Stepping into Wedding Season with DSW

Caila Quinn the bachelor wedding season shoe selects Los Angeles California

SHOP THE LOOK

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 kind of gift should I get? What kind of shoes should I wear?? What exactly is “dressy casual”???

I just went to a wedding in L.A. and all of these questions rushed through my mind. I spoke with Brittany Lo, my friend, wedding makeup artist, and The Knot beauty contributor to put your soles at ease and answer these five questions most asked before attending a wedding.

When an invitation asks for a certain attire…

Black Tie –

For ladies, a floor length gown and pulling out all the stops (jewelry, a clutch, and heels) is a must. Men should also be dressed to the nines, including a tuxedo and bow tie.

Black Tie Optional –

Don’t let this name confuse you. Black tie optional is still formal but slightly less than black tie. This attire still requires either a floor length or nice cocktail dress. The optional part is more for the men, who can opt to wear tux or nice, dark suit.

Cocktail -

Giving you freedom to show some personality, cocktail dresses can be above the knee and a bit flirtier, but in a nice material to give it a formal feel. If you’d like to go trendy, make a statement in a nice pant suit. You can find some amazing pastel ones here. Men can wear a linen suit.

Dressy Casual -

Generally seen paired with weddings with outdoor venues, this attire allows you to have a bit more fun with your materials, prints, and colors. Feel free to wear a flowy cocktail dress, a romantic floral, or something boho.

If you’re still debating what to wear or an invitation doesn’t specify, remember it’s always better to be overdressed. Brittany suggests looking up pictures of the venue to get a feel for the atmosphere and a better idea of what would be appropriate to wear.

How much money should I spend on a gift?

While weddings and all of the celebrations that come with 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 -

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 OK to spend less than you typically would. Consider sending a small token as a gesture, such as donating to a charity or their honeymoon fund, or maybe a bottle of wine from the country of their ceremony.

If you’re in the wedding party -

After months of engagement parties, bachelorette trips, and bridal showers, you’ve spent a lot of money on your friend. 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 -

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!

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, be able to dance in! I always find what I’m looking for at DSW. No matter the venue, check their site out for cute, comfortable, and affordable options.

For a vineyard or garden wedding -

Opt for a block heel to avoid sinking into the ground at this outdoor venue. Plus, the thick heel is super comfortable, trendy, and pretty.

For a beach wedding -

Choosing shoes to wear is difficult when you know you’re going to be walking on sand. Find a sandal, whether it’s a thick heeled wedge or flat, because you definitely won’t want to be getting sand trapped in a closed-toed shoe.