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8 Wedding Guest Styling Tips and What I wore To Last Weekend Spring Wedding

PANTONE 13-1404 Pale Dogwood
A tranquil mood, Pale Dogwood is a quiet and peaceful pink shade that engenders an aura of innocence and purity. The unobtrusive Pale Dogwood is a subtle pink whose soft touch infuses a healthy glow.

OUTFIT DETAILS

DRESS: Nordstrom or Revolve ( I ordered a AUS 10/US 6 – Small) PERFECT!!!

 I took this dress to my seamstress, Maria. She sees me often. Pretty much all my dresses go to her before they make their home in my closet. If you would like me to do a video on the importance of having your clothes tailored to fit you PERFECTLY, let me know in the comment section below. Maria took the dress in slightly on the darts going down the lower back. This mad the dress fit more tailored around the waist. She also had to adjust the straps, as they were too long.

BRA: The back of this dress is open. I had Maria sew in bra pad inserts. Lift is not an issue for me. However, I do require coverage. I highly recommend everyone does this. It makes for much better appearance. Very polished. No drooping.

SHAPEWEAR: Nordstrom / Nordstrom / Nordstrom Always wear shape wear. Yes, you need them!!!

Blog post on ‘5 Reasons To Embrace Shape Wear’, here

SHOES: Vince Camuto in Petal Pink Satin. I LOVE everything by Vince Camuto! These shoes are knock-outs!!!

CLUTCH: Etsy

EARRINGS: Nordstrom

BRACELET: old, other options that I love at Amazon or JcPenney

RINGS: Amazon / Amazon

MY HUSBAND’S TIE: Michael Strahan

BEAUTY DETAILS

HOT ROLLERS: Conair I have 2 sets. I have a lot of hair and I require at least half of the second set. I highly recommend you purchase these clips: Amazon
BLUSH PALETTE: B.H Cosmetics (wearing my favorite shade)
LIP PENCIL: Palladio in Rose .. lined and filled in the entire lip
LIPSTICK: MAC  in Craving .. applied over entire lip
LIPSTICK: Palladio in Surely Pink
LIP GLOSS: YSL Gloss Volute’ in #19

BODY LUMINIZER: Lorac Tantalizer / Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs / St. Ives Body Lotion mixed all together and applied to arms and legs

FRAGRANCE: Jo Malone ‘Peony & Blush Sage’ (also at Sephora) This has got to be the most perfect wedding day scent. In fact, if I were a Bride, this or Velvet Rose & Oud  is what I would wear on my wedding day. They are the most delicious florals. I also have and love Wood Sage & Sea Salt

You may already know that Blush is one of Pantone’s Colors Of The Year. It is actually called ‘Pale Dogwood’. But those of us in the fashion industry, like to use the term ‘Blush’ to describe this color. With Spring wedding season being in full bloom, I could not resist embracing this beautiful shade. It is such a feminine and romantic color to wear for a special occassion. This dress is so classy and chic. It’s no wonder it took me weeks to get my hands on it. It is everything I envisioned for a spring wedding, and more. I really wanted to embrace a monochromatic look, incorporating this color in everything: shoes, bag, jewelry pieces, etc. Here was the inspo board that I had created:

Everything pulled together perfectly.

8 Styling Tips For Wedding Guests

Did you know that the average cost of a wedding nowadays is over $20,000. In some areas, that number is on the ‘conservative’ end. Invitations alone can run around $500. And the cake? That’ll be another $500. On average, flowers and decorations amount to over $2,000. Same goes for the band, the photographer … and the list goes on-and-on. This number does NOT include the honeymoon (of course), or the dress.

What this tells us is that weddings are not cheap. So if you’re invited to one, you should put in some effort, too. That not only means RSVPing ON TIME, sending a gift from the registry or giving as generous a gift of money as you can, but also showing up dressed appropriately.

How about a quick little refresher on wedding guest dress code etiquette? Bear in mind this is my opinion, only! So, listen up!

