Hello 100 Layer Cake readers, it’s Alex again–your resident style and beauty blogger from LaurenConrad.com! Now that we’ve covered everything from how to find the perfect wedding dress for your figure to styling mismatched bridesmaid dress and even wedding-worthy manicures, today I am going to give all you brides out there a rundown on what to wear for all of the festivities leading up to your big day. From your engagement party to your rehearsal dinner (and everything in between), I’ll have you covered…in chic duds of course! That’s why I’ve enlisted two of my fellow Team LC members, Ilana and Allison, to help me model the best (LC-approved) outfits for each occasion, which we style using our favorite dresses from Lauren Conrad’s Paper Crown collection. Read on and get ready to be inspired…
Engagement Party
As with all of the events leading up to your big day, it is customary for the bride to wear white or cream. What better way to debut your new sparkler at your engagement party than a dress that’s simple enough to let your big “I’m engaged!” smile shine?
Typically engagement parties involve a cocktail hour so a fitted mini lace dress is the perfect frock for the occasion. Wear it with a sparkly bib necklace and a fun pair of heels to add a splash of personality to the look!
Get the Bride’s Look: Dartmouth Dress by Paper Crown
Bridal Shower
Once again any shade of white is advised if you are going the traditional route. However, if your favorite color is pink–go for it! This is your party so you can wear what you want. The only reason why white is a good idea is because guests often know that the color is reserved for the bride-to-be and it is a nice way to standout in all of your photos.
Since most bridal showers take place during the daylight hours, a pretty day dress is best. When searching for a shower dress, look for something with a little feminine flair such as bows or lace. Showers traditionally include only female attendees making them a great opportunity to channel your girly side.
For our shower look, we fell in love with this beige short-sleeve chiffon wrap-dress with a girly bow at the hip. We were especially keen on this dress because it looks as good as it does sitting down as it does standing up–a major requirement since photos are often taken of brides while they sit and open gifts at the shower.
Get the Bride’s Look: Bow Dress by Paper Crown
Rehearsal Dinner
While white is the traditional color of choice for most brides, don’t be afraid to venture out and break the rules. For our rehearsal dinner look, I wore a taupe lace dress that was offset by a bright lip. The three-quarter sleeve is perfect for a dinnertime event and the flirty skirt is forgiving enough to allow the bride to indulge in dinner (and maybe even dessert).
To give the look a nighttime approved finish, I wore a bold pink lip and loads of lashes with thick black liner and a chic pair of black points to tie it all together. No matter where you decide to do you rehearsal dinner, I suggest wearing whatever you feel special in…after all, you are the belle of the ball!
Get the Bride’s Look: Quartz Dress by Paper Crown {Psst… It’s on sale!}
If you’re still searching for the perfect dress for any of these occasions, one of my favorite resources for online shopping is ShopStyle. Simply plug in what you’re looking for (“white cocktail dress”), pick your price range, and shop!
Which look is your favorite? As a guest to these events, what’s your go-to outfit? Sound off in the comments below.
Want more? Be sure to check out my wedding planning timeline on LaurenConrad.com if you’re in the process of plotting our your dream day! Or if you’re a guest, take a peek at this survival guide for wedding guests on a budget!
Xx Alex
P.S. A very special thank you to Sean of The Long Haul for taking such beautiful photographs!
Photography: The Long Haul / Venue: Viceroy Santa Monica / Wardrobe: Paper Crown / Folded Heart Book: Novel Brand
