What To Wear To A Wedding Reception Over 40, 50
The wedding invitation has arrived. Now the big question is, “What will I wear?”
Naturally, it’s all about the bride on her wedding day, but that doesn’t mean that you, as a guest, shouldn’t look fabulous, too. There aren’t very many occasions to dress up these days, so if you’re going to a wedding, seize the chance to wear something unique and shine.
Here are some things to think about when trying to decide what to wear to a wedding reception when you are over 40, 50+.
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1. Wear Something Special
Our is a very casual world, but a wedding is important. A lot of time and effort has gone into planning to make everything beautiful, so it’s important you recognize the need to dress up. Don’t think you can just throw on a nice work dress and be done with it. You’ll want to wear something dressier and more glamorous.
Follow the dress code on the wedding invitation, and don’t be afraid to ask if there isn’t one written. At a wedding, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed!
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2. Consider the Venue and Time of Day
What to wear to a wedding reception depends on several things. For example, where the wedding is being held and when. A beach wedding at 1 pm will be far more casual than a church wedding at 4 pm, followed by a country club reception at 6 pm. Regardless of the time or place, all wedding receptions require a certain degree of decorum.
Women have more flexibility when dressing for a wedding reception than men. At some weddings, even a skirt and blouse or dressy evening pants worn with a dressy top are acceptable options.
A dressy jumpsuit can be appropriate too. However, for most weddings, a dress is a perfect choice.
3. Avoid Wearing White
While there are no formal rules, it’s common sense not to wear a white dress. White is reserved for the bride. Even if the bride is not wearing white, white makes one think of a bride, so stay clear out of respect. If you prefer a lighter color, opt for a pretty pastel like this one in blush pink.
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4. Don’t Flash Too Much Skin
The length of your dress matters. A ladylike length would be no shorter than about an inch or two above the knee. Also, avoid low-cut dresses or dresses that are too loud, bright, or busy. You want to stand out, but not in a negative way. You’re not going to a nightclub. A great way for an over-40 gal to show a little skin but not look trashy is to opt for an off-the-shoulder dress or dress with some sheer fabric. It’s subtly sexy but still looks classy.
5. Slip-On some Dressy Shoes
Chunky, heavy, serious business shoes aren’t dressy enough for a wedding. Your shoes should be delicate, dressier, and a little sexy too. For example, metallic heels add a touch of glam. You’ll want to hit the dance floor, so be sure you can move comfortably in whatever shoes you choose.
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6. Wear Elegant Jewelry
A wedding is a perfect time to bring out your fine jewelry. A gold bangle and pair of gold and pearl dangle earring are the perfect complement to your dress and shoes. Keep earrings to a reasonable length- no more than 2″ below your earlobe would make sense.
7. Carry an Evening Bag
Leave your heavy, everyday bag at home and opt for something more evening-like. A clutch or small chain handbag is a perfect choice for the occasion.
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8. Don’t Forget a Wrap
You will likely need something to cover your arms because many cocktail dresses are sleeveless. A wrap will come in handy at the church, in an air-conditioned reception hall, or on a patio if the reception is outside. Make sure your wrap is delicate and ladylike.
Did you look fabulous recently at a wedding or semi-formal party? Please send me a photo. I would love to post it.
Hi I have a wedding in July but nothing to wear I’m a size 16 But would require something a size or two larger Please could you help?
Hi Haley, Check out https://www.alexevenings.com (if you see something you like they can direct you to a store that sells it) and https://www.davidsbridal.com They both carry plus size.
Hi can any one help. Am 55and my best friend gets married in November. I know it’s a bit away but I don’t know what to buy. I am a large framed lady and I need help
Hi Dee,
Check out DavId’s Bridal. They have a phone service that can help you select. They’re very experienced! Click here:https://rstyle.me/+YzSYt7OTX6iTpnmXbNoW9A
I suggest to buy this awesome dress any idia where to buy?
Hi Vishal, I wasn’t able to find the exact dress but here is something similar that I hope works for you:https://rstyle.me/+BkxMqrqjHRe2AI_xos-qng
Thank you for this post! I’m 73 and a great niece is marrying May 7 in the Dallas area. I started looking a couple of weeks ago and ordered a couple of items from Nordstrom to try.
How timely! Prior to receiving your post today, I‘d ordered the Kay Unger dress for an end of May wedding in Atlanta. Thank you for all you do!
Great MaryAnne, Please join my private Facebook group and post a picture. Lots of my readers do. I’d love to see you in the dress! The link to join is here:https://www.facebook.com/pg/fabafter40/groups/?ref=page_internal
Thanks for the tip to consider the venue and time of day when deciding what to wear. I want to find a cute chiffon dress for my friend’s wedding. Your tips should simplify the process of shopping for the right dress.
Nice post. It is very informative post. Thanks for sharing this information with us. Keep posting and keep sharing like this.
Hi
I love the pink off the shoulder dress in your post.
Fabulous Collection of dresses. I love the second outfit most. Surely I will try that one.
It’s Great all dress designs.
so lovely and cute your dress
I like.
Great article! I have a wedding to attend tomorrow night (a Sunday) and am searching for something to wear, Followed you on Insta, :) Mary
http://carleycreativeconcepts.com/
Love your style and dress ideas!
Does a wedding that is “black tie preferred” require a long gown or is a dressy cocktail dress appropriate?
Hi Lori, either is fine but make it dressy. Here is an article:https://www.fabulousafter40.com/wear-evening-wedding/
Thanks, just what i needed…
i love that first dress any idea where to purchase
Hi Hira, the shopping links are at the bottom of the post under shop the post. Do you see all the tiny photos? Click on those to go directly to the store and buy.
These dresses are very nice and beautiful.
Love your advice.
Thank you so much for sharing this nice post
Love your advice and styling tips! I have a wedding coming up in the Fall and I am already looking for my outfit. On this very cold day in New York I want you to know how much I love this blog! Thank you!!!
Great post! Love your advice. It’s very useful for me.
Can you do an article on wraps to go with these dresses? That’s another hard thing to come up with, I think!
Hi Brenda,
I will post on that but I just wanted to show you a couple I recently came across. I love this one which is sheer with a silk trim and comes in three colors:http://bit.ly/2axRke0
and this is a dressier one in satin: http://bit.ly/2b6uLkI
When is it ok to wear a full-length gown to a wedding?
Hi Sony, You can wear a full-length dress to any wedding. It depends on the formality of the wedding and the dress. For example, beachy maxi would look nice at a destination wedding: http://bit.ly/1TKKQtD
You could wear a floral chiffon dress to a garden wedding:http://bit.ly/2b6ifQj
and even a full formal gown to an evening wedding. There’s a maxi for every wedding.
Hi I really like the blue dress on top of this page how can I look into getting one .
Hi Rachel, Here is the link to the dress: https://rstyle.me/n/cy8j6xb52f7 Cheers, Deborah
Hi I like the blue dress shown here.
Thank you
Kathy
Nice Stylish fashion women fashion clothe such very beautiful collection cool ! Thanks for sharing such wonderful sharing show some here – mac jeans
This blue dress .. I love it!
Lovely dress and great suggestions for accessorizing.
Hi Sue,
Yes accessories are key to complete the look. Don’t leave this until the last minute or you will be stressed out.
Just gotta say . . . If I spent this much money on an outfit, the happy couple would be very disappointed in their wedding gift. I’d have no money left over to spend on it.
I would so wear the first outfit. Love it!
Love the blue dress.