HOW TO BE A BEST DRESSED GUEST

Wedding season is here!  I've seen invited guests stress like a bride when they have no idea what to wear. Whether you're attending your cousin’s holiday nuptials or a wedding this Spring, do check out all your dress options. Unless the invite specifies casual, semi-formal or formal you’ll have to either ask or figure it out on your own. Venue and the bride’s gown are big rule of thumb factors. If you know the bride is going to be in a Reem Acra ball gown, walking down the aisle of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral with a reception at the Waldorf, you’re going full-fig formal as in the header photo. Where I live (San Francisco Bay Area) sometimes guests show up dressed 'California Casual' no matter the season, venue or what the invite specifies; whereas when I was in New York everyone went a little more cosmopolitan and dressed according to season. While we're all connected to a particular region with a friend and family network, most
differ so here are a few guidelines:

SPRING/SUMMER BEACH OR DESTINATION WEDDING

If you go comfortable, cotton and casual you're not going to miss. Linen and hemp are favorites too for beach scene weddings.

SPRING GARDEN WEDDING

This one is dedicated to the Great Mademoiselle. A light and airy version of the Chanel look is ideal if you're a guest at a garden or tea-time wedding with a vintage feel. Great look for bridesmaids too. 

THE SPRING AFTERNOON WEDDING

These short and sweet dresses say Spring all over. And yes, you can do chiffon in the daytime! Indulge . . .

SUMMER FORMAL OR EVENING WEDDING

These  tones of Spring move easily into evening dressing with satins, golds and metallics. 

SUMMER AFTERNOON WEDDING

This look is part 50s, part 60s  accessorized with the peep-toe shoes.

SUMMER RESORT WEDDING

There are so many of these weddings come summertime along the coasts. Cotton and warm weather are buddies once you're in this great dress.

AUTUMN GARDEN OR RESORT WEDDING

Autumn varys in different places; Here in the wine country, October is hot. This dress is a natural for any vineyard or botanical garden wedding. In a place like Florida, great on the beach. 

AUTUMN AFTERNOON WEDDING
I can actually see this dress in almost any venue, formal or semi-formal. Versatile, it would be welcome in a church ceremony, hotel or even garden wedding. 

AUTUMN FORMAL AND EVENING WEDDING

This dress and whole look brings Paris to mind. Imagine this stunner with a black lace wrap.

WINTER FORMAL AND EVENING WEDDING

 Winter whites add sparkle and warmth to the low light situation. Accessorized with a gold turtleneck this look is really elegant.

All photos and dresses via Ruche