There’s nothing more nerve-wrecking than being invited as a guest to a wedding at the last minute and having nothing to wear. Perhaps you’re accompanying a good friend who’s roped you into joining them, and have to think up a glam outfit in a matter of days. The problem is that full new outfits can be very expensive, and you also don’t want to be caught out in the same standard wedding outfit for the whole year in all your tagged photos! Here are just a few tips on shopping for wedding gear beforehand to save you the mad panic.
1. The Perfect Pair Of Heels
Weddings can be torturous on the feet, with all that standing up and mingling, not to mention the dancing you’ll be doing at the reception! Block heels are totally in fashion and are just about perfect for wedding events! Firstly they carry your body weight on a larger surface area so they’re comfortable, and they won’t pierce into the ground if the party is being held on a lawn surface like stilettos do! Fancier wedges also have the same effect, so look out for sparkly versions too!
2. Posh Pashmina
Church weddings will require that you cover your shoulders through the marriage service, so don’t be caught out without a light shawl, cropped cardi or glittery pashmina. Check out the accessories departments of high street stores for these shawls which are usually very inexpensive, and keep an assortment in a special drawer for special occasions to wrap round your shoulders. They also double up as warming shawls for when it gets chillier later on!
3. Cute Clutches
You won’t need to carry your normal daily handbag haul to a wedding, but a little extra roominess in a clutch-bag never goes amiss, as tiny structured clutches are rarely big enough for more than a phone and set of keys! So it’s always nice to have that extra size, especially if you’re going with a partner with no room to keep his or her possessions! Sparkly sequins or diamante clutches are really neutral and go with any dress or manicure colour!
4. Faithful Florals
A trusty floral wedding-guest’s dress will never let you down for a day wedding. If you happen to see one when you’re out shopping that you just love and fits like a glove then buy it, you will not be let down! Wearing florals is uplifting and a joyous toast to the newlyweds, and does most of the talking so the rest of your outfit can be kept minimal. Pair your dress with a chic small fascinator or retro inspired hair-do to complete the look. You can bring out this outfit year after year by just changing up the accessories! Fab.
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5. Bodycon Basics
One of the most panic-inducing things whilst getting ready is realising that you haven’t got the right bra to go with your wedding outfit! Invest in a lovely nude strapless bra next time you see one you like, and don’t forget about shape wear, which can flatten any wobbly bits for a smoother surface under your dress. If you’re attending a Spring wedding and you haven’t yet seen the sun this year, you might want to fake tan before you bare your pasty legs! Make sure you moisturise before to avoid any darker patches and apply at least two days in advance to let the colour fade into a natural glow.
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6. Standout Jewellery
Look like a goddess with a tousled up-do and drop-down earrings. Crystals and semi-precious stones are definitely having a moment, so keep an eye out for pairs that take your fancy. Shades of rose and gold are classically beautiful and perfect for framing the face, and turquoise and amethyst rings give a boho-chic vibe. Look out for Grecian style gold cuff-style bracelets which will have you carrying your clutch bag like a princess. It’s always nice to dress up for a wedding, and the perfect occasion for showing off your girly side!
View this post on InstagramRose Quartz Love Goddess earrings…. Mmmmmm.
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7. Hair Accessories
Oversized hats and tropical bird-like fascinators aren’t the only wedding hair options you know! Accessory shops stock all sorts of beautiful headbands if you look out for them, and more and more jewellery designers are jumping on the hair accessory bandwagon, and we can see why! With headbands inspired by anything from Egyptian Goddesses to Indian Brides, hair accessories can be easily worked into your hairdo. Keep the rest of your look simple with a block colour dress, and go for dewy cheeks and natural makeup to complete the look.
View this post on InstagramThe 'Athena' headpiece hand gilded in 24ct gold leaf
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