HOW TO WEAR WHITE TO A WEDDING WHEN YOU’RE A GUEST!

Not wearing white to a wedding is one of the most well known rules in wedding guest etiquette … and I broke it!

Okay, I may be exaggerating a little bit. I’m not THAT much of a rebel, and I’m not insane either! This was a clearly stated dress code. Whilst it’s far from my personal choice (matching with the Bride seems a little dangerous), I honoured it anyway. I initially wanted to sew something, but my plans changed when I realised I didn’t have enough time. When I create something, I want it to be super intricate and detailed – not rushed and falling apart when I sit in it! So I plopped myself in front of my laptop and started searching. A LOT of the dresses I saw (talking to you ASOS) screamed Summer and Spring vibes. They all had floral prints all over or was made in a broderie style. Lots were maxi and graceful, and although I loved them, they didn’t give me a wedding/ party vibe. I mean come on, it’s November! Festive party season is here! I don’t want to look like I’m running through a field of sunflowers, I want to feel glammy and fancy.

When looking I was overly aware of the type of event I was attending – there was no way I wanted to accidentally purchase a wedding dress (you’d be surprised of just how easy it is to make this mistake) , so I knew to look for something a bit short and playful. Then, I finally laid my eyes on this pretty little number …

I won’t tell a lie, when I first saw it I scrolled straight past it without thinking twice. But then I scrolled back up and couldn’t stop looking at it. The words that screamed out at me were tacky, prom, early 2010s Disney Channel vibes. I wouldn’t be surprised if a replica of this dress was being styled with a jeans jacket, leg warmers and sneakers for a character on Shake It Up. Anyway, I thought it was very charming and felt like being a little more daring; setting myself a bit of a styling challenge. The safe option would have been a plain ol’ good quality bodycon dress with sky high heels and dressy jewels, but in case you haven’t noticed, we don’t go for the safe option on this site!

I am more of a silver girl, but my permanent necklaces are gold (I know, it doesn’t make much sense). Instead of forcing the whole silver and white palette, I went for gold, and I am so glad I did! It was such a lovely contrast from the freezing cold to dress in warm vibrant tones. Also, I went for a bronze copperish scarf to accentuate and enhance the bag and jewels I had on.

When wearing white to a wedding, I think it is a good idea to introduce a second colour to the scheme. This allows you – the guest – not to be too blinding and play it down a little, allowing all the attention on the new couple. You wouldn’t really want to rock up like ‘hey look at me’ as if you’re a Mr Meeseek (but if your style is go big or go home, then totally go for it!). A contrasting colour like gold, a touch of black or a calming sweet blue can make you look very elegant still, and not too blanche. If you’re a little more daring, opt for an eye-catching vivid pink or orange to really get fun with it. A family member I attended with did this, and it just worked so well! You can introduce this feature colour through your shoes and bag, or even via a little shawl like I did. Another fun way would to be with the nails. Recently I’ve been doing my nails more, having fun with nail shapes and lengths. It seems small, but nails can totally bring that extra pizzaz to the whole look (an article entirely devoted to nail art and ideas is most definitely on the horizon).

It also goes without saying that makeup is one of the best and easiest ways to incorporate colour (and more textures) to an overall look. Thanks to my beloved ABH Norvina Palette (cannot live without her), I used three shimmery goldish shadows to enhance the gold in the look. I also went a *tad bit * crazier with the highlight – wanted to look a bit like a glazed donut x

I don’t know how many more weddings I’ll attend wearing white. My guess is that it’s not very many considering how rare it is. Although I personally wouldn’t for my wedding, I totally get the vibes. Wearing white is such an elegant and beautiful thing, and a sea of this at a wedding makes it truly feel like you’re on Cloud 9 when you’re marrying the love of your life. If you ever find yourself being invited to an all white wedding, don’t freak out and think it’s the most bizarre thing ever! Instead see it as an exciting rarity, and keep my simple yet effective tips in mind!

I hope you enjoyed reading this post! I really enjoyed piecing this look together and can’t wait to share more in the coming future!