From The Straits Times    |

hwpfashionguests.jpgBrides in lovely evening gowns. If your dress looks even vaguely similar to one of these, we suggest you reserve it for another occasion instead of wearing it to your friend’s wedding. Photo: Female Brides Issue 8

Black’s Out
I remember attending an ex-colleague’s wedding dinner two years ago at a posh hotel and was surprised to see a sea of blacks at the event. I actually thought I was in a business conference or some other serious, sombre affair. The irony: The theme of the entire dinner was supposed to imbibe colourful retro fun!

Where black was once a taboo colour to wear at ‘happy or joyous’ events – birthdays, weddings and festive occasions – it’s now common to see guests and even the celebrant in black!

In a world of such amazing and varied hues, I can’t understand why anyone would want to wear an all-black ensemble to a happy occasion – surely one’s wardrobe is not a black hole devoid of any colour!

Just as we avoid wearing red, pink or bright hues to a funeral or a serious, formal occasion, we should make the effort to dress appropriately for a celebration. And bright colours are always a joyful fashion statement; vivid hues also add to the cheerful ambience of the occasion!

If black is a must, add on colourful accessories – be it shoes, belts or fine jewellery. Black should be the base where your brightly coloured accessories stand out. 

Bare’s Out Too
Weddings are supposed to be romantic occasions – but there are exceptions to the rule, like rowdy parties, casual celebrations and even whimsical, quirky affairs. One thing a wedding celebration is NOT; is a sexy, skanky affair – and guests should never dress like they are attending one.

There is always a way to bare more skin tastefully – sheer panels, tasteful cut-outs or interesting cuts and slits. But all-out micro-mini dresses with plunging necklines or backless dresses that bare all the way are just attention-grabbing statements that belong to a nightclub.

The attention should be on the bride – not on a skimpily dressed guest or bridesmaid. And too much skin can be considered rude or offensive amongst Asians and older guests who still view weddings as formal, conservative affairs.

Cut Back on the Glitter
There was one wedding dinner I attended when a guest turned up in a floor length silver sequinned gown. I actually thought she was a surprise performer for the night’s entertainment till I was informed otherwise.

Just like dressing in a too-sexy outfit, going all-out with shine sparkle and shimmer only draws attention to the wearer – a good thing only if you are the bride. People mistaking you for the bride or entertainer for the night is definitely not a good thing.

Got any wedding-related questions? We’re happy to help! Please drop us an e-mail at sthio@sph.com.sg should you wish to submit your queries. Please note that your queries and our responses may be featured in the magazine, or on the website.