10 Fashion Faux Pas to Avoid on Your Wedding Day

Your wedding is a chance to show off your true personal style, and we're strong believers in the idea that a bride should wear whatever she wants. With that said, there are still a few fashion faux pas you should try to avoid when you're getting married. Trust us—you don't want to make these mistakes on a day you'll always remember (hello, wedding photos!). We asked the bridal style experts at Azazie, Mon Amie Bridal Salon, and Joanna August to spill some of the most common mistakes they see brides make, and for their tips and tricks to help you navigate your wedding-day look. Get their thoughts on the worst wedding fashion mistakes—along with photos of brides who nailed their looks—you'll thank us later.

Ordering a Standard-Size Dress

"Women have different body types, and it's best to order a dress that's made just for your body and customized to your exact measurements," says Araceli Vizcaino-S from Azazie.

"Make sure to keep in mind what type of service you'll be attending, or if your or your fiance's family is more on the conservative side," Vizcaino-S adds. "If you need to cover up, don't forget to order a sash, wrap, or scarf to wear for the ceremony, which can also add a cute style element to your dress."

"Wearing a veil that doesn't flatter your dress or a chunky necklace with an embellished gown can take away from your overall wedding day look," warns Danielle Keller of Mon Amie Bridal Salon. "Always try on your dress with the accessories you plan on wearing before the big day. Sometimes a pair of earrings can look perfect in your mind, but clash once you see them together with your dress!"

"When dress-shopping, one of the first things to think about is where your wedding will take place," Keller adds. "If you're having your ceremony on the beach, opt for lighter fabrics and styles. The sand is no place for a heavy satin ball gown! On the opposite side of the spectrum, if you're getting married in a traditional church, stay away from gauzy gowns and go for something more classic and formal."

"A little sexy can be alluring—no one wants you to look like a nun! But on the big day, remember to keep classy," advises Joanna August of Joanna August.

"If you wear a lot of makeup in general, then you know what you're doing and may the force be with you," August says. "But if you don't generally cake it on, your wedding day is not the time to try a smoky eye or major contouring for the first time. You want to look like the best version of your normal self! This may also not the best time to experiment with a drastic new hairstyle or cut."

"Be wary of choosing styles or accessories that take a current trend too far or feel too costume-y," August advises. "When you look back on your pictures, you want your look to reflect your taste and style but also to feel at least somewhat timeless."

"Choose the correct undergarments for your dress," August says. "You want to be lifted and smoothed in all the right places (but no one else needs to know that!). Make sure nothing is sticking out and that you don't have unseemly lines showing through your dress. I am not opposed to going commando if the dress calls for it—just make sure your dress has enough lining so a camera flash won't reveal anything better left private."

"Pick the right shoes and wear them around your house—as cute as they are, if you can't walk down the aisle in them, they shouldn't be on your feet," August says. 

"A hint of spray tan can be a great addition to your wedding glow, but too much and it'll be all over your dress," August says. "And it's hard to get your hands to blend perfectly—not the best thing to happen when your ring is being photographed all day long!"