August is here, and with it comes the final onslaught of summer weddings. (I’m headed to one on the 21st!) If you find yourself dressing for a wedding as well, here are some “classy girl guidelines” for bash-appropriate behavior on the big day.
DO consider the setting when getting dressed. Sure, a U.K.-made fascinator with a price tag of 1,000 dollars was appropriate for The Royal Wedding, but your choices should probably stay a little closer to home. Consider the location of the wedding when choosing your outfit; what you should wear to an indoor reception at the Plaza is quite different than what you should wear to an outdoor country-themed wedding. Wear something classy, simple and occasion appropriate.
DON’T ignore the wishes of the bride and groom. Even if you’re the girl who’s been daydreaming about her wedding since the womb, today is not about you. It is about the couple and their celebration, and if they have opinions about dress/colors/anything, that should be taken into account.
DO think about comfort. You should absolutely look nice, but you don’t want to be in a dress that’s too tight to breathe in or heels that will keep you seated for most of the night. If you are, how are you going to dance all night with the groom’s cute cousin? Thought so.
DON’T be afraid to branch out. While you should avoid intruding on other’s special moments, don’t be afraid to meet new people and introduce yourself to guests from the other side of the family. A great wedding guest is gracious to the couple and charms the pants off everyone.
DO have fun. Even if you’re stuck in a bad bridesmaid dress or seated next to a screaming three year old, be your positive self. Between dancing, mingling and the (hopefully) open bar, weddings are usually a pretty fun event. Smile and enjoy yourself. Plus, someday these people will probably have to schlep to your wedding. And yes, then you can make them wear whatever you want.