  1. There should only be one white dress in the room. Enough said!!!
  2. Remember the rule of one – Showing too much skin is another faux pas at weddings. Despite how awesome you look and however many hours you’ve spent toning and tanning, the bride is going to want all eyes on her. And rightfully so! That being said, it’s OK to accentuate your favorite assets. Your outfit can have one sexy element like a plunging neckline, short hemline, cutout, low back, or a body con fit … but no more than one. Even if you are cutting a rug on the dance floor, you’re not clubbing. This is a wedding! This rule also applies to you eligibles!
  3. Accessorize appropriately – Cleavage is not an accessory! Keep it tasteful!
  4. Read the invitation – Pay attention to the details of the venue. This will help you determine what you should wear: semi-formal, beach chic, black tie. Also, read between the lines: Is it at a church? Is it outside?
  5. Be color conscious – This is one tip a lot of people do not consider, but should. As far as color goes, if you don’t know ahead of time the color scheme of the wedding and what color the bridesmaids dresses are, avoid any solid color dresses in popular colors like coral, purple, navy, and gray. Wearing one of these colors puts you at risk of possibly showing up in the same color as the bridesmaids. This will only lead other guests into believing you may somehow be associated with the bridal party. Not exactly a comfortable position to be in. You don’t want anybody asking you the uncomfortable question, “Now, what role do you play in the wedding?”
  6. Better to be over-dressed than under – Flip Flops, cutoffs … NO!!! Just NO! Even if the invite wording says dress code is ‘casual’, that still means absolutely no jeans, shorts, or tank tops. Think a summer sundress or a pair of nice pants and blouse. If it is semi-formal and you’re not comfortable wearing a dress, jumpsuits can be extremely dressy. Problem solved. Nobody is saying you have to wear a dress. But put the effort in.
  7. Don’t steal the show – there are going to be a ton of pictures snapped throughout the night, either by a professional photographer or via guest’s smartphones – all the more reason to dress appropriately. Let the bride stand out in her wedding photos. If you’re attending a black-tie wedding, it’s important to go along and whatever you do, don’t wear a super short, leggy cocktail dress. You don’t want to steal attention from the bride, or show too much skin in the formal photos.
  8. Have confidence in yourself – It may not be your day, but that’s no reason not to be yourself. If you try to stick to some of the guidelines above, you should be all set. It’s really a balancing act of being yourself and looking and feeling confident while not terribly offending anyone.

Bonus Tips: Read this post here, on how to achieve longer-leaner legs. You know how much I love my nudes, and I explain why. Also read this post, here on how to walk gracefully in high heels.

Thanks You Nicole Jenrow at Details & Daydreams Photography for capturing this photo shoot. More photo’s coming soon in a future Blog Post.

 
xoTracy

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38 Comments

  • Reply Michelle

    Gorgeous!!

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    • Reply tracyhensel

      Thanks Michelle!!! xx

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    • Reply Marsha

      Thank you so much for taking the time to be so detailed and informative I’ve been enjoying your YouTube videos. When you can a video about taking your dresses to. Seamstress for a perfect fit would be amazing ! That’s something I really need to start doing! Especially adding cups /bra. Thank you!! Marsha

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      • Reply tracyhensel

        Hi Marsha! Thank you for leaving the nice comment. I have had other requests for this same video topic. I definitely have it on the line-up of videos to do. Thank you for the suggestion. Have a beautiful & blessed holiday weekend!! xx

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        • Reply Marnice

          Hello-
          I’d like your husband or son to do this same topic, but “gentleman”. I’m reminding my 16 year old how to act, and it would be nice if you had a same length video to help me.

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          • tracyhensel

            Great suggestion! Thank you!

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  • Reply Tiffany Palmer-Jones

    OH my Sweet Friend, you have outdone yourself with this one! The look, the post, everything! I had no doubt this look would be fabulous, but WOWZA!!!

    I love that you included the tidbit about weddings and the cost. I always try to make an effort, but never considered how much one spends (I’m not blind to the cost) and how in turn I should be more thoughtful and grateful that they chose to include me.

    Headed to snag a few items now! Thanks again for sharing!

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    • Reply tracyhensel

      Thank you Tiffany!! Appreciate your taking the time to leave such a nice message. Beautiful sentiment you added in about recognizing the Bride and Groom ‘CHOSE” you to be a part of their special day> Great way to put it!! Have a beautiful day! xx

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  • Reply Amy Henson

    You were absolutely stunning, even more so than your photos convey! I love all your tips (RSVPs sent in a timely manner,: we could only wish)! So very grateful you graced us with your beautiful presence, internal and external! We love you and Paul!!

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    • Reply tracyhensel

      Thank you Amy! You, my beautiful friend … were stunning on your ‘Special Day”. I think that is generally the biggest complaint with weddings or hosting parties all together, Appreciate your input. Thank you so much for including Paul and I on your special day! We had a fabulous time!!! xx

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  • Reply Candy Ainsworth

    Yes! Tracy, I’d love to see a YouTube video on the importance of having your clothes tailored to your body! And btw you were beautiful!!! I just love you!!! ❤️

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    • Reply tracyhensel

      That is a great suggestion, Candy! I believe that is so important, and I would love to share on that topic. Thanks for taking the time to leave a suggestion. xx

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  • Reply Jaymie Ashcraft

    Looking stunning!! Love this dress and great tips!
    Jaymie
    http://www.jaymieashcraft.com

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    • Reply tracyhensel

      Thank you Jaymie! Glad to enjoyed the tips. Appreciate you taking the time to visit, and comment!! xx

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  • Reply Jeannee Waseck

    Tracy, I just discovered you – love this dress, love your tips, LOVE YOU 😀 You cover everything so well, that the only thing I can think to add is the rule my mother always taught me about going to a wedding – in terms of what gift you were going to give: “pay for your dinner”.

