How to choose a dress for a friend’s wedding in order to look beautiful and elegant, attract the attention of men and at the same time not compete with the bride.
What should the style, fabric, color be?
The reader can find answers to these questions in this article.
When choosing a dress for a friend’s wedding, you need to understand that she is the queen of the ball that day.
It is worthwhile to forget for a while about the natural desire of every woman to be the most beautiful and luxurious and provide this opportunity to the hero of the occasion.
You should not compete with the bride in beauty and elegance; this is not ethical and is unlikely to go unnoticed on her part.
The main rule is not to surpass the beauty of the bride
Therefore, a dress intended for such an occasion should not look like a wedding dress, no matter how much you might want it to.
Looking attractive and elegant at a friend’s wedding without putting the friendship itself in doubt is not an easy task, but it can be done.
Of course, it is best to discuss this topic with the bride in advance, ask what she will look like and what the guests will wear. This will also avoid the fact that the selected dress, with all its advantages, will not fit harmoniously into the overall atmosphere of the holiday.
What should the fabric and style be?
The style and fabric of the dress can be completely different, it depends on the time of year, the weather, your own taste and even the design of the hall in which the celebration is supposed to be held. A sheath dress, distinguished by its elegance, and even a summer sundress are quite acceptable, if it corresponds to the importance of the upcoming event.
The length can be any, with the exception of the defiant mini, the top is open or closed. However, it should be taken into account that if the newlyweds are planning to get married, their shoulders will need to be covered; for this purpose, you can use a cape.
Important point:
A win-win option will always be an outfit in a romantic style.
For example, a light, loose skirt made of chiffon or silk with a train looks very gentle. A dress in the Greek style also looks impressive, especially with a matching hairstyle.
However, any outfit, first of all, should emphasize the figure of its owner in the most favorable way. For example, a tight dress will not suit both a plump and a thin girl. A loose-fitting dress would be optimal here.
High cost is also not a guarantee of success. Moreover, for those who are experiencing financial difficulties, it is quite possible to rent a dress or choose an outfit in such a way that it can be worn after the wedding.
What techniques should you use?
Your favorite silk dress will sparkle in a new way if you throw a thin blouse with embroidery or even feathers over your shoulders. Explore the remote corners of your closet - there will probably be a spontaneously purchased bright shirt that you didn’t dare wear to the office. Even paired with simple trousers, it can look dressy - especially if you add some statement shoes.
Paris, 2019
A wedding in hot weather gives you the right to replace tight sheath dresses with flowing sundresses, narrow pumps with elegant sandals with thin straps, and take a miniature straw bag with you instead of a clutch. We have collected elegant street style heroines that will inspire you.
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Which color to choose
It is equally important to choose the right color.
It should be understood that a white dress at a wedding is always involuntarily associated with the wedding dress. Therefore, you can choose it only after receiving the bride’s consent. But even after its approval, it’s worth thinking about bright decorative elements that can complement such an outfit.
These could be ribbons, flowers or any other accessories.
You should also approach the beige color carefully, because against the backdrop of a snow-white wedding dress, a dress of this color will seem dirty or old. It is customary to dress in light colors for a wedding.
However, choosing a small black youth dress can also be quite appropriate if you choose eye-catching jewelry to match it with taste. Bright colors, such as red, will look too bold.
Important point:
You should pay attention to pastel colors: blue, blue, olive, turquoise. Discreet and delicate, outfits made in this color scheme will add elegance and grace to a woman’s look.
An excellent solution would be the silver color, unobtrusive and at the same time festive, it is perfect for any celebration. By buying a dress of a similar color, you can save a lot of money, because regardless of the time of year, it always remains relevant.
Of course, girls who do not have financial difficulties can afford to purchase several outfits, separately for each season. In winter, sea green will look great, olive is perfect for spring, autumn is the time to experiment with floral patterns, summer is the time for light, airy dresses in yellow, peach, blue, and pink. In the warm season, thin lace and neat embroidery will wonderfully complement the outfit.
How not to outshine the bride?
On the wedding day, the newlyweds should be the brightest and most beautiful, so guests are not recommended to choose too original, flashy outfits or clothes in acid-bright colors. The best option is muted shades and a calm style, a moderate amount of accessories. An overly expensive dress that screams about its price would be inappropriate if the bride purchased an inexpensive outfit or one from the middle price category. It is also simply indecent to choose too massive jewelry or accessories for a celebration that look noticeably more expensive than those of the hero of the occasion. If you have no way of knowing what the bride will be wearing, choose a stylish, but rather modest outfit - you definitely won’t go wrong.
Dress for a witness: seven rules
The witness plays a special role in the wedding ceremony.
Throughout the day, she should not leave the bride for a minute, which will inevitably be captured in wedding photographs.
Therefore, the witness bears a special burden of responsibility for the correct choice of outfit. In order not to spoil one of the main holidays in a friend’s life, she should adhere to some rules:
- When choosing a dress, you must take into account the opinion of the hero of the occasion.
- Before you go shopping, it’s worth looking at what models fashion magazines offer for such an occasion.
- It is better to match the bridesmaid’s outfit to match the bride’s dress or the general decor of the room.
- The style of the dress and the texture of the fabric must match the bride's wedding dress.
- You should not wear too short dresses or dresses with a deep neckline, this also applies to fluffy skirts.
- The witness's dress and shoes should be comfortable, because she will have to move quite a lot.
- It is important to take a handbag with you to the celebration, where cosmetics, a mirror, handkerchiefs, and the bride’s hairpins will be stored.
