Wedding Party Dresses

Pretty outfits and floral wedding party dresses are fun to choose and a delight to wear. Decoding wedding dresscode can be a bit tricky, so here's some advice on choosing appropriate attire.

If your'e going to a wedding anniversary party or a wedding shower, pop on the most romantic dress you can find, and take heed of the instructions set out below. Keep your look pretty and feminine to keep the mood light and fun.

Dress Styles for a Wedding Party Guest

As a wedding guest, you'll want to be both comfortable and romantic in your choice of dress. A tea-length, floral or pastel gown is the most common option, with perhaps a small flower in your hair and some pretty heels on your feet.

If you know you'll be going to any weddings in the next year, keep an eye open during sale times, when you can purchase gorgeous party dresses at discount prices, perhaps even designer gowns. Especially if you happen to be going to quite a few this coming summer.

Check your invitation for the dress code, as some weddings will be very formal, and others merely semi-formal. Choose on instinct, if the reception is at a very posh hotel or resort, then pick a more formal outfit, but if it's somewhere familiar then you can pick a  party dress that is more casual.

Floor length dresses are usually far too formal for a wedding, unless you are the bride or a bridesmaid. But, if it's a hot location, then a summer maxi dress can look very pretty as well as appropriate. It's always wise to ask the bride if you are unsure, as she will know what she would prefer her guests to be wearing.

Many women ask whether it's appropriate to wear a white dress to a wedding party, and the short answer is no. It's a much debated subject, but you ought to show your respect for the bride by wearing some other color than white, after all it is the bride's special day, and you wouldn't want to do anything that might upset her.

Of course, you could choose a dress that has bits of white in the pattern! The same goes for black dresses, which usually aren't quite appropriate, unless it is a gothic wedding, in which case it is very much allowed!

Wedding Party Clothes for the Bride

Whilst looking for the perfect wedding dress, keep in mind your wedding party or reception afterwards, and quite how much dancing there will be to do. You might feel it is appropriate to have a second outfit for the wedding party itself, so you can be a little more comfortable and not worry about ruining your gown.

There are several options you have though. You could purchase another very pretty white dress, that is less expensive. Or, you could opt for a convertible wedding dress with a detachable skirt, that would allow you more freedom of movement to dance at the reception party.

Always remember to choose your 'going away' outfit specially too, as when you leave your reception, you'll want to look as stunning as when you entered, and feel beautiful without looking too informal. It is traditional for the bride to make her own 'going away' outfit, although this tradition is hardly ever looked to today it might be fun to buy fabric samples and work out how to sew part of your own outfit.

Don't forget that there are many vintage dress shops with their own wedding dress section. Go and have a look if you are confused about different styles, and get lots of inspiration from all the gowns on offer. These dresses are affordable and absolutely stunning, usually with lots of detailing too, although you might need to have the dress adjusted by a seamstress.

Themed Wedding Party Dresses

Whatever the theme, be it a tropical wedding party, summer beach wedding, medieval style or celtic, choose a dress that is modest and flattering. Do not under any circumstances attempt to outshine the bride, and go shopping with friends so that the wedding looks more uniform. 

The more simple the dress, the more useful it will be in the future. Check the wording on your invitations thoroughly before going out to hire something from a costume shop, and keep in mind that the bride may have a specific store she would like you to shop in.