    I just arrived, so I don’t know if you’ve tackled this topic; I thought of this because you said “wedding” … to me, a bridal shower is for women. I am as uncomfortable as the men are, at a “Jack and Jill” wedding (or baby) shower! Have you videoed or written about shower etiquette?

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    • Reply tracyhensel

      Hi Jeannee! I am so happy to hear that you found me. Welcome!! I completely agree with what your mother has taught you. In this day and age and the cost of weddings, the gift should be generous. I have not covered the topic about co-ed wedding and baby showers. I have never actually attended one. I will say however, that the showers that I have been too, over the past several years …either the husband or father to be have shown up for the gift opening part. I actually have really enjoyed that. Other than that, I have never been to one with couples there. It would make for a great topic, though.

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  • Reply Garima Stylus

    Thank you for guiding in such a detailed manner about the things that young girls like me need to know. You’re way of speaking definitely tells what kind of a person you are. I’m so happy that I found you.

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    • Reply tracyhensel

      Hi Garima! Thank you for sending such a nice message. I am happy you found me, as well!! Blessings!!! xo

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  • Reply Veronica

    Absolutely stunning!

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    • Reply tracyhensel

      Thank You, Veronica!!!

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  • Reply Hortencia

    You are so helpful can’t believe you posted on make up, perfume , shoes and dress information. Around What salary bracket is needed to buy these things. Some us us could afford it maybe don’t know how to pamper ourselves.

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    • Reply tracyhensel

      Thank you! I try to be as detailed as possible. Have a blessed day!! xo

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  • Reply sandy

    Great blog post !!! There’s a weddinf coming up. Is that okay I wear a white floral pattern dress ?

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    • Reply Barbara

      I have the same question. My daughter was going to a wedding and wore a white tea length silk dress with big splashes of blue on it. I told her that it was ok because it had a pattern on it. Was I wrong?

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      • Reply tracyhensel

        Hi Barbara! You were not wrong, at all. Nit wearing white to a wedding … means white … as in all white. Print is completely different!! You gave your daughter good advice!

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  • Reply Millason Dailey

    Yes, please make a video about tailoring. If you don’t mind me asking, how tall are you? I am 35 years old, 4’11”, and an hourglass shape. It is veeeerrrry difficult to find appropriate, flattering clothes straight off the rack. Any help you can give me would me fantastic! Thanks!

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  • Reply Regina

    I always thought that wearing white to another woman’s wedding was a “faux pas”. I watched your etiquette video, in which you wear a sleeveless white dress that you mentioned wearing to previous weddings. Then, I clicked on your website and you advertised the dress as pale pink. The question begs: Is it a “faux pas” to wear white (as a guest) to another woman’s wedding?

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    • Reply tracyhensel

      Hi Regina! You are absolutely correct on both. You absolutely can not wear white to a wedding. And yes, my dress is a pale pink … Blush color!!

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  • Reply Adrianne reyna

    I had this dress in my cart for hosting my best friends bridal shower but was so worried about it being too showy or how it would look on someone petite with curves! You sold me on this dress! It looks classy and elegant. I’m interested in the maroon color since that is her wedding color. Do you have any suggestions for other options?!

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    • Reply tracyhensel

      Thank you!

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  • Reply Diya

    Hello Tracy, you are so gorgeous and an inspiration…you seems a really nice person, so happy to find you and the blog.
    Sending you love and hugs.

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    • Reply tracyhensel

      Thank you, and Bless you!!

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  • Reply sher

    Is it ok if wear an all black dress to a summer wedding? And are nylons a no no?

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  • Reply Carolina Batista

    You look great! Can’t get tired of your videos! Thanks Tracy!

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  • Reply Linda Craig

    Hi Tracy,

    Yes, I’d love to see a video of your sessions with Maria. Would be very interesting to me

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  • Reply Annika

    May I ask how tall you are? I am wondering if some of these styles would look good on my 5 foot 2 inch frame…. Beautiful dress…you look terrific.

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  • Reply Monique Alston

    Hi Tracy,

    Thank you for being so informative. I’m attending a wedding in a few weeks with my companion and he’s been asked to be an escort in the wedding. Would it be appropriate to match his tie? The color wouldn’t be the same as the bridesmaids. Thank you!

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  • Reply Darlene G Durling

    I’m attending a semi formal wedding in August. I have never done formal. I did find a navy jumpsuit with navy lace bell sleeves. Is that ok? And should my husband have a tux?

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