Fashion

Best-Dressed Guest: What to Wear to a Spring Wedding

written by BETH GILLETTE

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What to Wear to a Spring Wedding"
What to Wear to a Spring Wedding

The saying goes “always a bridesmaid, never a bride,” but if we’re being real, should probably start with “always a wedding guest.” You have a fridge full of save the dates, your 2023 weekends booked out, and the first weddings of your year coming up quicker than you expected. As winter starts to fade away and our calendars are turning another month, it’s time to start preparing for the spring weddings we have coming up.

Of course, all seasons bring unique, special details to a wedding, but there’s just something about a spring wedding. The optimism of the warm months is in the air, you get to get dressed up and go to an event to celebrate people you love, flowers are blooming… and the colors? It’s the time of year when it feels like anything is possible, and a spring wedding is the perfect way to commemorate the season.

Whether you have a garden wedding, black-tie wedding, or destination wedding coming up this spring, here’s exactly what to wear to nail your look.

 

 

 

What to wear to a spring wedding

 

Mini dresses

If you want your wedding look to be flirty and fun, a mini dress is your best bet. And don’t be fooled: a mini dress doesn’t have to feel casual.

Susana Monaco
Sequin Tube Dress
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ASOS
Floral Jacquard Dress
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Show Me Your Mumu
Bow Bandeau Dress
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H&M
Off Shoulder Dress
2 colors available
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For Love & Lemons
Ruffle Shoulder Dress
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Anthropologie
Turtleneck Sweater Dress
2 colors available available in standard and plus size
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Anthropologie
Bubble Mini Dress
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ASOS
Tie Front Dress
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MANGO
Cape Dress
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NBD
Ruffle Mini Dress
3 colors available
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Anthropologie
Jacquard Bubble Dress
2 colors available available in standard and plus size
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Abercrombie & Fitch
Pleated Mini Dress
3 colors available
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Midi dresses

For your standard wedding dress code, a midi dress is the perfect choice. It’ll ensure you’re dressed up for the occasion, but can still move and dance comfortably all night long.

Anthropologie
Bubble Dress
2 colors available available in standard and plus-size
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Eloquii
Draped Bodice Dress
2 colors available
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H&M
Wrap Dress
4 colors available
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ASOS
Strapless Ruched Dress
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Anthropologie
Tiered Corset Dress
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FARM Rio
Cutout Dress
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Eloquii
Ruched One Shoulder Dress
4 colors available
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Abercrombie & Fitch
Corset Midi Dress
3 colors available
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Abercrombie & Fitch
Satin Pleated Dress
5 colors available
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Abercrombie & Fitch
Satin Midi Dress
13 colors available
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Eloquii
Shoulder Sheath Dress
6 colors available
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Bardot
Mesh Midi Dress
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ASOS
Batwing Floral Dress
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H&M
Bandeau Dress
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J. Crew
One Shoulder Dress
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Abercrombie & Fitch
Cowl Neck Slip Dress
3 colors available
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Maxi dresses

If the wedding you’re attending has a more formal dress code, it’s time to pull out a floor-length dress that’ll turn heads. 

Eloquii
Tie Front Maxi Dress
2 colors available
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Amanda Uprichard x REVOLVE
Two-Toned Gown
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Hutch
Ruffle Tiered Gown
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Hutch
Floral Wrap Dress
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Hutch
Bustier Dress
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J.Crew
Strapless Satin Dress
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J.Crew
Ruffle Hem Dress
2 colors available
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Eloquii
Satin Maxi Dress
4 colors available
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Abercrombie & Fitch
Satin Pleated Dress
5 colors available
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River Island
Metallic Plisse Dress
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Jumpsuits

Not into dresses, or just want to spice it up and stand out from the crowd? These jumpsuits are just as dressy, but give an out-of-the-box chicness to your wedding guest look.

Amanda Uprichard
Plisse Jumpsuit
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Mac Duggal
Plunge Jumpsuit
4 colors available
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ASOS
Contrast Jumpsuit
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Eloquii
Wide Leg Jumpsuit
2 colors available
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Birdy Grey
Convertible Jumpsuit
5 colors available
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MANGO
Asymmetric Jumpsuit
2 colors available
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MANGO
Satin Coverall
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MANGO
Pleated Jumpsuit
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Heeled shoes

Looking for shoes you can dance the night away in (but still wear way beyond the wedding?). Look no further.

Lisa Vicky
Strappy Block Heel
4 colors available
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Song of Style
Heeled Sandal
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Bibi Lou
Floral Kitten Heels
14 colors available
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Bandolino
Bow Slingback Heel
3 colors available
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Dolce Vita
Metallic Strappy Heel
4 colors available
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Jeffrey Campbell
Beaded Strappy Heel
5 colors available
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Katy Perry
Hollow Slingback Heel
4 colors available
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Jeffrey Campbell
Strappy Kitten Heel
4 colors available
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Anne Klein
Convertible Slingback Heel
6 colors available
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BCBGeneration
Pointed Bow Heel
5 colors available
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Flat shoes

If you’re someone who doesn’t love wearing heels (or if the wedding is going to take place in a grassy area—you don’t want heels digging into dirt!) these flat shoes are still dressed-up enough to be wedding-appropriate.

