Lorelei Shellist’s Style Column in the April Edition of the Los Angeles FindBliss magazine.
Wedding Style
One of the most important and memorable times in people’s lives is their wedding day. Our response should be one of mutual respect and gratitude. How we show up for the happy couple says it all. | BY LORELEI SHELLIST
IT IS SUCH A HAPPINESS WHEN GOOD PEOPLE GET TOGETHER-AND THEY ALWAYS DO -JANE AUSTEN
Personally I love weddings. I’ve traveled thousands of miles to witness these magnificent nuptial unions; choosing what to wear is part of my gift to them. I’ve been a bridesmaid, a bride, a wedding officiate, and a “plus one.” As a fashion expert, the question of what to wear is one I get asked most often. My response is this: “How would you
want people to show up if it were the most significant day of your life?”
Recently, I attended a wedding of a dear friend who happened to be a tried-and true rock star. It may have been his third trip to the altar, but even so, his bride went all out to organize an event that promised to be purely elegant. It was their first official wedding ceremony, and according to him, it was to be his last. The bride dressed in a custom-made formal white gown and the groom’s silver-grey designer suit was smartly tailored to fit him, well, like a rock star. I only wish some of the other celebrity guests had followed suit. I don’t know what drives some women to want
to bare their beauty – boobs and all – on someone else’s big day.
I was astonished at the gaudy make-up, hair, and the low cut, strapless dresses that some of the other women felt compelled to wear. If attention was what they wanted, well, they got it, but I am certain it wasn’t the kind they were looking for. Remember ladies and gentlemen, this is not your day. The reason we have been invited is to love and support the bride and groom, and those wedding album photos will be the reminder of who honored who on this sacred occasion. Dress your best to be remembered fondly in those wedding pictures for generations to come. You’ll feel confident, elegant, and revered, just like the bride and groom.
HERE ARE GUIDELINES AND CLUES TO HELP YOU DRESS APPROPRIATELY FOR THIS OCCASION:
- Start with the invitation. If it is engraved in script on heavy card stock in proper English, chances are this wedding is formal. If it is written in casual language along the lines of “getting hitched,” you may expect a more relaxed dress code. And last, if it states black tie, casual, or some sort of theme, it’s a no brainer.
- Check the wedding venue. If it’s outside, make sure to bring a sweater, jacket, or wrap, and pay attention to breezy skirts that may get caught by the wind. Avoid stiletto shoes that will sink in the sand or grass. Platforms, ballets, or flats are best. Weddings inside restaurants or country clubs require a dressier tailored or suited look.
- Finally, it’s an honor and delight to be invited as a guest. Make it a positively memorable day .
