The Wedding Guest Edit: Dress for the Yes

Wedding season has arrived—cue the save-the-dates, group texts, and your calendar  filling with garden vows, rooftop receptions, and dance floors that demand your best moves (and your best shoes).

But between the dress code confusion (What is cocktail-casual?), the weather curveballs, and the photo ops that seem to happen always when you're mid-bite—it’s time to get ahead of it.

We’ve created the ultimate guest guide to help you show up styled for the moment—so you feel gorgeous, comfortable, and completely present for every toast, tear, and TikTok.

The Dress Breakdown: Day vs. Night

Daytime Weddings:
Think light, bright, and breezy. Soft florals, satin maxi's, linen midi blends, and cheerful pastels look right at home at a brunch reception or a sun-soaked ceremony.

Evening Weddings:
Lean into luxe: satin, silks, rich tones, and bolder accessories. Jewel tones, metallics, and black-tie-appropriate midis or maxis will have you glowing under the lights (and in the photos).

House of Miri Tip: Try a stretch to fit curves maxi dress with a cowl neckline or thigh slits—something you can re-wear for future events or date nights, with a new twist on shoes and jewelry.

Footwear Strategy: Chic, Smart, Sturdy

You want to glide, not hobble.


For outdoor weddings, opt for a block heel, polished flat, or wedge that won’t sink into the lawn. For glam venues, a sculptural heel or ankle-strap sandal keeps things elevated.

For indoor or evening, consider a heel with a platform (big or small) and an ankle strap for maximum wearability. 

We all know shoes have a time limit so pick shoes with features that will give you longer wear time.

Pro tip: Break in your shoes before the big day. Trust us—your feet (and dance moves) will thank you. Secondly, bring a pair of foldable flats to wear to and from locations and to run any quick errands. 

Bag Check: Function Meets Fabulous

A small clutch or crossbody is the sweet spot—enough to carry your must-haves but sleek enough to compliment your look.

Wedding Guest Bag Checklist:

  • Blotting papers or setting powder

  • The lip color of the day for touch ups + mini mirror

  • Mini fragrance roller

  • Safety pin (incase you need to be someone's hero)

  • Breath mints or gum (think post dinner or a few espresso martini's in)

Accessories That Pop—But Don’t Shout

This is not the moment for chunky statement pieces that compete with your dress. Think: delicate layering, vintage-inspired drop earrings, a hair accessory that photographs well (cue the golden hairpin or silk ribbon). Let your accessories enhance the memory, not overpower it.

Photo-Ready Finishing Touches

Weddings mean cameras and lots of memories. Whether it’s the photographer or a flood of candid content on Instagram, you want to look and feel your best from the “I do's” through dessert.

Camera-Friendly Styling Tips:

  • Avoid colors too close to white or champagne, they often wash most skin types out

  • Bring a backup lipstick or gloss for post-cocktail touch-ups

  • Choose a dress that moves beautifully—there’s nothing better than a slow twirl moment caught in golden hour light

  • Plan one “go-to pose” in advance and consider practicing with your camera phone so you don't spend the entire night on image retakes

💌 Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, it’s about celebrating love—and showing up as your most radiant self. When you’re styled with intention, your confidence shines through in every candid photo, every rekindling hello, and every dance move.

So dress for the yes!

Say yes to the dress, the memory, the moment. And let House of Miri help you get there.

XOXO Miri