If it feels like you have more weddings to attend this year than ever before, you may be on to something.
According to the Wedding Report, a U.S.-based wedding market research source, there will be an estimated 2.5 million weddings this year the most since 1984. Between all the COVID push-backs and the many many many engagements that happened during the pandemic (seriously, you can't check Instagram these days without at least one announcement popping up) 2022 rivals the several political shifts that took place in 1984 to drive that record-breaking wedding boom.
So as the invites pile up, so does the demand to dress the part. And it's likely each wedding will have a different dress code from micro-backyard weddings that call for garden party chic attire to formal and black-tie affairs that call for a fancier outfit. Sure, a cute floral pattern never fails but it's nice to have fun with these events as you move from the open bar to the dance floor to flirt with a groomsman.
Here are stores in Vancouver to check out based on what kind of wedding you're attending, plus outfit suggestions from each one.
Garden Wedding
Park & Fifth
In all honestly, Park and Fifth is a good choice for wedding guest attire no matter what style of wedding you're attending (especially since they're one of the best local places for bridesmaid dresses) but in particular, the special occasion and resort collections are perfect for garden weddings. The mix of short and mid-length dress options in satin, crepe, rayon, and linen help account for varying climates and levels of formality. Plus there are both busy and minimal patterns to choose from.
Our pick for a garden wedding: The Hastings Dress, which comes in seven colours (not including white, for obvious reasons).
Location: 439 Railway St., Vancouver
Destination Wedding
Anthropologie
Bright colours, flowy material, and motifs that go way beyond florals make Anthropologie the best place for destination wedding outfits. Granted some of the patterns aren't for the faint of heart but they would fit right in under the bright sun and on the sand. For a beach wedding, lightweight material is essential and we would caution against wearing black or red which will absorb more heat that a pale colour like yellow.
Our pick for a destination wedding: The Farm Rio Puff-Sleeve Knotted Maxi Dress is amazing but if the sleeves or yellow shade isn't your style the Maeve Cut-Out Maxi Dress is also great for a beach wedding.
Location: 2912 Granville St., Vancouver
Modern Chic Wedding
Nordstrom
The great thing about an invitation to a sleek and modern wedding is that it's an opportunity to wear something a little different. My ideal outfit would be a strapless bustier jumpsuit in black but in terms of a specific store to check out for this style of wedding Nordstrom seems like your best bet in the city of Vancouver although Richmond has a great store called August Reign with some amazing designer pieces. Modern weddings tend to skew more towards the formal side but with an edge so think sequins, cutouts, or mixing up materials and textures.
Our pick for a modern chic wedding: Dress the Population at Nordstrom has two outfits that would be right at home at a modern wedding but on total opposite sides of the style spectrum. The Filippa One Shoulder Jumpsuit is timeless and sophisticated while the Emery Sequin Floral Long Sleeve Midi Cocktail Dress is fun and showstopping.
Location: 799 Robson St., Vancouver
Indoor Black Tie/Formal Wedding
Cachè the House of Dresses
Cachè the House of Dresses creates absolutely stunning dresses to the point where buyer beware, you may outshine the bride. For a formal black-tie affair, these bespoke gowns would be appropriate and guarantee you'll feel beautiful spinning around on the dance floor. Admittedly, some of the dresses from Cachè are too over the top for a Vancouver wedding (they'd look great on the MET Gala red carpet though) so stick to the shorter or less intricate designs if you do choose to book an appointment to visit their downtown studio.
Our pick for a black-tie wedding: It's hard to pick just one since they are made in small quantities and may be low in stock, plus they're all fabulous, so our top three selects would be LOOK 63 Rebel Evening Collection, LOOK 38 Rebel Evening Collection, or the Style 21106 by Wona Evening Collection.
Location: 1051 Wolfe Ave., Vancouver
