While we’re all busy planning our lives as brides, I had a chance to catch-up with a fashion blogger who’s been busy being a wedding guest. It’s hard to play up your personal style while playing it down enough so you don’t detract attention from the bride.
Below Maria Abad (Maria On Point) from Washington, D.C. shares tips and tricks for wedding attendees, including her favorite presents and pins. As my go-to resources in D.C. for fun professional and personal style, she hits the nail on the head when it comes to tying the knot.
Q: You’re a fashion blogger in the nation’s Capitol: What is the fashion scene like in D.C.?
A: The fashion scene in D.C. is very chic, fashion-forward and bold. Whether you go to a bloggers’ event, a ladies lounge or a new product launch, you’ll always find Washingtonians wearing stylish outfits.
Q: What are the current trends in fashion that you’re seeing at weddings across the country?
A: I’ve seen a lot of people wearing lace and neon dresses for the wedding ceremony, and floral prints and peplums for rehearsal dinners.
Q: How can wedding guests get playful with fashion, without outshining the bride?
A: A statement necklace or earrings are always a good accessory to highlight your outfit as well as colorful/fun shoes.
Q: What are tips for packing for a wedding weekend – domestic and abroad?
– Domestic: Make sure you pack print or fun color jeans versus your usual blue jeans with a nice blouse and a blazer. Jazzing up your travel outfit is always fun! This will help you be prepared in case you have to rush for a pre-rehearsal dinner outing and you have no time to change. Pack a statement necklace, fun clutch and simple top so you can wear this at after parties if you feel like changing from your wedding outfit.
– Rehearsal dinner: unless told it’s casual, pack two semiformal dresses that if you find out the wedding is not too formal when you’re already at the wedding place, you can use that one instead of your other more formal option. Find out if rehearsal dinner is at a garden or the beach, as this will tell you what footwear to pack.
– Wedding day: If you know you’ll be dancing all night in your high heels, it can’t hurt to have fold over flats in your bag so you can change late at night. Don’t worry about packing bobby pins, tissues and those; most brides have all those goodies in the bathroom for their guests. Nail polish always chips so I always bring the color I have on with me so I can reapply when needed.
– Abroad: The weddings I’ve been to abroad tend to be dressier than in the U.S. They’re usually black tie so pack long dress, high heels and a statement clutch. If the wedding is in Cancun, Tuscany or Provence then you know you have to pack summer friendly outfits, as you’ll be enjoying the beautiful sights. Make sure you bring your camera, power converter if you’re bringing a curling iron, as the power outlets are different in Europe and other places.
Q: If wedding guests want to give a fashion-forward gift to the bride-to-be, what do you recommend?
A: For a fashion-forward bride-to-be I would give her a fold over clutch by Clare Vivier (a girl can never have too many clutches), in a bold color or cool print (leopard) that she might not necessarily buy herself. She can take her fashion-forward gift with her on her honeymoon! If you really know her style, I would also consider giving her a funky, edgy and fashion-forward piece of jewelry. Studs are always a safe bet and look good on everyone, something like arrows or chevron style along with a spiky Stella & Dot renegade cluster bracelet will make her jump from joy.
Image of Maria Abad via Maria On Point: BCBG dress / Jimmy Choo sandals / Louis Vuitton vintage clutch // Collage courtesy of Maria Abad from Polyvore // Wedding guests via Caught the Light