The Only Thing Better than an Open Bar

There are so many fantastic things about weddings. Buffets. Open Bars. I mean love, OF COURSE. But one of the best things about attending a wedding is the opportunity for a true fashion moment.

The day you receive that invitation in the mail you have an excuse to purchase a brand new frock. In fact, this is truly one of the universally accepted reasons to spend money on clothes. "Oh I need a new dress for so and so's wedding." Your grandmother does it, your mother does it, and so it is perfectly reasonably that you must do it too.

In childhood, most of our weddings are those of are closest family members. For me, it was always cousins. As the youngest in my generation, I had first cousins getting married from the age of twelve onward. And even then the thrill of a fancy outfit for the event was not lost on me.

The first cousin wedding took place by the Chesapeake Bay. My outfit, which was comprised of a halter top and matching long skirt, played on some nautical details. The shoes were chunky Steve Madden brown and gold wedges. The next wedding took place several years later. Older and with different taste, I selected my dress from my favorite store, Delias. The purple dress with a sweetheart neckline suited me perfectly.

In adulthood, my weddings have expanded from those of my family members to those of my dearest friends. In 2018, I had the honor of being a bridesmaid for my best friend at her wedding in England. Although this time I did not get to select my garment, I was just as thrilled with the dress. Her friend Davie is an accomplished fashion designer and made not only the bride's gown but also a unique dress for each of the bridesmaids. Dressed in mustard, my best friend's favorite color, we each had a gown that showed our individual personalities.

Last year, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend another dear friend's wedding in Argentina. Leading up to the event, the groom kept emphasizing how glamorous Argentinian weddings are and how fashionable the attendees dress. I was ALL EARS. Glamour?! Fashion statements?! He was speaking my language. I loved the gown I wore to the ceremony and even brought a second dress for the six hour, yes SIX HOUR, dance party. His Argentinean friends' fashion were, as promised, not only VERY glamorous but so expressive with their individual style. Guys, if you can ever attend Argentinian wedding DO IT.

Weddings can pose challenges in what you wear. You must be respectful of the occasion, the customs, and the setting; however, I still believe you can find wonderful possibilities for self expression and personal style. For me, weddings, typically, call for classic with a twist. A more traditional silhouette with a fun pattern or sophisticated fabric. Embrace the moment!