WEARING BLACK TO A SUMMER WEDDING
There was a time wearing black to a wedding made the wrong statement. Black as mourning garb was a hand-me-down from the Victorian Era (call it 1820 to 1914). England’s Queen Victoria only wore black in public after her husband’s death to represent her mourning state of mind.
The Victorian Era represented Britain’s expansion and influence globally. Besides the Industrial Revolution, the Victorian attitude leveled strict morality over the people in it, including in the newer United States across the pond.
Back in the day when a mother-in-law showed up at her son’s wedding swathed in a black veil and gown. It might be perceived as her disdain of her son’s choice in bride.
But no more!
Members of the wedding party and the wedding guests are wearing black and looking good! Plus black is a year-round color…including wearing black in the summer!
For afternoon nuptials think black sheath dress. Simple and sleeveless, it can be paired with a strand of pearls or a crop sweater in white or a pale pink or blue…just enough to keep you warm if the weather turns or as the evening air cools down during the reception.
For a formal wedding, consider a sleek black bodycon gown. No need to overpower the look with a mermaid flurry of ruffles at the hem. Instead consider a gown with a subtle bow at the waist or simple straps at the shoulders (makes for more comfortable dancing when you don’t have to worry about a wardrobe malfunction while you’re doing the Gas Pedal dance seen on TikTok. Practice in your heels or sandals at home before taking it to the ballroom floor.
Summer is the perfect weather to wear black as a palette for an accent shawl or if it’s an outdoor ceremony consider a black and white hat. Depending on the venue’s ground cover you’ll want to choose flats or espadrilles that won’t leave you aerating the lawn as you make your way to the open bar.
Even the handbag you carry when wearing a little black dress makes a difference. Leave your epic size workaday hobo bag at home. Opt instead for a small clutch to hold your keys, cell phone, lipstick. Go hands free with a wrist strap clutch. And dance the night away!