Primary requirements
The main criterion for choosing a wedding dress is appropriateness . If the event requires a black tie dress code, then it is better to give preference to evening wear in dark colors. An elegant wedding dress knee-length or slightly higher is suitable for a cocktail party.
Modern weddings may also require a certain color scheme that matches the bride's bouquet or restaurant decoration. In such cases, the preferred color is indicated on the invitation. The choice of outfit is also influenced by seasonality. If in summer options with open shoulders and a décolleté area are appropriate, then in winter it is better to choose a wedding dress for a guest with a closed top. White (the color of the bride), as well as black and too dark tones, would be inappropriate.
The choice of an evening dress for a wedding as a guest also depends on the woman’s age. If young girls can afford a baby-doll style, then older ladies should look for a more discreet and closed version of an evening dress.
Stylists advise the witness to pay attention to clothes in light, delicate colors, which will set off the bride’s white dress.
How to choose an outfit for plus size people
Of course, every girl wants to look perfect, regardless of the characteristics of her figure. For ladies with curvy figures, it is worth taking into account certain nuances. The plump girls are experiencing some difficulties buying a beautiful evening dress for their upcoming wedding. It happens that the style that they are looking at does not suit their figure. It is better to adhere to certain rules when choosing a model:
- You cannot choose a product for plus size girls that is made from stretch. Such material will only cover up existing flaws in the silhouette and demonstrate them to others. In such an outfit, a woman will look funny and ridiculous.
- To visually disguise protruding parts of the body, you should give preference to light, flowing fabrics. This is silk or chiffon.
- You should not choose pastel colors or too bright ones. This will also highlight any imperfections.
- But purple outfits, a red silk dress, as well as a product made from green or blue fabric are great for obese women. Such decoration will not only highlight the necessary parts of the body, but at the same time make the image rich and stylish.
- Fabric with large prints and patterns is not recommended. It is better to choose a plain fabric or fabric with small images printed on it.
- To take your eyes off your figure's voluminous hips, you need to focus on your neck and shoulders. Buy a dress with a cut-out neckline. Then you will be able to demonstrate to others all the beauty of your chest and neck.
- Evening attire for plus size women should not expose their arms. This will only highlight the fullness and give the appearance an absurdity.
- Avoid bulky jewelry.
- High-top shoes are considered an excellent option. This will give you a slimmer figure while making your image more beautiful and feminine.
Video selection of bows:
A wedding is a day that is very important not only for the bride, but for the invited guests. Women choose their outfit especially carefully. To do this, they should take into account the time of year for which the celebration is planned, body features and, of course, their own wishes. By choosing the right jewelry to match your outfit, you can look stylish, beautiful and stunning.
Style options for different body types
It is also necessary to choose an outfit depending on your body type:
- pear;
- apple;
- rectangle;
- inverted triangle;
- hourglass.
Those with an apple body type should take a closer look at straight-cut dresses in the Greek or classic style. It is better to avoid a short length and choose a model just below the knee or a maxi. An excellent option would be an A-line dress, thanks to which the waist will look narrower.
Flowing fabrics will help hide the volume in the waist, but it is better to avoid decor in the abdominal area - it will only add centimeters to the problem area.
For an inverted triangle body shape, it is important to balance the width of your shoulders and hips. In this case, an A-line cut with an emphasis on the waist is ideal. The skirt can be either slightly flared or full. A good solution would be models with a peplum.
For ladies with a pear-shaped figure, it is important to adjust the volume in the hips. This can be done using A-line silhouettes, bateau-type necklines, accents in the upper part of the outfit: additional volume in the shoulders, puffed or buffalo sleeves (the trend of the season), flounces or frills.
If your figure resembles a “rectangle”, you should pay attention to dresses with a fitted silhouette. A narrow or wide belt will also help highlight your waist. Models with a wrap will add more femininity and elegance to the silhouette.
