Evening dresses for weddings, popular styles, color palette, length

Dressing in a beautiful dress on the occasion of a wedding is necessary not only for the newlywed, but also for any representative of the fair sex, be it the mother of the bride or groom, an honorary witness, or simply a guest of the celebration. An evening look should be thoughtful and restrained in terms of decor. A pompous, pretentious outfit will look ridiculous and attract undue attention, distracting the eyes of ceremony guests from the newlyweds themselves. Experts say that evening dresses for a wedding should be feminine, elegant, and most importantly, appropriate and suitable for the specifics of the celebration. In addition, when looking for an outfit, it is important to take into account your body shape, seasonality, color scheme and location of the event, since a model that is appropriate for a beach party will look ridiculous at a Gatsby-style wedding. General trends in world fashion and rules for choosing an evening dress for a wedding will be discussed in the article.

General selection rules

Wedding and evening dresses are selected taking into account the type of figure, correctly combining it with shoes, accessories and other elements of the image. A successful style will help hide problem areas, the harmonious interweaving of details will make the image elegant and memorable. Which dresses are suitable for a certain figure:

Apple. The type is distinguished by a prominent tummy, the waist is invisible, the width of the shoulders and hips is the same. The lower body is slender, so a mid-length outfit that shows off your legs is ideal. It is recommended to give preference to dresses with a neckline. The cut should follow the silhouette of the figure, but you should not choose stretchy or tight fabrics, they will only emphasize the roundness of the abdomen. To divert attention from the problem area, use dark inserts on the sides, play on the contrast of colors of the upper and lower parts, vertical patterns, and draperies. Lace, linen, and chiffon models are suitable for women with this type of figure. An excellent option is a sheath dress with open arms, made of a plain material with contrasting inserts, as well as a-line models with a flared hem.
Pear. The shoulders and chest are narrow, the hips are full and wide, the waist is clearly visible. To even out the proportions of the body, it is recommended to give preference to a straight cut or fitted models with a slightly flared skirt, or a mermaid style. The top of the outfit should visually balance out narrow shoulders. The maximum effect is provided by collars, dropped shoulders (a flared mid-length skirt looks great with this option), flounces along the chest line, a bolero or a boa. You should avoid a low waist, patch pockets at hip level, a narrowed hem, and a dark top.
Triangle. This is the same pear, only in reverse: the hips are narrow, the legs are slender, and the shoulders are wide. Dresses with flared skirts are suitable. Basque, pleats, pleats, bows and ruffles at the hem are appropriate. In this case, the shoulders need to be hidden; this can be done using a V-neck, asymmetrical neckline, American armhole, sweetheart neckline or bustier. Patch pockets, collars, falling sleeves and ruffles at the top of the outfit should be avoided.
Rectangle. A figure without a clear waist - it is recommended to specifically “draw” it using a translucent insert or a contrasting transition. A-line and semi-fitting silhouettes are suitable. Dresses with a corset will highlight imperfections. Models with a low waistline, flounces, a yoke, frills on the hips, as well as a balloon style look good on this figure. The shoulders should be visually expanded with puffed sleeves, a collar, bright trim or shoulder pads.
Hourglass. Wide chest and hips, narrow waist. This figure does not need correction. You can choose a model of any cut, including one that follows the curves of the body. The waist is further emphasized with a belt. You should avoid hoodie dresses; they will hide the grace of the lines.

When choosing accessories, the stylists' recommendations are as follows:

You can complement the look with earrings, necklaces, bracelets, a handbag or clutch. But there should not be more than three accessories and decorations.
Jewelry should be selected in one style direction.
An outfit with long sleeves will be harmoniously decorated with beads or massive drop earrings.
You should pair bracelets or watches with a bustier dress and a short-sleeved model.

Shoes must be high-heeled, regardless of style. If the outfit has a flared skirt, strappy shoes will look harmonious. The pleated hem is matched with sandals. The handbag can be in the form of a clutch, on a strap or chain. Bulk models are not suitable; you should opt for a medium or small sized accessory.

It is important to consider that miniature handbags emphasize the plumpness of a girl.

