Just like everyone else I know, I have quite a robust travel schedule this year, thanks to the plethora of weddings that are now taking place. I comfortably can state that we’ve entered a post-pandemic world which means every celebration that was postponed is now in the books and happening ASAP. They call it the Roaring Twenties for a reason!
I thought I had a busy schedule, but after hearing about what Katie Sands has on her plate, I stand corrected. Her own wedding took place this spring and now that the festivities have passed, she’s planning on getting through her list of the 22-plus weddings that she’ll be attending in 2022.
After a friend told me this story, I immediately followed Katie on Instagram so I could get all of the wedding guest dress inspiration that I knew she would be serving throughout the rest of the year. She’s a seasoned pro at dressing for a wedding, so I’m going to let her guide us on the trends she’s already seeing emerge amongst the guest lists.
“For me, I always think about the fact that weddings are really about celebrating the people you love, and that’s so exciting. Because I had my own wedding this year, I’m even more ecstatic for all my friends and family members getting married and have a better understanding of the importance and uniqueness of each union. But it’s true, weddings can be extremely stressful, whether it’s your own or you’re a part of a close friend or family member’s, so I’m hoping this post will bring some relief, advice, and relatability to anyone else in the same boat (which I’m sure many of you are). “A short list of the weddings I’ve already attended this year includes four in Florida (including my own), three in New York City, two in the Hamptons, two in Montreal, one in Colorado, and one in Upstate New York. One wedding I’m really looking forward to is Labor Day Weekend at the Yellowstone Club in Montana celebrating one of my closest friends since birth. It’s a place I’ve been dying to for years now and a wedding is a fabulous excuse to jet there. Earlier this year, I was the Maid Of Honor in my best friend’s wedding at the historic Wave Hill gardens of New York, and in between, I will be a bridesmaid in 6 of the weddings including weddings in Woodstock, Vermont, Troutbeck, New York, and the list goes on. Dropping hundreds of dollars on a dress to wear to a wedding is not always feasible — especially if you have several soirees lined up for the year. Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice style for price because there are plenty of budget-friendly options out there. Whether you are in search of a classic midi or a showstopping gown, you can find tons of looks that don’t have to break the bank this season. Nothing worse than getting invited to a wedding with a dress code you have to decode, so I am here to help you out!”—Katie Sands
“This trendy cutout dress from Mango is the perfect balance of elegance and edgy. The open sides and lightweight fabric is a great option for a wedding that is taking place in warmer weather. Think garden party. Great for formal wear or even a garden party. I would not recommend wearing this cotton cutout number to a black-tie wedding.”
Katie has me convinced I need this dress.
Yellow is always a great color to wear to a wedding.
Pair this with an equally bright accessory and you’ll win best dressed.
This is so good for an outdoor wedding.
I’ve been dreaming about this dress.
“Every fashionista’s favorite beach chic dress is back in a new colorway! Check it out.”
When dressing for the beach, you can’t go wrong including as many prints as possible.
You can wear this dress so many ways.
I saw someone wearing this on my Instagram feed and immediately wanted to know more.
This exact dress draped the bodies of supermodels Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid at their friend’s wedding. Now we all need it.
“Are you jetting off to a mountain destination wedding? A funky flowy checkered frock is perfect for barn nuptials while also giving you coverage.”
When I think of barn weddings, my mind immediately goes to LoveShackFancy.
The more puff on my sleeves, the better.
Mixing and mashing prints will never do me wrong.
This silhouette is so flattering.
A one-shoulder piece makes a statement.
“You can wear a black-tie gown for years to come.”
An LBD will never steer you wrong.
I’m eyeing this for a beach black-tie moment.
Everything from Cult Gaia wins me over.
I have this dress and can confirm, it’s good.
Flouncy AF.
“I am loving a batwing dress if you are looking for something more modest that hides your arms. Love the below dress that has a wrapped waist that creates a cinch and is figure-flattering.”
Ease into the batwing trend with this style.
Katie has her eyes on jewel tones as well.
The long-sleeves balance out the short hemline.
I’ve been eyeing this dress for some time now.
You definitely don’t need to break the bank when shopping for those weddings on your calendar.
“A floral-patterned dress is a staple at any spring wedding. It makes for a perfect option for black tie optional, as it does it the floor but you could also work for formal attire as it’s fun and flowy.”
Just add every color in the rainbow.
I’m so here for this style.
Such a good mini dress that would also work for a black-tie wedding.
