Wedding Fashion In 2017

What are the dos and don’t trending in wedding fashion in 2017 for the wedding families as well as the wedding guests? As a wedding planner I have to keep up on what’s in and what’s out.

–LB, Newport, RI

From the wedding dress to the last dance, watching fashion walk down the aisle and on the dance floor is entertaining. Here are trends we’re seeing in wedding fashion this year from strapless and backless to shades of pink:

The Strapless or backless wedding dress is fine as long as the church, or house of worship, doesn’t mind if the bride is showing a lot of skin. Some religious institutions require covered shoulders, which is easily done with the addition of a bolero that can be unbuttoned and taken off for the reception. You would have to ask about a dress with an up-high slit to reveal a thigh.

To tan or not to tan is always a concern because if the tan isn’t professionally applied, it is apt to rub off and stain clothing. A certain amount of tan looks better in the wedding photos, but you don’t want to overdo it with a fake orange glow. If the bride looks tan that’s OK, especially if the groom is tanned as well.

Like shoes, undergarments you will wear at your wedding should be worn to dress fittings. Wedding shoes should be broken in, even if it is around the house while cooking dinner or doing laundry.

Likewise, experiment with makeup and hairstyle ahead of time so there is no disappointment with the wedding photos.

It is still NOT acceptable for women guests to wear white, because the bride is the only person wearing white. Black is always chic, but red is an attention-grabbing color, as are loud prints. A guest’s outfit shouldn’t be seeking scrutiny unless of course it is monochromatic.

However, guests don’t have to be dressed in perfectly color coordinated outfits from hat and dress, to hand bag and shoes.

Hats are great at the ceremony whether it is held indoors or out, but leave the hat in the cloak room or car before going into the reception. Hats don’t belong on the dance floor, unless the hat is a fascinator or a small brimless cocktail hat. Any hat with a brim can deter social kissing.

Comfort is always key, which is why a handbag on a small chain is easier to handle than a clutch.

Hanging gracefully from the shoulder, a bag with a long strap is easier to manage when you have a glass of champagne in your left hand while the right is handshaking.