Wedding dresses for plus-size guests

Nowadays , there are many stunning plus-size dresses for curvy ladies. If you can't find a dress that shows off your curves, try highlighting them instead of hiding them. To do this, consider an empire line dress. At the end of the day, the key to the perfect outfit is how the dress fits on you.

Color palette

The color of the outfit is also extremely important when choosing. An all-white evening dress cannot be worn to a wedding, since this color is intended exclusively for the bride’s outfit. Black is associated with mourning, so it is also not recommended for guests. As a last resort, by agreement with the bride, such evening dresses are acceptable for a wedding celebration if the event is planned for the evening. A popular option are combined models with black inserts.

In general, choosing clothes in dark colors, such as brown or blue, is not recommended for a wedding. Dresses made in pastel colors, beige, and silver are best suited for this event. Delicate shades of lavender, peach, and pink will help create a romantic look. Champagne-colored outfits with complex textured trim would be appropriate; they look expensive and luxurious.

A dress for a wedding celebration in a bright, rich color, including red, can be worn by a witness, because she must stand out from the crowd of guests. Bridesmaids can wear exactly the same outfits or clothes of the same color, but different cuts.

The shade of the dress is chosen in accordance with the female color type; the color of the accessories should not exactly match the outfit.

Basic recommendations apply to a classic wedding celebration. If the bride and groom have established a separate dress code or plan to celebrate the wedding in a certain style, you need to start from these conditions. If there is a party in the style of dudes, bright outfits can be worn by all representatives of the fair sex. When the celebration takes place in the Gothic style, the main colors will be “forbidden” black, dark blue, and red.

Winter Bride: Matching Headpieces for a Winter Wedding

For a winter photo shoot, in addition to a warm wedding dress and shoes, it is extremely important to choose a headdress. It must certainly be warm and complement the bride’s winter look, matching it in color and style.

Here are the most common headwear options for a winter wedding:

Fur hat. Both natural and artificial fur can be used. A very feminine look is achieved with loose hair.

Hood. Preferably spacious so as not to spoil your hairstyle

Warm headphones. With them, the image of a winter bride becomes more sweet and interesting. In addition, in addition to the usual white color, you can choose a brighter, contrasting component of the image. The main thing is that it matches the style of the wedding dress

Beret or knitted cap. A traditional accessory that can easily be borrowed from your everyday wardrobe

Headscarf. Cute, feminine and so Russian!

Length

The length of an evening dress for a wedding can be almost any, taking into account the fact that after the formal part there is usually a banquet, which is complemented by dancing and active competitions. The choice largely depends on the format of the wedding; in some cases, evening dresses with a train are also appropriate, but you should definitely avoid ultra-short dresses that look too revealing and provocative and can cause disapproval from guests and newlyweds.

The most advantageous options are mid-length cocktail dresses. Retro models with a fluffy knee-length skirt, as well as Gatsby-style outfits, are especially popular this season. Floor-length evening dresses are suitable for girls who want to appear slimmer. Long dresses with a high waistline especially transform the figure; they are suitable for ladies with short legs, relative to their height.

A Hollywood-style look looks glamorous and luxurious, and besides, wearing a long evening dress to a wedding will help you hide full calves, varicose veins and other imperfections in your appearance.

Short dresses above the knee are suitable for slender girls with beautiful legs. If you are short, you need a high heel. Models with a full skirt, as well as in baby-dollar style, look advantageous. Successful short models include sheath-type dresses, which add femininity to the image and visually make the figure slimmer.

Classification by color

There are several main color types of appearance according to the seasons: winter, spring, summer, autumn. Girls belonging to the winter color type have light, porcelain skin, dark hair, and can have both light and dark eye shades. “Winter” should pay attention to cool colors: pure red, ruby, wine, scarlet, dark purple, aqua, neon yellow. The ideal option is an emerald dress for a wedding guest. You should avoid warm shades, these include: carrot, rose and yellow gold, terracotta, the whole range of brown and pastel. It’s definitely worth giving up all shades of orange without exception, they will give your image a sickly, tired look.

