By: Douglas Thornton

The bride and her gown should take center stage on the day of her wedding but when the spring/summer invitations start arriving one has to wonder what is appropriate attire for guests.  Gone are the antiquated rules of dressing including not wearing white and steering clear of black but there is no reason to break the rules this season with colour playing a large role.

For women bold and bright colours are plentiful.  Choose from lemon yellow, to emerald green, shocking pinks, to turquoise.  Look for dresses in chiffons and other loose fabrics for a romantic look.  If choosing a sexier style of dress remember to bring a wrap or jacket.  In a church it is respectful to cover one’s arms and a wrap or jacket adds extra polish and sophistication.  The blazer is the key jacket for spring and can be found in a variety of colours and prints.  A beaded or embellished top will look lovely underneath a tailored blazer.  When it comes to skirts a full or tiered silhouette is popular and provides a soft, flowing look with a bohemian edge.

Accessories for spring are inspired by bohemian styles.  Wood is a key material and can be found at a variety of price points.  Look for beads and bangles in painted and natural wood.  Beyond jewelry the bag is an important and practical item.  Women should choose a bag that is large enough to carry essentials but small enough to feel like another piece of jewelry.  This season’s bags are richly embellished so don’t be afraid of sequins, feathers, and other ostentatious details.  A practical choice in shoes is the wedge.  More comfortable than spike heels and offered in a variety of styles, materials, and colours the wedge will not only work for the wedding but for everyday life.  Consider the wedge an investment piece you will wear all summer long.

Men’s fashions are taking a more casual approach for spring. While the pinstriped suit is making a big fashion comeback, suits in neutral colours like tan and beige are light and airy for a spring/summer wedding.  Men should look for natural fabrics like linen and cotton, which are popular choices for the warm weather months.  A matching suit is not necessary.  Mixing and matching is incredibly popular right now and pairing dark pants with a light blazer or vice versa is not only acceptable but also stylish.  A perfect pairing with neutral suits are the striped shirts that are in vogue right now.  The multicolored shirts add vibrancy and excitement to the warm weather season and look sharp with a solid coloured tie. 

When shopping for accessories men should pay close attention to current trends that have classic appeal.  The pocket square is making a comeback and many stores offer stylish silk handkerchiefs in a variety of colours and patterns.  The skinny tie is also seeing a revival and is a nice choice for spring.  The spectator shoe in either glossy black or stark white is hot this season and brings traditional sophistication to any suit style.

Now when the special day occurs if one dares to wear colour, play with bohemian and classic accessories, and take a casual yet polished approach to dressing he or she will definitely be a well-dressed guest.