Wedding Comfort for Brides Who'd Rather Wear Their Sweatpants!

Early last week I had a cozy sort of day.  A snowy sort of day.  A "I'm definitely not changing out of my sweatpants" sort of day.  A "thank goodness I am working from home today" sort of day.

As I sat in my room, watching the snow fall softly and peacefully outside my window, drinking a cup of tea and noshing on pumpkin pie (hurray Thanksgiving leftovers!), a thought occurred to me: 

Why would I ever change out of these sweatpants?

It's a valid question, don't you think?  They're so comfortable!  Why on earth would I take them off?

Time for some truth:  I've never been one of those girls who loves getting dressed up.  As much as I admire those women who take pleasure in putting on beautiful outfits and fixing their hair so that it falls oh so perfectly around their faces, at my core, I am not one of them.  Sure, on occasion I enjoy putting together that perfect outfit for a fun night out, but in general, my heart belongs to jeans, flannels, and enormous shapeless knitted sweaters. 

I have a feeling I can't be the only one out there who bemoans the necessity of changing out of her pajamas every morning, so consider this blog post a shout-out to all my sisters who appreciate the idea of looking "put together," but ultimately just love being comfy in their sweats.

I present to you, some wedding comfort for brides who would rather wear their sweatpants!

1.  Cotton!  It's the fabric of our lives!

Chris Kole's The Cotton Bride has a wide range of all-natural and eco-friendly bridal gowns available in cotton, silk, and linen for the bride that wants to air on the comfy side on the big day.  In addition, all their gowns are handmade in the United States, so if you're thinking about "buying local," this may be a great way of doing that.

Check them out here!

2.  My personal favorite, flannel.

You probably think I'm crazy.  Flannel wedding outfits?  Say it ain't so!  But it is.  It's so!  Fortunately for all my fellow softest-fabric-ever lovers out there, here's a beautiful bride spearheading some super-comfy wedding day flannel.

Photo Credit:  Ciara Richardson.

Source:  Preston Bailey Bride Ideas.

See more lovely photos by Ciara Richardson here, on the Preston Bailey Bride Ideas blog.  What do you think?  Is it the best idea ever?  Or does it just not work for you?

3.  Something comfortable for before the ceremony?  Yes, please!

The folks over at Pretty Plum Sugar have a beautiful line of cotton and silk bride and bridesmaid robes available to be worn before the ceremony, during hair and makeup appointments, or maybe even a few weeks prior to the big day at a bridal party sleepover.  There are a number of different colors and patterns available, so why not match the color of your robe to the color of your ceremony?

Source:  store.plumprettysugar.com

 4.  For vintage clothing lovers.

Feeling a bit Edwardian today?  Check out this incredibly sweet and comfy-looking cotton bridal getup from the early 1900s!  Looks like this dress would be perfect for a spring wedding or beach wedding that's on the more casual side.  Personally, just looking at it makes me want to run happily through a field of daisies.

5.  Shoes (just in case there's absolutely no way to go barefoot on your big day).

Both TOMS and Ugg Australia have a handful of comfortable and cozy looking options as far as footwear for your big day.  Some are classic, some are sparkling, some are lined with shearling.  All of them are quite comfy-looking.

Take a peek here and here!

That's all for now!  Stay cozy and comfortable, everyone!

Be well,
Hannah

Proper Attire

This week I decided to do a post not only relevant to those of you planning a wedding, but also for those readers out there who have ever been invited to an event and not known or completely understood, the required dress code.

We all know those words “black tie” or “black tie optional” can be extremely daunting. What should you wear? What will everyone else be wearing? And of course, everyone’s greatest fear – not wanting to look out of place. Well do not worry! You can sleep soundly tonight. I have compiled an extensive list of all the different types of dress codes so that you can be prepared for an event of any type, regardless of the dress code.