MANGO
Patent Slingback Flat
2 colors available
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Linea Paolo
Pointed Slingback Flat
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MANGO
Satin Flat
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MANGO
Braided Flat
Shop now
Franco Sarto
Pointed Slingback Flat
5 colors available
Shop now
MANGO
Buckle Toe Flat
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Bags

Everyone needs a good occasion bag in their life, and these versatile ones will make you pat yourself on the back every time you reach for it.

Cult Gaia
Raffia Clutch
5 colors available
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Loeffler Randall
Pleated Bow Clutch
4 colors available
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Pipatchara
Macrame Detail Bag
4 colors available
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MANGO
Textured Bag
3 colors available
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MANGO
Metallic Bag
2 colors available
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Cult Gaia
Leather Fan Clutch
2 colors available
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Cult Gaia
Woven Clutch
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STAUD
Leather Clutch
4 colors available
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Hair accessories

A hair accessory is a small detail that can pack a big punch. Your look will be taken up a notch with the addition of any of these.

Kristin Ess
Pearl Bobby Pins
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The Project Label
Starburst Barrette
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Anthropologie
Crystal Hair Clips
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Anthropologie
Pearl Barrettes
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Anthropologie
Gold Hair Clips
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Anthropologie
Floral Claw Clips
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Lele Sadoughi
Faux Leather Headband
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Anthropologie
Bow Scrunchie
3 colors available
Shop now

 

Earrings

Especially if you’re wearing your hair up, don’t underestimate the power of a good earring. Choose the right ones, and they’ll pull your look completely together. 

8 Other Reasons
Pearl Drop Earrings
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Nordstrom
Flower Drop Earrings
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Argento Vivo
Chunky Hoop Earrings
2 colors available
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BRUNA
Pearl Hoop Earrings
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Mejuri
Pearl Drop Earrings
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Gorjana
Knot Earrings
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Necklaces

Whether you need something subtle or statement-making, any of these pair well with a wedding-worthy dress.

BRUNA
Pearl Necklace
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Mejuri
Enamel Pendant
3 colors available
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Uncommon James
Chain Necklace
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Uncommon James
Pendant Necklace
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Bracelets

Because a good wedding look isn’t complete without a little sparkle on your wrists.

Mejuri
Striped Bangle
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Sequin
Gemstone Bracelet
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Uncommon James
Pink Jewel Bracelet
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Bauble Bar
Baguette Bracelet
2 colors available
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Mejuri
Croissant Cuff Bracelet
2 colors available
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Gorjana
Band Bracelet
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Rings

Your hands are on display all night at a wedding, from when you’re holding a drink and chatting during cocktail hour through eating dinner, which means they should be accessorized to perfection.

Mejuri
Heart Enamel Ring
3 colors available
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Nordstrom
Bubble Wrap Ring
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Kendra Scott
Band Ring
2 colors available
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Uncommon James
Colorful Baguette Ring
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Sequin
Blush Signet Ring
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Nadri
Emerald Ring
3 colors available
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Undergarments

Figuring out what you’re going to wear to a wedding is one thing, but you can’t forget about what you’re going to wear under. Make sure you’re prepared with the right bra, shapewear, and underwear before the big day.

Thirdlove
Strapless Bra
2 colors available
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Nood
Lift & Shaping Bra
4 colors available
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SKIMS
Sculpting Thong
9 colors available
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SKIMS
Sculpting Short
9 colors available
Shop now
 

 

Travel-sized makeup

Odds are, you’re going to need a makeup touchup at some point throughout the night. Keep a few travel-sized items in your bag so they don’t take up too much space, but ensure you’re prepared for anything. A perfume roller baller is also great to pack to freshen up with throughout the night.

Charlotte Tilbury
Mini Flawless Setting Spray
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Hourglass
Mini Concealer
12 shades available
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Rare Beauty
Mini Mascara
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Charlotte Tilbury
Mini Bronze and Glow Compact
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Charlotte Tilbury
Blush Wand
3 shades available
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Gucci
Flora Rollerball
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Bag essentials

Whether you or someone else need a bandaid from those brand-new heels, you’ll be glad you have some packed, as well as some mints, a hand sanitizer, and a portable phone charger (which you’ll likely need after taking pics all night) in your going-out bag.

Viter Energy
Caffeine Chews
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iWALK
Small Charger
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Band-Aid
Fabric Bandages
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Touchland
Hand Sanitizer Mist
10 scents available
Shop now

 

Spring wedding guest outfit ideas

 

earrings | dressbagheels

Looking for a dress you can wear to your upcoming spring wedding, but actually get use out of beyond it? This versatile, midi number is it. In five beautiful shades, it can be dressed up or down in the future, but for your spring wedding, is an absolute showstopper. With a statement clutch and heels that are just the right height, you’ve got a perfect semi-formal look.

