Your Ultimate Style Guide for the 2018 Wedding Season

We love the influx of engagements that fall between November and Valentine’s Day, and with spring quickly approaching we’re entering prime time for all the fun events that come after. With each of these milestones, it can be tricky to keep your wardrobe both stylish & appropriate. Whether you’re popping the question, tying the knot, or somewhere in between, with the help of Bonobos we’re diving into outfit ideas + dress code etiquette. 

The Proposal

Chances are you’ve been planning this day for a while, and you’re going to want to make it a day to remember. If you’re popping the question, you’re likely going to be a tad nervous, so make sure you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing! If you have a photographer taking pictures during the proposal, ask them for advice on your outfit beforehand. The last thing you want is a wrinkled shirt to be the focus in the photos. Guys often opt for a simple dress shirt with a pair of form-fitting jeans. For the ladies, we love anything from floral sundresses to a more casual jean + sweater look.

 

The Engagement Party 

Not only is it important for the engaged couple to look their best, but the guests as well. An engagement party is typically a “dressy-casual” event. Depending on the location of the party, err on the side of caution and dress up your look a bit– there’s nothing worse than feeling underdressed for a big event. Ladies might go for a shift dress with a fun print, such as this one. Guys: blazers add a lot to a classic shirt + khakis. Check out these Bonobos blazer options to elevate your look. 

As for the engaged couple, get creative with prints and textures. Decide on colors and/or patterns (maybe one wears a bold pattern while the other chooses a solid color to compliment). Friends and family will want to take pictures with you both, so it’s important not to have your outfits clashing! 

 

The Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties

This “last hoorah” before you’re hitched is a fun time to show off your personal style. Bring clothing items that can be dressed up or down, so that you’re ready no matter where the evening takes you. For the gents, pack a fun patterned shirt like this one, that you can wear with shorts or jeans. A jumpsuit with bold jewelry is an excellent choice for the bachelorette. 

 

The Bridal Shower

Depending on the location, bridal showers can range from casual to formal. The bride-to-be is center of attention, so it’s important to wear something that’s comfortable and photographs well while mingling with guests and opening presents. While it’s not always the case, the lady of the hour often wears white, so guests should avoid wearing white or cream. Consider a classic cut in a soft color, such as this dress here–it will look great in pictures too! 

 

The Big Day

If you’re a guest trying to choose your attire, it’s important to take into account as many details about the wedding as you can. Reference the save the date, invitation, or wedding website for some pointers. Time of day, venue, weather, and color scheme can all play into deciding on the perfect ensemble. Typically, the earlier a wedding ceremony takes place, the less formal the event–this could mean the difference between chinos + a blazer, and a tuxedo + cuff links. If the wedding is ‘black tie optional’, you’ll want to spruce-up your cool, but before committing to a tux or gown it can be helpful to double check with the bride or groom. The last thing you want is to match anyone in the wedding party. Check out these Bonobos tuxedo options for inspiration! A great go-to for women is a solid color jumpsuit or long evening dress. Will the ceremony or reception be outside? If so, ladies might want to steer away from heels and find a cute (and comfortable) pair of wedges or flats. During the warmer months, avoid lots of layers and opt for breathable fabrics. Whether you decide to buy or rent your outfit, make sure it’s comfortable enough wear throughout the entire event. 

No one likes to feel over- or underdressed during a special occasion. Figuring out what to wear for each event leading up to the big day can be stressful, but there’s a lot if inspiration to lean on for confidence! Whether you’re the one planning the wedding or one of the attendees, it’s important to dress the part. Not only should the bride and groom be comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing, but they’ll want their guests to feel that way too. What are your favorite photo-ready looks? 

Header Image | Coty Jones Photography