Choosing the right dress to attend an abroad wedding can be tricky and it’s important you give yourself enough time to decide. Fortunately, if it’s an evening event this can help make some of the decisions for you. Evening dresses usually have certain design features to help fit within the themes and other aspects of evening weddings. Find our recommendations for choosing your dress below.
What’s the difference between a day dress and an evening dress?
The time of day that a dress is intended for has a big impact on the features of the dress. While you can of course pick a dress that goes against the established characteristics of an evening outfit, it’s important to bear in mind that these features serve a purpose. The main areas of difference between day and night dresses are:
- Length – day dresses are typically shorter than evening ones to allow for easier movement and ventilation for activities. In contrast, an evening dress is often closer to reaching the floor.
- Fabric – evening dresses are often made from luxurious fabrics such as satin or velvet, with additional lining to keep them warm. Whereas day dresses are frequently made from lighter airy fabrics.
- Colour – it’s a general rule of thumb that the wedding guest or bridesmaid dress colour should tie into the surroundings of the event. This includes the venue, as well as the time of year and the colours of the environment. For instance, blue bridesmaid dresses can be effective at emulating the colours of the late evening sky.
Advice for choosing an evening dress for an abroad wedding
Choosing an evening dress for a wedding means taking time to consider factors like the wedding theme, venue, and your personal style. Here are recommendations to help guide your decision:
Consider the dress code
It’s important that the dress you choose fits the dress code for the event. If it's black-tie for instance, opt for a formal gown. For semi-formal or cocktail attire, a shorter dress or elegant jumpsuit could be appropriate.
Choose the right length
For evening weddings, floor-length gowns are typically a safe choice. However, if the wedding is less formal or takes place in a casual setting, you might opt for a knee-length or midi dress. This will also be helpful if there’s going to be dancing immediately after the ceremony.
Flatter your body type
Choose a silhouette that flatters your body shape and makes you feel confident. A-line dresses are universally flattering, while sheath dresses accentuate curves. Consider features like neckline, sleeve length, and waistline to enhance your best assets. You can find more detail on this topic in our other blog ‘How to dress an hourglass figure’.
Plan for comfort
Most weddings often involve hours of standing, dancing, and socialising, so it’s important to choose a dress that allows you to move comfortably. For evening dresses, you should also consider whether the outfit will keep you warm throughout the evening, especially if there are lots of outside areas in the venue.
Be mindful of cultures and religions
If the wedding has specific cultural or religious customs, whether due to the abroad setting or the bride, make sure that your dress choice respects and adheres to any traditions.
Quality and affordable dresses for weddings
The most important thing is to select a dress that makes you feel confident and adds to the occasion. Maids to Measure produce a range of quality abroad wedding guest dresses and bridesmaid dresses for both day and evening events. If you’re in doubt about a certain fabric or dress style, simply book an appointment at our showroom or order some fabric samples online using our shop.