Wedding season is upon us, and with it comes the age-old question: what to wear to a wedding abroad? Whether your calendar is peppered with matrimonial celebrations or there’s just one special day that you’re invited to be a part of, it’s time to start outfit planning. Last year, I was a guest at not one but seven weddings, and each required a slightly different look from the next. Dressing for each venue was a project in itself, but it has taught me a thing or two about styling occasionwear in a way that’s destination-appropriate.
Firstly, avoid the cliché. Simply search for the best wedding guest dresses, and you’ll be faced with an explosion of colour and an array of floral and chiffon, but a truly stylish outfit ignores the norm and stays true to its wearer’s personal style. Don’t underestimate the practicalities of breathable fabrics and colours that will keep you cool in the heat, and focus on accessories that will go the distance (flat sandals are an absolute yes if you’re a guest at a beachy wedding abroad this summer, for example).
Perhaps, like the rich and famous, you’re headed for Sicily, where elegance prevails, and midnight-blue gowns work just as well by day in the countryside as they do in a Palazzo after dark. Or maybe you’ve been invited to Ibiza and a four-day slew of events that requires an entire suitcase of outfit changes?
Even a wedding in the UK needs careful consideration – what works for a London town hall ceremony differs hugely from a countryside Cotswoldian venue. All are equally wonderful, and all require special consideration, but once you’ve mastered the art of dressing for a summer wedding abroad, the warmer climes, unpredictable terrain and the mere art of transporting occasionwear in a suitcase or carry-on become but minor inconveniences. Which allows you to focus on the task at hand: celebrating.
In this article, what to wear to a wedding abroad
What to wear to a summer wedding in Sicily
What to wear to a beach wedding in Ibiza
What to wear to a countryside wedding in Tuscany
What to wear to a city wedding in London
What to wear to a garden wedding in the Cotswolds
The best fabrics for hot-weather wedding guest outfits
Colours and prints that work for a destination wedding
The best shoes for sand, grass and heat
What to wear for a summer wedding in Sicily
Sicily is the wedding venue destination everyone is talking about this year, thanks in large part to the celebrity brides like Dua Lipa and Charlie XCX choosing to base their celebrations on the picture-perfect Italian island. If you’re lucky enough to be on the guest list to somewhere equally elegant, follow suit and match your outfit to the vibe. Floor-sweeping gowns and delicate jewellery will make a statement in the most sophisticated way. Don’t forget sunglasses and a coordinating hand-held fan.
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