Ask the Edit: Outfit Ideas for a Courthouse Wedding

Hi Abra!

Longtime reader and huge fan! I wanted to pose a question. Anything you would recommend that is simple and nice for a courthouse wedding?  I’m getting married in about 2 weeks and want to look cute and classy, but as we will have a larger celebration later, don’t need to be flashy. I’m a size 14 so finding something nice and flattering can be a challenge. Would love to see what you recommend!

Thanks! Wendy

I love a good courthouse wedding.  My two tips are to bring a bouquet and a boutonniere (it makes it more festive), and keep an eye on the background for photos.  The first tip is self explanatory.  The second comes from a friend who had to have her photos Photoshopped to remove the mugshots from the background.

As for what to wear…

You didn’t provide a budget, so I’m going to try to stay under-$500, with a preference for dresses under-$300.  This isn’t a wildly ostentatious budget, but it’s fitting to the occasion.

BHLDN, Anthropologie’s bridal store, has a wide variety of “little white dresses,” more casual wedding attire.  Most styles go up to size 16.  I was kind of digging their balloon sleeve sequin dress in white.  It’s a bold choice, but it says, “My wedding is a party.”

Now, if you’re looking for something with lace, this Ted Baker dress with lace sleeves and a pleated skirt is great.  I also like the petal appliqué on this Eliza J boatneck dress.  Or you can go all out, cupcake style, with this lace ASOS prom dress with a full skirt and sheer yoke.

For something sleeker, this under-$100 Eloquii dress with a dramatic puff sleeve is cool.  You could also go very simple, elegant with this Elie Tahari crepe sheath.

I feel good about all of these suggestions, but if this were my wedding, I’d do one of two things:

This Bronx and Bonco dress is not available in 14.  But it is available in 16.  Order it, take it to a tailor, it’s going to fit you like a dream.

This dress is cool, modern, elegant.  I would put my hair up, in a low chignon and add this mesh black fascinator clip for some extra zazz.  I’d probably wear pearl earrings, no other jewelry.  And if I could, I splurge on a pair of shoes to wear to both the courthouse and the later wedding event.

Now, for a bit of Meghan Markle in our lives, I would go for this Manning Cantrell off the shoulder dress.  Then, I’d sneak over to etsy for a blush, tulle birdcage veil which I would secure with a rose gold clip.  Add a simple pair of rose gold and pearl earrings to complement the clip.

Best wishes on your marriage.

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