The Difference Between Summer and Fall Weddings
Wedding guest dresses for fall bring their own seasonal nuances that should be considered when planning what to wear. We’ve compiled a checklist of guidelines to consider below.
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Think about the pattern & fabric: Swap summer florals for winter-esque florals. Trade bright blossoms, tropical jungle and hibiscus designs for pieces reminiscent of dutch still life paintings; delicate florals and berry blossoms resting on a deep, dark background.
Introduce velvet, corduroy, netting, lace and embellished pieces like embroidery, appliqué, sequin, or beading. Broaden your scope to rich fall/winter colors like burgundy, plum and deep green.
Identify the Date, Location & Forecast
Fall brings transitional temperatures, so it’s important to take note of how early or late in the season your event is taking place. You may not be able to predict the exact weather right away, but you can get a good enough idea of what to expect by looking up month-by-month predictions available on reputable weather websites like https://weather.com/.
These monthly predictions are based off of historical data, and can serve as a general guideline for determining fabrics, layers and outerwear. Always double-check the forecast closer to the date in order to prepare for unexpected hot/cold fronts or rain. (If you’re traveling to or around California, this will also help you check for potential wildfires.)
Identify the Time of Day and Vibe
What time of day is your event taking place?
Day weddings typically range from casual to semi-formal, with guests utilizing a wider range of texture, easier silhouettes, varied dress lengths and lighter/brighter colors.
Evening weddings imply a formal bend, with allowance for darker suits, glitzy jewelry, deeper colorways, dramatic silhouettes and longer dress lengths.
What is the “vibe”? (Note the venue, the invitation & the couple.)
Does the invitation state a certain dress code, or provide a color theme?
Prioritize the couple’s request and incorporate this into your outfit where possible.
Look up the venue in advance. Is it at a restaurant or business?
Look at the venue’s social media to see pictures of the event space.
What do you know about the couple?
Are they creatives? Is their family traditional or conservative? Identify the couple’s style and make note of the expected crowd. This can help you make informed decisions about your outfit such as wearing artistic, wild patterns or opting against a plunging neckline.
Think About the Details (Shoes, Accessories, The Outer Layer)
Is the event indoor or outdoor?
Depending on the time of day and event space, this is a massive determining factor for if you’ll need to bring an outer later, and how thick it should be. Do not let your outerwear be an afterthought! Nothing ruins an outfit like a mismatched jacket thrown on top. Opt for a great tuxedo blazer, elegant duster coat, embellished crop cardigan, matching shawl, wrap or silk scarf.
Are you going to be on grass?
Don’t let your heels sink into the ground. Pull a Carrie Bradshaw and bring a cute pair of flats in your bag or car to change between accordingly.
Are you staying at an on-site hotel, or driving?
If you can, store extra shoes and layers in your car or have them at-the-ready to grab from your room. Having that designated space to change your shoes and access a coat if needed is ideal.
Make a list before shopping for your outfit!
Wedding weekends can get really expensive, even as a guest. Start slotting what you already own in your wardrobe, and THEN shop for the holes! It’s easy to forget what kinds of jewelry, shoes, dresses and outer layers you may already have.
How to Dress For a City Wedding
Urban weddings are great for chic, dramatic looks with saturated colors, definitive silhouettes and great heels. Go for bold, sexy and glamorous whether the dress code is black tie or cocktail!
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How to Dress for a Mountain or Forest Wedding
Florals, botanical greens, flowy dresses and soft whimsical details are emblematic of Mountain/Forest Weddings! Pay special attention to terrain and consider your shoes accordingly. Remember that temperature decreases with altitude, so prepare an outer layer to have on-hand.
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The All-Purpose Dress:
Outfit ideas for weddings and surrounding events that feel intimate and low-key. This look can camouflage between pre-wedding weekend events, rehearsal dinners, and semi-casual church, country or garden weddings.
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