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 –
For ladies, classic heels with a floor length gown and complementary accessories are a must. I love my Vince Camuto Bevveyn Sandal and the bright orange color to give it that pop. Also, it has a sturdy strap and mini block heel to keep my shoes on my feet while I’m dancing the night away. Men should also be dressed to the nines, including a tuxedo with a bow tie.
Black Tie Optional –
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 –
Cocktail attire gives you more freedom to show some personality. You can throw on some fun Wedges and a flowy cocktail dress in a nice material to give it a formal feel. If it’s a day wedding, the Tommy Hilfiger Witt Wedge is perfect for a spring and summer weather. It’s super comfortable and the wedge gives the perfect platform and height to dance around in. The men can wear a linen suit.
Dressy Casual –
Generally seen paired with weddings in outdoor venues, like a beach or a garden, this dress code allows you to have a bit more fun with your clothing materials, prints, and colors. Feel free to wear colorful heels or neutral slides with a flowy cocktail dress or a boho-style dress. The woven material of the Dolce Vita Ezra mule is effortlessly chic. Also, the tan color and the pointed toe makes me feel like I have legs for days – plus, neutral goes with everything!
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 –
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 won’t want to be getting sand trapped in a closed-toed shoe.
For classic venues –
The options are endless! You can find the perfect shoes that pair perfectly with your outfit or make a statement at first glance. Pumps are a good place to start and then you can narrow down your specific style from there.
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 –
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 –
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 –
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!
omgish you’re gorgeous and love the pop in shoes but also loving the 1st dress
shannon
April 24, 2019 / 9:03 pm
The first dress and the second dress and I want. Also I want the purple heels and orange heels from DSW. Thanks for the content you share it’s quality.
pamela
April 24, 2019 / 9:04 pm
Love
rachel
April 24, 2019 / 9:05 pm
You are so beautiful and love the style and colors you wear in clothes to heels.
cheryl
April 24, 2019 / 9:07 pm
Thanks for this I will be heading to a wedding in May. So going to use this and get some shoes and I want some of dresses you are wearing in the pics too.
saddie
April 24, 2019 / 9:09 pm
You’re stunning and loving the shoes you are sharing from DSW and those dresses 😍 also you’re hair goals 💁🏻
Tiffany
April 24, 2019 / 9:24 pm
I’ve been waiting for a blog like this. You are a beauty and this will help for some wedding I will be in and going to some this year. Thanks Caila!. I hope soon soon we see you get engaged.
hillary
April 24, 2019 / 9:33 pm
Gorgeous
gloria
April 24, 2019 / 9:41 pm
I’m getting those purple heels and Devin heel sandals. Also I need to get the dress you wearing in the 1st pic. Serious you are one of the most beautiful people Caila inside and literally outside too.
paige
April 24, 2019 / 9:48 pm
Will you also be sharing deets on the blush dress and mustard dresses? I want them as well. The Vince Cameo Bevveyn Sandal and Steve Madden Fefe Sandal are the ones I’m thinking of getting. Such a girly girl I am also love the colors we can get them. As always you are beautiful you could’ve been a model as well Caila 💛
Erine
April 24, 2019 / 9:57 pm
Beautiful
Valerie
April 24, 2019 / 10:07 pm
def will be picking up some of the shoes you shared from DSW. Wow that first dress on you 😍
Natasha
April 24, 2019 / 10:53 pm
Love it all and you are so pretty Caila
victoria
April 25, 2019 / 7:35 am
That first dress I want to get to attend a wedding. My husband would love this look as well on me it’s classy but also somewhat sexy.It’s sooo beautiful on you but also you are so beautiful. Also the second dress to go out with my husband.Love the shoes you shared to match for a wedding as well. You really do bring quality know that not many do that like you do.
Amber
April 25, 2019 / 12:13 pm
Well I just ordered the two dresses in the first and second pictures both are so gorgeous as well as 2 shoes from DSW from the collections you shared. Thanks for sharing details for attending a wedding Caila. Girl you’re gorgeous.
maya
April 25, 2019 / 12:55 pm
Yes, I’ve been wanting a blog with wedding tips and all. I’m heading to a wedding 4 weeks out of country in Rome and it’s formal. So this will help me more. Caila, you are so pretty.
naomi
April 25, 2019 / 2:21 pm
This is wonderful and you are beautiful and so stylish.
