This isn’t an easy one for me to answer because proper wedding guest attire depends on the style of the event itself, season and location. So, here is a list of general “dos and don’ts” of what to wear to attend a wedding, which applies to all types of wedding events.

DO read the invitation. Nowadays not all weddings are formal. So read the invitation for a dress code. If there is not one listed, it is safe to assume that the time of day and venue dictate the dress. If the wedding is followed by an evening reception at a banquet hall, dress as you would for a dressy cocktail party. However if the wedding is followed by a luaua in Uncle Bob’s backyard, feel free to dress more casually and festive, but DON’T wear denim. I can’t ever think of any type of wedding when it’s appropriate to wear denim. Ever.

DO feel okay with wearing some white, but DON’T wear all white. One white piece in your outfit is acceptable.

DO wear black, but DON’T wear black and white. A woman can get away with wearing a classy LBD to a wedding, and a man may wear a black suit. But groomsmen and wedding vendors will more than likely wear black and white. So if you don’t want other guests mistakenly giving you their drink order, avoid a black and white combination.

If you plan on doing the Cha Cha Slide, DO wear comfortable shoes. Or, DO keep an alternate pair of comfy shoes available. But DON’T change into those shoes at the table. Change in the restroom. And DON’T make your alternate pair of shoes flip flops or sneakers. Women should select ballerina flats and men can change into loafers.

DO dress for the season. If it’s cold, DON’T wear a strapless dress without a wrap or jacket. Men, if it’s hot, DON’T keep your jacket and tie on all night. Loosen up and get comfortable, especially if you shake your groove thing on the dance floor. But whatever you do, DON’T untuck your shirt. Keep it in.

DO dress pretty, handsome and fancy, but DON’T compete with the bride and the wedding party. Remember who this day really belongs to.

DO dress festive, but DON’T match the selected wedding colors if you are not an official member of the bridal party.

And mind your manners. DO have fun, but DON’T drink so much that you lose control of your behavior. The new bride, her groom and their family members are hosts. DO be respectful.

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Bridal wedding gowns are probably the most difficult things to shop for because everyone else involved in the wedding has an opinion, there is always a budget to consider, and the day itself is one of the most memorable days of your life. So when shopping for your bridal attire (or helping your friend shop for hers), consider these tips.

Before you even think about style or budget, think about location and season. These two aspects of your wedding will influence the design of your dress more so than anything else. What one bride wears to her winter wedding on the East Coast is completely different than what another wears to her spring wedding in Hawaii.

Now that you have location and season in mind, you can start stocking up on bridal magazines for inspiration. This is the fun part. Who doesn’t love bridal magazines? Let everything inspire you – the gowns, the hair, the makeup. Everything. And don’t limit yourself to the established designs of the dresses. If you like the skirt from one dress but the sleeves of another, cut up the pictures and play. Bridal salons and boutiques are ready to help you achieve your desired look, so know what you want before you go in. But be flexible, too, because you won’t really know what looks good on you until you try it on. Decide on at least three dress styles before you go shopping. Take photos and collages with you. This will help your sales consultant find your perfect wedding look.

Be realistic about your budget. Lace and embellishments will increase the price of your dress, so be willing to compromise. You may not be able to afford a crystal encrusted lace dress. However, you may be able to purchase a gown with a lace bodice and taffeta skirt. So stick to your budget and be prepared to make some mature decisions.

The best wedding dress is the one that fits you perfectly. Invest in good tailoring. Doing so can make a $2,000 dress look like a million bucks.

Lastly, don’t compromise when it comes to your personal style. If your taste is modern and sleek, you will be uncomfortable in a full skirt ball gown. And if you desire to play princess for the day, the last thing you want is something simple. So no matter what everyone else’s opinions are, stay true to yourself. It’s your day, your wedding and your moment to show the world how beautiful, loved and elated you are.

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The biggest celebrity wedding this summer happened this past weekend, former first daughter Chelsea Clinton, married Mark Mezvinsky in scenic Rhinebeck, N.Y. The bride was tressed in a feminine French twist for her outdoor nuptials.

Women everywhere can get Chelsea’s gorgeous wedding ‘do at just a fraction of the price with Goody Simple Styles™ Modern Updo Pin. Follow these three easy-to-follow instructions for achieving a perfect updo every time. Wear for special events or for a work chic look in the office.












Step #1: Twist your hair into a bun, tuck your ends; insert modern updo pin up through base of bun
Step #2: Lift pin upwards to create your modern updo
Step #3: Press pin downwards to secure your style (the updo pin says hidden in your hair)

Goody Simple Styles™ Modern Updo Pin: SRP $6.49, available at Target, Walgreens, Walmart and Duane Reade stores nationwide.

1. Decide on a budget that you BOTH agree to and stick with it. While there is certainly a temptation to go with big and blingy, the last thing either of you want is a feeling of bitterness when you get the bill. Be reasonable and responsible, and remember that the love you two share will outshine any diamond ring you long to purchase.
2. Select wedding bands you BOTH appreciate. Don’t limit yourself to a matching wedding band set. It’s perfectly fine to purchase each band as a single, in order to appeal to the taste of each partner. For example, most women prefer diamond wedding bands, while many men nowadays prefer something simple and less ostentatious. Shop for wedding bands together and make the effort to ensure that each partner is happy.
3. Shop only with reputable retailers, and shop several retailers before making a decision. If you purchase an engagement ring or some wedding bands from a private individual through Craigslist, eBay or even at a Pawn Shop, you are really taking a risk. If you do decide to go that route, be sure you get a written guarantee of the authenticity of the jewelry, then get the pieces appraised by a professional jeweler to be sure.

Lastly, educate yourself on your options before you set out to shop. Decide ahead of time what types of metals, cuts and settings you prefer. If you are prepared with decisions, knowledge and a set budget when you shop for your symbols of love, you’ll find the experience to be enjoyable and memorable. That’s the way it should be.

I am utterly in love with this floral appliqué, laced strapless dress, a part of David’s Bridal collection of bridesmaid dresses!

Anything with coiled rosettes is perfect for an outdoor cocktail party or garden wedding.

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