Weddings are a big deal in every country and culture, with some people preparing for years and spending exorbitant amounts of money for what should be a once-in-a-lifetime event. So, it’s only natural that not just the bride and the groom but everyone else in attendance at a wedding, from family members and close friends to distant relatives and acquaintances, will want to look their best.
But the problem with dressing to the nines for a festivity that lasts an entire day – and, in some cases, spans over a whole weekend – is that formal outfits are usually not the most comfortable. High heels, luxurious fabrics, structured silhouettes, tight corsets, close-fitting garments, and elaborate hairdos may look stunning in pictures, but they usually come at the cost of blisters, aches, and restricted movement.
Some argue that the whole point of dressing up for a wedding is to look attractive and confident, not to feel at ease, so you’ll just have to make a compromise and accept that sometimes beauty is pain. Nevertheless, weddings are a time for celebration and joy, which means there’s quite a lot of movement involved, with all the dancing and socializing that goes on. The last thing you want is to miss out on all the fun because you’re in pain or can’t move or dance.
So, is there a way for you to check the boxes for both style and comfort when choosing your wedding attire? While it’s rather unrealistic to think that a formal outfit could ever provide the same level of comfort as a tracksuit, you can certainly make the wearing experience more pleasant and enjoy the event to the fullest.
With a few practical tips and some common-sense considerations, you can save yourself a lot of pain and trouble, so you might want to take notes on this one.
Choose an outfit that matches your style
Pick an outfit that is appropriate for the type of wedding you’re attending – the dress code is usually mentioned on the invitation – but also aligns with your personal style. Formal wear comes in many styles and shapes, and each style offers broad possibilities that allow everyone to find the best option for the occasion. That’s why you shouldn’t force yourself to wear something that is out of character, as this will most likely make you feel out of place. For example, if you prefer a minimalist aesthetic, there’s no reason to choose a gown with over-the-top embellishments. Stay true to your style, and look for pieces that reflect your personality and preferences.
Get the right fit
Here’s a harsh truth that some people might need to hear: you need to dress for the body you have, not the body you wish you had. It’s great to establish fitness goals and work towards achieving your dream physique, but you also have to be realistic and choose garments that fit and complement your current figure. No matter what type of dress or outfit you’re planning to wear, the one thing that you absolutely need to get right is the fit. Ill-fitting clothes, whether they’re too big or too small, not only look sloppy and unflattering but are also a source of constant nuisance.
So, if your outfit doesn’t look quite right on you, you might want to take it to a tailor and have it fixed or, if you can afford it, opt for a custom-made garment crafted to your exact measurements. That way, you’ll make sure the dress or suit you’re wearing fits your body perfectly and won’t have to deal with things like straps that keep falling off your shoulders, hems that you trip over, or cuts that make it hard for you to move freely.
Take it for a test run
You might have your mind set on a certain dress or suit that looks great on you and feels rather comfortable, but are they appropriate for prolonged wear? The only way to find out is by taking the clothes and shoes for a quick test run. While you may not be able to replicate the wedding environment in a store setting, you can gain an idea of the comfort (or lack thereof) that a clothing piece or a pair of shoes provided by moving around in it. Walking, stretching, bending, sitting, and even jumping while trying on clothes might make you look silly, but it will give you an idea of what to expect comfort-wise.
You also need to determine your discomfort threshold while you’re at it since you can hardly expect heels to feel as comfortable as trainers. The point is to choose an outfit that you think you can handle, and don’t forget to break your shoes in before the big event.
Get your undergarments ready
Undergarments can be a game-changer when chosen properly. Every item you wear underneath your attire, be it bras, undies, shapewear, or undershirts, can work in or against your favor. Undergarments provide support and structure, so if you pick them correctly, your clothes will fit better, and you’ll also feel a lot more comfortable, allowing you to focus on your dancing rather than rearranging your outfit every five seconds.
Bring an emergency kit with you
Wedding-day wardrobe malfunctions are quite common, so you might want to be prepared just in case something goes wrong. Carrying a small emergency kit with you can save you from tricky situations and provide you with some peace of mind. Foot pads or insoles, plasters, safety pins, stain remover, and painkillers are some of the essentials you might want to include in your kit.
Have a plan B
Last but not least, you should consider having a spare pair of shoes if the main one starts hurting your feet after a few hours. Similarly, if you’ve chosen an outfit that is a bit uncomfortable but you still want to wear it because you love the look, you can have a second outfit ready that you can change into later. That way, you’ll get to wear not one but two beautiful garments and look and feel great all day long.
So, to sum it up, comfort and class aren’t mutually exclusive as long as you make smart choices.
