Your ultimate fashion guide to attending a wedding as a guest

In as much as you’d want to look stylish to a wedding, the belle of the ball is the bride and nothing must be done to distract anyone’s attention from her. Looking dull and glum for the wedding is also unadvisable because weddings are technically a party and people don’t want sad people at their parties unless the groom or bride was the ex that broke your heart. It’s really a thin line between the two but this wedding guest guide will help you sail through all your wedding appearances with ease.

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1.      Don’t wear white to a wedding

Traditionally, it’s wrong to wear white to a wedding but nowadays some weddings are flexible with this.  Wedding invitations may specify that guest should wear white to the occasion but generally don’t white to the pre-wedding, engagement party, bachelorette or the rehearsal dinner.  Just leave the white for the bride, it’s her day.

2.      Dress respectfully to the church

If the wedding is to be held in church learn to limit your outfit choices to a modest and appropriate outlook. Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs. If you’re a woman, try to cover your cleavage as well, let’s show girls at the reception party.

3.      Wear color appropriate outfits

Another tip you need to keep in mind is the issue of color. Certain wedding invitation comes with the color schemes you can wear. If you receive an invitation like this then dress according to the stipulated color. Also, try do not wear outfits like coral, purple, blue or green, usually that is the outfit of the bridesmaids and makes you look like one.

4.      Wear black but with style

In the past wearing black to a wedding was seen as taboo because of the omen and bad luck attached to the color. The ‘LBD’ also known as the little black dress is a class act you can wear to the evening reception or the dinner party.

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Rule number four: It's better to be overdressed than underdressed. If an invite says "black tie optional," err on the side of caution and wear a long dress or dark suit or tux. Like your mom always said, it's better to be safe than sorry.

5.       Overdress

They say it’s better to be fashionable late than to arrive early and look sorry. It’s best if you overdress than underdress. Accessorize your outfit to make it pop some more. A flower lapel pin, a brooch, stunning earrings or hairpin. It’s your choice. Don’t wear jeans or shorts, flip flops, sneakers or a tank top even if it’s a summer beach wedding.

6.      Don’t wear loud make-up

No one is a fan of your loud make-up on a daily basis so don’t make it worse on someone’s wedding date. As said earlier, the wedding is not about you so try to put off attention from you.  Beauty experts advice that you do less contouring, less glitter, eye extensions and more non-tour for a wedding.

7.      African prints and lace are your best friend

This applies to both men and women especially if you’re African. Wax prints are imbibed in our culture and rainbows of colours as well as motifs are available to you. Men can wear wax shirts with a black trouser or a caftan with matching trousers or Agbada. Lace outfits are the latest cool and there’s so much with the fabric. Don’t forget to match it with your stunning head wraps as well.

8.      Wear a tux

Look sophisticated and on point in a slim-fit tuxedo probably in charcoal black and you couldn’t be matching with your future wife after the wedding. A black tux is a timeless piece that can be worn on countless occasions. Nothing is more handsome than a man in a fitted white tuxedo jacket, so invest in one. If the wedding is a bit fancier than usual, wear a silk bow tie and a cummerbund to look extra dashing. Of late, men love to wear colourful suits, if it’s your thing then indulge in the trend

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9.      Cocktail and floral dresses are perfect

Don't feel pressured to buy a new dress for a friend’s wedding. You own a cocktail dress in your closet by all means, and accessorize. It’ll work perfect and you’ll look like you’re attending red carpet whiles turning heads all over. Floral dresses are also a great choice if you’re attending a wedding.

 10.  Wear a bright smile and your confidence on your sleeve.

The key to pulling any great look is confidence and swag. You don’t need to panic; it’s a wedding and not a job interview. The above tips should help you meander your way through the event fashion-wise. Wear a bright smile even when you’re nervous, it’s a great confidence booster.