Jamaica Gleaner
Published: Saturday | May 30, 2009
Home : Lifestyle
Guest gear - Take the guesswork out of wedding-day garb
Elisabeth Salmon, Gleaner Writer


Beach dress 1: This long and light silk dress will be comfortable to wear during the day and the bold floral print allows the wearer to be confident in white. The length adds enough drama to the look so don't overaccessorise. Long drop earrings are a good match.

You've sent your RSVP, picked out the perfect gift from the registry and even found a totally platonic 'bestie' to spend the evening with when suddenly you realise - you're missing the dress!

Trying to pick wedding-day guest attire can be a daunting task for more than just the mother of the bride, so Saturday Life has come up with a few simple tips you can remember the next time you go shopping. Whether it's at the beach or poolside at a hotel, in a church or among the trees, we've got you covered.

Email feedback to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com


Beach dress 2: A haltered dress, cut just above the knee, paired with a well-coordinated wide-brimmed hat, offers enough sass and class not only to block the sun but take its shine.


This mod dress, with bold embellishments, will coordinate well with the lush atmosphere provided by a garden setting. Try pairing it with a bold canary yellow hat for added splash.


This short-sleeved dress, with shallow V-neckline, provides a trendy yet conservative option for a church wedding. Paired with a meshed and feathered hat, solid black pumps and pearls, this ensemble is sure to turn heads.


Be fierce and formal in this off-the-shoulder purple dress with puffed sleeves. Add a drop necklace and stud earrings to emphasise the neckline.

At the beach …

If your bride and groom have opted for a destination or beach wedding, try to reflect the aesthetics of their choice in your dress. With lovely sunshine, breeze provided from the surf and the overall sense of calm that beachfront settings provide, opt for one of two looks - long and flowing or short and flirty.

In a garden …

The lush greenery and bright colours provided from fresh blooms offer a beautiful setting for a wedding, and your dress should be able to stand out from the crowd. Try opting for solids and neutral tones with small, coloured embellishments.

In a church …

In any place of worship, dress with appropriate respect. Usually, this involves no overexposure of body parts, including the bust and thighs. Dressing in a conservative manner, however, does not mean you have to be Frumpy Dumpty, so pick dresses with prints and bright colours.

At a hotel …

Finding the perfect dress to transition from poolside to ballroom may be difficult, so opt for clean fabrics in up-to-date styles.

General tips

1. Location and dress code are clues the invitation usually provides, so weigh the options carefully in order to fit right into the mood and setting of the wedding.

2. Wearing white as a guest is no longer a faux pas, but with the introduction of more form-fitting bridal gowns, ensure yours doesn't upstage the bride's. Try adding colour just to be sure.

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