Chloe Montgo from Fashion-era.com
When planning a wedding, a lot of thought and effort goes into what to wear on the big day. And rightly so; this will be the biggest and most important day of your life and it is vital that everyone looks the part.
While your wedding day is undoubtedly the main event, it is important not to ignore style matters when it comes to the journey leading up to it and the adventures that follow. From pre-wedding parties to luxury honeymoon getaways, there are plenty of moments before and after you say ‘I do’ that offer opportunities for fashion, and you need to think about what to pack to achieve the perfect look.
Think about how you want to showcase your style before and after the wedding, for rehearsal dinners and maybe honeymoon cruises. Here are a few tips to help you look and feel your best during your pre-wedding celebrations till the end of your honeymoon.
Pre-Wedding Wardrobe
Outfits for Engagement Photoshoot
Selecting the perfect attire for your engagement photo session can often feel overwhelming. It can be difficult to even know where to begin. Here are several important factors to consider when deciding on your attire for the engagement photos, so read on for some guidance:
- Opt for Light and Neutral Tones, lean towards light, soft, and neutral colors such as whites, beiges, and pastels. These hues contribute to a romantic and timeless aesthetic, ensuring the focus remains on you, the couple. Bright or dark colors can sometimes distract or overpower the photo.
- Complement Each Other's Outfits: Aim for a coordinated look that complements each other. Select colors that harmonize well together within the same tone family to create a cohesive appearance in your photos.
- Match Your Formality Levels: Ensure both of you choose outfits that reflect the same level of formality. This consistency helps the photos look unified and make sense to the viewer, whether you decide on a formal attire for an urban setting or a casual look for the beach.
- Dress for the Weather: Be mindful of the season and weather conditions during your photo session. Dressing appropriately ensures that you remain comfortable, whether it requires bundling up for winter or opting for lighter fabrics in the summer.
- Wear What Feels Comfortable: Choose outfits that you feel confident and comfortable in. This confidence will shine through in your photos, making you look even more beautiful. Remember, your comfort is key to capturing natural and authentic photos.
Remember, these photos are a celebration of your love and commitment to each other. Let your personalities and preferences shine through in your outfit choices, ensuring the photos are a true reflection of your relationship, and you can always change outfits mid-session if you cant decide between looks!
Bridal Shower and Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties
Fashion often takes center stage at bachelorette parties, influencing both the bride's and guests' choices, from matching t-shirts to themed swimwear. Here are my style suggestions for brides: Tradition may lean towards white, but bachelorette parties are a chance to express your unique style with vibrant colors and patterns.
But, it's your event; wear what makes you feel incredible, advocating for outfits that reflect personal taste and the party's theme; Opt for outfits that won't break the bank or your heart if they're accidentally damaged, allocate your budget towards other wedding essentials or experiences that enrich the celebration. Embrace some fun and flirty designs with sequin dresses, sleek jumpsuits, statement mini dresses, and trendy two-piece sets are recommended for their blend of fun and elegance.
Rehearsal Dinner
The rehearsal dinner, serving as the prologue to your wedding celebrations, demands an outfit that's striking, memorable, and distinctly you. Selecting the perfect attire for the rehearsal dinner can seem daunting, especially with the desire not to overshadow the bridal gown. Whether it's a cozy gathering with your nearest and dearest or a lavish welcome party for all guests, the possibilities are endless.
This event not only expresses gratitude to your loved ones but also sets the stage for the wedding's theme and atmosphere. It is again an opportunity for you to showcase your personality and offer a glimpse into the wedding's style.
You can choose to dress from casual to formal, a cotton maxi dress or a light, midi sundress, a breezy jumpsuit can also work wonders, allowing for personal expression through unique patterns and accessories. A Semi-formal dress code is the most common rehearsal dinner dress code and provides brides with a ton of freedom and flexibility.
Fabrics such as silk, chiffon, or lace, along with mini or cocktail dresses, are excellent for making a stylish statement. Non-traditional options like jumpsuits or two-piece sets are equally fitting, enhanced with striking jewelry or clutches. As for a grand affair, consider satin gowns, elegant slip dresses, or full-length pieces. Embellishments like a high slit or open back add allure. Accessorize with bold jewelry to complement the formal setting.
You can select your rehearsal dinner look based on wedding theme or venue style, but also consider fabrics that suit the season and maybe matching with your partner. Yet, remember comfort is key, given the event's activities.
Your Bridal Brunch Outfit
When choosing your outfit for a bridal brunch, go with fun, comfortable, and whatever makes you feel your best self! Simply put, no white ensembles, no outfits with extravagant silhouettes, like ball gowns, and no skin-barring getups.
