I wanted something pretty, dressy, with a V neck, quite fitted but not so much that it wasn’t comfortable, and the right length. I always have to have dresses altered length wise which doesn’t bother me but it adds another ‘leave enough time’ reason for finding the perfect dress as if you, like me, frequently have to have dresses shortened you have to have extra time.
What you wear will of course depend on so many things from budget to what time the wedding is. I don’t think you can go wrong with a really pretty midi dress, or a lace dress, and florals are sweeping the stores at the moment so there are plenty to choose from. Just make sure that whatever you choose is comfortable for sitting and standing in and preferably has some stretch in the fabric.
If you have a wedding later in the summer have a look round now and if you see that a dress is sold out in some sizes then go for it immediately. If you don’t like sleeveless my advice, because your choice is going to be limited, is to go with a little cardi or jacket, or better still a gorgeously coloured cashmere wrap. And make sure that whatever you buy will take you from lunch time until 3am if necessary. The days of the service and early afternoon reception appear to be over, after all.