 

heels | dressbagearrings

Some pieces are just too good to be true, and this dress is one of them. The colors, ruffles,  floral print—if you have a formal spring wedding coming up, this is wedding guest perfection. Pair it with a bag in a similar tone, white heels, and earrings that are just as beautiful as the dress itself. 

 

hoopsheelsdressbracelet

For a more casual affair, this mini dress is the fun, out-of-the-box option that’ll make you the star of the show (after the bride, of course). As if the bright green shade wasn’t enough, the cape detail solidifies it as one of the prettiest cocktail dresses we’ve seen this season. To elevate it even further, heels in a pop of color make it a spring wedding guest dress dream.

 

Wedding dress code tips

While some weddings won’t specify a dress code, many will, and if the bride and groom take the effort into guiding you to what you should wear, you should take it as a blessing. 

When you’re given a dress code, follow it, and make sure the attire you’re planning on wearing falls under it. The last thing you want is to show up in a black-tie dress while everyone else is super casual or, worse, show up super casual when everyone is dressed for a black-tie event.

If the invitation doesn’t give a dress code, double check the wedding website, and if that still turns up no information, reach out to a bridesmaid to ask (avoid bothering the bride with questions you can get answered elsewhere). If they still don’t know, dress for the location. 95% of the time, you aren’t going to show up to a ballroom in a sundress or wear a floor-length gown to a beach wedding.

 

Black tie

Black tie weddings are generally the most formal dress code you’re going to see. They’re most common when the wedding reception is going to be held in a ballroom.

The best practice for when a black-tie dress code is specified is to wear a floor-length dress. Obviously, which floor-length dress you choose can vary widely. A more plain, solid-colored dress in a classic silhouette is a no-fail option, but you can also branch out and opt for a dress with a pop of pattern or texture. The only “rule” you need to focus on is your dress’ length—the rest is fair game.

 

Cocktail

A cocktail dress code allows for a wide variety of outfit choices, the most common being a cocktail dress (obviously). It’s more casual than black tie, but still calls for an elevated, special-event worthy look. For a cocktail dress code, your best bet is to opt for a short or midi dress and heels. 

 

Semi-formal

Semi-formal dress codes are one step down from cocktail—think dressy-casual. There’s also a lot more flexibility in what you can choose to wear. A fun jumpsuit or dress you would wear to a nice restaurant are great options. For footwear, you can stick to your go-to heels, or choose a more elevated flat.

 

Casual

While it sounds self-explanatory, seeing a “casual” dress code description can sometimes feel even more confusing than a black-tie one. For a casual wedding, you can opt for a sun dress and sandals, trousers and a fun blouse, or a casual jumpsuit. Keep it along the lines of what you would wear to a brunch with friends on a Saturday afternoon. From your favorite wedges to a more casual pair of heels to a pair of sandals, any footwear goes here.

 

How to nail your wedding guest look

 

Don’t bring anything you don’t need

While it’s generally better to be over-prepared, the last thing you want at a wedding is to be lugging around stuff you don’t have to be. For example, don’t bring a jacket just on the off-chance you get chilly if you know you aren’t ever going to actually put it on (guilty).

Try to contain everything you’re bringing into a small clutch or crossbody, and avoid carrying around anything that doesn’t fit in it. If you feel like you have to bring a giant bag to carry what you’re planning on bringing, rework it to fit into something smaller. The last thing you want is to be caught in photos with a bag on your shoulder and a bunch of things in your hand (which should be holding a drink anyway!).

 

Don’t wear white

This one is a no-brainer, but can also sound like an old-school rule that might not be a thing anymore—but that’s not the case. For best practice, avoid wearing white at all costs. Yes, that includes a floral dress that has a white base color. 

 

If you’re taking pictures, do it at the beginning

After an open bar, hours of mingling, and time spent on the dance floor, odds are, you’re going to look your very best at the start of the wedding. If you’re planning on taking pictures to remember the night, do it as early as you can (as long as it’s an appropriate time to do so). This obviously doesn’t apply to taking pictures with the bride and groom; that’s something you should do whenever is best for them.

 

Consider your social media etiquette

Something your bride and groom might not want? A million hands up holding a phone, taking photos while the bride is walking down the aisle. If you want to take a few pictures, you should! But don’t spend big moments throughout the night messing around on your phone to post them immediately; instead, take the photos, but post them later on and enjoy the moment.

 

Pack a hair clip (just in case)

Let’s be honest: No matter what you do to your hair, after more than six hours of activity, you’re probably going to get to the point where you want to put it up.

Rather than resorting to a black hair tie, pack a special occasion-worthy clip in your bag that you can put your hair up into when you’re ready. Rather than looking like you just threw it up, it’ll trick everyone into thinking it was a part of the plan all along and will end up elevating your entire look mid-way through the night.

 

Avoid wearing the same color as the bridesmaids

Obviously, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, and nobody is going to judge you if you happen to wear something that’s the same color as the bridesmaids’ dresses. But if you know what color they’re wearing and can help it, opt for a dress in a different hue. 

If you don’t know what color the bridesmaids are wearing, you can likely figure it out by the color scheme of the wedding website and invitations. Of course, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but is something to consider if you can.