Those with an hourglass body type are not limited in their choices. A dress of any cut will suit them - straight, tight-fitting, A-line, fishnet. Additional decor will be appropriate in any part of the outfit.
For the "pear"
For the "inverted triangle"
For the hourglass
For "rectangle"
For "apple"
Choosing clothes for a woman
Don’t worry that the winter cold will interfere with your look, because in the modern world there are a lot of fashionable and stylish things made of thick fabric. You can always complement your look with elegant and warm outerwear. If desired, you will be the most beautiful and elegant guest at the wedding!
Some tips
- According to the rule of etiquette, you should not wear a plain white outfit to a celebration, because this is the color of the newlywed.
It's rude to compete with her at her own wedding. Advice. If you really love white and want to wear it, then use it in combination with other shades. - Also, you should not wear a black dress or suit, because this is a hint of mourning.
- Avoid overly sexy outfits, especially the now fashionable “naked” dresses, as well as ultra-mini and too deep necklines.
The ideal option for a guest is a length just above the knee or midi. - Avoid a casual look, because jeans and tracksuits definitely won’t fit into the atmosphere of such a festive day.
- Follow the dress code. If the bride and groom decide to have a wedding in a certain style and ask you to dress accordingly, then under no circumstances ignore their request. After all, otherwise you may offend the heroes of the occasion, and you will also be the black sheep at a themed party.
- Do not advertise your “interesting position.” Expectant mothers, especially in the last months of pregnancy, are advised to wear something discreet and comfortable. Loose, flowing styles are the best solution; they will not restrict movement or put pressure, and this is extremely unnecessary when carrying a child. And remember that expecting a baby is not a reason to attract the gaze of others at someone else’s wedding. After all, the main thing on such a day is the newlyweds.
Dress
In a dress, any representative of the fairer sex looks elegant and feminine - this is undoubtedly a win-win option for a holiday, including in winter. The main thing is that the fabric is elegant, and the style suits the girl perfectly - it emphasizes her advantages and hides her flaws.
It is easiest for slender young ladies
- short or long;
- tight or loose;
- on one shoulder;
- with a modest cutout on the skirt or back;
- without sleeves or with them;
- with floral prints;
- with a bell, balloon, half-sun or pleated skirt;
- with several wraparound skirts;
- with a collar;
- with a basque and so on.
Fashionable looks this season include a jacket dress, puffed sleeves, satin bows and square necklines. Sequins, metallic and lurex look festive as decoration on the outfit.
Under no circumstances wear a shiny mini, because this is more of a club option that looks quite open and provocative.
Particular attention should be paid to velvet products, which are at the peak of popularity this year; moreover, they are ideal for a winter wedding, because velvet is a dense, elegant and warm fabric. But if the guest has extra pounds, then it is best to give preference to a looser cut, not tight-fitting to the hips and with a thick lining, because the material in question can emphasize the extra volume in the figure.
Costume
A woman at any age looks irresistible in a suit. In addition, such a thing is now very popular and many ladies already prefer it. Another advantage is that you can wear it in everyday life, unlike a chic dress, which is worn at best a couple of times a year.
The fabric from which the product is made will play an important role when choosing. Suitable for winter:
- fine wool;
- velours;
- silk;
- velvet;
- velveteen.
If you want to go with a trouser version, then pay attention to the wide shoulders of the jacket, models with accents at the waist, as well as straight, cropped trousers with arrows - these are the most modern styles.
Nowadays, fashion includes both three-piece suits, with a vest or top, and “two-piece” suits, consisting of a dress and jacket or a skirt and top.
For mature women, for example, mothers of the bride and groom, a great solution would be to wear a suit with a skirt or trousers, but it is important to note that it should be smart and not in the style of an office worker. The guest can complement the look with a hat, scarf and thin blouse along with shiny jewelry - a necklace, a string of pearls or earrings with stones.
Overalls
Another fashionable and stylish thing that is now at the peak of popularity, and therefore suitable for a wedding in the winter season. Jumpsuits look more original if they have interesting sleeves, for example, translucent guipure, “lantern” or models with a peplum on top.