These shoes are gorgeous!! Wedding season is just an excuse to buy pretty dresses and accessories!!
xoxo Sarah
emma
April 25, 2019 / 5:57 pm
Some of the heels will be heading to my closest now. Caila, you are stunning love the dresses and information you shared as well. You are beautiful.I’m headed for a Paris wedding this summer. So this very very helpful during wedding seasons all year.
This will is useful and very helpful. I’m attending a wedding in Hawaii this summer. I’m also having my own wedding in Italy in this fall. So nice the shoes and information you shared. I would also add that dress you are wearing in the first pic for a wedding as well sooo gorgeous.You’re beautiful. Thanks for always bringing the quality in everything you rep and bring. Can’t wait to see when you get engaged and more. You deserve amazing wonderful things.
omgish you’re gorgeous and love the pop in shoes but also loving the 1st dress
The first dress and the second dress and I want. Also I want the purple heels and orange heels from DSW. Thanks for the content you share it’s quality.
Love
You are so beautiful and love the style and colors you wear in clothes to heels.
Thanks for this I will be heading to a wedding in May. So going to use this and get some shoes and I want some of dresses you are wearing in the pics too.
You’re stunning and loving the shoes you are sharing from DSW and those dresses 😍 also you’re hair goals 💁🏻
I’ve been waiting for a blog like this. You are a beauty and this will help for some wedding I will be in and going to some this year. Thanks Caila!. I hope soon soon we see you get engaged.
Gorgeous
I’m getting those purple heels and Devin heel sandals. Also I need to get the dress you wearing in the 1st pic. Serious you are one of the most beautiful people Caila inside and literally outside too.
Will you also be sharing deets on the blush dress and mustard dresses? I want them as well. The Vince Cameo Bevveyn Sandal and Steve Madden Fefe Sandal are the ones I’m thinking of getting. Such a girly girl I am also love the colors we can get them. As always you are beautiful you could’ve been a model as well Caila 💛
Beautiful
def will be picking up some of the shoes you shared from DSW. Wow that first dress on you 😍
Love it all and you are so pretty Caila
That first dress I want to get to attend a wedding. My husband would love this look as well on me it’s classy but also somewhat sexy.It’s sooo beautiful on you but also you are so beautiful. Also the second dress to go out with my husband.Love the shoes you shared to match for a wedding as well. You really do bring quality know that not many do that like you do.
Well I just ordered the two dresses in the first and second pictures both are so gorgeous as well as 2 shoes from DSW from the collections you shared. Thanks for sharing details for attending a wedding Caila. Girl you’re gorgeous.
Yes, I’ve been wanting a blog with wedding tips and all. I’m heading to a wedding 4 weeks out of country in Rome and it’s formal. So this will help me more. Caila, you are so pretty.
This is wonderful and you are beautiful and so stylish.
I see a few pairs of DSW shoes on your list that need to find their way into my closet. Also, I love your tips and your photos. Beautiful!
These shoes are gorgeous!! Wedding season is just an excuse to buy pretty dresses and accessories!!
xoxo Sarah
Some of the heels will be heading to my closest now. Caila, you are stunning love the dresses and information you shared as well. You are beautiful.I’m headed for a Paris wedding this summer. So this very very helpful during wedding seasons all year.
I have been shopping at DSW for the past two weeks as I needed new shoes and kept going back to check if they had new styles. Love them.
http://www.tanvii.com
Love all these pretty shoe styled! DSW is a great place to buy shoes!
XOXO
Cathy
Such a helpful post babe!! Love DSW, and loving these outfits, always so stunning!
Kileen
<a href="https://cuteandlittle.com">cute & little</a>
Love all these tips and all the gorgeous shoes! You picked out so many stunners!
Such great tips!
xo Jessica
<a href="http://mystylevita.com">My Style Vita</a>
I’ve always wondered what black tie optional meant lol. You look stunning in all of these looks, DSW has such cute pieces out right now!
xx Mollie
http://www.molliemooreblog.com
So many beautiful options. I love the diverse styles, they seem to have it all from block heels to slides.
Xx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com
All of those are beautiful!! It’s so hard to decide. I loved the green and orange pairs. Really cute and stylish.
Candace Hampton
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
This will is useful and very helpful. I’m attending a wedding in Hawaii this summer. I’m also having my own wedding in Italy in this fall. So nice the shoes and information you shared. I would also add that dress you are wearing in the first pic for a wedding as well sooo gorgeous.You’re beautiful. Thanks for always bringing the quality in everything you rep and bring. Can’t wait to see when you get engaged and more. You deserve amazing wonderful things.