Emma Westwood
Guinea Team Blogger
Nothing beats the thrill of receiving a beautiful wedding invitation, however after the initial jolt of excitement, if you are anything like us at the Guinea team, your next immediate thought is: Whatever shall I wear!
You can’t just necessarily reach for your favourite dress, which conceals all your trouble areas and make your legs look fabulously long, because it just won’t do for the venue - it is more of an evening look, but you have been invited to the morning ceremony, followed by a luncheon reception, continuing on into the evening celebrations- so you need something to carry you through the day.
Searching for wedding guest dresses or wedding dress outfits, you will be overwhelmed with styles, but which style is best? There is always the worry - will it be appropriate? Should I go for a midi dress or a maxi dress? What about a Two-Piece? Are they out of style?
Whether you are a guest at a formal city ceremony, a picturesque countryside estate, or jetting off to a breath-taking destination location, day or evening, Guinea has the wedding guest style guide for you.
City Wedding
City weddings lend themselves to a more tailored look. A well-structured outfit, with crisp seams and flattering darts, reflects a more urban setting. Though you can never go wrong in a classic cut in a historic city setting.
A dress or jumpsuit, in bold colours, contrast well in a monochrome, contemporary backdrop of brick, glass and metal, or why not consider a trouser suit in a single colour palette. No longer just for the office, in a striking pastel shade, with a statement accessory, you may wonder why you have never considered this often overlooked and under utilised garment duo before.
A combination of a structured garment teamed with a soft draping fabric adds a feminine touch to an otherwise austere look. A satin cami or silk blouse adds a real touch of glam to a wedding guest outfit.
Country wedding
Where is more perfect to wear florals than in the countryside? Diaphanous, floaty, flowing fabric will look most becoming in the grounds of a country house. Pastels or jewel tones work wonderfully in this setting: if the colour combination works in a floral bouquet, it will work on you.
A midi length dress or maxi dress will take you seamlessly from day ceremony to evening reception, and vintage styles can add a sense of old-world glamour to the occasion. A bias cut will look extremely elegant, day or evening, in the right fabric.
Consider keeping jewellery discreet and to a minimum, and if a fascinator or a hat isn’t for you, maybe opt for an embellished, embroidered, or sumptuous velvet headband instead.
Now, you may not immediately think velvet and summer wedding go together, but any style from our Guinea velvet coat collection is an ideal choice, as they are made from light-weight cotton velvet and are a perfect choice for morning or evening.
Destination wedding
One of your main considerations for a destination wedding, especially in warmer climates, must be fabric choice. Whether that is natural textiles such as cotton or silk, or a sustainable viscose made from recycled vegetable fibres, breathability is key.
Colourful tinted lenses or frames, for sunglasses, is a fun combination of style and practicality. Avoid reflective or opaque finishes, which can look jarring in photographs.
Guinea Styling Team Suggestions
Styling Inspiration and Tips...
Whatever the venue, a cashmere wrap or light-weight blazer, is essential, as it can be easily slipped on or discarded depending on temperature or weather. Keep handbags small, and only large enough to carry the most necessary of items, and shoes which match your skin tone will elongate legs.
And finally, and most importantly, when it comes to wedding guest style, remember, never try to outshine the bride. Instead, always aim to enhance the day she has envisioned and dreamed of.
And never, ever, wear white… unless it is explicitly stated on the invite… and always have tissues handy to wipe away a tear of happiness and delight from your eye.
-The Guinea Team xx
Here at Guinea, we are not just fast fashion, we design timeless classics, produced in a limited run; keeping our styles exclusive and sustainable, so browse and buy now to avoid missing out.