It is worth knowing that the item in question should not be tight around the stomach and hips. Firstly, it looks ugly, and secondly, it will create the appearance of excess weight, even if there is none.
Outerwear
If you are planning to go for a walk with the newlyweds after their ceremonial ceremony at the registry office, then you definitely need to think about beautiful outerwear. Of course, everything will depend on the weather, if it is not very cold, then a great idea would be to wear a demi-season coat, fur/knitted cape or vest. But in case of frost, only a fur coat or sheepskin coat will save you.
Shoes
Of course, in the cold season, one pair of shoes is not enough. After all, only boots or shoes are suitable for walking in the fresh air. And at the banquet they will certainly be hot, so take a change of shoes with you - nice shoes or ballet flats.
Advice. In winter, it is not recommended to change into sandals, because they are worn on bare feet.
An interesting option is when the bridesmaids and the bride wear the same style of shoes, for example, ugg boots or felt boots.
Classification by color
There are several main color types of appearance according to the seasons: winter, spring, summer, autumn. Girls belonging to the winter color type have light, porcelain skin, dark hair, and can have both light and dark eye shades. “Winter” should pay attention to cool colors: pure red, ruby, wine, scarlet, dark purple, aqua, neon yellow. The ideal option is an emerald dress for a wedding guest. You should avoid warm shades, these include: carrot, rose and yellow gold, terracotta, the whole range of brown and pastel. It’s definitely worth giving up all shades of orange without exception, they will give your image a sickly, tired look.
Representatives of “autumn” have bronze skin, copper-colored hair, from golden to bright red, and warm eye shades. The colors of the red group, as well as honey, lime, terracotta, champagne, peach, and rich orange, are suitable for this type of appearance.
Representatives of “summer” have a natural skin tone with a pink undertone, hair is ashen, and often light brown. In most cases, these are the owners of gray, gray-blue, green eyes. Dark brown and brown eye colors are extremely rare. The most suitable range is cold. Soft, slightly muted tones look good. Taboo on yellow-green, coral shades.
Distinctive features of “spring” girls are light skin and eyes. Natural hair color is warm: blond and light brown. When choosing an outfit, light shades of red, orange and pink, sea green, and blue sky are suitable. It is also worth paying attention to powdery, olive, lilac, beige, cream, and ivory. Lilac dresses for wedding guests will look elegant and at the same time not provocative.
All “forbidden” colors are such only when they are located near the face; if they are found in the lower parts of the outfit, they do not play an important role. They can also be used when choosing shoes, belt, bag.
Spring
Winter
Summer
Autumn
Recommended colors
The most beautiful color in 2021 will be ultraviolet. Any outfit in a fashionable color will certainly attract attention. When choosing the color of an outfit, you should not forget about your color type.
White
It is better to avoid a pure white dress. Fashion designers offer excellent models in which white is combined with black and other bright colors. At a fashionable wedding, classic evening and cocktail models are appropriate - white top, black bottom.
In dresses of short and medium length, the fabric can be dense; multi-layered white floor-length dresses with black inserts look more impressive if they are sewn from light fabric. Evening dresses with floral prints, black polka dots, if the main color is white, are relevant.
Yellow
Suitable for celebrations held in summer. It creates a feeling of positivity. Yellow color lifts your spirits.
Peach
Delicate peach color is an ideal choice for young, fragile girls with warm skin tones, blond hair and eyes. For a wedding held in the cold season, rich shades with a predominance of red are suitable; in summer, pale shades with shades of yellow are appropriate.
Ivory and champagne
Any ivory-colored items create a feeling of aristocracy and wealth, so ladies feel confident in dresses of this shade. At special wedding events, many decorative elements are made in this color.
Evening dresses in ivory shades will suit any type of appearance.
They brighten white skin and blond hair, highlight the tan of brunettes, and make redheads bright and seductive. The color of shoes, jewelry, and manicure is important in creating a harmonious image.