White Tie

Probably the least likely to appear, however nonetheless important, are the words “White Tie”. As the most official dress code of them all, White Tie is often used for events such as Charity Balls, Royal Events, Nobel Prize Award Ceremonies, State Dinners, Debutante Balls and Academy Awards Ceremonies.

Women: - Evening Gowns (ankle or floor length) should be worn

-       Shoes should match the gown

-       Jewelry should be appropriate (all your fancy diamonds are the perfect choice!)

-       Clutch bag

-       Gloves are optional but should be either white or coordinated to gown and should be Opera length

Men: - Black Tailcoat with matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid

-       White Vest and Shirt with piqué wing-collared with stiff front

-       White bowtie

-       Gloves should be white or gray

-       Studs and Cufflinks should both be white

-       Finally black dress socks and patent shoes

Black Tie

Usually used for an evening event after 6:00pm. Although Black tie is less formal than White Tie, it is more formal than informal or Business Casual. Events that would call for such dress could range from a particularly fancy wedding or event to other formal social gatherings or galas.

Women: - Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant Evening Gowns (can vary in color)

-       Shoes should match your dress

-       Jewelry should match/ compliment the dress/ outfit

-       Purse should be minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice

Men: - Black tuxedo jacket with matching trousers

-       Formal white pique or pleated front shirt

-       Black bow tie

-       Black cummerbund to match tie or a waistcoat

-       Suspenders are optional

-       Black patent leather shoes and black dress socks

-       White pocket handkerchief

Black Tie Optional

When an invitation says “Black Tie Optional” it means that the host of the event is giving their guests the option of wearing a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie. Although the invitation does say “optional” it is usually a clue as to the formality of the event.

Women: -Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant Evening Gowns (can vary in color)

-       Shoes should match your dress

-       Jewelry should match/ compliment the dress/ outfit

-       Purse should be minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice

Men: - A tuxedo

OR

-       Dark Suit with a white shirt and a conservative dark color tie

Creative Black Tie

Although not commonly used, “Creative Black Tie” is another way of saying “Black Tie Optional”. By phrasing it “Creative Black Tie” it allows for trendy interpretations for the classic formal wear.

Women: - Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant Evening Gowns (can vary in color)

-       Shoes should match your dress

-       Jewelry should match/ compliment the dress/ outfit

-       Purse should be minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice

-       Don’t be afraid to get Creative!

Men: - Tuxedo combined with color

-       Black shirt, colorful bowtie and cummerbund

-       Any other creative yet formal combination you can think of

Semiformal

As you can probably tell from the title, Semiformal means that the event is less formal than all of the other, previous examples. It means that the dress is more casual and laid back. However, this does not mean that you can pull out your blue jeans and old t-shirt.

Women: - Cocktail dresses

-       Matching appropriate shoes

-       Jewelry should match/ compliment your outfit

-       Purse should again be minimal

Men: - Dark business suit

-       Optional matching vest

-       White shirt

-       Conservative tie

Dressy Casual/ Business Casual

One of the most casual types of events one can attend. Again however, this does not mean that jeans are acceptable.

Women: - Nice Cocktail length dress or Sundress

-       Matching appropriate shoes

-       Purse should be small

Men: - Seasonal sport coat or blazer

-       Slacks or khakis

-       Open-collared shirt

Beach Casual

As you can most likely infer from the title, it usually applies when there is a beach somehow involved. Everyone knows beach weddings or events held near the water are usually casual and laid back. The beach is meant to be relaxing and therefore the style is representative of that same feeling.

Women: - Sundresses in light or bright colors

-       Sandals

-       Minimal Jewelry

-       Purse should be small

Men: - Khakis or Shorts (cargo or Bermuda)

-       Knit or Polo shirt

-       Optional Sports Jacket or sweater

I hope this helps and clears up any confusion you might have! Remember though that if you have any questions it is best to contact the host or hostess and ask what kind of attire is expected so there are not any awkward situations once you arrive. What do you think of all these different styles?

xox Lauren