Hiiiii! Today is #WeddingWednesday and today I am talking about shower attire for the bride to be and guests. With Spring basically here and Summer just around the corner, there are so many gorgeous white tops, jumpsuits, and dresses available. I’ll be talking a little bit about wearing white for wedding events and rounding up some of my favorites for all occasions. Plus, I’m sharing what to wear to a bridal shower.
First, let’s talk about my outfit. This dress is a classic white lace in a sheath style that I absolutely loved from the moment I put it on. I chose classic white accessories and a neutral lip. I think this look with be beautiful with hair pinned back as well to really show off all of the lace! You could dress it down with a denim jacket over it and a wedge sandal instead of this heel, also.
shop the look:
If you’re anything like me, you’ve known that white at wedding events is traditionally off limits unless specifically requested by the bride. The bride wearing white at wedding events is a fun way for her to stand out and feel special. I’ve been to and been in a lot of weddings, so when Spring and Summer rolls around I’ve often found myself limiting the number of white clothing items I bought in the past because I needed to be strategic about when I wore them. I was saving all of my white for events outside of wedding showers, engagement parties, bachelorette weekends, and weddings.
Personally, I think white should definitely be avoided at the rehearsal dinner and wedding. If you wear it to a shower or to a bachelorette, I’d just make sure it’s not a full white ensemble. If you’re wearing a white top and jean shorts out for lunch on a bachelorette party, I think that’s perfectly fine. As long as it doesn’t seem like you’re intentionally trying to take away from the bride, it’s all good. That’s just my opinion, though. When in doubt– check with the bride or someone close to her, or just choose another color!
We have a shower/party coming up in a few weeks, so I’ve been on the hunt for shower attire. I’ll do a round up of my favorite options for a bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, and more for the bride-to-be and guests, but for now, let’s talk what to wear to bridal showers, because that’s been on my mind and is something with which people often need a little help.
Whether you are the bride-to-be or a guest, the first thing you need to do is check if there is a listed attire on the invitation. If there is, follow it. If it is a themed party, adhere to the theme. If there is not one listed, consider the time of day and location. Showers are more casual than a rehearsal dinner or a wedding, so don’t think you need a cocktail dress unless the invite specifies. I am a big fan of heels, so I often opt for a wedge during the day and a heel or dressier wedge at night depending upon the location. You don’t HAVE to wear a heel, but if you do wear a flat sandal, I’d recommend wearing a dressy one. My mindset is that I’d always prefer to be over-dressed than under-dressed. I love dresses for showers, but you could also do a nicer skirt and top. I tend to stay away from shorts or pants unless they are a jumpsuit or a dressy romper
for the bride to be:
When it comes to a bridal shower, I think the best bet for the bride is looking polished, yet being comfortable. You don’t want to be in a dress you have to fidget with all day or night and you don’t want to wind up unable to stand because your feet hurt. Because showers often include family or family friends, I say always go on the conservative side. Leave the bold cutouts or the midriffs for the bachelorette weekend! Also, why not wear white? Whether it’d admitted or not, I sort of think it’s expected to see the bride in white. I’m all about being non-traditonal, but at a shower thrown by older, more traditional generations, I’ll aim to please and stick to white.
Dresses for the bride to be
Accessories for the bride to be
for the guest:
For guests, my recommendation is to avoid white. It’s a nice, subtle way to let the bride shine, so just let her have her moment. Also, if it’s a daytime shower, try to avoid black. We’ve all been in a pinch and have our tride and true black dresses to fall back on, but if you have to wear black, try to go for a black dress with embroidered flowers or other colored details. Black is often a darker color or associated with mourning and while it is definitely one of my go-to colors, I think it is best saved for other events, like the bachelorette party or even a rehearsal dinner. I think the best bet is to keep it light (especially for Spring and Summer showers) and on the conservative side.
dresses for the guest
accessories for the guest
SHOP THE LOOK:
Hopefully this helps you for planning the inevitable Spring or Summer bridal shower, whether you’re attending as a guest or the bride to be. If you ever need ideas for white clothing, whether you just love it or because you’re a soon-to-be-bride, be sure to check beck often to my Bride to Be page under my SHOP category. I update it a few times a week as I am looking through all my favorite sites for white clothing and it has clothing for everything from casual to dressy and includes both clothes and accessories. XO
Photos by Vanessa from The Retro Penguin
Absolutely FABULOUSLY HAUTE ! This dress rocks ! It would pass as a NOW wedding dress… adorable