Spring is one of the most popular times of the year for weddings, and for good reason. It’s a time of new beginnings, and a perfect time to embark on the new journey of becoming husband and wife. It’s also a time when the temperatures are generally mild, so you don’t have to worry about being too warm or too cold on your big day. Unfortunately, the weather can be a bit unpredictable in the spring, too.
As a wedding guest, it’s difficult to know exactly what to wear, especially when attending an event out of town. Depending on the destination, it’s possible for some places to have snow and warm thundershowers during the same week in the spring. Wherever you are attending a wedding this spring, here are a few tips on dressing for a spring wedding to help you stay comfortable during the ceremony and throughout any additional festivities that are taking place.
Check the Weather
This should go without saying, but always check the weather prior to heading to a wedding. Whether you are attending one locally or somewhere else, a quick glance at the forecast is an important step when you are trying to plan the right outfit. If you are shopping well in advance for an out-of-town wedding, spend some time researching the average weather in the town you will be visiting on the date of the wedding. This won’t tell you exactly what the weather will be like on the big day, but it will at least give you a rough idea of what the temperature will likely be. Don’t forget to check on average rainfalls, too!
Find Out the Details
Is the wedding being held indoors or outdoors? Is it casual, a black tie event, or something in between? Is there a dress code? Find out this vital information before shopping for your outfit to ensure that you dress appropriately.
Go with Sleeves
Whether you plan on wearing a dress or a nice outfit, sleeves are always a good idea. Kate Middleton got married in April, after all, and she rocked some beautiful unlined lace sleeves on her Alexander McQueen dress. If it works for Kate, it will certainly work for you! Lacy lightweight sleeves are an excellent choice because they will add some extra warmth to your ensemble without overheating you.
Pack a Shawl
If you are dying to wear a stunning summer cocktail dress, consider packing a warm shawl. Shawls come in all sorts of styles and colors, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding one that coordinates perfectly with your dress. It may not seem like much, but just having something warm to wrap around your shoulders can make a big difference when the weather is chilly. A poncho works, too. This is an especially important tip if you are attending an outdoor ceremony.
Bring a Jacket, if You Prefer
If a shawl isn’t quite your style, jackets are okay too. Look for a chic coat dress, though, instead of the puffy jacket you normally wear during the winter. If you are wearing a pantsuit or skirt suit, a blazer works well, too. Choose something that is light to mid-weight (unless you know it’s going to be exceptionally cold).
Keep Your Toes Warm
Sandals are cute, but they may not be appropriate in the spring. For starters, open-toed shoes do very little to protect your toes and keep them warm. If you are attending an outdoor wedding, your feet are likely to get cold and leave you feeling miserable. Also, keep in mind that spring showers and the mud they create are common in many parts of the country during the spring. If you’re wearing sandals, your feet will be a wet, muddy mess.
With closed-toed shoes, though, your tootsies will have a bit more protection from the elements. A nice pair of closed-toed pumps is the perfect footwear for ladies attending spring weddings. It’s smart to skip the stiletto heels, though, and opt for a chunkier heel instead. This will help you avoid sinking into the grass when trying to walk outdoors.
Pack a Spare Pair of Shoes
While we are talking about shoes, we feel we should mention the importance of packing a spare pair of shoes. If you get caught in a sudden downpour and your feet get soaked, having a fresh pair of shoes waiting in your car could mean the difference between enjoying the evening and being absolutely miserable. Your spare shoes don’t have to be anything fancy. It’s just important to have something extra just in case something goes wrong.
Choose Floral Accessories
Adding floral accessories is one of the best ways to give any outfit a fresh, springy look. Roses are super popular this year, and they’re a great way to dress up any look. Other popular springtime flower accessories include those with lilies, lilacs, and daffodils. Find out the wedding colors, and choose accessories that coordinate. Just remember not to dress or accessorize in a way that would draw more attention to you than to the bride!
Conclusion
People love getting married in the spring for all sorts of reasons. Unfortunately, unpredictable weather often puts a damper on their big days. While there is nothing you can do to figure out exactly what the weather will be like on a particular date, you can inform yourself of the averages and dress carefully to ensure that you will be comfortable no matter what.
