What To Wear as a Casual Bride?

I’ve got dressing my age (52) down.  I’m a pretty good dresser, not frumpy, thanks to my teenage daughter.  And, no, I don’t dress like I’m 16!

My problem is that I am getting married this summer in a 10 acre backyard in a rural setting in Texas.  Most guests will be wearing blue jeans.  It’s going to be simple and fun.  What do I wear?  I don’t want to look like Ellie Mae Clampett wearing a dress made by Cousin Pearl, nor do I want to look like the girls from Hootersville (what a funny name looking back on it now).  I am 5’10″, wear between a 6 and an 8, small chested, Norweigian heritage, pale skin and blonde and silvery hair.  It’s not bleached! What can I wear just to look memorably pretty?

L

Hi, L!  My, my – you sure are a tall drink of water, and slim too!  Lucky you – you can probably pull off a sleeveless style, which you will be thankful for outside during a hot Texan summer! Shopping for styles might be difficult, since you’ll see a lot of fussy, frilly junior dresses out there with big bows and high hems! Stick to simple lines, lighter, flowier fabrics (nothing too heavy or satin-y), and V-necks to bring the attention up to your face.   Stay away from anything too heavily beaded or embellished, or anything too short!  To the knee should be the highest your skirt should go.

As far as color, you still do want to designate yourself as “The Bride” in pictures and to your guests.  After all, you’re still a bride – you can allow yourself to go a little glam an stand out in the crowd!  Therefore, we do recommend a lighter color.  We understand that once you get to a certain age, wearing white to your own wedding is considered passé (sometimes even taboo!).   But it you’re a traditionalist at heart, why not go for an ivory or white?

The empire waist and V-neck is very flattering

If you don’t dare do white, then choose a light blue or green.  (With your skin, stay away from pale pinks and beiges — they could wash you out!)  Soft pattern would also be nice, as it has a more casual feel.

Lace insets give this a demure wedding feel, but the silky fabric keeps it casual.

Solids colors are pretty too, as long as you spice it up by putting some flowers or an embellished comb in your hair.

Chiffon will keep you cool.

We found all these dresses on Nordstrom’s website.  Good luck, and best wishes!

What to Wear to a Spring/Summer Wedding

Got a wedding coming up? Confused about what to wear? Afraid you’ll have to resort to recycling that old standby, hidden in the back of your closet?Here are the answers to the

7 Top Questions about What to wear to a Wedding

Q1. What should I wear to a Daytime Wedding?

The mood of a daytime wedding is light, fresh, and cheery, and so a pretty dress in a happy color like this sunny yellow is a good choice for a wedding guest. Choose something that’s similar to what you’d wear if you were invited to a fancy garden party or special summer luncheon.

A floral print dress is ideal, and should be very easy to find because floral are one of the hottest fashion trends this Spring/summer 2008. Accessorize your dress with some cute heels, a great clutch, and if you are daring enough, a hat. How often do you get to go to a wedding? Have fun and dress up.

This blue floral halter dress is light and breezy and would be right at home at an outdoor summer wedding.

Q2. Can I wear Pants?

Yes, absolutely! If your legs are not your best asset or dresses are just not your thing, then pants are a fine choice. However, we’re not talking any old pair of slacks and a top. To look more elegant a wear a solid color pantsuit or a beautiful blouse and a pair of Palazzo pants which are flowy and feminine, almost like a dress. Lighter colors like this pastel blue pantsuit are best for daytime weddings, and be sure to choose fabrics that are relaxed and a little more luxurious than everyday.

Q3. What should I wear to an Evening Wedding?

Easy Answer – a cocktail dress! Just make sure it is not too flashy or sparkly or skin revealing. You don’t want to look like you should be at a disco. For example, a tight fitting red satin dress with sequins and a plunging neckline is too showy. This green silk charmeuse dress with goldtone beads has just the right amount of shine.

Love this coral chiffon dress with soft fluid skirt that would be heavenly to dance in.

Here’s another elegant style. This mauve stunner with bolero jacket gives you a little more coverage.

Another option for an evening wedding is to wear a dressy suit or a cocktail suit. Remember, it’s night. You mustn’t look the slightest bit corporate. No pinstripes, shirts, tweeds, serious suit styles and heavy materials. You need to wear a fitted suit, not a boxy suit; one that is softer, a little sexy, feminine and luxurious – the type of thing you’d wear if you were going out to a special dinner. Think sophisticated. (A very dressy pantsuit with this same feel would work too.)

Q4. Is it true you should never wear white ever? What about cream?

Sorry, that old rule of no white at weddings still stands because you never want to upstage the bride. The only time it is acceptable is to wear a tiny bit of white as a detail on a dress or within a pattern of a dress- but we’re talking tiny. Cream or beige is o.k. unless you know the bride is wearing cream. This form fitting shutter pleat cream dress with a touch of metallic had a cocktail feel and would look great at an evening wedding.

Q5. Can I wear Black?

While black is too dark and heavy for daytime weddings, a black cocktail dress is very appropriate for an evening wedding. This black taffeta skirt with knit top would be chic.

Q6. What should I wear to black tie wedding?

A black tie wedding is most formal and calls for something very glamorous like you are going to a formal ball. Here’s where a full length Black dresswould be your very best choice, however a black cocktail dress would be acceptable too. If you don’t like black, then a single color dress in a rich color is elegant too. Also, a dress that is simple with, clean lines is what’s right for this elegant affair. No fussy details or frou-frou.

Always respect the fact that will be one of the most special days in Bride’s life. Honor her by putting some effort into what you wear and dressing up for the occasion, but never try to outshine her. It’s her moment to in the spotlight. Make sure she feels like the Star.