Representatives of “autumn” have bronze skin, copper-colored hair, from golden to bright red, and warm eye shades. The colors of the red group, as well as honey, lime, terracotta, champagne, peach, and rich orange, are suitable for this type of appearance.

Representatives of “summer” have a natural skin tone with a pink undertone, hair is ashen, and often light brown. In most cases, these are the owners of gray, gray-blue, green eyes. Dark brown and brown eye colors are extremely rare. The most suitable range is cold. Soft, slightly muted tones look good. Taboo on yellow-green, coral shades.

Distinctive features of “spring” girls are light skin and eyes. Natural hair color is warm: blond and light brown. When choosing an outfit, light shades of red, orange and pink, sea green, and blue sky are suitable. It is also worth paying attention to powdery, olive, lilac, beige, cream, and ivory. Lilac dresses for wedding guests will look elegant and at the same time not provocative.

All “forbidden” colors are such only when they are located near the face; if they are found in the lower parts of the outfit, they do not play an important role. They can also be used when choosing shoes, belt, bag.

Spring Winter

Summer autumn

Material

The style of the look and how comfortable it will be to spend the whole day in it depend on the type of fabric and its texture. Popular options:

Chiffon. Emphasizes the femininity of the guest, suitable for romantic girls (organza creates a similar effect). It absorbs moisture well and drapes well.
Silk. It looks very expensive; it is used to create elegant dresses for women for weddings with flowing folds and tails. Thanks to good breathability, it cools the skin.
Crepe satin and satin. They look solemn and noble, have a matte shine, and drape beautifully.
Velvet. Beautiful, does not electrify, suitable for both young girls and older ladies.
Brocade. It doesn’t wrinkle, looks festive, and keeps its shape perfectly.

Interesting combinations of different materials, allowing you to create a complex image. These can be fabrics of the same or different density, the same shade or different in saturation and range of colors. In any case, the combination should be harmonious.

Satin Velvet Brocade Combined

Crepe Satin Silk Chiffon

Country wedding dresses for guests

Country weddings are usually held in a barn, farm or vineyard and have a rural theme to match. To choose an outfit for such a wedding, make sure it is calm but interesting. To do this, change your usual tight dress for something flowy. You can also take inspiration from the countryside with floral themes, soft tones and lace.

Popular styles

The choice is made taking into account age, build and the role that the beautiful lady will play at the wedding. An evening dress for a friends wedding suggests more freedom than the outfit of the mothers of the newlyweds and the bridesmaid. But other guests should not forget about the features of the figure.

For mothers of newlyweds

The appearance of the parents of the bride and groom requires special attention. Recommended options:

Tight-fitting dress with a slight neckline. It should be tailored to your figure, but tight-fitting models are not suitable, as they will highlight flaws in your appearance.
In Greek style. It is considered more suitable for young girls, but even at the age of “over 40” there is absolutely no need to abandon it. The style will help hide extra pounds on the waist and hips and visually make you taller.
A-silhouette. It looks feminine and elegant, suitable for women of any size.
Straight dress. Will not focus attention on the waistline. A round neckline will follow the curve of the jewelry on your neck. You can add a festive touch with a chiffon or lace cape.
Case. It looks a little businesslike, but the model is quite appropriate. Festive sheath dresses are made of textured fabrics with inserts of lace, velvet, and decorated with rhinestones.

Mature women are not recommended to wear dresses with a short hem; its length should be at or below the knee. You cannot skimp on a dress: it must be made of high-quality fabrics and fit your figure; preference should be given to a laconic cut without unnecessary details.

For pregnant

Evening dresses for pregnant women are full-fledged outfits, and not baggy clothes that spoil the image more than decorate it. Stylists advise expectant mothers to choose several styles that will not only highlight the beauty of their changed figure, but will also delight them with convenience:

The floor-length model with a high waistline or in the Greek style is one of the most popular. All attention is directed to the richly decorated bodice, while the belly is hidden by numerous folds of flowing fabric.
Straight with a low waistline - relevant for a short period of pregnancy. At the waist, the dress is loose enough so as not to restrict movement and not draw attention to an interesting position.
The hoodie looks great despite its simple cut. Models of evening dresses for weddings made of silk or chiffon with a floral print are best suited.

