Dressing up for a Wedding

The sun shines, the flowers bloom and we celebrate. Celebrate life and its milestones. The Spring and Summer are filled with weddings and other happy occasions.

As the “Wardrobe Doctor” I am asked for advice by brides, bridesmaids, moms of brides and grooms, step moms, grandmothers and guests. Everyone wants to participate and enhance the special wedding day regardless of the size and flavour of the wedding. This article is designed to give each of you a guideline for dressing up for a wedding.

First as a guest you have it easy. The invitation will direct you i.e. black tie, casual etc. Still not certain? Check with the family who invited you.

Grandmother. Put your comfort and practical needs first. For example, if you need to wear flat shoes do so. Then build your outfit around those parameters. Do wear clothing as called for by the invitation. Wear a colour that suits you and try to blend with the colour scheme. If everyone is wearing long, do the same. Invest in looking your personal best. Remember these pictures will be seen by generations to come.

Mom of the Bride and Groom. You are the pillars that support this event. Don’t take this as a competition. Dress your personal best. Confer with each other and include the bride. A wedding is a perfect opportunity to create a working team that plans together, shares this lovely occasion and moves forward to a life of inclusion and communication.

Step-moms should take their instruction from the bride. It is her day. Each situation is different, however, if you set out to look your personal best and blend with the weddings’ atmosphere you will be fine.

Lastly , the bridesmaids. Being asked to stand up at a wedding is an honour. If you accept, part of the commitment is to make and keep the bride happy. It is her day. Having said that it is the brides’ responsibility to be reasonable in her requests. Having the dream of all your bridesmaids in pink poofy organza skirts and tops might play well in your mind. However, in fairness to your bridesmaids expand that vision to something that they can feel good wearing. Not all bridesmaids are built the same nor are their personalities and tastes alike. Try taking your bridesmaids out individually and getting some sense of what suits them. Determine a common factor that works include colour and shape. If you find one outfit does not fill all. There is nothing wrong in compromise. You can stick to a colour scheme and let each individual dress her personal best within the parameters you feel are important. For example you might ask that everyone wear a long skirt and top in a shade of pink. Leave the style up to the bridesmaid. If your wedding party can find the perfect outfit and be homogeneous and that’s what you want Great. If not, know that each will shine and their glow will do you proud.

To any of you who are planning a family event. Use this occasion as a time to build relationships and create lifelong memories and bonds. You will never go wrong allowing each participant to shine in their own way. Their happy glow and warm feelings will radiate that day and be expressed in your photos when you look back. No matter what the occasion, I wish you all happy events and cherished memories.