With the cost of attending a wedding on the rise — a survey published by NBC News in April found that the average guest spends around $700 per event — the late summer-early autumn wedding season can bring with it a great deal of financial stress for invitees.
Between the cost of gifts, travel and hotel expenses and an average of $164 per guest spent on clothing and accessories, it is easy to understand why wedding season can leave some people feeling a bit strapped for cash.
Financial dilemmas aside, many guest are left wondering what, exactly, the proper attire is for each wedding.
With some brides opting for quirky dress codes and other couples choosing not to give any direction at all, it can be a fashion minefield out there.
Local fashion experts have seen it all, and have some tips to make sure your event calendar is all fun and no stress.
Not only is the idea untrue, it’s a bit silly.
Kristin Snyder, owner of Sophie Stargazer boutique in Lancaster, has a background in wardrobe and bridal styling. She advises wedding guests to “buy something you genuinely love. Then you won’t mind wearing it a million times.”
Kaitlin Behmer, owner of TMB in Lancaster, suggests a classic little black dress when you’re looking for something versatile and chic.
“You can get a lot of mileage from it, wearing it for different levels of formality,” Behmer says.
Behmer also believes in the versatility of other solid colors.
Molly Adams, buyer and general manager of Pappagallo in Lancaster, has seen a trend towards “neutral or metallic palettes, nothing real trendy.”
Snyder feels that a simple pattern featuring only two colors can be versatile, depending on your usage of different accessories.
According to Snyder, accessories that are “very simple and delicate” work well at a country club wedding, while a more artistic or bohemian crowd might prefer something bolder, like a chunky necklace.
“You’ll know your friends,” she says about picking the right style. “With different jewelry, people won’t even notice or care that you’re wearing the same dress.”
Bold accessories allow a guest to change up her look at a more minimal cost.
A statement necklace or fun pair of earrings can steal the show, removing focus from an oft-worn dress.
And, if you decided to treat yourself by buying a new outfit for a special event?
“Buy something you can wear other times, to work or out with friends,” Behmer says. “Something you can add to your wardrobe, so it’s not such a splurge.”
“Buy a dress that you’d be OK going on a date in and with your mother seeing you in it,”Snyder advises.
A well-fit dress, one that is flattering to an individual’s body type, is always a fashionable investment.
“Wear something that’s an expression of yourself,” Behmer says. “Whatever fits your personality and fits your body type.”
“Know how to dress for your body,” Snyder agrees. “Be willing to get something tailored. It doesn’t matter if the dress cost $30 or $300, it’s all about the fit.”
Adams also believes that alterations can change up a look when there simply isn’t money in the budget for a brand new outfit.
Perhaps an alteration to shorten a long dress, add straps or remove sleeves is more affordable?
Even the use of a basic skirt with a few different tops is a possibility these days, as weddings decline in strict formality.
“Two pieces are OK as long as the wedding is not black tie,” Behmer explains.
“You can mix and match the same black pencil skirt with five different tops to get to all of your weddings,” Snyder says.
But what about making sense of trendy new wedding dress codes?
When couples looking to host a unique event ask guests to follow a dress code of “Gatsby chic” or even “fabulous” (actual requests featured on wedding blogs), it can be enough to send some less adventurous guests running for the hills.
Let’s say an invitation specifies attire should be “bohemian black tie?”
All three style experts suggested a maxi dress, maybe in silk, according to Snyder, or paired with a jeweled headband, Behmer advises.
How about for a “farmhouse chic” event?
“I’d just wear a party dress, but mixed media — linen with lace,” Adams suggests.
Snyder would choose something, “lacy and vintage inspired,” while Behmer suggests a short or sleeveless dress, perhaps with ruffles to add a bit of whimsy.
What about the moment when, in a fashion panic, you realize that you have absolutely no idea what to wear?
“My advice is always to be overdressed. If you doubt it before leaving the house, you shouldn’t leave,” Adams says. “You’re never going to offend anyone by being overdressed.”
And, when the weather turns cool and leaves begin to change color? Don’t think of packing away that summer dress quite yet.
Snyder says the addition of tights and a cardigan, or well-fit blazer or jacket, will move an outfit into autumn.
Adams suggests a wrap, as well as switching out summer shoes and accessories for something “metallic or darker.”
More important than following any fashion rule?
Guests should wear something they truly love and feel comfortable in.
“Pick something you don’t have to think about,” Snyder says. “You want to have fun at a wedding, not fuss with your dress.”
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