Is it a formal church wedding, an informal beach or garden wedding or perhaps a small select gathering at an up-market hotel? You will want to ensure your outfit is appropriate for the style and venue. This is particularly important when it comes to footwear. Stilettos may be elegant for a formal church wedding followed by a reception in an hotel but, if it’s a relaxed, informal wedding in a marquee in a field, a wedge heel will be more practical.

Time of year/ weather

Spring and summer weddings call for lightweight fabrics but, given the unpredictability of the great British weather,  it’s a good idea to have a jacket, bolero or some sort of wrap that you can slip on if it gets chilly, particularly if any time is going to be spent outdoors.  If you choose a neutral colour such as ivory or navy, you will be able to wear it with multiple outfits for years to come. If you do opt for ivory though, make sure that the rest of your outfit has plenty of colour or print so that it doesn’t look bridal.

Colour

Black is not normally appropriate for a wedding, particularly a summer one. If you are determined to wear it though (Why? There are so many other fabulous, flattering possibilities!), you will need to add other colours to stop it looking too funereal.  Wearing head to toe white/cream/ivory is a definite no-no.

If you’ve had a colour analysis, you will know the colours that work best for you and how to combine them.  If you haven’t had a colour analysis (what are you waiting for?), opt for a colour that you like and have received compliments on in the past.  If the bridal party are adhering to a particular colour theme, it’s safest to avoid it, lest you look like you’re trying to muscle in on the act!

Whatever the style of wedding, remember that the bride is most definitely the star of the show so don’t wear anything that is likely to upstage her.  Keep it chic and save anything revealing for the hen night!

Mother of the bride

You are the second most important woman on the day!  You may be catching up with relations you haven’t seen for years. You may even face seeing your ex and his new partner. Whatever the situation, you will want to know that you look fantastic and to be able to look back on the photos with pride. No pressure there then!

You take precedence over the mother of the groom when it comes to choosing what colour to wear. In the interests of good relations though, try to decide early enough to give the MOTG plenty of time to find her own outfit. If there is a particular colour theme for the wedding, it’s nice if your outfit can complement it but you don’t have to go for an exact colour match.

As mother of the bride, a tailored dress with accompanying jacket is a safe and chic choice.  If you’re curvy though, you may prefer a flowing tea or wrap dress with a pashmina. If you’re someone who normally lives in jeans and would feel uncomfortable in a dress and heels, don’t try to go too far out of your comfort zone. You may be happier in a trouser suit or a jumpsuit.  There are some lovely choices available. The most important thing is that you should feel attractive and relaxed in what you wear so that you can enjoy the day.

In terms of  your best accessories, this will depend on the garment you’re wearing.  The more simple the style, the more opportunity you have to play up the accessories. Keep your bag small.  A clutch is generally a good option but it can be difficult to handle when it comes to juggling champagne and canapés so make sure yours also has a strap of some kind.

If you’ve always wanted to wear a hat – this is your opportunity!  Just make sure that the brim will enable you to get within kissing distance of guests. It should be no wider than your shoulders. Ensure that it is a flattering colour for you as it will reflect directly on to your face. You may find a fascinator/hatinator more manageable.

You do not need to match the colour of your headwear, shoes and bag but having two that do match will give a feeling of cohesion to your ensemble without looking too match-matchy.

If you never normally wear heels, a wedding is not the best time to start – it will be a very long day. You will be far more comfortable in flats – something refined with a pointed toe will look elegant. Always make sure you’ve “worn in “your shoes beforehand so that they are comfortable for the big day. Wearing them with thick socks around the house should do the trick!  It’s always a good idea to have some plasters in your bag on the day though, in case of blisters.

I know a lot of women get anxious about what to wear to their daughter’s/son’s wedding because they don’t want to let them down. If this is the case for you, why not ask their advice? Whilst your son may not have any strong opinions (I can just imagine the blank look if I asked mine!) his fiancee may well be flattered to be asked. I think you’ll find that their main concern is that you will feel relaxed and happy on the day in whatever you wear.

Don’t feel you need to buy your entire outfit. If you think of the purchase on a “cost per wear” basis, the typical MOTB/G outfit is extremely expensive. Consider hiring; even if it’s just the hat and/or bag. You could buy a simple chic outfit on the high street and team it with a stunning rental designer hat and bag. That way, you could then wear the outfit (minus bag and hat) on future occasions.

To give you an idea of what’s available and where to buy it, I have put together an online catalogue of  wedding-worthy outfits.

If you’d like some expert, impartial advice on the colours, styles and make-up which will make you look and feel your very best not only for the wedding, but every day, why not treat yourself to an image consultation?