What not to wear to a wedding
Under no circumstances should you wear the following to a friend’s wedding:
- vulgar provocative outfits, including very short dresses and dresses with a deep neckline
- overly strict dresses with closed sleeves and neckline, made of thick fabric
- gloves, because if the bride does not wear them, her image may seem less elegant, and this is unacceptable
When deciding how to dress for your friend’s wedding, you should remember that the right jewelry and shoes, an elegant hairstyle and properly done makeup are no less important than a beautiful dress.
Choosing a beautiful dress for a friend’s wedding
A friend’s wedding is undoubtedly an important event. And you should choose the right outfit for this celebration, because a lot depends on it, even your future relationship with the bride. It is especially important to talk about the rules for choosing a dress if we are talking about the wedding of your best friend, and not just an acquaintance. Therefore, let’s talk in more detail about what kind of dress you can wear to your friend’s wedding.
Bridesmaid Dress: Don'ts
We should start considering the question “what dress to wear to a friend’s wedding” with certain prohibitions.
Stylists succinctly express the boundaries of what is permitted when choosing a dress for a bridesmaid: “It is important to understand that the hero of the occasion is not you, but the bride. This also applies to the chosen outfit.” That is why it is important not to overdo it and know when to stop.
The advice about moderation becomes even more relevant if you attend a wedding. A revealing or risqué outfit will look inappropriate and possibly tacky. It is worth thinking about a cape to cover your shoulders, and a shawl or scarf for your hair.
It’s not for nothing that they advise you to find out what color the bride’s dress will be. If it is white, then all other guests are prohibited from choosing that color. If earlier it was possible not to ask this question to the bride, then at the moment it is relevant. Brides choose peach, blue, cream dresses, red and black and even, for example, dark blue dresses. That is why if the bride departs from the usual color scheme, then for the bridesmaid, white ceases to be a forbidden fruit.
Little black dress: is it suitable?
The famous Coco Chanel said back in the mid-20s of the last century: “Fashion is the little black dress.” The French fashion designer has proven with her creativity that a small black dress is an excellent outfit option for various celebrations. The bridesmaids at the wedding also loved it. But, as noted, a black dress - an example of elegance and style - is suitable for a wedding celebration only if it is paired with accessories. They should be different in color, bright, contrasting, different in style, etc. It is worth thinking about the material of the little black dress. Wool, coarse knitwear, as well as translucent fabrics or untidy processed cotton are not suitable for a summer celebration.
In general, you can deviate a little from the advice given by Coco Chanel and choose a combined dress for your friend’s wedding (the photos will help you figure out what kind of outfit it is), where black will not be the only color.
By following this simple recommendation, you will achieve your goal: your outfit will not only be beautiful, but also suitable for a joyful and bright event.
Pantsuit?!
The lines are blurred, and what was previously prohibited becomes permitted. The question naturally arises: is a trouser suit or blouse with trousers suitable for a wedding? Most experts are of the following opinion: such an outfit is an excellent solution for a business buffet, important negotiations or a formal business event, but not for a wedding. However, quite often girls prefer trousers to dresses and skirts. They successfully complement them with luxurious blouses and unusual accessories. It is often difficult to object to such a spectacular outfit.
We believe that trousers as a wedding attire option are more suitable for older women - guests who are not bridesmaids.
If you are a witness
The role of a witness at your best friend's wedding is very difficult. After all, a certain part of the pre-wedding efforts of organizing the celebration is transferred to the witness, as well as the role of consoling the bride during moments of hysterics, breakdowns and excessively emotional experiences.
In order to ensure a greater degree of peace of mind for the bride, it is recommended that the wedding outfit be selected together with her. For what? Firstly, shopping will have a beneficial effect on the bride, to some extent calm her down and reduce her nervousness. Secondly, it will be easier for you, because you will definitely be sure that your friend will approve of your outfit.
In the same case, when the choice of a beautiful dress for a friend’s wedding falls entirely on your shoulders, try to take into account some recommendations.
In general, the best option is a light cocktail dress, the length of which is not lower (but not much higher) than the knee. It is advisable to choose a dress of a delicate shade so that the fabric is close in texture to the bride's dress. But do not forget that the color of your dress should be different. Also keep in mind that the witness should be near the bride for almost the entire celebration (and this, by the way, will be visible in all videos and photos). This means that the outfit should not be very different, not contrast, but complement the most important image of the holiday - the image of the bride.
If the wedding is supposed to be themed, then the witness’s task when choosing an outfit is somewhat simplified. The fact is that the theme of the wedding itself already, at a minimum, determines the color of the dress or its style. For example, for a Hollywood wedding, you can choose a dress that is quite long, floor-length, and has a cutout on the back. Or you can choose an outfit in the Empire style, i.e. which will have a high bodice and a skirt with a train. A European-style wedding accepts the wedding suit already described.
Pay attention to the dress code indicated on the wedding invitation. Smart Casual means permission to wear jeans. Black Tie is a solution for a long evening or cocktail (knee-length) dress.
As you can see, the answer to the question of which dress to choose for your friend’s wedding is not too complicated. It’s just very important to approach this issue responsibly, take into account some nuances, follow a number of specific recommendations and be sure to take into account the style in which the wedding is supposed to be held.
It would not be amiss to remind you that when choosing an outfit for your friend’s wedding, you need to know that the key figure in the celebration is the bride. Therefore, try to choose beautiful dresses for your friend’s wedding, but ones that will not attract too much attention. This way you won’t offend your friend, and overall you’ll have a very good wedding.
Photo options for dresses
We have selected interesting dress options for you, perhaps they will help you make the right choice.