Shades of red and burgundy
The time when wearing red to a wedding was considered indecent is over. Nowadays, burgundy and red shades of evening dresses are not uncommon.
The color is bright and attracts attention, so you need to be careful when choosing a style.
A skirt that is too short will look vulgar. Do not wear red dresses with a deep neckline or cutout. A good choice for a wedding celebration would be a red or burgundy outfit in the empire style, in the summer - a sundress dress, in the fall-winter - a wrap dress.
A young guest will certainly attract attention if she comes to a celebration in a floor-length red dress with a pattern in the form of white polka dots, a floral, and plant print.
Older women are impressed by calm, muted tones, beautiful decor made of lace and beads.
To visually lengthen your legs, wear beige shoes without decoration. Black shoes are a classic. Complete the look with a small black handbag or clutch and stylish pearl jewelry.
Emerald
In the summer of 2021, emerald color is on trend. It is always relevant because it suits women of any age. This season, preference should be given to bright, rich shades.
Ladies with dark skin, red hair, green eyes or brown eyes should think about an outfit in bright emerald color.
Delicate shades suit fair-haired girls with pale skin. Models made in this color look elegant and rich. They are refreshing. Emerald shades are believed to symbolize good luck.
Light blue and blue
The color blue has many shades, so women have no problems choosing. Depending on the color of your hair and eyes, choose a model of a suitable shade:
- sea wave;
- aquamarine;
- turquoise;
- sky blue.
Popular models
The Gatsby or retro model features a straight cut, low waistline, deep neckline or open back. The dress can be decorated with feathers, stones, fringe, and embroidery. The more shine, the better. This option is perfect for those with a “round” body type, as it will hide extra centimeters at the waist.
The case is an eternal classic, suitable for both office everyday life and an evening out . To make the model more festive, you should choose options from satin, silk-satin, and other elegant fabrics. A sheath dress can be either above the knee or slightly below. Young girls have the right to choose any length; older ladies should pay attention to the midi option.
An elegant baby-doll wedding guest dress is an ideal option for young ladies, as well as bridesmaids. The dress can be made in both mini and midi versions. For a more formal event, you should go with the second option. This style will emphasize the tenderness and sophistication of the young guest.
The fish dress is also ideal for such a special event as a wedding. The fitted silhouette, flared at the bottom, emphasizes grace and sophistication. It is important to choose an outfit so that it does not hinder your movements.
Baby dollar
Gatsby
Fish
Case
Combination rules, or how to create a complete image
It's not just the dress that creates the image. All the little details of the women's toilet are important. You need to carefully select shoes, handbags, jewelry, and other accessories. There are several types of dress codes for wedding celebrations.
Dress code | Characteristics of the celebration | Requirements for the outfit |
White tie | Luxurious wedding | Floor-length evening dress, fur, satin gloves, jewelry |
Black tie | Not strict, but with restrictions | Dresses no higher than the knees, classic style, deep neckline is prohibited, skirt with a high slit |
Black tie optinal | Allows you to fantasize | The color scheme of accessories is black and white, sequins, sparkles, black cocktail dresses, evening dresses or suits are allowed |
After Five | Evening | Any color of the outfit, evening or cocktail dress |
Smart casual | Celebration in a small circle | Free dress code for destination weddings |
See also:
How to choose plus size swimwear for plus size women
With shoes
It is better to wear pumps with a mini dress. For longer outfits, heels are suitable. In summer, these could be sandals decorated with rhinestones.
An empire style dress goes well with flat sandals.
It is practical to have beige sandals and pumps. They will suit any outfit. Shoes of this color have another advantage - they visually lengthen your legs. The height and presence of a heel depends on the preferences of the hostess and the style of the dress.
Accessories and handbag
Large and medium bags are inappropriate at a wedding. Only guests of impressive size can afford them. You need to take a small handbag (wallet with a strap, chain) or clutch with you.
