It’s wedding season, y’all.
To be fair, it’s been years since I went to a summer wedding. There was one summer, however, where I was involved in 5 weddings. The year before that, I went to 13 weddings in one year— including one every Saturday for the whole month of June. It was a wild time, and sometimes it seems like it happened to a different person.
Anyway, I have been to something like 80 weddings in my life, and was involved in 9 (plus being the child of the bride in 2). I am somewhat of an expert.
P.S. There’s context for you— if you’ve ever wondered why I’m from a small town in Texas and remained unmarried until the last day I was 31, and even then had a courthouse wedding with a back porch reception.
Thing to Wear
If you’re stressed about buying a dress to wear to friend’s and cousin’s weddings, my sage advice is to just not do that. One very nice skirt, and two coordinated tops are all you need for basically any formal-ish event.
I was taught this beautiful truth via a Social Media mutual Viv in her BRILLIANT fashion Substack: Mole Hill
If you’re the suit wearing type, I’d advise against black. In 2024 it reads as too harsh or too formal for almost all weddings. I’d recommend something navy or perhaps mossy green if you’re sassy. The hubby wore dark red to ours fwiw.
Thing To Read
A book on the heart and it’s many woven ways: Maurice, by E.M. Forster
Something to read on bubble heart emoji feelings:
Coffee table book for the fabulously in love:
Thing to Eat
Weddings can range wildly in how good the food is, but I think the two best wedding meals I’ve ever had included stuffed mushrooms at one and pulled pork at another (I was helping the caterer, so I am biased here).
You have to sign up for a free trial to get this stuffed mushroom recipe, but it’s worth it.
Thing to Watch
A movie that is just SO NICE about wedding fun, when really it’s also quite sad:
An excuse to fawn over Hugh Grant, Four Weddings and a Funeral (only seems to be rentable on Prime, dammit)
Crazy Rich Asians is also GOOD and features a phenomenal nuptials scene— I saw the movie 3 times in theatres. FYI: The book was as much fun.
Thing to Gift
Obviously, as a guest, you are given the option of a literal GIFT REGISTRY— utilize that bad boy—
but also we can do a few things if you know the couple super well (or you’re a risk taker, you rogue you)
one of a kind sculpture
a top tier Japanese knife
Thing to Listen to
A great wedding playlist is probably one part Middle School Dance throwbacks, two parts Gay Club, and a half part Frat Rager— shake until satisfied, serve on ice in a tajin rimmed glass.
I present to you, my wedding playlist we didn’t even put on. A departure from the above vibe:
Saint of the Week
Patron Saint of Hot Summer Days
Saint Lawrence was ahem BBQ’d for the faith
As a wedding guest, an outdoor wedding always amazes me. Especially as a Texan, in the summer. WHY?! What led you to believe it would be nice to sit outside in the melting heat? Anyway—here’s a saint who sympathizes.
Compulsory Sports Thingamabob
Corn Hole, the working Southerner’s game: starting to trend at weddings, with custom cornhole boards
Beauty Bomb
Wedding Glam: I have two lead-up skincare tips and one makeup rec.
Lead-Up 1) There is something I heard referred to once as a ~Hollywood Glow~ facial. It’s dermaplaning followed by a hydrafacial, and I got one almost monthly last year. They make your skin feel like butter for days, and then generally very good for weeks after that, with a little maintenance on your part.
Lead-Up 2) If you have dry or acne-prone skin using a gentle chemical exfoliant before bed and rinsing your face in the morning with warm water can aid in maintaining clear skin. Think Biologique Recherche P50 or Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Makeup Rec— A setting spray that actually helps makeup adhere to your face for the day