AN EVENT YOU CAN VOW TO GET ON BOARD WITH

From the catwalk to your wardrobe… Grace Cahill on the fashion fixes that work in the real world

THERE IS SOMETHING WILDLY IDYLLIC about spring weddings. Maybe it’s the temperature change, the prospect of being able to wear a dress comfortably without freezing or the first glimpse of sunshine that heralds a sense of promise. Whatever the reason, spring nuptials kickstart the beginning of bright, breezy, gloriously romantic soirées. It’s made all the more special when the invite arrives in your inbox unexpectedly, as happened me last week.

The phone call came first, followed by a handful of misty-eyed photos of my newlywed sister and her now husband on a moped surrounded by palm trees. They’d had a secret Sri Lankan ceremony to be followed, on their return, by a big family bash in a centre city venue.

The hush-hush ‘I do’ called for elated congratulations, endless Whatsapp conversation with my mother and sisters, and, as the invitation did the rounds, lots of questions. What does one wear to their sister’s intimate and unfussy wedding celebration? Nowadays there are, in fact, very few dos and don’ts of nuptials. Traditionally there used to be an official code on everything from showing skin, wearing fake tan to hat widths – the bigger the brim, the closer your relationship with the bride.

Now though, the only reigning tradition is not to show up on the day wearing a white frock similar to the bride. In the past, I have seen guests wear cream or ivory in short shift silhouettes and no one has batted an eyelid. If there are no dress codes on the invitation, then typically the bride and groom will have a relaxed mindset.

The overall code, nonetheless, is to dress up and make an effort. Whether it’s a city, country or destination affair – all require a totally different look – you have, remember, been invited to celebrate two people’s vows to each other. That’s pretty important. I’m not advising that you steal the limelight, but the least you can do is look elegant, chic and/or decorative. For an evening do, the only peril is that you bring a suitable cover-up and shoes you can dance in. Nothing spoils a wedding party quite like blistered feet, so squish a pair of flats into your bag and take a lightweight coat or scarf to sling over your shoulders.

City weddings tend to be less tailored and flamboyant, especially events that don’t kick off until the evening. With less pressure, however, comes a smaller chance of a misguided purchase that you’ll never wear again. Floaty floral dresses (Free People in Harvey Nichols, Ganni in Arnotts and Rixo in Brown Thomas) are always spring perennials but don’t be afraid to experiment with softer separates like wide-leg pyjama trousers with a matching wrap blazer (Zara or Marks & Spencer), a stylish co-ord if it’s a warmer day (Mango, Asos) or a slim-fitting jumpsuit in pastel or print (Topshop, Finery).

“FOR AN EVENING DO BRING A SUITABLE COVER-UP AND SHOES YOU CAN DANCE IN”