A good addition to a light evening outfit would be a cape (bolero, stole). It will add a touch of elegance to your image and, if necessary, protect you from drafts and bad weather.
The female guest should take care of a scarf or headscarf if there is a wedding ceremony ahead. According to church rules, it is necessary to cover your head during the ceremony.
Hair and makeup
The easiest way is to contact specialists. The stylist and makeup artist will do everything needed to create the look. Many people do their own makeup. When applying, follow simple rules:
- shadows are chosen taking into account the skin tone, purple shades do not suit light-skinned people, dark colors do not suit dark-skinned people, they age them;
- when decorating the eyes, use 2-3 shades, highlighting the upper eyelid and corner of the eye;
- the emphasis is placed either on the lips or on the eyes;
- the foundation is selected to match the skin tone;
- use blush.
Makeup must be long-lasting so that the guest still looks fresh and beautiful by the end of the celebration.
At a themed wedding, the format of hairstyles is determined. Naturalness is in fashion. Backcombs and curls drenched in hairspray are a thing of the past. The trend is slight negligence.
It looks impressive if done intentionally using special tools and techniques.
Precise geometry is appropriate if the style of the dress requires it. A wedding guest can complement her hairstyle with accessories (elegant flowers, mesh, bows). It is better for young girls to style their long hair. Buns, braids, French shells are popular.
The choice of hairstyles for medium hair is large: Hollywood waves, Greek hairstyles, retro style, French styling. To create them you need foam or varnish, a curling iron and a brush. Ladies with short hair have a limited choice of hairstyles. Before the wedding, you need to refresh your haircut and style your hair.
Where to get a dress for a wedding as a guest
As a rule, beautiful dresses that really touch us, it just so happens that they are expensive, so it’s much easier to rent them. As one of the options, you can rent a dress by contacting https://storydress.ru/. Below you can see part of their collection.
To the dress catalog
Choosing a dress depending on the status and age of the guest
When choosing an outfit, it is important to take into account the status, as well as the age of the invited guest. Provocative minis will look out of place on the bridesmaid, bridesmaids, and also on the mother of the bride or groom. In order not to look ridiculous, you need to carefully think through all the nuances of the image and make sure that it fully corresponds to the event .
For mother of the bride and groom
Choosing a dress for the mothers of newlyweds is an important question, because these are the second ladies of the evening, to whom all attention is paid. Suitable models for a wedding: “Gatsby”, classic sheath, long evening dress, elegant trouser suit. The color of the outfit is of no small importance. The combination of gold and black can look pretentious, as well as too bright colors. Light shades will look advantageous.
For bridesmaids and bridesmaids
At a wedding, the dress of the guest, who has an honorary role - to be a witness or bridesmaid, should be gentle, sophisticated, and elegant. In most cases, the color of the outfit is determined in advance so that it matches the general background of the celebration. If the role of bridesmaid is assigned to several girls, then the color of the dress of each of them should be either identical or in the same color scheme: soft pink, lavender, beige, peach and other pastel shades. A floor-length dress for a friends wedding is the best choice if the celebration is taking place in a restaurant complex or estate.
For women 40-50 years old
A long wedding dress is ideal for guests over 40 years old, made of satin, taffeta, guipure or any other beautiful fabric in noble shades. A combination of black and white is acceptable in the outfit. Dresses for wedding guests can be decorated with various decors: stones, embroidery, lace. Fans of minimalism can opt for classic solid-color models. In this case, the look will be complemented by jewelry or a clutch with stones.
For pregnant
A wedding dress for a guest in an excellent position should be as comfortable as possible, not restrict movement and made from natural fabrics. The best fit is a high-waisted, A-line, a-line, shirt dress. The ideal color scheme is pastel shades.
For children and teenagers
The most suitable models of wedding dresses for girls 9-10 years old and older:
- dress shirt;
- kimono;
- dress with tutu skirt;
- balloon;
- baby dollar;
- in Greek style.
