What do you wear when it’s not your wedding?

Guest Blog from Emily Howe

I seem to have hit that awkward age. You know the one, where friends pair off and suddenly, each weekend from now until I’m ninety is filled with engagement parties and wedding invites. I’m all for sharing the love and a happily ever after but numerous nuptials are leaving me with a bit of a dilemma, what on earth do I wear?

The last wedding I attended, I was five and wore a flower girl dress complete with tartan sleeves (yes, Scottish wedding) accessorised with a huge scab and slight concussion after falling off a swing the day before. Not much inspiration there then.

There is also the issue of images. Weddings, like any event with a cake, involve photos and lots of them. From the officials to the candid Facebook snaps, you are going to be captured. I am not a fan of being snapped in the same outfit many times over but equally, I don’t have huge amounts of cash to splurge on an outfit for every occasion; not with the gift list, the hen do, and a hefty drinks tab involved as well. So, what’s a girl to do?

The High Street

My first stop, as always, is the high street. Oasis has some gorgeous offerings and most are less than a hundred pounds. From floral, to pastel, to lollypop bright, there will be something that catches your eye! Warehouse also has acres of wedding suitable attire: not too short, nicely cut and easy on the bank balance. One dress plus many different shoes, bags and statement jewellery equals multiple outfits less spending lots. That’s my equation and I’m sticking to it.

Dress Rental Online

Renting a dress is another popular option – based on a recent survey of my friendship group anyway! Sites like WishWantWear and Girl meets Dress let you hire a designer dress for a fraction of the RRP – you can even hire several, try them in the privacy of your own bedroom and if you don’t like two, just send them back and they refund you. If, like me, you have a tendency to decorate yourself with whatever you eat, there is optional insurance you can take out for any spills or stains you may accumulate over the festivities.

Perfect! Now you can make to that beach wedding in Missoni, the country wedding in the Fendi and pick out a slick Sass & Bide number for city celebrations.

You can follow me on Twitter @poufle and see how my search for the perfect pair of jeans is going here.