Need to know how to dress for a spring wedding? I am here to steer you through the maze of fashion choices.
As a seasoned personal stylist, I understand the significance of presenting yourself in the best light for important events. In this comprehensive blog post, I’ll discuss the nuances of spring wedding attire, including avoiding clichés and embracing styles that work with the occasion.
While this post primarily discusses dresses, jumpsuits also make fantastic wedding guest attire.
In this post, we’ll discuss.
- What Not to Wear to a Spring Wedding
- Where to Shop for a Spring Wedding Guest Look
- Best Colors to Wear to a Spring Wedding
- How to Dress for a Spring Wedding Venue
- Accessorizing a Spring Wedding Look
- Final Thoughts on How to Dress for a Spring Wedding
What Not to Wear to a Spring Wedding
There are a few obvious faux pas when it comes to wedding guest attire. Here are a few of my non-starters.
- First of all, do not wear white, ivory, cream, or any bridal shade. It is inconsiderate.
- Do not wear anything vulgar or inappropriate, such as garments featuring violent graphics, or political or inappropriate language. Now is not the time.
- Skip anything overtly casual like t-shirts and leggings.
- Please refrain from wearing attention-seeking accessories like tiaras. This is also impolite.
- Shoes that you can’t walk or dance in need to be saved for another occasion.
With that said, be sure to respect the dress code set out by the bride and groom. For example, if they have asked all guests to come in black and white clothing, then you may wear white with no issue.
Where to Shop for a Spring Wedding Guest Look
There are many great places to find your wedding guest look. These include:
If you’re local to San Diego, I’ve also had great success with Mia Bella Couture in Del Mar. They also have bridal and pageant collections, so go here only if you’re attending a formal, black-tie event.
Rent the Runway is another wonderful option. This is especially helpful if you’re going to a lot of special occasions with the same group of people.
As popular as they are, I advise you to avoid purchasing anything from Amazon or Target for a wedding guest look. Why? It’s almost guaranteed you will be wearing the same thing as someone else in attendance.
Best Colors to Wear as a Spring Wedding Guest
Pastels
Always a favorite for springtime events, pastels are a lovely choice. Shades of lavender and baby blue also have the benefit of being flattering on most skin tones.
Florals
Floral patterns are another springtime classic. Shades of blue, green, pink, and yellow are my favorites when it comes to floral fabrics. At times, these can come off more casually than solids, so I like to use florals when creating looks for more relaxed venues.
Soft, Muted Colors
For a truly sophisticated spring wedding guest look, check out soft, muted shades of pink, blue, and green.
How to Dress for a Spring Wedding by Venue
Investigate the Terrain
For those of us in San Diego, it’s important to consider proper footwear. If you’re invited to a wedding at the Martin Johnson House or Mission Trails, you know you’ll need a flat or a wedge. A stiletto will get stuck in the uneven terrain.
Research the Venue
If possible, look up photos of the wedding venue to get an idea of the environment. Photos of other events there will also give you a clue as to how casual or formal the spring wedding may be.
Read the Invitation Carefully
Although a good portion of wedding invites lack a specific dress code these days, please double-check. You don’t want to show up in a garden party dress to a black-tie event. The style of the invitation itself may also communicate the formality. If you have a stylist, please show them the invitation.
Consider the Culture
Weddings are different across cultures. For example, British weddings feature many women in pastel suits and high-end hats. An American beach wedding may have bridesmaids in casual maxi dresses.
At the other end of the spectrum, Southeast Asian weddings are glamorous, formal affairs. You will feel underdressed in anything less than a gown. And I’ve been told no one could ever upstage a Nigerian bride, no matter how hard they may try.
Check the Weather
Don’t forget to check the weather a few days ahead of time. Make sure you’re prepared with outerwear or at least a pashmina if things turn cold. Choose footwear that’s appropriate for rain if that’s forecasted.
As with all things style-related, a bit of planning and research can help you feel confident and appropriate for any spring weddings on your calendar.
Accessories and Finishing Touches
Accessories can make or break a spring wedding guest look. The right accessories can add a touch of personality and style, while the wrong ones can detract from your overall appearance. When choosing accessories, it is important to consider the overall look you are trying to achieve and to choose pieces that complement your outfit.
How to Dress for a Spring Wedding: Jewelry
When it comes to jewelry, less is more. A simple pair of earrings will usually suffice. If your ears aren’t pierced, a classic necklace works too.
How to Dress for a Spring Wedding: Shoes
When choosing shoes, as discussed above, it is important to consider the venue of the wedding. If the wedding is being held outdoors, you will want to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in. If the wedding is being held indoors, you may be able to wear your favorite heels.
Typically, I like to choose metallic or nude shoes for wedding guest looks. These are the most versatile so you can wear the same shoes with many dresses for different events.
How to Dress for a Spring Wedding: Handbags
A handbag is a must-have for any spring wedding guest. Choose a bag that is small enough to be easily carried, but large enough to hold your essentials. A clutch or a small camera bag are both good options.
It is important to avoid over-accessorizing, as this can make you look cluttered and unkempt. When choosing accessories, focus on one or two key pieces and let those be the focal point of your look.
By following these tips, you can easily create a stylish and polished spring wedding guest look.
Final Thoughts on How to Dress for a Spring Wedding
If you are still feeling unsure about what to wear to a spring wedding, I encourage you to consult with a personal stylist. A stylist can help you create a look that is unique, stylish, and appropriate.
Remember, dressing well for a special occasion is not about following a strict set of rules. It is about expressing your style, feeling confident, and being comfortable. So, have fun with it and enjoy the process!