Evening dresses for girls for weddings in a classic style, which are dresses with a tight-fitting top, will have to be excluded.

For obese women

Curvy ladies should take into account the features of their figure, because the style you like can emphasize flaws. Photos of evening dresses for a wedding will help you decide on the cut. General selection rules:

Outfits made from stretch fabrics are absolutely not suitable for overweight girls and women - they emphasize every fold and create flaws even where there were none. You should not wear such a dress if you do not want to make people laugh behind your back.
Silk and chiffon models that fit the cut are ideal for those who are plump. Imperfections in appearance will not be noticeable behind the flowing folds.
Light shades, as well as too bright ones, increase volume, so preference should be given to darker, muted tones. Stylists recommend dresses in purple, red, green and blue colors.
The large print also emphasizes fullness. The best option is a small floral pattern or a plain dress with dark inserts on the sides.
If all the extra pounds have accumulated in the lower part of the body, you should divert attention from it with the help of a deep neckline or bright trim on the chest.
It is recommended to hide the fullness of the arms under wide sleeves made of translucent fabric, which look especially advantageous on stately ladies.

If you are overweight, it is important to choose the right jewelry – not massive, but not too fragile. Shoes must have high, stable heels. A thin stiletto heel that will emphasize a heavy figure is taboo.

For the bridesmaid

The witness is almost always next to the newlywed and is equally captured by the camera lens. An evening dress for a bridesmaid should highlight all the advantages of her figure. The following styles are suitable:

Maxi with bustier is a classic evening dress. Stylists advise choosing an outfit in a pastel color, which will emphasize the tenderness and romance of the image.
With a strap on one shoulder - recommended for those with a wide top. You can attach a fabric flower or bow to this element. With this cut of the top, a fluffy hem and a wide belt at the waist look great.
With an American armhole - the advantage of this model is a chaste look at the front and an open back at the back. The outfit looks elegant both in a tight-fitting version and with a full skirt. Looks sexy, but not vulgar.

A transformable dress is the best choice: at the registry office it’s a full-fledged evening outfit, and in the evening it’s a comfortable cocktail dress.

Floral Wedding Guest Dresses

Capture the sun's rays and impress everyone in a floral dress. This type of dress is best suited for weddings taking place during the warmer months. Floral dresses come in a variety of styles, and whichever one you choose, you're sure to impress. They're soft, lightweight and feminine, and boast stunning patterns and colors.

Choosing a dress depending on the time of year

Even though weddings peak in the summer, they are held throughout the year. In summer, the choice of dresses is widest: from classic evening styles to elegant sundresses with straps. Options with a boat neckline, sweetheart or square armhole are especially popular, as they do not exclude the presence of jewelry on the neck. A bustier or open back dress will look sexy. If you are planning a wedding, you need to think about how to cover your shoulders - it could be a bolero, a lace cape or a light chiffon shawl.

In spring or autumn, when it rains frequently or the snow has not yet melted completely, floor-length outfits, and especially with a train, are inappropriate. At this time of year, a knee-length dress for a wedding guest is ideal. In winter, you need to abandon light and flowy fabrics, as well as open cuts - the choice should be made in favor of dresses made of dense material, preferably with a mixture of wool, and always with sleeves. A fur cape will also come in handy.

When choosing an evening dress, you need to take into account the convenience and practicality of the outfit, because weddings are celebrated for several hours, and a significant part of the time will have to be spent on your feet, actively participating in competitions and dances. It’s good that there is a huge assortment of ready-made models, among which choosing the right option for a woman of any size and age will not be difficult. And if you wish, you can always order an original dress to be sewn in the studio, which will allow you to get an exclusive outfit.

Warm accessories for the bride's winter look

Mittens, gloves, mittens

coupling

Winter tights and stockings

Bouquet for a winter wedding

A winter wedding can be even more enchanting than a summer or autumn one. The main thing is to be well insulated and choose the right decorations, and nature has worked hard for this in winter! And the magic of the Christmas holidays will add unforgettable impressions to the winter celebration, making the holiday warm and cozy.