It’s that time of year again…finally! After two years of delayed nuptials and postponed, pandemic-planned receptions, wedding season is back. And, whether it’s a small backyard affair or a ballroom blow-out, this year’s weddings are going to be one for the books.

So, as the guest to a handful myself, it got me thinking, "what essentials do I need to have ready as the invites continue to pour in?” And, more importantly, “how do I keep this on a budget?” It's been a long time since I've even thought about how to dress for a wedding, which is why I’ve decided to shop my closet for the dresses (after all, they haven’t seen the light of day since 2020!) and let my accessories step up my style.

Here’s to getting our glam on girls…

Set The Tone 

When choosing my ensemble, I always keep the type of occasion in mind. Is it a laid-back beach affair or a more upscale white-tablecloth event? This helps set the tone for my look – all the way from my dress and bag to my shoes and jewelry. So, once I’ve picked my frock, it’s time to rock the rest!

It’s In The Bag

For a more casual wedding, I tend to keep my dress neutral and go with a lot of color and embellishments for my accessories. A large, beaded clutch adds a little bit of flair to any wedding outfit and it's the perfect beach party accessory! Plus, it’s large enough to hold all of your must-haves.

However, if it’s a more elegant affair, I like to wear a more dramatic gown and pair it with an antique-inspired clutch, like Lulu's Constantinople Gold Beaded Clutch. This eye-catching Brown woven envelope bag has a top flap that is artfully decorated with bronze and gold beads and rhinestones. However, it’s not just pretty, it’s also functional! Lift the top from the magnetic closure to find an interior wall pocket for your phone or lipstick.

These Shoes Were Made For Dancing!

After walking around shoeless or in slippers for the better part of the past two years, I’ll admit that the thought of shopping for dress shoes felt more like torture than fun. That’s until I came across an Oprah Daily article about shoes you can dance in all night and I discovered a whole range of comfortable and stylish heels. My favorites from NINA are designed in seven gorgeous colors, so you can match them with any dress, and are versatile enough to fit any occasion. But the best part? The cushioned foot bed that can let you dance the night away blissfully and blister-free.

Make A Statement … With Jewelry

I’ve always found the easiest, and most affordable, way to up the ante on your wedding guest look is with some bridal bling! But no matter what type of ceremony you are attending, remember it’s a statement piece (not plural) otherwise you are overcrowding your ensemble. So, I tend to either select a bold statement necklace or sparkly drop earrings to accentuate my dress. Both offer glitz and glamour with rich jewel tones and elegant designs without being over-the-top. And they're affordable, so you can buy both and rotate them throughout the wedding season!

Hair Dos

Wedding guest perfection is from head to toe. Which means, let’s not forget our hair. However, with Zoom meetings, summer camp pick-ups and trying to exercise to actually fit into our dresses, who has the time, patience, or money to spend at a fancy salon? That’s why, my go-to is a chic clip or comb that makes me look like I spent hours getting my hair done when all I really had to do was wash and style. For hair accessories that won’t break the budget and are always on trend, I head to Amazon where I can find exactly what I need like this adorable Four-Piece Vintage Rhinestone Pearl Bobby Pin set. For less than $10, I can get classic, expensive-looking rhinestone bobby pins that are perfect for an up-do or simply pulling the sides of my hair away from my face.

However, if it’s a more dramatic style I am creating, I like the Gorais Leaf Bride Wedding Hair Comb. This affordable accessory is sure to turn heads and can be used in a variety of ways. It’s great for tucking hair behind the ears, pulling the front back for a half-up do, or to add a little something extra to a twist or bun. Plus, you don’t need to reserve these just for special occasions, use them for a work event or even date night when your hair needs a little something extra!

Bloom From The Inside Out

Ladies, we can talk all we want about how we accessorize our dresses but we all know that it’s what’s underneath that counts, right? Don’t worry, I am not getting emotional. I am referring to our panties here! Because if we don’t have the right undergarments that help our dresses fit properly, that’s all anyone… most of all, us… is going to notice.

That’s why, when I am searching for the perfect special occasion (or anytime, really) panties, I want an exceptionally-made, high-rise, lace brief that makes me look as good as I feel. And Her Highness Lace Briefs never let me down. These high-rise panties are elegantly designed with silky soft lace for maximum comfort and full-rear coverage, yet still flirty enough not to feel like traditional “granny panties.”  Plus the four-way stretch lace offers light support to hold in my lovely lady lumps from cocktail hour to dessert. Now, that’s what I call getting to the bottom of wedding season!