When choosing shades, it is better to choose either pastel colors or bright pure colors: red, blue, green, yellow. The fabric can be decorated with a floral print, as well as feathers, stones, and sequins. A shirt dress for a wedding guest is an ideal option for teenage girls. Length – just above or below the knee. To add solemnity to the look, the dress can be complemented with a thin strap with stones.
What length is relevant
The hem length can be any. Even in short dresses (above the knee), the guest looks elegant if the style is chosen correctly and stylish accessories are selected. It is necessary to take into account not only the beauty of the outfit, but also its functionality. A woman should feel comfortable in it at the table, during a dance, or a competition.
Mini
An outfit that is too short looks provocative, so to avoid looking vulgar, you should not wear a dress with a very short skirt. A white minidress is inappropriate for a wedding.
Midi
Midi is the most common length. Dresses with a medium-length hem are suitable for very young guests and ladies of an elegant age . Mid-calf is the classic length of a midi dress. It does not suit women with disproportionately short legs and full calves.
Maxi
Floor-length dresses look impressive on girls of medium and tall height. They emphasize the dignity of the figure and visually lengthen the body. Women's floor-length dresses create an elegant look if the skirt is straight or godet. Cuts are allowed. They are placed in different places, taking into account the color and structure of the fabric:
- if it is plain, then the cut looks impressive on the leg;
- on light maxi dresses on the sides;
- on strict models in dark shades, a slit in the middle or at the back looks better.
See also
What to wear with fashionable leather leggings, trendy looks 2021 and stylist tips
How to choose based on the time of year
Dresses for guests for a wedding celebration that takes place in winter are best chosen from thick, elegant fabrics: brocade, corduroy, satin. The length can vary depending on many factors, but very short dresses are inappropriate in winter. If the holiday involves a long or short stay on the street, it is better to choose a midi length and complement the outfit with stocking boots. This option is also suitable for early spring. In the off-season, stylists advise taking a transparent raincoat with you so that in case of bad weather the dress does not get wet.
When choosing what dress to wear for a wedding guest, if the celebration takes place in the summer, it is worth choosing models made of light, airy fabrics: organza, chiffon, cambric, silk. In the summer, open dresses look great; the length can vary from mini to maxi. When going to a wedding as a guest in the warm season, it is better to complement the dress with classic pumps or sandals with narrow straps. Long dresses for wedding guests are appropriate both in spring and autumn. The main thing is that the hem of the outfit does not get dirty if you are going to walk in the park or embankment.
The final choice of dress will depend on the scale of the celebration and its location. In any case, you need to select an image for the wedding in advance. This is the only way to avoid many mistakes and think through all the details of your holiday outfit more carefully.
Atlas
Batiste
Velveteen
Organza
Brocade
Silk
Chiffon
How to highlight the bride with blue?
At wedding ceremonies, which are decorated in a balanced nautical blue theme, a blue dress will not only be appropriate and will combine favorably with the overall style, but will also contrast wonderfully with the bride’s outfit, highlighting the bride, while at the same time not leaving the invited bridesmaids in the shadow.
Photo of a bride in a blue and white wedding dress
Bridesmaid in a blue fluffy dress
For a “blue-sea” wedding, the bride usually prefers to dress up in a delicate blue-white outfit, but the decorative elements and design style can include bright and dark saturated colors of blue.
Bridesmaids can wear blue dresses of the same color and roughly the same cut with minor differences, but it is important that the color contrasts with the bride's outfit, making her stand out. This ensemble looks very interesting and attractive, especially at a photo shoot. Usually the color and cut of dresses are discussed in advance with the bride herself and suggested by her to match the overall style.
Don’t refuse your friend, even if you want to stand out from the crowd and not blend in with a group of girls. After all, this is the holiday of the young bride that she was waiting for
There is no need to upset the plans for such an important and unique day in her life. Moreover, a group of girls in identical outfits looks so touching and impressive, and each is individual, like a model who demonstrates the same outfit, taking into account her unique image.