I now pronounce… wedding season over? Not quite, because another one of my gorgeous girlfriends is tying the knot in October, but peak wedding season has now come to a close, or at least I think it has. And to be honest, I’m not mad about it. I’m ready to enjoy a weekend without a commitment to buy a gift, refashion a dress, attempt to put on eyeliner (I can style up just about anyone, but makeup really isn’t my area of expertise and the cosmetic floor at Nordstrom frightens me – its weird, I know, but we all have our things, right?) and consume alcoholics beverages that aren’t clear.

Pre-rehearsal dinner shenanigans in Pemberton, BC. On me: H&M top, Forever 21 skirt, Jcrew necklace, Michael Kors watch, YSL shoes
Let’s get one thing straight: I am NOT knocking weddings, I love them! Who doesn’t enjoy celebrating love, free food and libations then burning off all those calories shaking it like a saltshaker on the dance floor? Because I do (no pun intended). But a wedding isn’t just a wedding – first there’s the engagement party (gift required), then the bridal shower (gift required), possibly even an additional couples bridal shower (gift required), the bachelorette party (gift required) and if you’re lucky enough to be in the wedding party, there’s the rehearsal dinner (no official gift required) and finally – drum roll please – the wedding (gift required). There goes that trip to Hawaii you were saving for or that Chanel handbag you’ve been coveting. Oh, and start saving for the inevitable arrival of a bundle of joy or two, because “first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage” which means there’s plenty more gift required festivities coming your way…
Besides starting some sort of Roth IRA for friends’ weddings and babies, you also need to dress the part. This is where you get to shine, without taking too much attention from the bride-to-be, and put all those party dresses to use! Here are a few tips for surviving these foreseeable future functions in style:
DON’T – wear white. Seriously, this rule forever applies. And don’t even think about cream, blush or lighter shades of taupe.
DO – invest in a solid versatile dress in a flattering shape that you can mix up by cinching with a belt, adding a chunky necklace or layering with a sheer blouse.
DON’T – forget to pack a pair of flats, especially if you’re not a skilled heel-wearer. Being barefoot on the dance floor is not chic.
DO – give gift cards. Registry’s are confusing and everyone loves picking out their own gifts, so let them.
DON”T – skimp on the card. Papyrus saves lives.
DO – alternate all alcoholic beverages with a glass of water. Hangovers are about as chic as barefoot dancing. Not classy.
Now that you’re equipped with all the sound advice you need to survive a wedding and all of its accoutrements, the same rules apply to parties and life in general. You’re welcome.
Stay tuned and stay stylish.