It is a truth universally acknowledged that I seem to be invited to more and more weddings every year! This year I have to go to 5 (yes really!) One as bridesmaid (which at least helps on the 'what-to-wear' front!). Now, weddings really are a minefield - after all, you don't want to choose something that makes you stand out on the wedding photos for years to come - but hey - it's not your fault if you're the only one there with taste!
Now in one of our Frock corporate-heads-up-blue-sky-thinking-sessions in Café Rouge the other night, we realised we all had the same problem. Carol loves hats - but she doesn't dare go overboard at weddings, Rae Rae likes to customise and add pretty corsages to her fairy tale frocks - and I love strong pieces - and I'm tall and love heels! We don't want to be showy, but everyone expects us to look super-fantastic as we all work for Frock!
So what to do? Being understated isn't in any of our natures (thank goodness!) - but the trick we decided is to keep it stylish but simple. There's also the option of layering for the church and revealing your sparkly frock for the 'do' - or simply getting your DB to pack a quick change in the boot for afterwards.
Here's what I've pulled out for the weddings I'm going to...
This is my dress for another dear chum Sophie who works in the rag trade as well - so I need to be at the cutting edge of fashion! This dress works well for me as it fits like a dream and is innovative with its cut out pattern, but still on-trend with the crisp whites. The wedding is not till the end of August, so I should have a smashing tan for this dress. Sophie's having quite a small do - only about a couple of hundred - so I want to really work the crowd!!
Isn't this pretty, and such a stunning colour? This wedding is quite exciting; in fact I haven't a clue who's going!!! DB and I met Stephanie on holiday, and we got on like a house on fire - and after a quick meet for dinner in February, we are invited to a great big do up in a stately home in Northumberland! This is why I'm keeping things quite low key and classic with this frock - I don't want to upset anybody by being TOO daring/ fashionable - but I don't want to let the Frock side down either!
Now here's a hint....DONT dress down for civil partnership ceremonies. Richard and Andrew have been together for three times longer than me and DB and are finally tying the knot! Now even though the ceremony itself is in London Borough of Richmond-Upon Thames Town Hall, they've hired the QE2 on the river (well it must be to accommodate us all!!), and I've gone for sheer elegance and glamour! I think this dress works well under artificial light (Town Hall and flood-lit deck), as well as looking stunning for photographs!
My fairy-tale favourite comes out for another important event - a family wedding!! DB's sister in fact. Now bless them, despite thinking that we might be first, I have to make a really good impression on the in-laws here, especially after last Christmas! I'm going to be in SO many pics at this wedding - this was my most important choice - I've blogged about this dress before - so as you know I'm really comfortable in it already!
…and finally - I have special permission from the bride herself to change into this number after my bridesmaid duties are over! Just the dress to dance the night away!!
Now as always girls, don't forget to send in pics of your get-ups for weddings this summer - especially if you're in a Frock frock, or you've accessorised a Frock frock! And I'm hoping that next year I won't be 'always the bridesmaid, never the bride...' but even if I am, I'll know what to wear!
Mwah! xxxx