I personally love wearing flowy dresses or pants to brunch, some people love to wear leggings with wedding related T-shirts.
Honeymoon Looks
On the Beach
Beach weddings call for dresses that blend elegance with ease, capturing the serene and romantic vibe of the seaside. Here are some common themes and elements for beach wedding dresses that align beautifully with the natural, laid-back setting with Lightweight Fabrics: Brides often choose dresses made from light and airy materials like chiffon, tulle, silk, or organza. These fabrics flow beautifully in the breeze and keep the bride comfortable in the beachy climate. Or add a little culture touch with Bohemian Style: Boho-chic dresses are a popular choice for beach weddings, featuring relaxed silhouettes, intricate lace details, and sometimes flutter sleeves or off-the-shoulder designs. They embody a free-spirited vibe that's perfect for a ceremony by the sea.
- Sleek and Simple: Minimalist gowns with clean lines and simple designs can look stunning against the backdrop of the ocean. Sleek silk or satin sheaths that skim the body are both sophisticated and suitable for the sandy setting.
- Shorter Hemlines: While long gowns are traditional, beach weddings are an ideal setting for dresses with shorter hemlines. Tea-length or cocktail-length dresses can be practical for walking on sand and allow for easier movement.
- Illusion Details: Dresses with illusion necklines, backs, or sleeves add a touch of allure without being too heavy or hot for the beach environment. These details can include lace, beading, or delicate fabric overlays.
- Flowing Silhouettes: A-line or empire waist dresses that flow freely from the bust or waist are flattering and comfortable. These silhouettes catch the wind beautifully and suit the informal beach setting.
- Subtle Shimmer: Dresses with a hint of sparkle or metallic thread can catch the sunlight in a magical way, adding a glamorous touch to a beach ceremony without being over-the-top.
- Backless or Low Back Designs: Backless gowns or those with daring low backs are both sexy and suitable for the beach, allowing the bride to stay cool while also making a fashion statement.
- Casual Elegance: High-low dresses or ones with asymmetrical details can offer a casual yet elegant look, perfect for a bride wanting to enjoy the beach without worrying about her dress getting sandy.
- Sun-protective Elements: For brides concerned about sun exposure during the ceremony, dresses with light cap sleeves, detachable shawls, or even a stylish sun hat can provide protection while complementing the beach wedding aesthetic.
Choosing a beach wedding dress often means balancing personal style with the practicalities of the location. The best dress will make the bride feel beautiful, comfortable, and in harmony with the natural beauty of the seaside setting.
City Escape
If your romantic getaway will take a more cultural form, you will want to embrace elegant, sophisticated looks that blend urban chic with comfort. You need to look stylish day and night, while also packing enough sensible shoes and comfortable clothing to ensure you can spend the day sightseeing with no ill effects.
Honeymoon Cruise
Dressing for a honeymoon cruise as a bride offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase a range of styles, from casual and comfortable during the day to elegant and romantic in the evenings. For daytime attire, you can opt for breezy, comfortable outfits like maxi dresses, flowy skirts, and lightweight blouses or swimwear with cover-up, sun hat, and sunglasses. These pieces are perfect for exploring the ship or relaxing on deck.
However, always remember on a cruise it might get chilly at night, so layering up, bring a cardigan, shawl, or a blazer to keep you warm. Include flip-flops for the pool but also sneakers or sandals for exploring, and dress shoes for evenings. Last but not least, use accessories to change up your looks without overpacking.
When packing for your honeymoon cruise, focus on items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits, saving space in your luggage while still offering plenty of options. Remember, the key is to feel comfortable and confident, allowing you to fully enjoy this special time with your partner against the beautiful backdrop of the sea.
Adventure Destination
If your post-wedding trip is going to have you climbing mountains or trekking through jungles, your priority will be comfortable clothes and functional gear.
Practical, durable styles that can withstand the elements and will help you survive a few days of adventurous excursion are vital, alongside accessories like sunhats and shades to keep the elements off! Brands like Northface, Patagonia, Outdoor Research, etc offers good quality and colorful outfits.
No matter what you have planned for your pre- and post-wedding festivities, it is important to remember that you will need to look the part both before and after the wedding as well. Striking a balance between comfort and style is the key, and remember that confidence is the ultimate accessory!
Styling Tips for Brides Concludes
While it can be hard to navigate the styling for all the bridal events, yet, all your wedding event outfits should make you feel confident and comfortable, setting the tone for a memorable wedding weekend. We have covered many styling tips here. Hopefully, some of the tips mentioned here can help you prepare and pack your wedding events better.