May marks the official start to wedding season in America. The weather is warming up, the sun stays up late into the evening, and couples are getting ready to say their “I Do’s”. Based on my experience, weddings are the ultimate party. There is free food, good music, and if you’re lucky… an OPEN BAR (my cousin's wedding even had an ice luge). Once the tipsy wedding party hits the strobe lit dance floor you sometimes forget it is even a wedding. However, when it comes to the dress code, weddings are no average party.

It is important when attending a wedding to be dressed appropriately; it is a family event after all. For men it is quite easy, despite the location, weather, and time of day… just throw on a suit and you’re good to go. However for us girls, it is a different story. Our wedding guest attire options range from short dresses to long dresses, flat shoes to high heels, and formal to casual. Sometimes it can be hard to decide what to wear to a wedding. With that said, here is a style guide for wedding season.

Outdoor Wedding

Outdoor weddings seem to be some of the most popular weddings in the summer time. Because they are outside they tend to be more casual. If you are attending an outdoor wedding this season I suggest a pretty summer dress. Something between a formal dress and a sun dress. As for shoes, wedges are ideal. Sandals might be too casual, while high heels and stilettos can get stuck in the grass. Wedges are a happy medium. Their height dresses them up, but they are comfortable and easy to walk in. Oh, and bring a sweater or shawl… summer nights can get a little chilly.

Black Tie Wedding

Black tie weddings are the most formal and glamorous weddings one can attend. This type of wedding tends to have a very strict dress code. Men wear tuxedo’s and women wear long gowns with high heels. For any college girls attending a black tie wedding I suggest something along the lines of “simple prom dresses”. Nothing too tacky or flashy, but something long and chiffon is ideal. Try on your old prom dress or borrow a friends dress in order to cut down on costs. If your dress looks a little too plain, dress it up with jewelry and a nice clutch.

Beach Wedding

Beach weddings are really fun, and are usually pretty casual. For beach weddings it is ideal to wear a casual maxi dress. Beaches can be pretty windy and get a little cold as the night goes on so a maxi dress will keep you warm, while still being casual. If a maxi dress isn’t your style, a simple sundress will do. As for shoes, you most likely wont be wearing any. However if you do, definitely stick to a flat sandal, heels and sand do not go well together.

City Wedding

City weddings tend to be very classy and chic, so you can get away with wearing something a little more sexy or formfitting. Stick to solid colors and structured dresses. Something tight in a midi length is the perfect chic and classy combination. You can even wear something a little more daring like a romper or jumpsuit. Make your outfit a little more glamorous with your jewelry, anything metal or stone based. Throw on some amazing stilettos and a clutch and you’re good to go.

Church Wedding

Church weddings are the most conservative weddings, so it is very important to be dressed appropriately for these weddings. Higher necklines and conservative hem lengths are necessities. If there is a reception afterwards at a more casual venue, you can wear a more revealing dress, but throw a cardigan or shawl over your shoulders and chest for the church ceremony. For a church wedding, any type of high heels is appropriate as long as they aren’t too flashy or crazy.