With spring ramping up and summer just a few months away, I’m sure some of you may have started to receive wedding invitations, or are in the middle of planning your own celebration.!

Whether it’s your own wedding or someone else’s, a wedding calls for some advance planning when it comes to wardrobe. Not only will you want to find the perfect outfit that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable, you’ll also want to make sure you have all of the details in place — from the right underpinnings and shapewear, hair, makeup and accessories. 

Here are some of my tried and trusted tips for pulling it all off with style and confidence. Consider this your playbook for the wedding season ahead!

The Ultimate Wedding Season Guide via @GirlWithCurves #weddings #style #tips
If You’re a Bride…

Your first thought is likely about the dress! Having been a curvy bride myself, I know how hard it can be to find fashionable, well-made options that are also flattering. Thankfully, there are some amazing brands out there that are changing the wedding dress conversation for girls with curves, including Eloquii for Stone Fox Bride, Watters, and Morilee by Madeline Gardner. 

As the bride, you’ll also have to think about pre- and post-wedding events like that rehearsal dinner and a post-wedding brunch, if you’re hosting one. I love the look of feminine, sheer fabrics that have a similar feeling as bridal wear, worn in unexpected ways — think a chiffon duster coat or a blouse with elegant detailing.  

The Ultimate Wedding Season Guide via @GirlWithCurves #weddings #style #tips
If You’re a Bridesmaid…

I know from experience that the best thing you can do as a bridesmaid is be honest about what you’re comfortable wearing right from the start. If you’re a bride looking for bridesmaid dresses, listen closely to your bridesmaids’ preferences, sensitivities, and keeping your own vision in mind, look for brands that have a variety of offerings that complement different body shapes and skin tones. I had great success with Bella Bridesmaids when I was tasked with finding dresses for my cousin’s wedding, and Fame and Partners is another go-to for affordable, high-quality dresses that are also customizable, as well as David's Bridal.

The Ultimate Wedding Season Guide via @GirlWithCurves #weddings #style #tips
If You’re a Guest…

Since you’re not actually in the wedding, you have a little more wiggle room when it comes to what you wear, so have fun! Think outside the box — but also respect the vibe of the occasion. For example, if the bride is more conservative and the wedding is fancy, it’s best to opt for an outfit that fits within those guidelines. Two of my favorite looks are colorful lace and baroque-inspired patterns—they’re classic and classy, yet also visually interesting.

A Final Note About Shopping…
Whether you’re a bride, bridesmaid, or guest, it’s a smart idea to try on dresses with as much of the rest of your wedding day look as possible, including your special occasion undergarments, shapewear and accessories. Bring a few different options you may wear for each, and swap them out in the dressing room according to each potential outfit. This will give you a better sense of how things will actually look on the real day—and save you the last-minute stress of finding out your dress looks different than it did in the store.