Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Wedding Wear Worries





The invitations are flooding in for summer weddings (where are mine??). I know they are because I am getting some stressed out ladies emailing, asking for either advice or a booking for a shopping session so we can go and FIND a great outfit.

There is no simple answer as to what to wear to a NZ wedding. They are so varied in their casual/formal scenarios. However here are a few simple hints which may help. What time of day is the wedding? Morning weddings are usually a little more casual, evening weddings traditionally more formal.

Where is the wedding being held? Church? Garden? Again, you need to tailor your outfit to the correct environment.

Here is what I believe. You can NEVER be over dressed for a wedding. You will see a range of people wearing so many different outfits, but the main consideration is that you are going to a special event, to help two people celebrate a very important moment in time. I believe it is important that you make a big effort, not only for them, but for you to be able to look around and feel confident that you look fantastic! Plus there are also the photos!!

You have around three options. The first, and easiest is a wonderful dress. Sleeveless, with a round or v-neck, band under the bust and a flowing A-line skirt that comes to just below the knee. Try Jacqui E, these guys know how to do some great dresses.

If you want to cover your arms, a little bolero will be perfect. I like boleros because they cover the arms but don't cover the dress, which might have nice detail on the front. If not a bolero, then a simple tie-cardigan is also appropriate.

Second option is separates. A great skirt, in a fabulous fabric. Satin/velvet/chiffon detailing, A-line. If the fabric is interesting and luxurious looking then it will be wonderful. Then either a nice top or what I really like is a bustier type top, then again with the bolero or tie-cardigan. Separates have the advantage of being able to be dissected and worn on different occasions with different pieces. Can't find a skirt? Head to the fabric shops, grab some fabric and have a dressmaker whip you up a simple A-line skirt in your beautiful fabric. Then just concentrate on the top and accessories.

Last option, and really only appropriate for a late, evening wedding. A pair of dress trousers and I MEAN dressy. Not just a pair of trousers. They need a sheen or some sort of interesting fabric to set them apart form just bulk standard trousers. And a 'sparkly' type top. Something really lovely and dressy. Your objective is to make sure you don't look like you are going to work.

Think about what you will be comfortable in. What works with the rest of your wardrobe (you may already have one piece that you can use and then need to find the rest). Think about your colours, what suits you, the shape of your body and check out all shops - not just the ones you usually go to.

In the past I have found great outfits for weddings in Stax, Jacqui E, Pagani (of all places) Savemart, designer boutiques, Farmers, David Lawrence and Max.

Don't forget those finishing touches. A hat does look great, but if you are not sure, then there are lots of gorgeous flower hair accessories around to pop into your hair. A simple material flower clipped up on one side looks lovely. Necklace and fabulous shoes a must.

P.S Please tell your friends that I am always happy to have any invitations to weddings because I LOVE weddings and have HEAPS of lovely outfits to wear :-)

Trudi www.wardrobeflair.com

5 comments:

Janine said...

oh I have heard of people like you (rent a crowd, or friend). Great post.

I agree I don't think you can be too dressed up and after going to my brothers wedding I was shocked at how casually dressed some people were.

I know some people think hey they want me for my company byt erally it doesn't take much effort to dress accordingly.

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

Thanks for your wonderful advice Trudi! Unfortunately I ended up sick after the shopping trip so had to go out again. Anyway I found a dress that should be fine, not brilliant, but will do. There are so many dresses out there in neutral or black and not much with colour. But I found a emerald one which I think is my sort of colour. Glad that's done!

Trudi Bennett said...

Knowing your colours Sarah, the Emerald sounds perfect. Now if you want to 'jazz' it up a bit, add dark purple accessories for a real 'wow' factor.

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

Oooh purple! I hate purple but I can do purple. Yes that's a bit more exciting than black. But would I have to do purple shoes too? I already have a pair of strappy black ones.

Trudi Bennett said...

Hate purple? Are you crazy woman? There is a purple for everyone. No, black shoes are great. You don't have to be too 'matchy matchy' and black will go well with the emerald and purple :-) I want to see a photo Sarah!!!