Let us assume that half the people you know are getting married and you have a thousand weddings to attend. You have been to one or two weddings with your best formal wear, and you are afraid you do not have any more appropriate formal wear for the remaining occasions.
Moreover, it so happens that getting a new outfit is not an option. You do, however, have a lot of short dresses in your wardrobe. Now you are wondering: are short dresses okay for formal weddings?
Well, there are many answers to this question. For the longest time, the most appropriate attire for formal weddings has been floor-length gowns. Earlier, the thought of a guest wearing a short dress to a formal wedding might have been considered scandalous.
However, in this day and time, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing short dresses to a formal wedding. It is trendy and chic, and as long as it works for you, why not wear it?
Nonetheless, you should know that not all short dresses can be worn to formal weddings. Specific dresses may be seen as disrespectful not just to the couple but to the elderly as well. Therefore, there are specific rules you must look out for when choosing your short dress, and if you stick to those rules, then you should not have any problems.
Rules Guiding Short Dresses for Formal Weddings
Rule #1: Say No to Low Necklines
Always go for dresses with a high neckline. Most significantly, for short dresses, you cannot have a low neckline; that is way too much skin on display. With a high neckline, the dress balances out and is appropriate for formal occasions.
Rule #2: Sleeves or Jackets
As mentioned earlier, it is best not to have so much skin on display. Avoid sleeveless dresses; add a dressy jacket or stylish shawl if you cannot avoid them.
Rule #3 Short does not mean slutty
You probably have a little black dress you wear to the club. Naturally, it is short and clingy. That attire is acceptable for the club, but you should never wear it to a wedding. It is inappropriate and makes you look tacky, and you would not want that.
Armed with these rules, wearing a short dress for your occasion should not be an issue. However, you can always ask the couple if you are still unsure.
Checking with them will be appreciated and aid you so you do not make mistakes. You could also cross-check the dress codes by looking at the wedding invitations. (Most wedding invites tend to have them).
You can wear short dresses to formal weddings. However, no matter what you put on, you would not want to overshadow the happy couple.
The day is, after all, for them and not for you. Therefore, ensure your outfit does not draw too much attention from the main event. Whether a short or long dress, ensure it is acceptable and not too revealing. You can still stand out without showing skin.
