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All opinions expressed in this post are mine.
So, you’re invited to a wedding to watch the perfect pair say, “I do”. When you get the invitation in the mail there are so many questions that follow your excitement. What exactly is “dressy casual”? What kind of shoes should I wear? What kind of gift should I get?
I just went to a wedding in L.A. and all of these questions rushed through my mind. Of course, I turned to the one place that has endless options for wedding season: DSW! I also spoke to my friend Brittany Lo who’s a wedding makeup artist and a beauty contributor on how put your soles at ease and to answer these three most asked questions before attending a wedding.
TOP 3 QUESTIONS ASKED BY WEDDING GUESTS
When an invitation asks for a certain attire…
Black Tie –
Black Tie Optional –
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Don’t let this name confuse you. Black tie optional is still formal, but slightly less dressy than black tie. This attire still requires statement heels with either a floor length or nice cocktail dress. The optional part is more for the men, who can opt to wear a tux or a nice, dark suit.
Cocktail –
Dressy Casual –
If you’re still debating what to wear or an invitation doesn’t specify, remember it’s always better to be overdressed. You can always look up pictures of the venue to get a feel for the atmosphere and a better idea of what would be appropriate to wear.
(Note: Each product in the above photo will link out to it’s DSW.com product page to showcase more styles via RewardStyle)
What kind of shoes should I wear for different kinds of venues?
No matter the venue, make sure to choose shoes you’re going to be able to wear, and importantly, to be able to dance in! I always find what I’m looking for at DSW. No matter the venue, check there for cute, comfortable, and affordable options.
For a vineyard or garden wedding –
For a beach wedding –
For classic venues –
How much money should I spend on a gift?
While weddings and all celebrations are a lot of fun, you can end up shelling out a lot of money. Generally, the minimum gift amount should be $50. The amount from there depends on how close you are to the couple and your personal budget. Remember to only spend what you’re comfortable with — gift amounts are a personal choice and should meet you where you are in life.
If it’s a destination wedding –
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Already spending money on airfare, hotels, possible childcare and time off work, the couple getting married generally understands what they’re asking of their guests. It’s definitely okay to spend less than you typically would. Consider sending a small token as a gesture, such as donating to a charity or their honeymoon, or maybe a bottle of wine from the country and area of their ceremony.
If you’re in the wedding party –
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After months of engagement parties, bachelorette trips, and bridal showers, you’ve spent a lot of money on your close friend or relative. For the wedding gift, it’s totally fine to filter “prices low to high” (we all do it!) on the registry and pick one of the first items. Or, consider chipping in with the other bridesmaids to get a bigger, group gift. Remember, if you say yes to being in the wedding party, you say yes to all that comes with it, so consider that before committing.
If you’re not able to attend the wedding –
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There are mixed opinions in the wedding world on this one, and it really depends on your personal feelings and how close you are to the couple. You may want to send an inexpensive item from the registry as a token of congratulations, or check for an amount you are comfortable with. No matter what you decide, however, definitely write a heartfelt note on the card when you RSVP no to express your best wishes
I’ll tell you guys: aside from the vows, my favorite moment of a wedding is when the band slows down the mood to play a slow song. Couples who have been together from 6 months to 40 years are called to the dance floor and get a moment to be reminded of their own love. For Nick and I, when “Can’t Help Falling in Love” plays, he always has to dab a tear from my face. When I hear those words, I can’t help but get swept away in the twinkly lights of the room. I need my feet to last in my heels ’til that moment of the night. I’ve found some cute and comfy heels at DSW that help me create these memories to last a lifetime. For all of you who have wedding plans, have the best time and let me know what you end up wearing!
I hope in some small way I answered your questions and took some worry out of what to wear so you can enjoy yourself. Big thank you to DSW for partnering on this blog post and making it easy for me!
SHOP MY WEDDING SHOES